MASON ARGUE SGT(AG) R184880. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed In Action Oct.22/43 age 19. #158 Squadron (Strength In Unity). Halifax aircraft # LW 297 was shot down at Holzhaussen, Germany during a night trip to Kassel, Germany. Sgt.s G.T. Boswell (RAF), J. Cahill (RAF), J.B. Cameron (RAF), M.E. Cipriani (RAF), A.J. Richards (RAF), and F. Wilkinson (RAF) were also killed. One other member of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards was buried in the south-east corner of the Holzhausen Cemetery, exhumed, and reburied in the Limmer British Cemetery at Hanover, Germany.

CHARLES STANLEY RUTHERFORD SGT(AG) R69694. From Woodstock, Ontario. Killed In Action Jul.7/41 age 20. #115 Squadron (Despite The Elements), Marham, Norfolk, England. Target - Munster, Germany. Please see Strachan W.A. for casualty list and flight detail. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

DUDLEY JACK F/O(P) J21619. From Excel, Alberta. Killed Feb.25/43 age 20. #403 Wolf Squadron (Stalk And Strike). F/O. Edwards was flying in clouds and lost control of his Spitfire aircraft # BF 287. He was killed when the aircraft went into a spin and crashed at Stone Green Farm, Marsham, England. Flying Officer Pilot Edwards is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.

GEORGE SYDNEY FS(P) R71736. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed In Action Nov.28/42 age 20. #249 Squadron (Pugnis Et Calcibus). FS. Edwards lost his life after he received a homing fix to Malta and then flew his Spitfire aircraft in the opposite direction. Flight Sergeant Pilot Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Malta War Memorial, Malta.

HARRY DAVIES P/O(P) 41837 - Royal Air Force. From Winnipeg, Manitoba. Killed In Action Oct.7/40 age 24. #92 Squadron (Aul Pugna Aut Morere). P/O. Edwards fought in the Battle of Dunkirk and was shot down during the Battle of Britain. He was killed when his Spitfire aircraft crashed at Smeeth, Kent. P/O. Edwards was an ace credited with having destroyed five enemy aircraft. He once downed a German Heinkel aircraft then landed beside it to help the crew to get out of their burning bomber. Pilot Officer Pilot Edwards is buried in the New Cemetery, Folkestone, Kent, England.

JOHN HARVEY F/O(P) J21216//R109350. From Vancouver, British Columbia. Killed In Action Apr.7/43 age 21. #405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft lost. Please see Stuart R.V. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Pilot Edwards is buried in the Communal Cemetery, St. Martin, on lie de Re, in the Bay of Biscay, Charenet-Maritime, France.

LLOYD GEORGE WO2(P) R69087. From Sault St. Marie, Ontario. Killed In Action Oct.10/42 age 20. #92 Squadron (Aut Pugna Aut Morere). WO. Edwards was killed when he made a belly landing in his Spitfire aircraft in the sea 400 yards off the coast, twenty five miles west of Daba. WO. Edwards had been injured on October 12, 1941 when he crashed at Horstead Hall in Spitfire # P 7971 . He was landing when he crashed one mile south of the aerodrome at Cotishall. Warrant Officer Class II Pilot Edwards is buried in the Hadra Cemetery, Alexandria, Egypt.

MEDWYN P/O(OB) J7790. From Corwin, North Wales. Killed In Action May.29/42 age 31. #415 Swordfish Squadron (Ad Metam). Hampden aircraft lost. Please see Sargent D.H. for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Observer Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green. Egham, Surrey, England.

RALPH THEODORE SGT(P) R84371. From Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A. Killed Apr.2/42 age 25. #101 Operational Training Unit. Tiger Moth aircraft crashed. Please see P/O. R.L. Keniston for flight detail. Sergeant Pilot Edwards is buried in the Burial Ground at Kidlington, Oxfordshire, England.

