[Col Ford]

Wing Commander PWA Dudgeon DFC RAFR. Officer Commanding No.268 Squadron RAF, November 9, 1942 to April 19, 1943. Posted to HQ Army Co-operation Command to a staff position.

Had attended Eton and RAF Cranwell. Had resigned from RAF pre-War and entered RAF Reserve. Recalled to service 1939. Awarded DFC in July 1940 for service with No.16 Squadron (see below).

In 1945 was Accident Prevention and Investigation Officer at HQ 2TAF (still a Wg Cdr) and was instrumental in getting rear facing seats fitted into Avro Ansons used by Communications Flights in 2TAF in order to reduce injuries and fatalities in landing accidents. His brother then Air Commodore (later AVM) A G 'Tony' Dudgeon then championed the idea which was taken up by RAF Transport Command and used for some years on RAF transport types.

Still listed in Royal Air Force Reserve of Officers as a Squadron Leader retaining the rank of Wing Commander in June 1954.

Born 1908, died 15 February 1967. Married, two sons.

DUDGEON, Peter William Archdale, P/O (70934, Royal Air Force) - No.16 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 23 July 1940. Public Record Office Air 2/6075 has citation.

"In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire, this officer pressed home a bombing attack on transport on the road south of Boulogne on 22nd May 1940. The aileron control was shot away, and the aircraft was almost unflyable, but by great skill and coolness, he managed to return to this unit. He has shown great energy, keenness and drive."