Alan Stuart "Budge" Harker

RAF Flight Lieutenant

Distinguished Flying Medal

From Bolton, Lancashire
Joined the RAFVR in 1937 (#740826)
Called up in September 1939
Did twin-engined training on Ansons
Volunteering for night fighters, he was posted to 234 Squadron
234 Sqn. then converting from Blenheims to Spits in May 1940
He was commisioned in March 1941 (#63791)
Wounded in the arm on 1 April 1941 when his drome (Warmwell) was straffed by Luftwaffe fighters
He was shot down 19 May 1941 (convoy patrol) & crash landed
In early August he was posted to 53 OTU for rest (instructing)
In June 1942 he was sent to CGS (Central Gunnery School), Sutton Bridge as a Gunnery Instructor
Posted to Llanbedr APC in December 1943 (RP School)
Sent to Italy in July 1944 as MT Officer of a mobile radar unit
He became Operations Officer for American & Polish B-24 Liberator squadrons dropping supplies to (soon-to-be-forgotten) allies in Eastern Europe
Reseased from the RAF in November 1945
Retired to West Sussex
He died 6 August 1996

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THE LONDON GAZETTE, 22 OCTOBER 1940
ROYAL AIR FORCE
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following appointment and awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:

Distinguished Flying Medal

Sergeant Alan Stuart HARKER, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 740826

This airman has displayed courage and determination in engagements against superior numbers of enemy aircraft. His skill and marksmanship have enabled him to destroy at least five enemy aircraft.

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Victories Include :

8 Aug 1940
18 Aug 1940
4 Sep 1940
6 Sep 1940

7 Sep 1940

22 Sep 1940
15 Oct 1940

1/3 Ju88
two Me109s
one Me110
two Me109s
two Me109s
one Me109
one Me109
one Me109
one Ju88
1/2 Ju88

probable
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed
probable
probable
destroyed
damaged
destroyed
damaged

7 / 3.33 / 1.5

Claims & most details from Aces High 2nd ed. by Shores & Williams

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Thanks go out to

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

On these pages I use Hugh Halliday's extensive research which includes info from numerous sources; newspaper articles via the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC); the Google News Archives; the London Gazette Archives and other sources both published and private.

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