THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BAIGENT Cyril Henry

NZ411973, Acting Wing Commander, Royal New Zealand Air Force, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 17 July 1945

75 (NZ) Squadron, RNZAF.  Throughout three years of operational duty this officer has displayed conspicuous gallantry and exceptional determination.  Since the award of a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, he has taken part in many attacks against important and highly defended targets.  Both in the air and on the ground, Wing Commander Baigent has proved to be an able, keen and courageous leader, who has invariably set an inspiring example to all under his command

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 3 November 1942

15 Squadron RAF.  This officer, who has completed many sorties, has invariably displayed the greatest determination to complete his allotted task successfully.  During an operation against a target in Bremen, he flew over the area for a considerable time to identify his objective before releasing his bombs.  Although his aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire, he flew it back to this country and affected a masterly emergency landing.  Flight Lieutenant Baigent has set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.  Flight Lieutenant Baigent took part in the first and second 1000 bomber raids on Cologne on the night of 31 May – 1 June 1942, and Essen on the night 1-2 June 1942

Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 4 March 1944

115 Squadron RAF.  This officer has completed a very large number of sorties, including eight attacks on Berlin.  In an attack on the German capital one night in January 1944, Squadron Leader Baigent’s aircraft was repeatedly hit by cannon fire when attacked by fighters on approaching the target area.  One engine was set on fire, the turrets were rendered unserviceable, and other damage was sustained.  In spite of this, Squadron Leader Baigent pressed home his bombing attack and afterwards flew the damaged bomber to base.  He displayed great skill and determination to make the sortie a success.  Following this particular sortie Squadron Leader Baigent commented – “on landing we found one tyre completely missing which helped to make the landing an interesting one”

Air Force Cross

Gazetted New Year 1948

75 Squadron, RNZAF.  This officer was posted to 75 Squadron as a Flight Commander in October 1946 for Mosquito ferry training duties.  Early in 1947 he proceeded to the United Kingdom and delivered his first Mosquito to New Zealand.  Since then this officer has delivered two more aircraft from the United Kingdom.  Furthermore he has assumed command of the Squadron and despite the time occupied in flying, he has completed much valuable work in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and on the ferry route to make this difficult task of ferrying easier and more practical.  By his keenness and fine leadership he has maintained a high morale amongst aircrew of his Squadron and his never failing enthusiasm and energy have made him an outstanding figure and he has won the admiration and respect of all ranks.  Squadron Leader Baigent has now completed 1,572 hours flying of which 279 hours have been flown within the past six months

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Distinguished Flying Cross and bar

Air Force Cross

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 16 January 1923, Ashburton, New Zealand

Died 10 November 1953, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Buried Nelson, New Zealand