Dennis
I was just about to post too, about 1202828 Richard Herbert Reed (172568) page 1667 of the 11 April, 1944 London Gazette and if you go back a few pages, he was RAFVR promoted to Pilot Officer on probation.
Thanks Dennis, to the reference in 2nd May 1944, I had not spotted that:-
11th Apr. 1944 (p. 1667, col. I) concerning Richard Herbert REED (172568) for Herbert read Robert;
The 6th June 1944 London Gazette edition, Third Supplement 9th June, (extract below) gives this Service number to Richard Robert Reed:-
Pilot Officer Richard Robert REED (172568), Royal
Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 576 Squadron.
One night in May, 1944, this officer piloted an
aircraft to attack a target in Southern France.
When nearing 'the objective the aircraft was
attacked by a fighter. The inter-communication
system was put out of action but, although unable
to receive any evading directions, Pilot Officer
Reed manoeuvred with much skill. His aircraft
which had caught fire to the rear of the fuselage,
had sustained extensive damage and went into a
steep dive. With the greatest difficulty Pilot Officer Reed succeeded in regaining control. ...
Thanks, Mark