THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

PRICHARD David Leatham

RAF 36203, Flying Officer, 75 (NZ) Squadron

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 24 July 1947

One night in June 1941, this officer carried out an attack against Cologne.While some distance from his target and when on the edge of a dense belt

of searchlights through which he had just flown.  Flying Officer PRICHARD’S aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter which opened fire

from very close range.  A cannon shell damaged his engine - almost severing one of the airscrew blades - while the rear gun turret was put out

of action.  Although forced to fly at reduced speed with subsequent loss of height and all powers of defence gone, Flying Officer PRICHARD

continued his mission overcoming almost insuperable difficulties before finally dropping his bombs in the target area.  Despite a harassing return

journey, he skilfully flew back to base where he successfully crash-landed his aircraft without injury to his crew.  On a previous occasion, Flying Officer

PRICHARD displayed great flying skill which enabled his crew to shoot down an enemy fighter which attacked his aircraft when returning home

from a successful attack on Brest.  Throughout the numerous operational flights in which he has participated, this officer has displayed a high

courage, skill and devotion to duty.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 15 November 1916, Dannevirke, New Zealand

Enlisted into RAF August 1939

Died 2 September 2007, Bournemouth, UK