Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 264 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

June 11th, 1940

"Sergeant Thorn and Leading Aircraftman Barker, as pilot and air gunner respectively, have shown considerable determination and skill when engaging the enemy in a Defiant aircraft. On one occasion, when three similar aircraft in their squadron had been shot down, these airmen engaged three Messerschmitt 109*5 which were operating on the rear of the Squadron, and succeeded in shooting them down. The remaining enemy aircraft were forced to break off the engagement. Sergeant Thorn and Leading Aircraftman Barker have so far destroyed six enemy aircraft."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 264 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

February 11th, 1941

Second DFM received as bar.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 22nd, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Jubilee

“Squadron Leader Thorn, by his personal example and untiring energy, has built his squadron into a highly efficient unit during the five months in which he has been its commanding officer. During the combined operations at Dieppe on 19th August, 1942, he displayed great courage and determination when under heavy fire from the ground defences and he refused to be diverted from his task when warned that he was being attacked by an enemy fighter. The successes achieved by the squadron on this and other occasions have been primarily due to Squadron Leader Thorn’s gallantry and fine leadership both in the air in on the ground.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

January 14th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 169 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 8th, 1944

"This officer has a long record of operational flying. As flight commander he has completed numerous sorties against a wide range of targets. At all times Sqn. Ldr. Thorn has set an outstanding example of leadership and devotion to duty of a high order which has played a large part in raising and maintaining the excellent standard of morale prevailing in his flight and squadron."

Second DFC received as clasp

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1946

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)