SINCLAIR, F/L Andrew Lloyd (J17656) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.401 Squadron - Award effective 18 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 26 January 1945 and AFRO 471/45 dated 16 March 1945. Born in Paris, Ontario, 4 March 1919. Home there; educated there, 1925 to 1935, and took correspondence courses, Lasalle Extension School (Chicago), 1937-1940 (accounting). Accountant in Paris, 1935-1940. Enlisted in Hamilton, 11 November 1940. To No.119 (BR) Squadron, 31 December 1940. To No.3 ITS, 21 April 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 28 May 1941; posted that date to No.4 EFTS; graduated 15 July 1941 and posted to No.9 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 25 September 1941. To Embarkation Depot, 26 September 1941; to RAF overseas, 14 October 1941. To No.61 OTU. 16 December 1941. He stated that while at Heston OTU he flew in connection with search for German warships on the “Channel Dash”. To No.504 Squadron, 3 March 1942 operating in Northern Ireland against German long range reconnaissance aircraft. Commissioned 22 April 1942. To No.401 Squadron, 10 June 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 22 October 1942. To Malta, 10 January 1943. To Station Headquarters, Hal Far, 5 February 1943. To No.185 Squadron, 11 March 1943. To United Kingdom, 21 July 1943. Embarked for Canada, 29 August 1943, arriving 3 September 1943. To No.1 OTU, Bagotville, 7 October 1943. Estimates 33 hours on Hurricanes and 50 hours on Harvards while instructing operational flying and gunnery. To “Y” Depot, Lachine, 30 April 1944. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 25 May 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 18 November 1944. Seriously injured in road accident, 23 December 1944 (driving a 15-cwt truck, hit bridge at Veghel, Holland.. Repatriated 11 March 1945. To No.1 Composite Training School, Toronto, 23 March 1945. To No.1 Air Command Headquarters, Trenton, 15 November 1945. To Station Lachine, 19 November 1945 (liaison officer during repatriation of air and ground crew to Canada). To No.7 (Photo) Wing, Rockcliffe, 21 February 1946. To No.13 (Photo) Squadron, 1 April 1946 (later No.413 Squadron). Remained in postwar RCAF, reverting to Flying Officer on 1 October 1946 (26337). On detached operations, No.11 Photo Detachment, Lac du Bonnet, 2 June to 18 August 1948. He flew about 830 hours on Norseman (floats and skiis) establishing photographic points in the Arctic. To No.901 Air Traffic Admin Unit, Rockcliffe, 18 August 1948. To No.1 OTU, St. Hubert, 1 December 1948. To No.410 Squadron, St. Hubert, 11 January 1949. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 June 1950. To Air Defence Group Headquarters, St. Hubert. 6 June 1950. To No.427 Squadron, St. Hubert, 9 October 1952. To No.3 Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany, 23 February 1953 with move there of No.427 Squadron. Promoted Squadron Leader, 10 January 1955. To Flying Instructor School, Trenton, 30 April 1956. To No.2 Advanced Flying School, Portage, 16 August 1956. To Canadian Joint Staff, Washington, 16 August 1959 on exchange to Craig Air Force Base. To Training Command Headquarters, 1 March 1961. Retired 4 March 1966, Died in Winnipeg, 10 January 1980. Following victory compiled fro Directorate of History and Heritage cards plus Chris Shores, Those Other Eagles (Grub Street, London, 2004): 28 August 1942, one FW.190 damaged, Amiens area, Spitfire BS180, No.401 Squadron (Flight Sergeant at the time); 10 June 1943: one MC.202 destroyed (shared with another pilot), Sicily, Spitfire EN349, GL-C, No.185 Squadron; 7 July 1944, one FW.190 and one Bf.109 destroyed, Lisieux, Spitfire MK579, No.401 Squadron; 2 October 1944, one FW.190 damaged, south of Nijmegen, Spitfire MK698, No.401 Squadron;; 5 October 1944, one Me.262 destroyed (shared with four others); five miles northeast of Nijmegen, Spitfire MK698, No.401 Squadron. .Award presented 1 December 1948. // Flight Lieutenant Sinclair has served in both the Middle East and European theatres of war. While in the Middle East he destroyed at least one enemy aircraft. During the early stages of the invasion of Normandy he distinguished himself by destroying a further two enemy aircraft. In addition his devastating attacks against enemy transport, often in the face of intense fire from the ground defences, have inflicted considerable damage on enemy vehicles. In October 1944, Flight