Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 235 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 22nd, 1940

Recommendation:
"Since joining the squadron in June 1940, this officer has carried out 36 patrols. On 8th August 1940, whilst leading a section of three aircraft over Le Havre, he was attacked by 15 Messerschmitt 110s. By skilfully manoeuvring his section, he enabled the rear gunners to bring cross fire to bear on the enemy aircraft, one of which was seen to explode in mid-air. He then succeeded in bringing back the section intact. Flight Lieutenant Fletcher has by his personal example inspired a fine fighting spirit among members of the squadron."

Public Record Office Air 2/9489.
LG 34976/6136.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1941

LG 35029/35.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 272 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 31st, 1941

Recommendation:
"The above named officer arrived at Malta on 21 July and left on 3 August. He was in command of a detachment of Beaufighters with role of covering the passage of the convoys moving between Gibraltar and Malta and their return to Gibraltar. During the above period attacks were made by Beaufighters on certain aerodromes and seaplane bases with the object of keeping down enemy air activity. The total bag of the Beaufighters in these operations was: aircraft destroyed, 49; badly damaged, 22; aircraft damaged 20. Of the six ships in convoy which made the journey from Gibraltar to Malta and the seven ships which arrived from Malta only one was hit by a torpedo and she arrived safely in Malta. There is not the slightest doubt that the operations against aerodromes and seaplane bases by the Beaufighters crippled the enemy's air activity so seriously that he was unable to carry out effective reconnaissance and to launch a strong striking force against the convoys. The success of the operations was due to the courageous leadership and determination shown by this commander of the Beaufighters. His offensive spirit is beyond all praise and the fact that all Beaufighter crews were very determined is due entirely to his fine example. The enemy certainly played into the hands of this fine leader by presenting him with rows of aircraft without any consideration for dispersal. Nonetheless, the results achieved were due to a very careful planning and discussion by this commander with the crews concerned."

Air Ministry Honours and Award Committe edit:
"From 21st July to 3rd August 1941, this officer commanded a detachment of Beaufighters operating from Malta with the role of assisting in the safe passage of convoys sailing between Gibraltar and Malta. Attacks were made on certain aerodromes and seaplane bases which resulted in a loss to the enemy of 49 aircraft destroyed and a further 42 damaged. The successes achieved undoubtedly crippled the enemy's air activity so seriously that he was unable to carry out effective reconnaissance and to launch a strong striking force against the convoys. Throughout, Squadron Leader Fletcher displayed courageous leadership and determination and set an example which proved an inspiration to all."

Air Ministry Bulletin 5435 refers. Public Record Office, Air 2/4782 (Non-Immediate Awards, Middle East, 1941-1943).
Second DFC awarded in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
LG 35329/6314.