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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Townsend, Peter Wooldridge |
| Date of birth: | November 22nd, 1914 (Rangoon, Burma)
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| Date of death: |
June 19th, 1995 (Rambouillet, France)
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| Buried on: |
Commonwealth War Graves Vannes |
| Nationality: |
British |
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Flight Lieutenant
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Awarded on:
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April 30th, 1940
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Action:
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Citation:
"In April, 1940, whilst on patrol over the North Sea, Flight Lieutenant Townsend intercepted and attacked an enemy aircraft at dusk and after a running fight shot it down. This is the third success obtained by this pilot and in each instance he has displayed qualities of leadership, skill and determination of the highest order, with little regard for his own safety".
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Details:
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London Gazette dated 30 April 1940.
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Acting Squadron Leader
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Awarded on:
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September 6th, 1940
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Action:
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Citation:
"In July, 1940, whilst leading a section of the squadron to protect a convoy, this officer intercepted about twenty or thirty enemy aircraft,
destroying one and severely damaging two others. The enemy formation was forced to withdraw. Under his command, the squadron has destroyed eight enemy aircraft while protecting convoys against sporadic enemy attacks. In August, 1940, his squadron attacked some 250 enemy aircraft in the Thames Estuary. He himself shot down three enemy aircraft, the squadron as a whole destroying at least ten and damaging many others. The success which has been achieved has been due to Squadron Leader Townsend's unflagging zeal and leadership".
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Details:
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London Gazette dated 6 September 1940.
Awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO)
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Rank:
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Acting Wing Commander
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Unit:
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No. 85 Squadron
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Awarded on:
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May 13th, 1941
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Action:
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Citation:
"This officer has displayed outstanding powers of leadership and organisation, combined with great determination and skill in air
combat. By his untiring efforts he has contributed materially to the many successes obtained by his squadron. Wing Commander
Townsend has been engaged on active operations since the war began and has carried out numerous operational flights, both by day and night. He has destroyed at least 11 enemy aircraft".
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Details:
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London Gazette dated 13 May 1941.
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COMMANDER OF THE ROYAL VICTORIAN ORDER (CVO)
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Rank:
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Wing Commander
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Awarded on:
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March 14th, 1944
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Action:
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Citation:
"The King has been graciously pleased to appoint Wing Commander Peter Wooldridge Townsend D.S.O., D.F.C., Royal Air Force, to be an Equerry (temporary) to His Majesty".
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Details:
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London Gazette dated 14 March 1944.
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