Lieutenant Sinclair attacked and shared in the destruction of an enemy jet propelled aircraft after a long and bitter struggle. More recently he has led a section of his squadron through heavy anti-aircraft fire in attacks against the enemy's rail communications in Germany and Holland. At all times he has displayed a high degree of courage and devotion to duty. // NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9045 has recommendation dated 14 November 1944 when he had flown 278 sorties (313 operational hours). Text slight more detailed than that published. // This officer is an experienced second tour pilot who has proved himself an invaluable asset to the squadron during the Normandy, Belgium and Holland campaigns. On his first tour in the Middle East he destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged another. // During the early stages of the Normandy invasion, Flying Officer Sinclair distinguished himself by destroying a further two enemy aircraft on one operation shortly after joining the squadron. His devastating attacks against enemy transport, often in the face of intense return fire from the ground defences, have resulted in the destruction or damaging of some 50 enemy vehicles. On October 5th, while on a routine patrol with the squadron over the vital Nijmegen bridge, this officer attacked and shared in the destruction of the first enemy jet propelled aircraft, an Me.262, to be shot down by the Royal Air Force or Royal Canadian Air Force. This was only accomplished after a long bitter struggle. // Lately he has participated and led sections of his squadron through intense flak to dive bomb the enemy's rail communications in Northwest Germany and Holland. Flying Officer Sinclair's aggressiveness and utter disregard of his own personal safety have been major factors in the successful operations of this squadron. // Notes: Accident, 28 August 1942, No.401 Squadron, Spitfire IX, serial BS180. Returning from a sweep and had reached England near Beachy Head. Throttle jammed so he force-landed at Friston.. Unable to lower speed, so to avoid hitting other aircraft he lowered flaps but retracted undercarriage to crash-land. Mechanical failure or error by fitter. // Application for Operational Wing dated 1 February 1944 listed sorties as follows: // No.504 Squadron: // 10 May 1942 - Offence (1.20, one e/a engaged) // 12 May 1942 - Defense (1.30) // 22 May 1942 - Defense (45 minutes) // 29 May 1942 - Defense (1.40) // 1 June 1942 - Offense (45 minutes, one e/a engaged) // No.401 Squadron: // 16 June 1942 - Defence (1.15) // 19 June 1942 - Defence (1.10) // 19 June 1942 - Offense (1.10, Cap Gris Nez) // 20 June 1942 - Offence (1.30, Calais, St. Omer) // 21 June 1942 - Defence (1.05) // 29 June 1942 - Offense (1.25, Hasbrouk) // 1 July 1942 - Defence (1.30) // 5 July 1942 - Defence (40 minutes) // 5 July 1942 - Defence (1.15) // 5 July 1942 - Defence (1.15) // 7 July 1942 - Defence (1.00) // 9 July 1942 - Defence (1.00) // 12 July 1942 - Offense (1.15, St. Omer) // 20 July 1942 - Offense (1.15, St, Omer) // 21 July 1942 - Defence (55 minutes) // 21 July 1942 - Defence (1.20) // 22 July 1942 - Defence (1.30) // 22 July 1942 - Defence (1.30) // 12 August 1942 - Offence (1.30, Dieppe) // 19 August 1942 - Offence (1.30, Dieppe) // 19 August 1942 - Offence (1.25, Dieppe) // 19 August 1942 - Offence (1.15, Dieppe) // 20 August 1942 - Offence (1.40, Amiens) // 27 August 1942 - Offence (1.45, Rotterdam) // 28 August 1942 - Offence (1.40, Amiens) // 29 August 1942 - Offence (1.50, Meaulte) // 31 August 1942 - Defence (1.00) // 1 September 1942 - Defence (1.05) // 6 September 1942 - Offense (1.40, Meaulte) // 7 September 1942 - Offense (1.55, Rotterdam) // 8 September 1942 - Offense (1.25, Dieppe) // 10 September 1942 - Offense (1.05, Dieppe) // 11 September 1942 - Defence (1.30, Dieppe) // 16 September 1942 - Offense (45 minutes, Dieppe) // 17 September 1942 - Defence (1.15) // 24 September 1942 - Defence (1.25) // 26 September 1942 - Defence (1.20) // 26 September 1942 - Offense (2.15, Morlaix) // 29 September 1942 - Defence (1.25) // 2 October 1942 - Offense (1.50, Portez) // 8 October 1942 - Defence (35 minutes) // 9 October 1942 - Offense (1.55, Portez) // 21 October 1942 - Offense (1.20, Morlaix) // 24 October 1942 - Defence (1.05) // 24 October 1942 - Offense (1.25) // 25 October 1942 - Offense (1.10, Dieppe) // 27 October 1942 - Defence (55 minutes) // 30 October 1942 - Defence (1.10) // 