Green, Charles Llewellyn

Date of birth:: September 23rd, 1912 (Marandellas, Rhodesia)
Date of death:: June 10th, 2001 (Durban/ KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)
Nationality:: Rhodesian (1923-1980, British Colony)

Biography

Service number 41527.
Charles Green grew up in South-Rhodesia and worked at his father’s farm before joining Imperial Airways as a clerk. 1938 he received a temporary commisson in the RAF. November 1940 he was posted to 500 Squadron, Coastal Command flying Avro Anson reconnaissance aircraft. Early 1941 he was transferred to 235 Squadron flying Bristol Blenheims and which was deployed against enemy shipping in the North Sea. In September he was transferred to 256 (Rhodesian) Squadron flying Spitfires. After a succesful year, having flown operational sorties over northern France and the North Sea, he left for 266 Squadron where he got accustomed to the Typhoon and flew sorties against V1 launchsites and German units in Normandy in preparation for the invasion. He spent a short time as POW and subsequently returned to Rhodesia, growing corn and tobacco and keeping cattle. He got involved in the Rhodesian Air Force as commander of the Royal Rhodesian Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He retired in 1977 after several years of employment with the Transcontinental Tobacco Company. He emigrated to Devon but after a few years he returned to Africa to live in Durban.

Promotions:
December 14th, 1938: Acting Pilot Officer (probation)
September 3rd, 1939: Pilot Officer
September 3rd, 1940: Flying Officer
September 3rd, 1941: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
October 7th, 1943: Squadron leader (war sub)
February 13th, 1945: Wing Commander (war sub)

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Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:: June 11th, 1942

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: February 9th, 1943

Citation:
"Squadron Leader Green has an impressive record of operational flights against the enemy. Since May, 1941, when he joined his present unit he has participated in many operational sorties, acting as leader of his squadron on numerous occasions. In addition he has completed several other flights and defensive patrols and has destroyed 1 enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Green has always displayed outstanding leadership and an intense desire to engage the enemy. By his example and keenness he has raised the efficiency of his squadron to a very high standard."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: Reserve of Air Force Officers
Awarded on:: September 5th, 1944

Citation:
"This officer has led large formations of aircraft on very many sorties during which a wide variety of enemy targets have been attacked. The splendid results obtained are a fine tribute to this officer's brilliant leadership, great tactical ability and iron determination. His record is most impressive."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: Reserve of Air Force Officers
Awarded on:: October 3rd, 1944

Citation:
"Within recent weeks this officer has led formations of aircraft on numerous sorties during which outstanding successes have been obtained. On two occasions he was responsible for locating large concentrations of enemy armour which were subsequently attacked with great effect. Eighty-nine tanks were destroyed and a large number damaged; many other armoured vehicles, transport wagons and guns were also destroyed. Throughout these operations, Wing Commander Green set an example which inspired all. His leadership was exceptional and his skill and bravery of the highest order."

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.

Commandeur in de Orde van Oranje Nassau met zwaarden (ON.3x)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Wing Commander
Unit:: Reserve of Air Force Officers
Awarded on:: January 23rd, 1948

Sources

- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35586 published on the 5 June 1942
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35894 published on the 5 February 1943
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36686 published on the 1 September 1944
- Fouth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36728 published on the 29 September 1944
- The London Gazette Issue 38186 published on the 23 January 1948
- The Telegraph - Obituaries