McCormack, David William
- Date of birth:
- November 27th, 1917 (Seddon/Victoria, Australia)
- Date of death:
- August 10th, 1944
- Buried on:
- Commonwealth War Graves Bhowanipore Cemetery
Plot: O. Row: G. Grave: 4. - Service number:
- 400232
- Nationality:
- Australian
Biography
Before the war David McCormack worked as a clerk, as a salesman, and as an electrical mechanic with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On 21 July 1940 he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force. He was commissioned in February 1941 and was posted to Britain.
McCormack took part in hazardous, low-level attacks in Belgium and northern France, and against enemy shipping in the North Sea.
In March 1942 he sailed for India and came in action in the Arakan region.
On 10 August 1944 McCormack led sixteen Spitfires on a flight from Palel, Imphal, to the squadron's new base at Biagachi, near Calcutta. En route they encountered the most violent type of monsoonal storm; his aircraft was one of eight that crashed, and he was killed; his body was recovered and buried in Calcutta.
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- February 6th, 1942
"This officer has carried out a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been low level attacks on objectives in Belgium and Northern France. He has at all times displayed the greatest determination in the face of enemy fire, pressing home hisattack
to the utmost. On one occasion, although wounded by enemy fire, Flight Lieutenant McCormack descended to almost ground level to achieve success. He has set an inspiring example to all."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- June 18th, 1943
"Flight Lieutenant McCormack has been actively engaged on operations in India since October 1942.
He has achieved excellent results on long distance sorties over difficult country. As pilot and flight commander his cool courage and skill have been invaluable to his squadron.
In attacks on Mandalay and Akayo in spite of considerable opposition he showed no obstacle to deter him from completing his tasks successfully."
Second DFC awarded as a bar.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Awarded on:
- January 1st, 1945
Sources
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