30 October 1942 - Defence (1.35) // 31 October 1942 - Offense (1.25) // 1 December 1942 - Defence (1.15) // 4 December 1942 - Offense (1.00, St, Omer) // 4 December 1942 - Offense (1.25) // 5 December 1942 - Offense (40 minutes) // 6 December 1942 - Offense (1.30, Lille) // No.185 Squadron // 12 January 1943 - Offense (40 minutes, scramble) // 15 January 1943 - Offense (45 minutes, scramble) // 16 January 1943 - Offense ( 1.15, scramble) // 18 January 1943 - Offense (1.05, Lampedusa) // 25 January 1943 - Offense (45 minutes, scramble) // 28 January 1943 - Offense (1.35, Lampedusa) // 29 January 1943 - Offense (1.05, Pachimo) // 22 February 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 23 February 1943 - Offense (55 minutes, scramble) // 24 February 1943 - Offense (1.05, scramble) // 25 February 1943 - Offense (1.10, scramble) // 28 February 1943 - Offense (1.10, scramble) // 28 February 1943 - Offense (20 minutes, scramble) // 1 March 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 2 March 1943 - Offense (1.20, Lampedusa) // 2 March 1943 - Offense (1.20, Lampadusa) // 4 March 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 7 March 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 8 March 1943 - Offense (1.15, scramble) // 17 March 1943 - Offense (1.05, scramble) // 24 March 1943 - Offense (25 minutes, scramble) // 24 March 1943 - Offense (25 minutes, scramble) // 24 March 1943 - Offense (25 minutes, scramble) // 25 March 1943 - Offense (55 minutes, scramble) // 29 March 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 29 March 1943 - Offense (55 minutes, scramble) // 5 April 1943 - Offense1.25 (Porto Emmdolle) // 5 April 1943 - Offense (1.10) // 6 April 1943 - Offense (1.20, patrol over island) // 11 April 1943 - Offense (2.15, Pantellaria) // 12 April 1943 - Offense (1.10, Syracuse) // 20 April 1943 - Offense (1.05, patrol over island) // 22 April 1943 - Offense (10 minutes, scramble) // 26 April 1943 - Offense (1.30, Augusta) // 27 April 1943 - Offense (55 minutes, scramble) // 29 April 1943 - Offense (15 minutes, scramble) // 30 April 1943 - Offense (2.45, Pantellaria) // 7 May 1943 - Offense (15 minutes, scramble) // 8 May 1943 - Offense (1.35, Porto Empcoele // 12 May 1943 - Offense (2.00, Reggio) // 14 May 1943 - Offense (1.00, Comiso) // 14 May 1943 - Offense (40 minutes, scramble) // 20 May 1943 - Offense (1.40, Lampadusa) // 20 May 1943 - Offense (1.20, Lampadusa) // 25 May 1943 - Offense (55 minutes, Lampadusa) // 26 May 1943 - Offense (45 minutes, scramble) // 26 May 1943 - Offense (40 minutes, Comiso) // 29 May 1943 - Offense (1.00, patrol island) // 29 May 1943 - Offense (15 minutes, patrol and scramble) // 30 May 1943 - Offense (1.20, Gela) // 31 May 1943 - Offense (30 minutes, scramble) // 1 June 1943 - Offense (1.00, island patrol) // 1 June 1943 - Offense (1.05, scramble) // 3 June 1943 - Offense (15 minutes, scramble) // 3 June 1943 - Offense (1.20, scramble) // 4 June 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 4 June 1943 - Offense (50 minutes, search) // 8 June 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 8 June 1943 - Offense (1.10, scramble) // 9 June 1943 - Offense (1.10, island patrol) // 10 June 1943 - Offense (1.45, Catania) // 10 June 1943 - Offense (40 minutes, scramble) // 15 June 1943 - Offense (50 minutes, scramble) // 18 June 1943 - Offense (1.00, scramble) // 22 June 1943 - Offense (1.05, Comiso) // 26 June 1943 - Offense (1.05, island parol) // 27 June 1943 - Offense (50 minutes, scramble) // 28 June 1943 - Offense (1.20, Ger Brini) // 29 June 1943 - Offense (50 minutes, island patrol) // 6 July 1943 - Offense (40 minutes, Comiso) // 9 July 1943 - Offense (1.20, Comiso) // 10 July 1943 - Offense (1.45, Air/Sea Rescue) // 10 July 1943 - Offense (1.40, cover for shipping) // 11 July 1943 - Offense (1.15, Catania) // 13 July 1943 - Offense (1.15, cover shipping) // 13 July 1943 - Offense (1.50, Gerisrini) // 14 July 1943 - Offense (1.25, Paterno) // 15 July 1943 - Offense (1.20, patrol Sicily) // 16 July 1943 - Offense (1.45, Paterno) // 17 July 1943 - Offense (1.30, Catania) // 20 July 1943 - Offense (1.50, Catania) // 20 July 1943 - Offense (1.45, Catania) // Application for Operational Wing dated 8 June 1944 claimed 170 sorties (196 hours), 14 March 1942 to 22 July 1943 with Nos,504, 401 and 185 Squadrons. // Application for Bar to Operational Wing dated 7 March 1945 claimed 150 sorties (180 hours), June to December 1944 