THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

ELWORTHY Samuel Charles

36056, Wing Commander, WW2

CITATION

Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG)

Gazetted Appointed 1977

Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KB)

Gazetted 27 December 1960, issue 42231, p8891

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Gazetted 1946

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 15 April 1941

In March 1941 this officer was detailed to carry out an attack on enemy shipping at Le Havre.  Sighting two enemy tankers of approximately 300 tons escorted by flak ships, he proceeded to attack one of the tankers from a low altitude, in spite of heavy and accurate ack ack fire from the flak ships scored a direct hit which set the tanker on fire.  On another occasion, whilst returning from a successful attack against an enemy dump, nearing Flushing aerodrome he was attacked by two ME-109s, but though his rear gunner was wounded he managed by skilful flying to throw off the enemy fighters and returned safely to base.  By his magnificent leadership and complete disregard of danger Wing Commander Elworthy has brought his squadron to the highest pitch of war efficiency

Member of the Royal Victorian Order, 4th Class

Gazetted 14 July 1953, issue 39912, p3917

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 7 March 1941, issue 35097, p1370

Air Force Cross

Gazetted 31 December 1940, issue 35029, p33

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 23 September 1941, issue 35284, p5570

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 29 December 1942, issue 35841, p35

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 11 January 1944, issue 36329, p287

KNOWN AWARDS

Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG)

Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KB)

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Distinguished Service Order

Member of the Royal Victorian Order, 4th Class

Distinguished Flying Cross

Air Force Cross

Knight of Justice of the Order of St John

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

       Mention in Despatches (3)

Coronation Medal 1953

Jubilee Medal 1977

Pakistan Independence Medal

NOTES

Born 23 March 1911, Gordon Valley, Timaru, New Zealand

Died 4 April 1993, Christchurch, New Zealand

Baron Elworthy of Timaru in New Zealand and of Elworthy, County Somerset, England

Marshall of the Royal Air Force, the Lord Elworthy

Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle and Lord Lieutenant of Greater London 1981-78