Distinguished Flying Cross

["Junior"]

Does anyone happen to know the exact number of DFCs (and Bars) awarded during the war? I have seen a couple of general figures around the 1,000 to 1,100 mark but nothing concrete.

Any help much appreciated.

["Junior"]

Bump


Anyone?

[Mark Turner]

The figures I've seen are for the period 1918-20:
DFCs - 1100
+ 1 bar - 70
+ 2 bars - 3

["Junior"]

Many thanks Mark. That sounds about right.

I thought I'd stumped everyone for a moment!

I can only off the top of my head think of Ross Smith who received the DFC and 2 Bars. Who were the other two?

[Mark Turner]

I'm not sure who the other two were. I'll see if I can find out.

Unless anyone else knows?

["Junior"]

Another one...

Cobby got 2 Bars as well. So that's two Aussies thusfar.


EDIT:

and yet another...

Walter Longton got 2 as well. So that makes 3 Aussies.

I am a bit suspicious that there's not more, and no 2 seater air crew.

Anybody know of others?

[Graeme]

From the London Gazette it is possible to identify 1,116 DFCs, 75 Bars and four 2nd Bars covering the period 3 June 1918 to 31 December 1920. However, awards for service in the Great War were still being announced as late as March 1927.

Recipients of the second Bars were as follows:

Air Ministry,
21st September, 1918.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the undermentioned rewards on Officers and other ranks of the Royal Air Force in recognition of gallantry in flying operations against the enemy:—

AWARDED A SECOND BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Lieut. (T./Capt.) Arthur Henry Cobby, D.F.C. (Australian Flying Corps).

One evening this officer, in company with another machine, attacked five Pfaltz Scouts, destroying two; one fell in flames, and one broke up in the air. The officer who accompanied him brought down a third machine out of control. While engaged in this combat they were attacked from above by five triplanes. Displaying cool judgment and brilliant flying, Captain Cobby evaded this attack and returned to our lines in safety, both machines, being undamaged. A determined and most skilful leader, who has destroyed twenty-one hostile machines or balloons, accounting for three machines and two balloons in four days.

Air Ministry,
8th February, 1919.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the undermentioned Rewards on Officers and other ranks of the Royal Air Force in recognition of gallantry in flying operations against the enemy :—

AWARDED A SECOND BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Capt. Ross Macpherson Smith, M.C., D.F.C. (Australian L.H. and Australian F.C.). (EGYPT)

On 19th October this officer, with Lieut. A.V. McCann as observer, engaged and drove down an enemy two-seater. As it appeared to land intact he descended to a low altitude and, with machine-gun fire, forced the occupants to abandon the machine; he then landed alongside it, and while his observer covered the enemy officers he set light to their machine and completely destroyed it. To have effected a landing in an unknown country, many miles in rear of the enemy's advanced troops, demanded courage and skill of a very high order.

Air Ministry,
Strand, London, W.C.2.
3rd June, 1919.

His Majesty The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards to Officers and Other Ranks of the Royal Air Force, in recognition of distinguished services rendered during the war:—

AWARDED A SECOND BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Lt. (A./Capt.) Walter Hunt Longton, D.F.C., A.F.C. (FRANCE)
(1st Bar gazetted 8th February, 1919.)
(D.F.C. gazetted 2nd November, 1918.)
(A.F.C. gazetted 3rd June, 1918.)

Kingsway, London, W.2.
12th July, 1920.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards for gallantry and distinguished services :—

ROYAL AIR FORCE.

AWARDED A SECOND BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Flight Lieutenant Robert Halley, D.F.C., A.F.C. (Afghanistan).

"Scruffy" Longton was British, the son of a farmer from Widnes, Lancashire and Halley was Canadian.

Graeme

["Junior"]

Many thanks Graeme. That is exactly the info I was after.