ROBERT GEORGE SGT(WAG) R125516. From Chapleau, Ontario. Killed In Action Jul.31/43 age 20. #408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom). Halifax aircraft # JD 365 was shot down over Cologne, Germany during night operations against Remscheid, Germany. Sgt.s F. Berry (RAF), A.E. Chalk (RAF), J. Crammond (RAF), and W.L. Reed (RAF) were also killed. Two of the crew, not Canadians, were taken Prisoners Of War. Sergeant Wireless Operator Air Gunner Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

ROBERT WILLIAM SGT(AG) R180425. From Winnipeg, Manitoba. Killed In Action Jan.21/44 age 21. #419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Magdeburg, Germany. Please see Tobin W.B. for casualty list and flight detail. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards is buried in the Berlin War Cemetery, Charlottenburg, Germany.

RUSSELL IRWIN FS(AG) R153973. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed In Action Mar.13/43 age 20. #199 Squadron (Let Tyrants Tremble). Wellington aircraft # HZ 263 missing during night operations, location unknown, presumed enemy action. Four of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards is buried in the General Cemetery, Bergen, Holland.

WILLIAM EARL SGT(AG) R191580. From London, Ontario. Killed In Action Dec.21 /43 age 19. #78 Squadron (Nemo Non Paratus). Halifax aircraft # LW 330 was returning from a night trip to Frankfurt, Germany when it struck the ground at a steep angle, disintegrated and burst into flames at Howden, Yorkshire. Sgt. J.M. Blake and five of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.

ALBERT GORDON F/L(N) J13417//R156042. From Bolton, Ontario. Killed In Action Mar.15/45 age 23. #431 Iroquois Squadron (The Hatiten Ronteriios). Target - Hagen, Germany. Please see Repsys P.P. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Lieutenant Navigator Edwards is buried in the Communal Cemetery, Perwez, Brabant, Belgium.

H.D. 41837. P/O. Edwards was killed on September 11, 1940, not October 07, 1940. Detail provided by F. McAfee, Regina, SK.

EDWARDS, P/O Gordon James (RAF 177700) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 17 November 1944. Born 1921 in Milford Haven, Pembroke; home there; educated at County School. Served in the ranks; commissioned June 1944. No citation other than "completed operations with courage and devotion to duty." Air Ministry Bulletin 16345/AL.922 refers. Public Record Office Air 2/8828 has recommendation drafted by G/C R.J. Lane (giving his Christian names as George James) and dated 20 August 1944 when he had flown 38 sorties (169 hours 29 minutes) as follows: * counted as 1/3 sortie ** Duty Not Carried Out; sortie not counted 15 Feb 44 - Berlin (6.41) 25 Feb 44 - Augsburg (6.55) 1 Mar 44 - Stuttgart (6.46) 15 Mar 44 - Stuttgart (6.44) 18 Mar 44 - Frankfurt (4.40) 22 Mar 44 - Frankfurt-am-Main (5.19) 24 Mar 44 - Berlin (6.49) 30 Mar 44 - Nuremburg (6.47) 18 Apr 44 - Terquier (2.58)* 24 Apr 44 - Karlsruhe (2.10)** 26 Apr 44 - Villeneuve St.George (3.57)* 27 Apr 44 - Montzen (3.16) 3 May 44 - Montdidier (3.03) 10 May 44 - Ghent (2.24) 11 May 44 - Boulogne (2.39) 19 May 44 - Le Mans (4.04) 22 May 44 - Le Mans (4.33) 31 May 44 - Trappes (3.54) 2 June 44 - Trappes (3.23) 5 June 44 - Longues (3.08) 10 June 44 - Versailles (3.46) 12 June 44 - Amiens (2.37) 15 June 44 - Lens (2.23) 16 June 44 - Renescure (1.54) 17 June 44 - Oisement (2.25) 24 June 44 - M-Straete (1.56) 28 June 44 - Metz (5.11) 2 July 44 - Oisement (2.12) 7 July 44 - Caen (2.26) 10 July 44 - Nucourt (2.42) 20 July 44 - Courtrai (2.03) 23 July 44 - Kiel (5.17) 24 July 44 - Stuttgart (7.02) 25 July 44 - Stuttgart (7.18) 28 July 44 - Stuttgart (6.16) 4 Aug 44 - L'isle Adam (2.49) 7 Aug 44 - TOTALIZE 5 (2.27) 8 Aug 44 - Lucheux (2.50) 10 Aug 44 - La Pallice (5.14) 12 Aug 44 - Russelheim (4.43) This officer is a skilled Bomb Aimer is a very successful crew. He has participated in many raids against strongly defended enemy areas, but this has not deterred him from successfully carrying out his allotted tasks in a highly efficient and courageous manner. The devotion to duty displayed by Pilot Officer Edwards under most trying circumstances is highly commendable. Strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Note: For a Combat Report in his career (? March 1944) see DFC entry for F/L R.W. Long, RCAF.

