MITCHELL, P/O Harry Thorne (41447) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.87 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 11 February 1941. Born in Port Hope, Ontario, 1920; educated at Charterhouse and King's College, London; mother living at Milford, Surrey at time of award. Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation, RAF, 14 December 1938. Victories as follows: 10 May 1040, one Do.17 destroyed southwest of Senon plus one Do.17 destroyed northwest of Thionville; 11 May 1940. one Ju.87 destroyed near Brussels plus one Do.17 destroyed (shared with another pilot); 14 August 1940, one Ju.87 destroyed and one Bf.110 destroyed plus one Bf.110 damaged, Portland; 25 August 1940, one Bf.109 destroyed, Portland. No published citation other than 'for gallantly and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations' Attached to RCAF in Canada, 8 January 1941. Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date; AFRO 464/42 dated 27 March 1942 reported his promotion to Flight Lieutenant, effective 6 January 1942, while still with a RAF school in Canada. Air Ministry Bulletin 2957 refers. Public Records Office Air 2/8888 has recommendation dated 14 September 1940: This officer served with the squadron in France and during engagements against large numbers of enemy aircraft displayed great courage and devotion to duty and destroyed three enemy aircraft. He was a member of a formation that attacked a large enemy formation of bombers and escort fighters over Portland on the 25th August 1940. In this action the squadron destroyed ten enemy bomber aircraft and turned the enemy away. This officer has always given his utmost support to his section leader and his devotion to duty is of the highest order. He has destroyed three enemy aircraft during action over England making six victories in all. The same file has a refined citation for presentation to Air Ministry Honours and Awards Committee: This officer served with the squadron in France and destroyed three enemy aircraft. On 25th August 1940 he was member of a formation which attacked a large enemy formation of bombers and escort fighters over Portland. In this action the squadron destroyed ten enemy bombers. He has always given his utmost support to his section leaders and his devotion to duty has been of the highest order. Pilot Officer Mitchell has destroyed 16 [sic] enemy aircraft. The same file includes a calculation for December 1940 Fighter Command awards as follows: Flying hours - 9,868 Awards permissible - 9,868 = 49 less 21 immediate awards = 28 200 Awards recommended in submission - nine (six DFCs, two Bars to DFM and one DFM). MITCHELL, F/O Harry Thorne (41447) - Mention in Despatches - awarded as per London Gazette dated 17 March 1941.