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Medals and Awards

The Distinguished Flying Cross 

In a letter to Carl Vincent (9 January 1977, DHist files) he describes No.163 as "a rather random collection of both aircraft and personnel, with no definitive training or operational objectives or capability". While he was there it flew five types of aircraft - Bolingbroke, Crane, Harvard, Hurricane and Kittyhawk. With flying discipline very loose, he was able to sign out aircraft almost at will. From this varied flying he learned aerobatics, formation flying and "a limited amount of gunnery that no doubt enabled me to be an effective operational pilot when I got overseas (and gave me the skills that enabled me to survive)." The most constructive thing the unit did was to provide a detachment of four "operational" Harvards flying off a grass field at Wainwright, Alberta, working with an Army Brigade Training Centre, simulating strafing, bombing etc. He had limited experience on Kittyhawks, but remembered worrying when flying them over water because the Allison engines would "sputter and cough and take a considerable time to clear themselves...and develop their full power."

This officer has taken part in a large number of sorties and throughout has set a fine example of skill and determination in pressing home his attacks on various targets. In air fighting, Flying Officer Laurence has destroyed four enemy aircraft. He has rendered much valuable and devoted service.

The information contained in this segment is provided by The Air Force Association of Canada and Hugh A. Halliday who is the author of the RCAF Personnel - Honours & Awards - 1939-1949 which can be found on the Air Force Association of Canada Website. Used with permission and sincere gratitude.

Additional Resources Canadian Medals and Decorations