CHURCH, F/L Robert Douglas (J3266) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.148 Squadron - Award effective 27 May 1942 as per London Gazette dated 2 June 1942 and AFRO 880-881/42 dated 12 June 1942. Born Ottawa, 4 May 1910; enlisted there 4 June 1940. To No.1 ITS, 24 June 1940. Graduated and promoted LAC, 15 July 1940; to No.1 AOS, 19 July 1940; to No.1 BGS, 13 October 1940; to No.1 ANS, 24 November 1940; promoted Sergeant, 25 November 1940. Graduated and commissioned 24 December 1940. To temporary assignment, 31 December 1940. To RAF overseas, 21 January 1941. Promoted Flying Officer, 29 December 1941. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 28 February 1942. Repatriated 19 September 1942. To No.13 EFTS, 7 November 1942. To No.2 SFTS, 23 January 1943. Qualified as pilot, 14 May 1943. To No.1 Flying Instructor School, 28 May 1943. To No.2 SFTS, 22 July 1943. To AFHQ, 29 June 1944. To Canadian Air Liaison Mission to Southeast Asia, 28 June 1944, returning to Canada 4 December 1944. To Release Centre, 4 January 1945; retired 1 February 1945. Award presented 25 February 1944. Died in Toronto, 12 March 1998. Public Record Office Air 2/9588 notes that when he was recommended he had flown 429 operational hours and 41 sorties. As an observer this officer has performed his operational tasks in an efficient and conscientious manner. He has at all times shown great keenness and courage thereby setting an excellent example to his fellow navigators. For the past three months he has fulfilled the duties of Squadron Navigation Officer.