EDWARDS, G/C Douglas Muir (C126) - Air Force Cross - No.1 SFTS - Award effective 1 January 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. Born in Ottawa, 29 September 1908, educated at RMC. As Gentleman Cadet, appointed Provisional Pilot Officer for period 24 June to 31 August 1929 (first year of RCAF training): Entitled to pilots wings, 22 October 1930, and placed on RCAF Permanent List as Pilot Officer on that date. Promoted Flying Officer, 22 October 1931. Posted from Camp Borden to Trenton, 31 October 1931. Returned to Camp Borden, 31 January 1933. To No.12 Detachment, Winnipeg, 12 November 1935. Very active training No.12 Squadron (later No.112 Squadron). Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 April 1936. To courses abroad, Britain, to attend course at Central Flying School, 23 January 1939 to 25 March 1939. On return, posted to Trenton, 29 May 1939. When sent to UK he had to sign a document promising to remain in RCAF for at least two more years. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 April 1939. Early in 1940 became first CO, Central Flying School, Trenton. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 December 1940. Became CO, No.1 SFTS, Camp Borden, 1 May 1942; posted overseas in March 1943 for service in No.6 Group (station CO at Linton and Croft). Promoted Group Captain, 1 November 1943. Reported in May 1944 to have flown as second pilot with No.433 (Iroquois) Squadron on recent raid on Lille (his pilot was S/L C.W. Huggins). Further reported to have flown at least one sortie to Caen in July or early August 1944. In August 1944 was appointed RCAF Liaison Officer to US 9th Air Force to end of hostilities (7 September 1944 to 9 September 1945). At war's end was appointed Air Attaché in Paris. On return to Canada he attended National Defence College, then to AFHQ in October 1951 as Director of Air Intelligence. Retired 5 January 1961. Died 3 March 1966 in Germany. RCAF photo PL-22105 (ex UK-5709 dated 20 October 1943) taken when Duchess of Gloucester (Air Chief Commandant of the WAAF) visited an RCAF bomber base and met Women’s Division personnel - shown with Edwards and Section Officer Alice Trotter (Little Current, Ontario). AFC recommended 7 September 1942 by A/V/M G.O. Johnson. Group Captain D.M. Edwards was appointed to command the Central Flying School on the reorganization in March 1940. During the period of his command the school trained over 900 instructors. The excellent results were achieved not only by the sound basic organization which was incorporated in this school by Group Captain Edwards but also by the amount of flying instruction that he personally gave during his tenure of office. An excellent pilot, Group Captain Edwards set an outstanding example to those pupils who served under him and who were instructed by him. He has completed 2,500 hours of flying of which 1,800 hours have been on flying instructional duties. NOTE: The following is Johnson's original submission; words in bold were pencilled out: Group Captain D.M. Edwards was appointed to Command the Central Flying School on the reorganization in March 1940. During the period of his command the school trained over 900 instructors. The excellent results were achieved not only by the sound basic organization which was incorporated in this school by Group Captain Edwards but also by the amount of flying instruction that he personally gave during his tenure of office. An excellent pilot, Group Captain Edwards set an outstanding example to those pupils who served under him and were instructed by him, and the devotion to duty shown by this officer should not pass unrecognized. After a period of Air Force Headquarters, Group Captain Edwards was posted to command No.1 SFTS, Camp Borden where he is continuing to show outstanding leadership, particularly in flying. He has completed 2500 hours flying of which 1800 hours have been on flying instructional duties. It is therefore felt that a suitable reward for this officer's work, particularly in regard to flying instruction that he has accomplished, should be the Air Force Cross. EDWARDS, G/C Douglas Muir, AFC (C126) - Mention in Despatches - Attached 9th USAAF - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. No citation in AFRO or biographical file. DHist file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Volume 20648) has a recommendation for MiD submitted from No.64 Base to No.6 Group Headquarters, 28 July 1944, which may have been the basis for this award. Noted that he had served in Canada 12 years 11 months, and 14 months in England. Station Commander, Croft. Group Captain Edwards, through his firm but cheerful leadership, has built up an unusual "esprit de corps" on his station. He has imbued his squadrons with an exceptionally strong desire to excel all other squadrons in their Group in all aspects of their training and operational work. Through his personal enthusiasm and interest he has greatly improved the buildings and their surroundings on his station, which is of the dispersed type. This had contributed immeasurable to the morale and well-being of his personnel. EDWARDS, G/C Douglas Muir, AFC (C126) - Air Attaché, Paris - Croix de Guerre with Silver Star (France) - AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947. EDWARDS, G/C Douglas Muir, AFC (C126) - Air Attaché, Paris - Air Medal (United States) - AFRO 165/48 dated 19 March 1948. EDWARDS, G/C Douglas Muir, AFC (C126) - Air Attaché, Paris - Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France) - AFRO 737/48 dated 4 December 1948.

