Beirnes, Jack Rife
- Date of birth:
- November 24th, 1914 (Birtle/Manitoba, Canada)
- Date of death:
- June 1st, 1945
- Buried on:
- Commonwealth War Graves Aabenraa
Plot: Allied. Row: 6. Grave: 14. - Nationality:
- Canadian
Biography
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 438 (Wildcat) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 24th, 1944
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 438 (Wildcat) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- September 14th, 1945
Recommendation (drafted 26 August 1945 when he had flown 136 sorties (144 operational hours):
"This officer has completed nearly three years with his squadron, serving in Alaska and Canada before operating in No.83 Group. He was a Flight Commander when the squadron, equipped with Typhoon bombers, became operational in March 1944. He took part in many operations preceding D Day, including attacks on radar targets and at once showed evidence of unusual enthusiasm and determination. On July 11th this officer led a flight of five aircraft against a vital railway bridge over the River Orne just south of Caen. There was intense heavy and light flak and the cloud base was 5,000 feet. Nevertheless he led a brilliant attack which enabled the flight to score four hits with 1,000-pound bombs which destroyed the bridge. Squadron Leader Beirnes’ bombs were the first to hit the target; his determination and leading on this occasion were of the very highest order. Again on August 7th this officer led a flight against mortar positions near the Forest of Grimbosq. Although his target was small and very difficult to find and the flak defenses were the heaviest in the sector, this attack was pressed home so effectively that a special message of thanks was received from the army. Squadron Leader Beirnes has commanded his squadron since July 28th, 1944. His enthusiasm and magnificent leadership continues to be an inspiration to all his pilots."
Second DFC received as bar
"This officer has completed nearly three years with his squadron, serving in Alaska and Canada before operating in No.83 Group. He was a Flight Commander when the squadron, equipped with Typhoon bombers, became operational in March 1944. He took part in many operations preceding D Day, including attacks on radar targets and at once showed evidence of unusual enthusiasm and determination. On July 11th this officer led a flight of five aircraft against a vital railway bridge over the River Orne just south of Caen. There was intense heavy and light flak and the cloud base was 5,000 feet. Nevertheless he led a brilliant attack which enabled the flight to score four hits with 1,000-pound bombs which destroyed the bridge. Squadron Leader Beirnes’ bombs were the first to hit the target; his determination and leading on this occasion were of the very highest order. Again on August 7th this officer led a flight against mortar positions near the Forest of Grimbosq. Although his target was small and very difficult to find and the flak defenses were the heaviest in the sector, this attack was pressed home so effectively that a special message of thanks was received from the army. Squadron Leader Beirnes has commanded his squadron since July 28th, 1944. His enthusiasm and magnificent leadership continues to be an inspiration to all his pilots."
Second DFC received as bar
Pilot's Flying Badge
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
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