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Cotter, John

Date of birth:
June 1912 (Cork, Ireland)
Service number:
77158
Nationality:
British

Biography

Promotions:
1 January, 1940: Pilot Officer (probation)
1 January, 1941: Flying Officer (war sub)
21 November, 1943: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
31 July, 1947: Flight Lieutenant (permanent) and transfer to the Secretarial Branch
1 July, 1949: Squadron Leader
1 February, 1959: pensioen/ontslag

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 27 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 12th, 1945
Recommendation:
"During the past 26 months this officer has completed 42 operational sorties over Burma and Siam, 39 in Beaufighters and 3 in Mosquitos, totalling 201 hours operational flying. He has achieved the following results: 14 locomotives destroyed or damaged.16 large steamers (some river, some coastal type). Many sampans. 60 to 70 motor transport. Much rolling stock. Many locomotive shelters and warehouses.

On 26 July 1943, he was hit by L.A.A. fire whilst over Padaung. He sustained severe wounds in the leg. In addition the hydraulics and A.S.I. were put out of action. Despite his injuries, Flight Lieutenant Cotter flew his aircraft 300 miles back to base, landing safely. He was unfit for flying for three months due to his wound. This officer by his disregard for personal safety, and his eagerness to fly on operations as often as possible, has set an example to his brother pilots which is rarely excelled.

He is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."

LG 37125/3082
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

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

Sources

  • Photo 1: Angela Valenzuela
  • - The London Gazette Issue 34784 published on the 2 February 1940
    - The London Gazette Issue 35065 published on the 4 February 1941
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36577 published on the 20 June 1944
    - Seventh Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37125 published on the 8 June 1945
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38066 published on the 5 September 1947
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38125 published on the 14 November 1947
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38653 published on the 1 July 1949
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 41627 published on the 6 February 1959
    - Dix Noonan Webb

Photo