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The RAF Chronicle
6 September

On This Day, 1939: On 6 September 1939, the Battle of Barking Creek exposed dangerous confusion in Britain’s new air-defence system and…

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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.

5 Recipients
Featured Recipient

Major

James McCudden

VC DSO and Bar MC and Bar MM Croix de Guerre (France)
28 March 1895 9 July 1918 aged 23

James McCudden VC rose from air mechanic to major, becoming one of Britain's most decorated First World War fighter aces before his death in 1918.

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Nationality British
Service Royal Engineers; Royal Flying Corps; Royal Air Force
Years served 1910-1918
Era First World War

All Recipients · 5 awarded

Aircrew

Alan Jerrard

Flight Lieutenant

VC MiD Bronze Medal of Military Valour (Italy) 3 December 1897–14 May 1968
Aircrew

Guy Gibson

Wing Commander

VC DSO & Bar DFC & Bar 12 August 1918–Distinguished Service Order & Bar
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Aircrew

James McCudden

Major

VC DSO and Bar MC and Bar 28 March 1895–9 July 1918
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Aircrew

John Alexander Cruickshank

Flight Lieutenant

VC AE 20 May 1920–9 August 2025
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Aircrew

Thomas Mottershead

Sergeant

VC DCM 17 January 1892–12 January 1917

The RAF Chronicle

An independent publication exploring the history of the Royal Air Force and British military aviation. Not affiliated with Ministry of Defence.

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