THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

DEERE Alan Christopher

40370, Wing Commander, Royal Air Force, WW2

CITATION

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Gazetted

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 3 June 1943

This officer has displayed exceptional qualities of skill, which has displayed a large part in the success of the formations he has led.  His fearlessness,

tenacity and unswerving devotion to duty have inspired all with whom he has flown.  Wing Commander Deere has destroyed 18 enemy aircraft

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 14 June 1940, p3622

During May 1940, this officer has, in company with his squadron, taken part in numerous offensive patrols over Northern France, and has been

engaged in seven combats often against superior numbers of the enemy. In the course of these engagements he has personally shot down five

enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of others. On one occasion, in company with a second aircraft, he escorted a trainer aircraft to Calais

Marck aerodrome, for the purpose of rescuing a squadron commander who had been shot down there. The trainer aircraft was attacked by twelve

Messerschmitt 109s whilst taking off at Calais, but Pilot Officer Deere, with the other pilot, immediately attacked, with the result that three enemy

aircraft were shot down, and a further three severely damaged. Throughout these engagements this officer has displayed courage and determination in his attacks on the enemy.

Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 6 September 1940

Since the outbreak of war this officer has personally destroyed eleven, and probably one other, enemy aircraft, and assisted in the destruction of two more. In addition to the skill and gallantry he has shown in leading his flight, and in many instances his squadron, Flight Lieutenant Deere has displayed conspicuous bravery and determination in pressing home his attacks against superior numbers of enemy aircraft, often pursuing them across the Channel in order to shoot them down. As a leader he shows outstanding dash and determination

Distinguished Flying Cross (USA)

Gazetted 18 January 1944, p359

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Distinguished Flying Cross and bar

1939-45 Star

       Battle of Britain

Air Crew Europe Star

       France and Germany

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

Distinguished Flying Cross (USA)

Croix de Guerre (France)

NOTES

Born 12 December 1917, Auckland, New Zealand

Died 21 September 1995 England

His ashes were scattered over the River Thames from a Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight