Henry Patrick "Pat" Lardner-Burke RAF   W/C DFC   &   Bar Born 27 June 1916 at Harrismith, Orange Free State, S.A. Joined the RAF in October 1939. Began flight training early in 1940 at 4 EFTS, Brough. Graduated from 57 OTU Hawarden, early 1941 & Posted to 19 Squadron, then to 46 Squadron in May. On 6 June they flew off HMS Ark Royal for Malta. In the engagement of 8 November 1941 (mentioned in the DFC citation), he was shot through the chest by a 12.7 mm (.50 cal) round that had gone through the armor plate behind him first. He managed to fly back to Malta and land. Sufficiently recovered, he was posted to UK in January. Once healed he served at 53 OTU. In May he became a gunnery instructor at Sutton Bridge. Posted to 222 as a Flight Commander in March 1943. To HQ Fighter Command, Stanmore in October Taking command of 1 Squadron in April until December When promoted to CO of the Coltishall Wing which he commanded until war's end. He passed away, 4 February 1970.

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Air Ministry, 2nd December 1941, ROYAL AIR FORCE
THIRD SUPPEMENT to The London Gazette of FRIDAY, the 28th of November 1941

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:

Distinguished Flying Cross

Pilot Officer Henry Patrick LARDNER-BURKE (87449), RAFVR, No. 126 Squadron.

In November 1941, this officer was the pilot of one of 4 aircraft which engaged a force of 18 hostile aircraft over Malta and destroyed 3 and seriously damaged 2 of the enemy's aircraft. During the combat Pilot Officer Lardner-Burke, who destroyed 1 of the enemy's aircraft, was wounded in the chest and his aircraft was badly damaged. Despite this, he skillfully evaded his opponents and made a safe landing on the aerodrome; he then collapsed. Throughout the engagement, this officer displayed leadership and courage of a high order. He has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft over Malta.

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Air Ministry, 9th February 1945,  ROYAL AIR FORCE
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT to The London Gazette of TUESDAY, the 6th of FEBRUARY,1945

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Acting S/L Henry Patrick LARDNER-BURKE, D.F.C. (87449), RAFVR, 1 Squadron

This officer continues to display a high degree of courage and resolution in his attacks on the enemy. Recently, he has led the squadron on many missions in the Ruhr area and throughout has displayed great skill and tenacity. Squadron Leader Lardner-Burke has destroyed seven enemy aircraft in air fighting. He has also most effectively attacked enemy targets on the ground.

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Victories Include : 19 Aug 1941 25 Aug 1941 4 Sept 1941 8 Nov 1941 27 Aug 1943 5 Sept 1943 8 Sept 1943 two MC200s one MC200 one MC200 one MC200 one MC202 one MC202 one FW190 one FW190 one FW190 1/2 Me109 destroyed & damaged destroyed destroyed destroyed & damaged destroyed & damaged destroyed destroyed 7.5 / 0 / 3 Score from Aces High [Shores & Williams]   The C/O of 222 with Phil Tripe & Pat Lardner-Burke stand with the 222 "Natal" Sqn. scoreboard in 1943

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Thanks go out to

daughter Anne, and Sarah over at The Old Flying Machine Company for the photos & infos !

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