PUGH, F/L John Edwards, MC (C3059) - Member, Order of the British Empire - No.2 Recruiting Centre - Award effective 1 January 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. Born in Great Soughall, Chester, England, 29 April 1890, and educated there, 1896-1906. Joined Department of Indian Affairs, 1913. Served Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1917 and in RFC and RAF, 1917-1918, flying FE2d (51 hours), Armstrong-Whitworths (165 hours) and DH.4s (218 hours); awarded MC, 22 June 1918 for services in No.25 Squadron. Postwar he returned to Indian Affairs; home at Cardston, Alberta. Joined RCAF at Calgary, 9 November 1940 with rank of Flying Officer in Administration Branch. To Trenton, 16 November 1940 for Administration Course. To Recruiting Centre, Edmonton, 20 December 1940 to be Interviewing Officer. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 29 December 1941 when posted to No.2 Recruiting Centre, Calgary. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 December 1942. To No.3 Recruiting Centre, Edmonton, 1 April 1944. To No.4 Training Command Headquarters, Calgary, 24 June 1944. Transferred to Class ?E? Reserve, 17 August 1944 on return to duty at Blood Indian Reserve. Award presented by Governor general, 16 April 1943. Died in New Westminster, British Columbia, 28 May 1966 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. F/L J.E. Pugh, MC, has been engaged in recruiting duties in this Command for two years and for the past seven months has been Commanding Officer of a Recruiting Centre. During this time F/L Pugh has worked unusually hard and has cheerfully devoted all his time and energies to recruiting personnel for the RCAF. His efforts in creating and stimulating interest among the public has been notable, and as a result he has succeeded in filling the demands made on his Recruiting Centre in a most successful manner over a period of many months. The interests of the Service come first with Flight Lieutenant Pugh at all times. He is capable and efficient - a Commanding Officer who has the welfare of those serving under him at heart always. Recommendation raised 4 November 1942 by A/C G.R. Howsam, No.4 Training Command; text essentially as above. Notes: Interviewed at Calgary, 1 July 1940 by F/O R.H. Cowan who noted that although over-age, he came with a very favourable reputation as Indian Agent on the Blood Reserve. His recruiting duties took him on Temporary Duty to many places such as Medicine Hat and Bow Lakes; several times he was recorded simply as being ?mobile? and at least once in May 1943 he was at ?Innis Jail, Alberta.? Letter dated 22 April 1941, F/L H.E. Jones (Commanding Recruiting Centre, Edmonton) to Air Officer Commanding, No.4 Training Command (excerpt) reads: This officer has been employed at this station since 24 December 1940 and in the past has been utilized as a Mobile Recruiting Officer, Attestation Officer, Administration Officer and has at times assumed temporary command of the station in the absence of the Commanding Officer. In all these duties his assiduousness has been commendable. He has good common sense, patience and personality. Moreover he exhibits a good grasp of Administration and could be considered for promotion. A memo dated 2 December 1941 (G/C H.P. Crabb to DPR) dealt with his posting from Edmonton to Calgary, noting: ?Since it is highly desirable that there be an Interviewing Officer at Recruiting Centres with ?Wings? and since at present no officer other than the Commanding Officer at the Calgary Recruiting Centre is in possession of ?Wings?, it is requested that F/O J.E. Pugh, C3059, be posted from the Edmonton Recruiting Centre to the Calgary Recruiting Centre.?

