Captain John Gurdon DFC & ? 22 Sqdn 1918

[Dunlandin]

On behalf of Captain Gurdon's surviving son and his family, I am trying to establish his war medal tally. The London Gazette has him awarded a DFC in August ,after he had 18(?) victories. He always wore a bar to the DFC and his surviving family have always uderstood that he had this award. He did serve in WW2 as an instructor but he was injured in a crash landing Wellington and was discharged unfit for further service. In fact a repeat of his experienece in 1918! He was one of the pilots in the famous 2 against 20 battle when 2 Bristol Fighters took on 20 German A/C. The RAF records Office records 1 DFC, but as his final tally was 29 confirmed, it is entirely possible that he was awarded a bar to the DFC. Both Phillip Gurdon and the familly would be very grateful for any information that could shed light on this question
Many thanks Dunlandin.

[Frank_Olynyk]

The standard reference to the (British) DFC (Nick and Carol Carter: The Distinguished Flying Cross and How It Was Won 1918-1995, two volumes) shows only a single award of the DFC, with the citation.

And my files show only a single award: DFC (LG #30827, Aug 2, 1918/S2 of Aug 3, pg 9200)

Frank.

[Dunlandin]

Frank, many thanks for your reply and references. This will clarify the family history and I will pass on the details as soon as Phillip returns from his travels. Dunlandin.