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BRUCE, F/O Robert Richard Fernie (RAF 153354) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.418 Squadron
Awarded as per London Gazette dated 21 November 1944
Flying Officer Bruce has taken part in many operational sorties, and has patrolled some of the most heavily defended airfields in enemy and enemy occupied territory. He has always shown outstanding keenness for operational flying and determination to complete his allotted tasks. This officer has assisted his pilot in the destruction of 18 flying bombs and at last six enemy aircraft. An outstanding navigator, he has done much to increase and maintain the operational efficiency of the other navigators in the squadron.
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Born in 1915.
Home near Stroud, Gloucestershire.
RAF #1324258 (enlisted) & 153354 (officer).
Qualified as Wireless Operator Air, 29 Sept. 1942
from No.1 SS (Signals School), Cranwell.
Sent to Canada & Qualified as a "Navigator/Wireless"
on 1 Sept. 1943 from No.33 Air Navigation School, Hamilton
(class from 19 April 1943 to 3 September 1943).
Total flying time 86.35 hours day & 51.25 hours night.
His final score was 1679 out of 2000.
To No.36 OTU, Greenwood until mid January 1944.
(His first flight with Bannock was at Greenwood on
24 November 1943 in Mosquito 172. He flew all but one of
his
remaining flights at 36 OTU with Bannock).
Bruce scored an "excellent" 100 in Aircraft recognition.
They were both then shipped to the UK.
To No.60 OTU in April 1944 (with Bannock), he flew his first
eight flights in Ansons (various pilots), and all the rest
(but one with W/C Mitchell) in Mosquitos with Bannock.
The pair graduated in June and were posted to 418 Sqn.
Bruce's first flight being with Bannock on 11 June 1944.
Commissioned in November 1943.
A note in his "Certificates of Qualification" book says
"26:2:44. 7PRC."
He normally flew with S/L Russ Bannock. |
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Victories Include :
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