EDWARDS, S/L Gerard John James (J14045) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 8 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Born in Sudbury, October 1921. Home in Aylmer East, Quebec, Enlisted in Ottawa, 14 October 1940 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon. To Prince Rupert (guard), 17 November 1940. To No.2 ITS, Regina, 23 December 1940. Graduated 24 January 1941 and promoted LAC. To No.6 EFTS, Prince Albert, 26 January 1941. Graduated 31 March 1941. To No.10 SFTS, Dauphin, 2 April 1941. Graduated 21 June 1941). To Central Flying School, Trenton, 15 July 1941. Employed as a flying instructor at No.13 SFTS, St. Hubert, 1 September 1941 to 10 January 1943. Commissioned 1 July 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 January 1943. To “Y” Depot, 21 September 1943. Disembarked in Britain, 17 March 1943. On strength at Bournemouth, 17 March to 1 May 1943. Attended General Reconnaissance School, 1 May to 1 July 1943. To No.18 (Pilots) AFU, 20 July 1943; attached No.1513 Beam Approach Training Flight, 24-31 August 1943. To No.24 OTU, Honeybourne, 19 October 1943 (Whitley aircraft). To No.61 Base, 8 February 1944. Detached to Battle School, 8-22 February 1944. Attached to No. 1659 Conversion Unit, 22 February to 22 March 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 29 April 1944. To No.428 Squadron, 24 March 1944 (detached to Staff School, Cranwell, 1 May to 15 June 1944). Promoted Squadron Leader, 12 August 1944. Attached to No.420 Squadron, 16 October 1944. Promoted Wing Commander, 24 October 1944 and posted to No.420 Squadron to command. To No.62 Base, 24 November 1944. To No.6 Group Headquarters, 15 February 1945. To No.64 Base, 20 May 1945 (organizing Lancaster transfers to Canada). Repatriated in June 1945L To Eastern Air Command Headquarters, 23 July 1945. To Station Dartmouth, 18 September 1945. To RCAF Staff College, 15 February 1946. To AFHQ, 19 August 1946. Served in postwar RCAF (20515), reverting to Squadron Leader. To RCAF Headquarters in Directorate of Organization and Establishments, 19 August 1946. To Canadian Joint Staff Washington, 12 April 1948 (assigned to USAF Headquarters Planning Staff, Washington). To AFHQ, 20 August 1950 on appointment as Military Member, Privy Council Secretariat and then Assistant Secretary to Chiefs of Staff in Ottawa. Promoted Wing Commander, 19 June 1951. Appointed Commanding Officer, No.435 Squadron, 8 August 1952. Awarded Queen's Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953 as Wing Commander, No.435 Squadron. To Air Transport Command Headquarters, 1 May 1954 as Senior Air Staff Officer. Assigned to Directing Staff, Royal Air Force College Cranwell (Bracknell, England), 1 July 1957. Returned to Air Transport Command Headquarters as Chief Staff Officer, 23 August 1959. Promoted Group Captain, 28 October 1959. Attended National Defence College, Kingston (29 August 1963 to 30 July 1964). On 31 July 1964 he assumed the post of Director of Postings and Careers (AFHQ), To be Director of Senior Appointments (Air Force), July 1965. Promoted Air Commodore, 24 July 1966. Appointed Chief of Staff, Force Requirements and Doctrine in Headquarters, Mobile Command, 25 July 1966. Appointed Commander, 10 Tactical Air Group, 15 August 1968. To Directing Staff, National Defence College, Kingston, 7 July 1969. To be Senior Liaison Officer, Canadian Defence Liaison Staff, Washington, 29 June 1970. Promoted Major-General, 15 July 1974 and appointed Commandant of National Defence College, Kingston, 1 August 1974. Retired as Major-General, 4 October 1976. Died in Victoria, British Columbia, 5 January 1986. RCAF photo PL-31968 (ex UK-14222 dated 24 August 1944) shows S/L G.J. Edwards (St. Lambert, Quebec, No.428 Squadron) discussing trip to Stettin with Major J.W. Nicholson, No.6 Group anti-aircraft expert from London. RCAF photo PL-33918 (ex UK-16586 dated 17 November 1944) shows him soon after taking over Snowy Owl squadron. PL-33919 (ex UK-16587) shows him with aircraft “City of London”. No citation other than that he had "completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 12 September 1944 when he had flown 30 sorties (172 hours 15 minutes), 25 March to 10 September 1944. // Squadron Leader Edwards has displayed exceptional ability as captain of aircraft, with great resource, coolness and determination. He has flown in thirty sorties with the squadron, including two attacks on Stettin, two on Stuttgart, Brunswick, Bremen, and various French