SINCLAIR Andrew Lloyd (F/O) RCAF n° J17656

 

Distinguished Flying Cross
Annonce parue dans le London Gazette le 26 janvier 1945

Flight Lieutenant Sinclair has served in both the Middle East and European theatres of war. While in the Middle East he destroyed at least one enemy aircraft. During the early stages of the invasion of Normandy he distin­guished himself by destroying a further two enemy aircraft. In addition his devastating attacks against enemy transport, often in the face of intense fire from the ground defences, have inflicted considerable damage on enemy vehicles. In October 1944, Flight Lieutenant Sinclair attacked and shared in the destruction of an enemy jet propelled aircraft after a long and bitter struggle. More recently he has led a section of his squadron through heavy anti-aircraft fire in attacks against the enemy's rail communications in Germany and Holland. At all times he has displayed a high degree of courage and devotion to duty.

NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9045 has recommendation dated 14 November 1944 when he had flown 278 sorties (313 operational hours). Text slight more detailed than that published.

This officer is an experienced second tour pilot who has proved himself an invaluable asset to the squadron during the Normandy, Belgium and Holland campaigns. On his first tour in the Middle East he destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged another.

During the early stages of the Normandy invasion, Flying Officer Sinclair distinguished himself by destroying a further two enemy aircraft on one operation shortly after joining the squadron. His devastating attacks against enemy transport, often in the face of intense return fire from the ground defences, have resulted in the destruction or damaging of some 50 enemy vehicles. On October 5th, while on a routine patrol with the squadron over the vital Nijmegen bridge, this officer attacked and shared in the destruction of the first enemy jet propelled aircraft, an Me.262, to be shot down by the Royal Air Force or Royal Canadian Air Force. This was only accomplished after a long bitter struggle.

Lately he has participated and led sections of his squadron through intense flak to dive bomb the enemy's rail communications in Northwest Germany and Holland. Flying Officer Sinclair's aggressiveness and utter disregard of his own personal safety have been major factors in the successful operations of this squadron.