[M sIMPSON]

Good evening Ian
It would appear that George Hawkins' DFM was awarded partly for his actions during a reconnaissance flight over central Germany on 31 October 1939 and partly for two and a half years outstanding service on 18 Squadron.
Hawkins was WOP/AG on Blenheim I L1430 with pilot Sgt.E E B LeVoi and observer Sgt.G W Buchner which undertook a reconnaissance flight over Germany on 31/10/39 under very poor weather conditions and at low altitude.Hawkins was
instrumental in the success of the flight and the safe return of the aircraft.
Hawkins was killed on 21/5/40 in Blenheim IV L9325 along with pilot P/O C Light and observer Sgt.A E Craig during a reconnaissance of the Douai-Arras-Amiens-Abbeville area.For more information,see Franks 'Valiant Wings',Warner 'The Bristol Blenheim,The Complete History' (which states L9235 was shot down in error by an unidentified Hurricane),and Peter Cornwell 'The Battle of France Then and Now'.
Hope this helps,
Regards,Mark.