with No.401 Squadron. // Flying times as of July 1947 were as follows - Fleet (59.55), Harvard (165.10), Spitfire I, II, V, IX and XII (505.30), Norseman (215), Dakota (1.00), Mitchell (2.25), Canso (3.00), Anson (5.30), Master (20 minutes), Magister (2.10), Tiger Moth (1.30) and Hurricane (46.55) // Flying times reported as of 31 December 1955 were ad follows - Finch (45.00), Tiger Moth (10.00), Magister (15.30), Harvard (419.00), Master (4.50), Spitfire (600.00), Hurricane (33.00), Norseman (830.25), Canso (51.00), Mitchell (6.35), Lancaster (6.30), Expeditor (156.25), Dakota (68.25), B-26 (7.50), Vampire (70.00), T-33 (50.30), F-84 (58.40) and F-86 (356.05). // // Training: Interviewed 16 October 1940 when assessed as High Average - “Very good type. Intelligent and athletic. Well recommended.” // Attended No.3 ITS, 22 April to 28 May 1941. Courses in Mathematics (72/100), Armament (68/100), Signals (59/100), Hygiene and Sanitation (34/40), Drill (72/100) and Law and Discipline (37/60). Placed 69th in a class of 147. “Excellent type, sincere and responsible. Keen and interested in flying.” // Attended No.4 EFTS, 28 May to 15 July 1941. Fleet Finch - 28 hours 45 minutes dual, 31 hours five minutes solo. Was 5.40 on instruments. Logged ten hours in Link. “Progress normal. General flying smooth. A little slow at aerobatics. Instrument flying good. Expresses desire for Fleet Air Arm.” (W.S. Wrathall, Chief Flying Instructor). Marked in Airmanship (119/200), Airframes (84/100), Aero Engines (50/100), Signals, practical (94/100), Theory of Flight (50/100), Air Navigation (158/200) and Armament, oral (147/200). Placed 21st in a class of 29. “Neat and clean cut appearance, pleasant personality, future commission material. Conduct good.” // Attended No.9 SFTS, 15 July to 25 September 1941. Harvard aircraft - 39 hours day dual, 43.50 day solo, 1.55 night dual, 8.30 night solo. Scored 508/750 - “Average pilot.” Courses in Airmanship and Maintenance (102/200), Armament, written (64/100), Armament, practical (78/100), Navigation (88/150), Meteorology (36/50 on supplemental), Signals, written (61/100) and Signals, practical (46/50). In ground school considered below average - “lacks ability to apply himself” although deportment good. Placed 48th in a class of 53. // Course of 1 December 1948 to 11 January 1949 was Vampire conversion. Scored 96 percent on Vampire Technical paper. Flew in Harvard (22 hours 35 minutes) and Vampire )six hours 30 minutes). “An average pilot who converted to Vampire aircraft satisfactorily.” // Selected Assessments: “A hard working and capable instructor.” (S/L F.B. Foster, No.1 OTU, Bagotville, 22 November 1943). // “During his tour of duty with this squadron this officer has proved himself to be a very keen and efficient flight commander.” (S/L W.T. Klersy, No.401 Squadron, 7 January 1945) // “Average pilot and has adapted himself to Northern flying of seaplanes very satisfactorily.” (S/L J.A. Wiseman, 28 August 1946). To this is added, “On becoming lost on his first long range flight over unmapped country displayed common sense and foresight resulting in the aircraft being readily found with no damage. Average officer.” (G/C R.F. Gibb). // “Flight Lieutenant Sinclair has served as a Staff Officer Operations at Air Defence Command Headquarters for the past year and a quarter. He is a capable, loyal and conscientious officer who carries out his duties to the best of his ability. He has just average ability as a staff officer but has shown gradual improvement and makes up for any lack of experience by his conscientious and hard work. He has a rather quiet manner and is popular and well liked by his fellow officers. His private life and financial affairs are in perfect order. He is considered suitable for promotion in turn.” (W/C William M. Foster, ADC HQ, 23 August 1951). // “Flight Lieutenant Sinclair is a capable Flight Commander who has been Acting Squadron Commander of his squadron for over eight months of the past year. A very experienced fighter pilot and gunnery instructor, this officer conducted his squadron in a creditable manner. Flight Lieutenant Sinclair has a tendency to be stubborn. He does, however, carry out to the full the orders of his superior officers. This officer failed the last Flight Lieutenant promotion examinations which has greatly disturbed him since he feels that this is a major set-back in his career.” (W/C C.L.V. Gervais, No.3 Wing, 18 September 1954).