"Mentioned in dispatches"

[jmp]

Thank you Ann very much for that.  It is a site I was unaware of.  I will certainly try and contact hugh to see if anything I have would be of interest to him

Best wishes
Jackie

[annsa]

Jackie,

I posted for you on the RAF COmmands site as Hugh has appeared with some postings so I grabbed him whilst I could. If you e mail/send me a personal message I will send you Hugh's e mail address. My mail is:
sadler.aAT virgin.net, replacing the AT with the obvious. Here's what he has replied:

' The following represents all I know at the moment about Phillips, and I will welcome any more (including biographical notes) that might be added:
PHILLIPS, Robert Horton, F/O (100093, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) - No.15 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 29 December 1942. Air Ministry Bulletin 8793 has citation.

"Flying Officer Phillips has taken part in many operational sorties when his aircraft has been heavily engaged by enemy defences and badly damaged but this has never deterred him from his efforts to locate and bomb the target. On one occasion when his aircraft was attacked and damaged by a night fighter, his skilful evasive tactics enabled his rear gunner to destroy the enemy fighter. At all times this officer's courage and devotion to duty have been of a high order."

PHILLIPS, Robert Horton, F/L, DFC (100093, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) - No.571 Squadron - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944. Following text from Flight, 4 January 1945.

"Flight Lieutenant Phillips has displayed qualities of captaincy and leadership of the highest order. Undeterred by most difficult and hazardous circumstances, he has consistently set a fine example to all by his high courage and determination."

PHILLIPS, Robert Horton, F/L, DFC (100093, Royal Air Force) - No.7 Squadron - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 13 March 1945.

"This officer is an outstanding captain who has completed more than 90 operational missions. One night in January 1945 he piloted an aircraft in an attack against Munich. The operation called for a high degree of skill and resolution. In spite of considerable fire which was directed at his aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Phillips made two runs over the target to ensure accuracy. His fearlessness, skill and devotion to duty were well illustrated on this notable sortie."

Hope that helps you.

Regards,

Ann

[jmp]

Thank you Ann for all your efforts.  You are a star!!

I have sent you a personal message but just wanted to post publically as well to thank you for what will be lovely news for my mother who is in her late 80's.  She will be over the moon to read the citations

Thank you again for all your help

Best wishes
Jackie

[annsa]

Hi Jackie,

Thank Hugh not me as he is the one with the information to hand. I was certain that he would have something as he is researching aerial DSOs.

All the best,

Ann

[Arranroots]

Wow Steve and Ann!

You (and Hugh) really came up trumps!

Well done

kind regards, Arranroots 

[jmp]

Yes Arranroots, I am really thrilled as you can imagine.  Its my mothers 89th birthday on Sunday and I am going to give her a copy of this because as you can appreciate it will mean so much to her.

Best wishes and thanks to all that helped
Jackie