Robert Bruce Cole   RAF   Wing Commander DFC   &   Bar Born 11 November 1919 in Quetta India The son of Lt/Col Robert Frank Cole, MBE, DCM Volunteered for the RAF in September 1939 Called up in June 1940 Gazetted P/O on probation 13 June 1940 (effective 2 April) With 250 Squadron in North Africa in 1941 Gazetted F/O (war sub) 19 May 1942 (effective 2 April 1942) Gazetted F/L (war sub) 1 June 1943 (effective 16 March 1943) With 274 Squadron in 1944 Commanded 3 Squadron starting in February 1945 He stayed with the RAf after the war Gazetted F/L on 9 May 1947 (effective 1 July 1946) Gazetted S/L 3 January 1950 (effective 1 January 1950) Gazetted W/C 27 December 1955 (effective 1 January 1956) C/O of the Tactics Branch of the All-Weather Wing of the CFE He also recieved the non-combat awards of the Air Force Cross & Bar and The King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air He was killed in a Canberra (WT529) crash, 16 January 1956

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Air Ministry, FRIDAY, 1 OCTOBER 1943

THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO The London Gazette Of TUESDAY, the 28th of SEPTEMBER, 1943

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

Flight Lieutenant Robert Bruce COLE (66483), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 250 Squadron.

Whilst serving on his first tour of operations Flight Lieutenant Cole participated in many sorties against enemy supply ships at Tobruk, during which he displayed great tenacity in pressing home his attacks. Although on one occasion his aircraft was shot down and he was wounded, Flight Lieutenant Cole returned to operations and has frequently led his squadron in bombing attacks. His courage and determination have been a commendable example.

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Air Ministry, FRIDAY, 4 MAY 1945

FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO The London Gazette Of TUESDAY, the 1st of MAY, 1945

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations:

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Squadron Leader Robert Bruce COLE, D.F.C. (66483), R.A.F.V.R., 3 Sqn.

This officer has a splendid record of war service. He has completed a very large number of sorties in various battle zones. He is a skilful and fearless fighter, whose brilliant leadership has contributed materially to the success of the squadron he commands. Squadron Leader Cole has personally destroyed 6 enemy aircraft; he has also put out of action a good number of locomotives and trucks, and effectively attacked several barges and numerous mechanical vehicles.

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Victories Include :

1 / 1 / 5.5

plus  1  On The ground

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Thanks go out to

Stefan Cole for the photo (showing "Bruce & Sheila") & info

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