Date of birth:

December 30th, 1917 (Wimbledon/London, Great Britain)

Nationality:

British

Service number 104443.

Douglas Benham was commissioned in August 1941. From 28th August 1944 until 24th March 1945 he was Squadron Leader with No. 41 Squadron. In December 1957 he retired as Wing Commander.

Career:
28th August 1944 - 24th March 1945: Commanding Officer No. 41 Squadron.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 242 (Canadian) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

March 19th, 1943

Citation:
"Fit. Lt. Benham is a skilful and determined pilot. He has destroyed six and damaged several more enemy aircraft."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 41 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 8th, 1945

Citation:
"In air fighting, this officer has destroyed 10 enemy aircraft. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, he has participated in many sorties, involving harassing attacks on various targets during which much loss has been inflicted on the enemy. Squadron Leader Benham has invariably displayed a high degree of skill and courage and has set an example worthy of the greatest praise."

Second DFC received as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Pulished in The London Gazette dated 8th May 1945.

• - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35946 published on the 16 March 1943
  - Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 4th May 1945, Issue 37070, dated 8th May 1945
  - The Pilots of 41 Squadron RAF, 1939-1945