Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 103 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 24th, 1941

Citation:
"Sergeant Ayles, since joining the squadron in June 1940, has become the most experienced navigator in the squadron. On no occasion has he failed to bomb his object due to any navigational errors, and on one occasion only has his aircraft failed to return to base after operations. On this occasion, the 7/8 August 1941, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing at Bircham Newton due to engine trouble after being badly hit by flak over Germany. Besides carrying out his duties as bomb aimer, Sergeant Ayles is particularly successful on photography and various occasions has succeeded in bringing back a good exposure of the aiming point. By his coolness and show of spirit when under fire, and over the target, this N.C.O. is to a large extent responsible for the fine high morale which exists in his crew as a whole, which sets a very fine example to the remainder of the squadron."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 13th, 1943

Citation:
"Since the award of the DFM, this officer has taken part in many operations with much success. Even when his aircraft has been damaged by anti-aircraft fire, he has remained cool and undaunted, and his example has been an inspiration to his crew. During his second tour of duty he has completed three attacks on Berlin and six on Essen, and has also operated against heavily defended targets in the Ruhr and Italy."