George Leslie Sinclair

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SINCLAIR, P/O George Leslie (or Leonard) (41748) - Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded as per London Gazette dated 23 July 1940.

No published citation. A Sergeant G.R. Stephenson who appears to have been his usual gunner received a DFM at the same time. Public Records Office Air 2/6075 (Non-Immediate Awards, Air Component of the Field Force, 1940) has recommendation dated 29 May 1940, giving his name as Leslie and rank as Pilot Officer:

During the course of operations between 10th and 28th May 1940, Pilot Officer Sinclair has displayed coolness, courage and devotion to duty above the average. In particular on the 19th of May, 1940, whilst on a reconnaissance sortie in the Peronne area he found and attacked enemy tanks under heavy anti-aircraft fire. In spite of the fact that his machine was badly damaged by this fire he returned to a British aerodrome bringing back useful information.

On Monday, 27th May, whilst under heavy and very accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire he saw a large force of tanks in the St.Pol area. Despite the fire he came low and identified and attacked the enemy, returning again to his base with very valuable information.

For his coolness under fire and his courage, Pilot Officer Sinclair is recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross.

This was further refined for submission to the Air Ministry Honours and Awards Committee:

In a reconnaissance sortie in the Peronne area on the 19th May, 1940, this Pilot Officer attacked enemy tanks under heavy anti-aircraft fire. He returned to a British aerodrome with useful information despite his machine being badly damaged. Regardless of heavy and very accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire he attacked a large force of tanks in the St.Pol area on the 27th May and secured very valuable information. In all operations between the 10th and 28th May Pilot Officer Sinclair has displayed coolness, courage and devotion to duty.

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Vistories Include :

5 October 1944 - 1/5 one Me262  destroyed  *

* This was the first jet ever shot down in combat
shared with - RIA Smith - H Everard - J MacKay - B Davenport

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--- Canadian Aces ---

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