Service number:

78979

Nationality:

British

Ivor Edwards began flight training in April 1937 and flew on and off until June 1939. He was granted a short service commission in april 1940 and became very much involved in the Battle of Britain.
In September he went to 234 Squadron St.Eval in Cornwall and was involved in various Dog Fights and scrambles in the Plymouth, Land's End and Falmouth areas. On the 1st November he "Beat Up" a German E Boat killing 3 including the Gunner who fired at him.
On the 29th he destroyed a Ju.88 and on the 30th he destoyed an Me.110.
After a spell at Central Flying School Upavon and No. 54 OTU he moves to No.152 (Hyderabad) Squadron and then on to No.19 Squadron in November.
On the 24th of March his squadron provides a Wing Escort to Bostons on a raid on the Abbeville Marshalling Yard. In August he moves to Southend and on the 19th the squadron provide cover on Dieppe. In October he transferred to No.59 O.T.U. Milfield and later transfers to 587 Squadron at Weston Zoyland. The remainder of his wartime service does not result in any serious action and in June 1945 he moves to Sherman Field Fort Leavenworth returning on the Queen Mary in August. He was finally demobilized on 21st March 1946 with just over 1500 hours to his credit.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

This officer has completed numerous sorties over enemy occupied territory. He is a skilful and determined leader whose confidence has set an inspiring example. He has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft and damaged several more. Flight Lieutenant Edwards participated with distinction in the recent combined operations at Dieppe.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1943

Citation:
"This Officer was posted to this Squadron on 22.11.1941 from No.152 Squadron after his operational rest. He immediately showed his keeness to once again engage the enemy. Since 1940 in 170 Operational Hours he has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft and probably destroyed or damaged four others. he has taken part in 24 sweeps over enemy occupied territory 12 of which were undertaken in leading his Flight and 3 when in command of the Squadron. He has at all times shown great powers of leadership, and in the face of the enemy is cool and determined, inspiring his Flight with confidence and setting an example to the men under his command. He shows particular interest towards new pilots joining the squadron showing personal interest in each one, and giving them instruction and help from his invaluable experiences. In recent operations over Dieppe, Flight Lieutenant Edwards led his flight with skill and courage and took part in all three operations with the greatest determination."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.
Edwards was mistakingly awarded the Burma Star which instead should have been the Air Crew Europe Star. The clasp however is correct.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35712 published on the 18 September 1942
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36866 published on the 29 December 1944
  - Bonhams