Allan Benjamin Angus

use switches Fighter Pilots Air Gunners Navs./ R/Os Other Aircrew Gallery Misc.

use switches HOME Sitemap Slang Thanks/ Sources About Us Links

--------------------------------------------------

ANGUS, F/O Allan Benjamin (40281) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.85 Sq.
Awarded as per London Gazette dated 31 May 1940.
Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a
Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date.

This officer has shown great determination in taking every opportunity of engaging the enemy and pressing home his attacks. He took part in an inconclusive attack on a Junkers 88 which resulted in serious damage to the enemy aircraft. His own aircraft was hit and as a result he had to force land in Belgium. Acting on his own initiative he rejoined the squadron in a few hours. In May, while on patrol, he intercepted and shot down in flames a Heinkel 111, and on the same patrol took part in shooting down a second enemy aircraft of the same type with Flying Officer David.

NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/6075 has recommendation dated 13 May 1940 which differs only in minor detail; it cleared G/C P.F. Fullard (Commanding Officer, 14 Group) on 13 May and cleared A/V/M C.H.B. Blount (Commanding Air Component) on 16 May 1940.

This officer has shown great determination in taking every opportunity of engaging the enemy and pressing home his attacks. He took part in an inconclusive attack on a Junkers 88 on the 10th May which resulted in serious damage to the enemy aircraft. His own aircraft was hit and as a result he had to force land in Belgium. Acting on his own initiative he rejoined the squadron in a few hours. On 12th May, while on patrol, he intercepted and shot down in flames a Heinkel 111, and on the same patrol took part in shooting down a second enemy aircraft of the same type with Flying Officer David of No.87 Squadron.

--------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------

Flyers Killed in Action

London, June 22, 1940 — The names of eight Canadians appeared last night in the Royal Air Force casualty list containing 284 names.
Killed in Action were — F/O Allan Benjamin Angus, Winnipeg & P/O D. W. W. Morris, Calgary.

--------------------------------------------------

ANGUS. ALLAN BENJAMIN F/O(P) 40281 • Royal Air Force. From McCreary, Manitoba. Killed In Action May. 17, 1940 age 22. #85 Squadron (Noctu Dique Venamur). Hurricane aircraft was shot down near Dunkirk, France. F/O. Angus was one of the first Canadian aces of WWII., he was credited with destroying five enemy aircraft. EXTRACT FROM LONDON GAZETTE DATED 31 May 1940. THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following award in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations: Distinguished Flying Cross - Flying Officer Allan Benjamin ANGUS (40281) RAF Air Component. This officer has shown great determination in taking every opportunity of engaging the enemy and pressing home his attacks. He took part in an inconclusive attack on a Junkers 88, which resulted in serious damage to the enemy aircraft. His own aircraft was hit and as a result he had to force land in Belgium. Acting on his own initiative he rejoined his squadron in a few hours. In May, while on patrol, he intercepted and shot down in flames a Heinkel 111, and on the same patrol, took part in shooting down a second enemy aircraft. Flying Officer Pilot Angus is buried in the Communal Cemetery. Fretin, Nord, France.

--------------------------------------------------

A pre-war photo of Angus (back row, right) with unidentified members of the Air Force

--------------------------------------------------

Victories Include:

4.5 / 0 / 0
or
3.5 / 1 / 0 *

Sometimes credited with being Canada's first Ace of ww2, Angus' score was 3.5 destroyed and a probable or 4.5, depending on if that first kill was "confirmed" or not. But, although he may not be an Ace by today's standards, Angus was considered an Ace back in 1940 when a shared kill was kinda counted as a kill. By 1941 though, this practice had pretty much phased out.
But lets not blame the pilots. The newspapers were laying it on pretty thick during the early stages of the war and the government silently encouraged the exaggerations for propaganda purposes. However, once the Battle of Britain had been won, the need for accuracy began to outweigh the need to inspire.

* On 12 August 1940 the RAF classification of "unconfirmed destroyed" became known as a "probably destroyed." On this site they all go in the probable spot.

--------------------------------------------------