First DFC for night-fighting in WW2?

[Andy Saunders]

A bit of a random question; does anybody know who was the first DFC recipient in the RAF during WW2 for night-fighting? Who, and what date?

[Pyker]

Andy;

Aces High (Shores and Williams, 1994 ) page 421-422 concerning A.G. "Sailor"Malan notes that he claimed two night victories(He111s) on 19/20 June 1940 and was awarded a Bar to his DFC on 13 August 1940. This would have to be one of the earliest awards ?!

Pyker

[Andy Saunders]

An interesting observation!

I suppose I was thinking more of a 'night fighter pilot' in the truest sense (if you get my drift!) rather than a day fighter pilot operating at night. However, I hadn't considered what you suggest!

[Pyker]

Andy;

Michael James Herrick of 25 Squadron destroyed two night raiders 4/5 September 1940 and was awarded the DFC 24 September 1940. Aces High page 324 notes that Herrick "... was to become the first successful night fighter pilot..." This should be the first !

Pyker

[Brian]

Hi Andy

Didn't Orange Smith get a DFC for his night interception on, I believe, circa 12 May 1940, flying a Blenheim guided by ground radar?

I will have to shift a ton of paper to find more, but will do so if you are interested.

Cheers
Brian

[Larry]

I too think it was 'Blood Orange' Smith

[steve sheridan]

I too think it was 'Blood Orange' Smith.

What an interesting nickname! How did this come about?

Steve.

[Pyker]

Gentlemen,

Christopher Dermot Salmond Smith was a Flt. Lt. when he was decorated with the DFC for his work in developing airborne radar on 7 May 1940. He scored the first radar guided victory on 12 May 1940 some 5 days AFTER the award of the DFC. Reference Those Other Eagles (Shores) page 549. The award listed in the London Gazette is by his name only.

Pyker

[Larry]

Blood Orange got his name from the colour of his hair!

So he was the first but not the first to get the DFC for night-fighting

The search continues with Defiant Sqns next I think?

[steve sheridan]

Thanks Larry for explaining how he aquired his interesting nickname!

Best regs,
Steve.