Clay, Philip Henry Thornton

Service number:: 1331525/201190
Nationality:: British

Biography

Promotions:
?: Warrant Officer;
September 25th, 1945: Pilot Officer on probation (emergency);
March 25th,1946: Pilot Officer;
March 25th, 1946: Flying Officer (war subs);
September 30th, 1948: Flying Officer (seniority September 25th, 1946);
January 4th, 1951: Flight Lieutenant.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Warrant Officer
Unit:: No. 130 (Punjab) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: June 29th, 1945

British Empire Medal (BEM & EGM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: No. 130 (Punjab) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: July 3rd, 1945

During the morning of 1st January, 1945, the airfield from which 130 Squadron was operating was attacked by enemy aircraft, resulting in an R.A.F. aircraft catching fire. Flight Sergeant Clay, with complete disregard for his own safety and whilst the airfield was still being attacked, taxied two other aircraft away thus saving them from certain destruction. Ammunition from the burning aircraft was exploding at the time. He then directed the fire tender crew in their fire fighting operations and by his efforts, over 200 gallons of petrol were saved. Flight Sergeant Clay set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.

King's/Queen's Commendation for valuable service in the air

Rank:: Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:: June 5th, 1952

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Rank:: Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:: June 10th, 1958

Received in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in air operations in Aden.

Awarded in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Sources

- CLAY Philip Henry Thornton
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 29th June 1945, Issue 37154, Page 3406
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 6th November 1945, Issue 37336, Page 5388
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 19th April 1946, Issue 37538, Page 1968
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 3rd December 1948, Issue 38472, Page 6351
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 9th February 1951, Issue 39147, Page 785
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 5th June 1952, Issue 39555, Page 3040
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 6th June 1958, Issue 41414, Page 3665