Mike Morley
Joined: 09 Jan 2014 Posts: 389 Location: Wigtown
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Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 6:49 pm Post subject: |
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Eric Ralph VARLEY MC
Eric Varley joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and trained as a fighter pilot; he was awarded the Military Cross in March 1918 after being badly wounded. He was one of the last 'flying' officers to receive this award before the introduction of the DFC in April 1918. During the 1939-45 War Eric was a flying instructor with the RAF at No.15 Elementary Flying Training School, Kingstown Aerodrome, Carlisle. Rowland served in the South Staffordshire and RAF Regiments on airfield defence, and later in RAF Training Command" (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/r_m_g.varley/Family_page.html).
And, with thanks to Ken Morrison: London Gazette Date:21 June 1918 Issue number:30761 Page number:7424
T./2nd Lt. Eric Ralph Varley, Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
Observing two enemy two-seater machines, he, by skilful piloting, obtained a position under the tail of one and opened fire at close range, with the result that the hostile plane fell out of control and crashed.
On two later occasions he attacked and destroyed two other hostile machines, the pilot of one being taken prisoner. He has also shown great dash in attacking enemy balloons and hostile troops on the march, and has displayed marked gallantry throughout.
Date:27 September 1940 Issue number:34954 Page number:5720
Appointed Pilot Officer for the duration Eric Ralph VARLEY (84504).
28 August 1940.
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