CUMBERLAND, FS David Alexander (R58307, later J15824) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.142 Squadron - Award effective 16 June 1942 as per London Gazette dated 22 September 1942 and AFRO 1653/42 dated 16 October 1942. Born 11 March 1920 in Britannia Beach, British Columbia; home there (mechanic); enlisted Vancouver, 13 July 1940. To Trenton, 16 August 1940. To No.2 ITS, 31 August 1940; promoted LAC, 12 October 1940; to No.3 AOS, 14 October 1940; to No.2 BGS, 6 January 1941; promoted Sergeant, 11 February 1941; to No.1 ANS, 16 February 1941. To Embarkation Depot, 26 March 1941; to overseas, 8 April 1941. Arrived in Britain, 2 May 1941. To No.23 OTU, 4 May 1941. To No.142 Squadron, 9 July 1941. To No.2 School of Air Navigation, 23 March 1942 or 2 May 1942. Commissioned 13 July 1942. To No.24 OTU, 20 August 1942, Promoted Flying Officer, 13 January 1943. Invested with award by King George, 15 December 1942. To Overseas Headquarters, 19 January 1944 for special leave (30 days) in Canada. Returned to Britain (March 1944) and although he expected a second tour, he was medically reboarded and found to be restricted to less than 6,000 feet, making a second tour impossible. Repatriated 11 May 1944. To No.5 OTU, 23 June 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 4 August 1944. To Release Centre, 14 September 1945. Released 18 September 1945. Photo PL-23755 is a portrait. Died in Seattle, Washington, 18 October 1989 as per Legion Magazine of February 1990. This airman has attained a very high standard of navigation. Whatever the opposition he has consistently obtained good results. He has participated in attacks against the majority of the highly defended targets in the Ruhr. This airman has at all times set an inspiring example. Public Records Office Air 2/9598 has recommendation raised on 21 July 1942 when he had flown 28 sorties (169 hours 40 minutes). 5 Aug 41 - Boulogne (7.30)- 2.20 over target 14 Aug 41 - Rotterdam (6.15) 16 Aug 41 - Cologne (6.40) 19 Aug 41 - Kiel (1.00)- Rear turret u/s, returned to base. 31 Aug 41 - Essen (6.05)- Bombed area in Ruhr; believe fires started. 7 Sept 41 - Berlin (7.50)- Bombed ¼ mile east of target. 8 Sept 41 - Kassel (6.35- Hit target - machine factory. 11 Sept 41 - Rostock (7.40) 15 Sept 41 - Hamburg (7.10) 29 Sept 41 - Stettin (8.45) 10 Oct 41 - Cologne (6.50) 30 Nov 41 - Emden (5.50) 16 Dec 41 - Wilhelmshaven (5.15) 28 Dec 41 - Wilhelmshaven (5.15) - Nine SBC x 30-lb incendiaries; Bullseye. One photograph. 9 Jan 42 - Brest (5.40)- Four bursts near Gneisenau. 10 Jan 42 - Wilhelmshaven (6.45)- Fires in NW part of city. 14 Jan 42 - Hamburg (6.10)- Bullseye - three bursts on target. 26 Jan 42 - Hanover (4.50) - Bombed Rotterdam - port motor unserviceable; six bursts at head of dock. 31 Jan 42 - St.Nazaire (7.15) - 10/10 cloud; bombed new 'drome west of Vannes; photo of bullseye. 6 Feb 42 - Brest (6.30) 11 Feb 42 - Bremen (5.35) 12 Feb 42 - German cruisers (3.15) - Daylight; [bombs] landed 100 yards off port bow of Scharnhorst; machine hit twice. 27 Feb 42 - Kiel (4.25) 5 May 42 - Stuttgart (8.45) 8 May 42 - Warnemunde (7.30)- Target identified and bombed 30 May 42 - Cologne (5.15) - Started fire south of aiming point. 1 June 42 - Essen (5.00)- Started fire in south of town. 14 July 42 - GARDENING (4.05)- Completed minelaying task. This Canadian observer has attained a very high standard of navigation since he has been in this squadron. His results have always been of the highest order despite the gravest opposition from enemy defences and climatic conditions. The most heavily defended areas of the Ruhr or German North Sea ports have not daunted his fearless courage or deterred him from locating and bombing his objective. His skilful work and cheerful disposition have been an inspiration to his crew and have done much to raise the standard of navigation in the squadron. He is strongly recommended for the Distinguished Flying Medal. Notes: Application for operational wing dated 18 January 1944 stated he had flown 29 sorties (181 hours 50 minutes), July 1941 to July 1942 Assessed at No.24 OTU, 10 July 1943 when he had flown 709 hours 35 minutes (69.55 in previous six months). “A keen, willing officer of average ability.” Assessed at No.24 OTU, 8 January 1944 when he had flown 773 hours 45 minutes (64.10 in previous six months). “This officer has worked hard and has at all times proved himself to be keen and efficient.” Assessed at No.5 OTU, 7 December 1944. “This officer is employed as a navigation instructor. He is very conscientious and carried out these duties in a very satisfactory manner,” (S/L W. Grierson-Jackson).