Australians in the Battle of Britain. 5 August 1940

5 August was a red letter day for Dick Glyde. He had been on leave for a few days but on the 5th he, along with 87 Squadron’s CO Squadron Leader Dewar and fellow pilots Flight Lieutenant Jeff and Pilot Officer David, attended an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Dick was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation, which related to his service during the Battle of France, stated that he ‘showed great dash and offensive spirit and himself accounted for four enemy aircraft’. He was the first in his old school to receive the DFC and his home town papers trumpeted the news that ‘Perth Man Gets Flying Cross’ and ‘Verve in the Air. West Australian Awarded DFC’. 

A (crooked!) photo of Dick Glyde's medal group, including DFC.

It was a red letter day, too, for Ken Holland who commenced his operational training. ‘MASTERS!! Did three circuits in a Harvard and then two hours on a Master. Very nice but too light to land.’ It would not be long now before he was posted to a battle-hardened squadron.