Donald Edward Garland

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Donald Edward Garland
June 28, 1918 – May 12, 1940
Image:VCDonaldEdwardGarland.jpg
Place of birth Ballincor Ireland
Place of death Maastricht Netherlands
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch Royal Air Force
Years of service 1937-1940
Rank Flying Officer
Unit 12 Squadron
Awards VC

Donald Edward Garland VC (June 28, 1918 - May 12, 1940) born Ballincor, County Wicklow he was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

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[edit] Details

He was 21 years old, and a Flying Officer in the 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 May 1940, over the Albert Canal, Belgium, one bridge in particular was being used by the invading army, with protection from fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft and machine-guns. The RAF was ordered to demolish this vital bridge, and five Fairey Battle bombers were despatched with Flying Officer Garland leading the attack. They met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire, but the mission was accomplished, due to the expert leadership of Flying Officer Garland and the coolness and resource of his navigator (Thomas Gray). Only one bomber managed to get back to base, the leading aircraft and three others did not return.

The bridge Garland attacked was the bridge at Veltwezelt. He died either crashing in the village of Lanaken, or in the hospital in Maastricht, Netherlands. The third man of the crew (Leading Aircraftman Reynolds) did not receive a medal because he was not occupying a "decision making" position. There is a monument on the bridge to the operation.

Garland is buried at the Heverlee War Cemetery near Leuven in Belgium.[1]

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum (Hendon, England).

[edit] Memorial

A Vickers VC-10 Serial 'XR807' of 101 Squadron is named 'Donald Garland VC & Thomas Gray VC'

During 2005 to mark its 90th anniversary No.12 Squadron RAF flew a Tornado GR4 with Fg Off Garland and Sgt Gray's name painted under its cockpit as a mark of respect.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Donald Edward Garland

Listed in order of publication year

[edit] External links