targets. On each occasion, he had reached the objective and bombed successfully. On the ground he has shown great initiative, co-operative spirit and administrative ability as Flight Commander and his efforts and example have contributed materially to the efficiency of the squadron. // I recommend the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, with high priority, in recognition of his outstanding service and ability. // The sortie list was as follows: // 25 March 1944 - Aulnoye (6.20, second pilot) // 29 March 1944 - Paris (6.40) // 30 March 1944 - Gardening (5.25) // 9 April 1944 - Lille (5.25) // 10 April 1944 - Ghent (4.55) // 13 April 1944 - Gardening (4.25) // 17 April 1944 - Gardening (6.00) // 24 April 1944 - Villeneuve (5.50) // 27 April 1944 - Aulnoye (5.20) // 29 April 1944 - Gardening (50 minutes; duty not carried out) // 30 April 1944 - Gardening (6.05) // 3 May 1944 - Gardening (5.15) // 5 May 1944 - Gardening (5.20) // 9 May 1944 - Gardening (5.30) // 10 May 1944 - Ghent (5.00) // 12 May 1944 - Gardening (4.10) // 14 May 1944 - Gardening (4.55) // 21 May 1944 - Gardening (5.10) // 1 June 1944 - Gardening (4.20) // 14 June 1944 - St. Pol (4.05) // 15 June 1944 - Boulogne (3.45, day) // 20 July 1944 - L’Hey (3.20, day) // 24 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.50) // 25 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.55) // 9 August 1944 - Coulonvillers (4.20, day) // 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (6.30) // 14 August 1944 - Falaise (4.50, day) // 16 August 1944 - Stettin (7.45) // 18 August 1944 - Bremen (6.30) // 29 August 1944 - Stettin (9.45) // 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (5.05) // EDWARDS, W/C Gerard John James, DFC (J14045) - Mention in Despatches - No.62 Base (Base Air Staff Officer) - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1395/45 dated 31 August 1945. AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas"; DHist file 181.009 D.1725 (PAC RG.24 Vol 20607) has list of MiDs this date with unit. DHist file 181.009 D.1722 (PAC RG.24 Vol.20606) has recommendation by A/C J.L. Hurley (OC No.62 Base) dated 3 February 1945. // Wing Commander Edwards, after a successful tour in which he commanded No.420 (RCAF) Squadron, is now employed at this Base as Wing Commander Operations. The zeal and energy of this officer were well known to me during his command of 420 Squadron and although he has been Wing Commander Operations at this Base for a comparatively short time, his organizing and administrative ability have shown excellent results. He has spared no effort in visiting and checking of squadrons within the Base with very gratifying results. // Selected Assessments: 7 October 1944, Middleton St. George, when he had flown 33 sorties (187 hours 55 minutes, 30 hours in last six months. “An outstanding officer who has contributed to a very great degree to the success of his squadron.” (Air Commodore Hull). Also, “An outstanding worker who has been an excellent flight commander and who I definitely recommend as suitable for further promotion.” (G/C H.T. Miles). // 23 August 1945 - “Wing Commander Edwards played a very large part in the organization and despatch of the 6 Group Lancasters from England to Canada. His work has always been of the highest order and he would be a definite asset to the post war air force.” (G/C A.C. Hull). // 1 October 1953 - “W/C Edwards has done a first class job of building up and operating 435 Squadron. He is a competent captain of C-119s and Dakotas. He is well liked and well respected by his personnel. I have the greatest confidence on this officer’s ability to command an operational squadron or to do any staff job in this Headquarters. W/C Edwards should go far in the RCAF.” (G/C Z.L Leigh). // 1 April 1959 - “W/C Edwards is a thoroughly efficient and popular member of the Directing Staff. He has a sound, logical mind and is able to convey his knowledge to others in an interesting and persuasive manner. It is this ability, together with his even temper, good sense of humour and a conscientious approach to all his work, which has enabled him to strike an exact balance between his tutorial responsibilities and an easy, friendly relationship with his students. He takes great care to meet his flying commitments in full, although they are much greater than those of his RAF colleagues. In every way open to them, W/C Edwards and his wife have been excellent representatives of their country.” (G/C D.L. Pitt, RAF Staff College.)

