De Silva, Desmond Michael (Warrant Officer 2)

Home in Georgetown, British Guiana; enlisted in Ottawa, 18 March 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 15 July 1941), No.12 EFTS (graduated 4 August 1941), and No.6 BGS (graduated 29 September 1941). 623 Squadron. Stirling aircraft EH 925 failed to return from operations. Addendum: - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.218 Squadron - Award effective 13 May 1943 as per London Gazette dated 18 May 1943 and AFRO 1078/43 dated 11 June 1943. The citation reads - "Flight Sergeant De Silva is an exceptionally skillful and courageous air gunner. He has been engaged on operational duties since May 1942, and took part in the "1,000 bomber raid" on the Ruhr and Cologne. On one occasion, while on mine-laying operations in the Balkans, the aircraft in which Flight Sergeant De Silva was flying as rear gunner was heavily engaged by anti-aircraft fire and sustained severe damage. By his very accurate gunnery, this airman was instrumental in preventing further damage to his aircraft. One more than one occasion Flight Sergeant De Silva has attacked and set on fire locomotives on enemy territory and once, while on a sortie against Wilhelmshaven, drove off an enemy fighter, though wounded in the hand. He is a most efficient gunner who can be relied upon to complete his duties effectively." Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario.