Laventie Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, Nord, France Grave I.C.1
Before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, George Edward Henry McElroy spent time in the trenches until he was badly wounded in a gas attack. He was Ireland's highest scoring ace and Edward Mannock's star pupil. Five days after Mannock was killed in combat, McElroy's S.E.5a was shot down over Laventie by anti-aircraft fire. The Royal Air Force lost two of its finest pilots in less than one week.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C.
A brilliant fighting pilot who has destroyed thirty-five machines and three kite balloons to date. He has led many offensive patrols with marked success, never hesitating to engage the enemy regardless of their being, on many occasions, in superior numbers. Under his dashing and skilful leadership his flight has largely contributed to the excellent record obtained by the squadron.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 (30827/9201)
Military Cross (MC)
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, R.G.A. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown a splendid offensive spirit in dealing with enemy aircraft. He has destroyed at least two enemy machines, and has always set a magnificent example of courage and initiative.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 24 August 1918 (30862/9914)
Military Cross (MC) First Bar
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy,
M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on an offensive patrol, observing a hostile scout diving on one of our aeroplanes, he opened fire, and sent down the enemy machine in an irregular spin out of control, when it finally crashed completely. Later in the same day, he sent down another enemy machine in flames. On another occasion, when on offensive patrol, he singled one out of four enemy machines, and sent it down crashing to earth. On the same day he attacked another enemy machine, and, after firing 200 rounds, it burst into flames. On a later occasion, he opened fire on an enemy scout at 400 yards range, and finally sent it down in a slow spin out of control. In addition, this officer has brought down two other enemy machines completely out of control, his skill and determination being most praiseworthy.
(M.C. gazetted 26th March, 1918.)
Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 April 1918 (30643/4822)
Military Cross (MC) Second Bar
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While flying at a height of 2,000 feet, he observed a patrol of five enemy aircraft patrolling behind the lines. After climbing into the clouds, he dived to the attack, shot down and crashed one of them. Later, observing a two-seater, he engaged and shot it down out of control. On another occasion he shot down an enemy scout which was attacking our positions with machine-gun fire. He has carried out most enterprising work in attacking enemy troops and transport and in the course of a month has shot down six enemy aircraft, which were seen to crash, and five others out of control.
(M.C. gazetted 26th March, 1918.)
(1st Bar gazetted 22nd April, 1918.)
Supplement to the London Gazette, 26 July 1918 (30813/8753)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
Lieut. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry
McElroy, M.C., D.F.C. (Royal G. Artillery).
In the recent battles on various army fronts this officer has carried out numerous patrols, and flying at low altitudes, has inflicted heavy casualties on massed enemy troops, transport, artillery teams, etc., both with machine-gun fire and bombs. He has destroyed three enemy kite balloons and forty-three machines, accounting for eight of the latter in eight consecutive days. His brilliant achievements, keenness and dash have at all times set a fine example and inspired all who came in contact with him.
(M.C. gazetted 26th March, 1918, 1st Bar 22nd April, 1918, 2nd Bar 26th July, 1918. D.F.C. gazetted 3rd August, 1918.)
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11248)
