Denis Eric Welfare RAF   F/L DFC  &  Bar Born in Ipswitch, Suffolk, 14 September 1924 He claimed he was born in 1922 on his application to join the RAF in February 1941 Trained in Scotland & at Kidlington Attended OTU, Church Fenton in February 1942 Sent to the Middle East Joined 272 Squadron in November 1942 Shot up by 109s on 22 May 1943 & Force landed in Tunisia Returned to the UK in July 1943 Took a flying instructors course Joined 239 Squadron in the Spring of 1944 Flew with F/O D. B. Bellis as his Navigator Emigrated to Australia in ?? and Joined the RAAF in 1963

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Waiting for wings. Denis is front row second from right Egypt - Fooling around with friends No.12 Course. Denis is front row 2nd from left

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FRIDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER, 1944
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO
The London Gazette
Of TUESDAY, the 12th of SEPTEMBER, 1944
Published by Authority, Registered as a newspaper

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 Denis WELFARE (119194), R.A.F.V.R., 239 Sqn.
Flying Officer David (Benjamin BELLIS (142922), R.A.F.V.R., 239 Sqn.

These officers have completed many sorties as Pilot and Navigator respectively. One night in June, 1944, during an operation in the Paris area, their aircraft was attacked by a Messerschmitt 110. This was subsequently destroyed though the encounter resulted in serious damage to their own aircraft. By skilful airmanship and excellent navigation the aircraft was flown safely back to base. The determination and skill of these officers have earned them many successes. They have destroyed four enemy aircraft.

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Two unidentified men & Denis & "Wuzzy"    "Wuzzy" & Denis

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TUESDAY, 9 JANUARY, 1945
THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO
The London Gazette
Of FRIDAY, the 5th of JANUARY, 1945
Published by Authority, Registered as a newspaper

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Flight Lieutenant Denis WELFARE, D.F.C. (119194), R.A.F.V.R., 239 Sqn.
Flying Officer David Benjamin BELLIS, D.F.C. (142922), R.A.F.V.R., 239 Sqn.

These officers have participated in a very large number of sorties in the capacity of pilot and observer respectively. They have shown the highest qualities of keenness and devotion to duty and have set a very fine example. They have destroyed 8 enemy aircraft, successes which are a fine tribute to their great skill and fighting spirit.

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Looks like Denis (2L) with Nav & ground crew

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Victories Include :

7.5 / 1 / 3

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Flying Wing Headquarters. No more props. He's front and center right with 'stache

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Thanks go out to

granddaughter Victoria for the photos & infos !

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