EDWARDS, F/L Thomas Kenneth (J22622) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.582 Squadron - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 13 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born in Ottawa, 25 December 1921. Home in Dearborn, Michigan. Attended William Ford School and Fordson High School. Studied Horticulture and was working as a tree surgeon. Enlisted in Windsor, 2 March 1942 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.6 ITS, 18 July 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 11 September 1942 when posted to No.1 BGS; graduated 6 November 1942 and posted next day to No.8 AOS; graduated and commissioned 21 December 1942. To “Y” Depot, 12 January 1943. To RAF overseas, 2 February 1943. To No.2 (Observer) AFU, April 1943; attended No.28 OTU, 25 May to 12 August 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 23 June 1943. To No.1656 Conversion Unit. To No.7 Squadron, 17 October 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 15 March 1944. To No.582 Squadron, 1 April 1944. Repatriated 28 February 1945. To No.16 SFTS, 26 April 1945. To No.10 EFTS, 29 April 1945. To No.2 Air Command Headquarters, 15 September 1945. To No.2 Release Centre, 28 November 1945. Retired 30 November 1945. Operated a shoe repair business in Montreal; reported to have died 12 January 1965. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". Public Records Office Air 2/9026 has recommendation dated 20 July 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (164 hours 30 minutes), 23 November 1943 to 2 July 1944. * daylight sortie 23 November 1943 - Berlin 2 December 1943 - Berlin 3 December 1943 - Leipzig 29 December 1943 - Berlin 1 January 1944 - Berlin 5 January 1944 - Stettin 20 January 1944 - Berlin 27 January 1944 - Berlin 28 January 1944 - Berlin 30 January 1944 - Berlin 15 February 1944 - Frankfort-on-Oder 19 February 1944 - Leipzig 20 February 1944 - Stuttgart 24 February 1944 - Schweinfurt 25 February 1944 - Augsburg 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart 11 April 1944 - Aachen 21 April 1944 - Cologne 27 April 1944 - Aulnoye 30 April 1944 - Somain 27 May 1944 - Rennes 31 May 1944 - Montcouple 6 June 1944 - Longues 7 June 1944 - Juvisy 10 June 1944 - Laval 14 June 1944 - Douai 15 June 1944 - Lens 23 June 1944 - Coubronne 28 June 1944 - Blainville-sur-Eau 30 June 1944 - Villers Bocage* 2 July 1944 - Oisemont* Flight Lieutenant Edwards is a most reliable Special Equipment operator of a good marking crew. He has on many occasions performed the task of Master Bomber and has produced successful results. He displays an amazing thirst for operations and his skill as a set operator combined with his initiative and determination in action has been a source of inspiration, not only to his own crew but to the squadron as a whole. He has made a valuable contribution to the squadron's operational effort. This officer has carried out many attacks on heavily defended targets; eight of them have been on Berlin. He is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. EDWARDS, F/L Thomas Kenneth, DFC (J22622) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.582 Squadron - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 13 April 1945 and AFRO 824/45 dated 18 May 1945. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross Flight Lieutenant Edwards has continued to operate with courage and devotion to duty of a high order. A determined and skilful air bomber, he has played a large part in the many successes achieved by his crew.