TRIPE Phillip Valentine King (F/L) RAF n° 42279

 

Distinguished Flying Cross
Annonce parue dans le London Gazette le 25 janvier 1944

This officer has led his flight and squadron during an extended tour of operational duty and has proved himself an extremely capable leader. During his operational career he has personally destroyed two enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of a number of others. On 17th August 1943 he was chiefly responsible for the destruction, by his wing, of five enemy aircraft. His outstanding ability is reflected in the fighting efficiency of his squadron.

NOTE: His application for Operational Wing, dated 12 June 1945, stated that he had flown with Nos.411, 65, 222 and 129 Squadrons, June 1942 to November 1943 (248 operational hours) but does not clearly indicate when he went from one unit to another. However, leave records indicate he was with No.411 Squadron from at least 11 August 1942 until 26 December 1942; he took leave while with No.222 Squadron in May 1943, and while with No.129 Squadron in October 1943.

His second tour, June 1944 to January 1945, was with No.130 Squadron (96 hours). The document then lists his sorties by date, duty and time flown. The first sortie given is 17 August 1942 (Fighter Sweep, Bereke-sur-Mer and Wamport, one hour 15 minutes) and the last is 20 November 1943. The total number of sorties is 148 including four on 19 August 1942 ("Fighter Umbrella for Dieppe Raid: 1.45" - "Close Escort Two Bostons laying smoke screen Dieppe, 1.40" - "Fighter Sweep Protection, Boats returning from Dieppe, 1.30" and a repeat of the previous, 1.30). There is a long break between 6 December 1942 and 5 April 1943 followed by intense operations including three trips on each of the following days: 24 June 1943, 4 July 1943, 22 August 1943, 6 September 1943, 8 September 1943, 9 September 1943, 18 October 1943. The second tour sorties run from 8 June 1944 to 16 January 1945 (56 sorties).