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Edmond, Ronald

Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Service number 129960.

Ronald Edmond enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937 as a pilot. He was called up for service in September 1939.
Posted overzees on Malta with No. 148 Squadron, a Wellington unit, he took part in a strike against Catania Aerodrome in Sicily on 11 February 1941 where he was wounded. In May that year, now fully recovered after being hospitalized, he flew as 2nd Pilot in an attack on Tripoli. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to another Malta-based unit, No. 69 Squadron, flying Marylands.
In May 1943 he returned to the UK when he was posted as an instructor at No. 13 O.T.U. from July 1943 until August 1944,
Edmond was subsequently posted at No. 226 Squadron in September, this time in Mitchells of 137 Wing against various targets in North-West Europe.
He amassed 136 operational sorties and over 300 hours of operational flying.
There is no information regarding this airman of his life after the war.

Promotions:
July 19th, 1942: Pilot Officer (emergency)
July 19th, 1943: Flying Officer
July 19th, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Pilot Officer
Unit:
No. 223 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
February 5th, 1943
Citation:
"This officer has participated in very many sorties, comprising attacks on airfields, harbours, lines of communications and troops. Throughout, he has displayed great courage and leadership. In November 1942, whilst attacking the enemy, his aircraft was hit and damaged by anti-aircraft fire, which caused the engine to fail. Pilot Officer Edmond was forced to leave the formation while still some 50 miles within enemy territory. With great difficulty, he succeeded in flying his damaged aircraft to base where he effected a masterly landing. His skill and determination were responsible for the safe return of the aircraft and its crew."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 13 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 1st, 1944
Air Force Cross (AFC)
Citation:
"This officer has served as instructor (pilot) at the Unit for twelve months, after completing his first tour of operations. He has proved himself to be an exceptionally keen pilot and an instructor who is above the average. He has executed excellent work in his flight, both on the ground and in the air. He recently he has on many occasions assumed temporary command of his flight with the utmost reliability. His untiring energy has been most praiseworthy. Flying Officer Edmond has also flown 225 hours on operations."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 226 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 1st, 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Recommendation:
"Since receiving the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry during the opening stages of El Alamein battles in North Africa, this officer has completed a further 72 sorties. He has flown the last 42 while leading the Squadron against the varied targets attacked since D-Day, and is now completing his third tour. His coolness, leadership and obvious determination in the face of the most bitterly defended targets has been of the highest possible value to his squadron and in the best traditions of the Service. His example during the period of steady losses against the Rhine bridges and important rail centres kept his squadron at a steady high level of morale. The quiet confidence he displays and instils into those who follow make him an outstanding operational leader. As a well-deserved reward for his qualities and his long operational record, Squadron Leader Edmond is strongly recommended for the award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross."

Tweede DFC toegekend als gesp voor op het lint van de eerste DFC.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "NORTH AFRICA 1942-43" clasp.
Africa Star

Sources

  • - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35891 published on the 2 February 1943
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36682 published on the 29 August 1944
    - Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37105 published on the 29 May 1945
    - Dix Noonan Webb
    - Rafcommands Message Board

Photo