Nevil Everard Reeves RAF   Squadron Leader Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross  &  Bar Born in Naunton, Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire, in 1920 Attending Hanley Castle Grammar School, Worcester Enlisted in the RAFVR in the Spring of 1939 (#748096) Commisioned in December of 1941 (#110797) Sent to Malta with his R/O Arthur O'Leary DFM, in June 1942 (As part of 89 Nightfighter Squadron's detachment there) By September they had claimed 6 victories Their last Malta kill was on a day escort to torpedo Beauforts On returning to the Middle East, Reeves was promoted to F/O O'Leary to Warrant Officer In December, the duo were sent to Benina 'drome From here they were to defend Tripoli Both Reeves & O'Leary recieved DFCs In January 1943 Tour expired, Reeves returned to England Serving as flight commander at 239 Squadron, 100 Group He scored 4 more victories with that unit Late in 1944 he joined the BSDU and scored one final victory Then commanding 169 Squadron from January to August 1945 Killed in a Flying Accident, 27 January 1949, flying a Meteor

_________________________________________________

Distinguished Flying Cross

Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 February 1943

Flying Officer Nevil Everard REEVES (110797), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 89 Squadron

Since his arrival in Malta this officer has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft during darkness, and another in daylight, bringing his total victories to 7 aircraft destroyed. Throughout his operational career Flying Officer Reeves has displayed great skill, courage and devotion to duty.

_________________________________________________

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Supplement to the London Gazette, 14 May 1943

Flying Officer Nevil Everard REEVES, D.F.C. (110797), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 89 Squadron.

This officer is a most skilful and courageous pilot. In operations in the Middle East he has displayed exceptional keenness and great powers of endurance. Flying Officer Reeves has destroyed 9 enemy aircraft at night.

Warrant Officer Arthur Alexander O/LEARY, D.F.C., D.F.M. (630959), No. 89 Squadron.

Warrant Officer O'Leary is an observer of exceptional merit. He has invariably displayed great courage and keenness and has taken part in the destruction of 14 enemy aircraft at night.

_________________________________________________

Distinguished Service Order

Tuesday, 24 October 1944. Fourth Supplement to the London Gazette of Friday October 20th

Acting Squadron Leader Nevil Everard REEVES, D.F.C. (110797), R.A.F.V.R., 239 Sqn.

Within a short period Squadron Leader Reeves has shot down four enemy aircraft at night; 2 of them fell to his guns over Germany. This officer's brilliant work has been an outstanding example to the flight he commands and has been a great factor in raising the fighting qualities of the formation to a high standard.

_________________________________________________

Victories Include :

14 / 0 / 2

For further details on his claims see Aces High 2nd Ed.

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Thanks go out to

Andrew Long for the photo from his personal collection (Please do not copy)

And cousin Anthony for the corrections.

Some content on this site is probably the property of acesofww2.com unless otherwise noted.