22 July
On This Day, 1940: On 22 July 1940, an RAF Blenheim used airborne interception radar to shoot down a Dornier Do 17…
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Profiles of the men and women who shaped the Royal Air Force — from its founding officers to the aircrew, engineers and commanders of today.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO and Two Bars)
Leonard Cheshire
other
Awarded for gallantry and distinguished service in bomber operations; awarded early in his operational career, with later Bars recognising further sustained leadership on operations. Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Leonard Cheshire flew 100 missions, led 617 Squadron, won the Victoria Cross, and later became one of Britain’s best-known humanitarians.
View profile → Nationality Order of Merit (OM)
Service Chester, England
Years served Admitted to the Order of Merit in 1981.
Era Second World War
VC
Victoria Cross Recipients
Members of the Royal Air Force and its predecessor services awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest decoration for valour in the face of the enemy.
View all 5 recipients →A–Z Index
16 profilesC
Arthur Coningham Air Marshal · Senior Commander · 19 January 1895–30 January 1948
John Alexander Cruickshank VC Flight Lieutenant · Aircrew · 20 May 1920–9 August 2025
Leonard Cheshire Distinguished Service Order (DSO and Two Bars) · Aircrew · Awarded for gallantry and distinguished service in bomber operations; awarded early in his operational career, with later Bars recognising further sustained leadership on operations.–Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
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Arthur Harris Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 13 April 1892–5 April 1984
George Walton Holden Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (DFC) · Aircrew · By February 1943 he held the Distinguished Flying Cross and was awarded a Bar while serving with 102 Squadron; the published citation referred to a sortie in January 1943 in which, despite severe icing, engine failure and difficulty in controlling the aircraft, he pressed on to bomb his target successfully.
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