Flight Lieut. Richard Noel Francis WHALLEY

  General Notes:

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WHALLEY, F/L Richard Noel Francis (C2266) - Mention in Despatches - No.407 Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1943 as per London gazette of that date and AFRO 232/43 dated 12 February 1943. Home in Sydney, Nova Scotia. A clipping in his DHist biographical file states that he joined the Cape Breton Highlanders (NPAM) at age 16, was commissioned at 18, and left in 1936 to join the RCMP. His service took him to Ottawa for three years. On outbreak of war he enlisted in Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, but transferred to RCAF in Ottawa, 6 June 1940. Held admin posts at Rockcliffe, Picton, the Rockcliffe again (adjutant to a fighter squadron), then to Newfoundland, and finally to UK in August 1941 (the foregoing seems very crowded). Was adjutant to No.411 Squadron before going to No.407 Squadron. Managed to fly on eleven shipping strikes as a spare gunner, and to participate in a raid on Bremen. No citation in AFRO; DHist file 181.009 D.2620 (RG.24 Vol.20628) has recommendation for an MBE dated 18 August 1942 for services as Adjutant.

Before becoming Adjutant of this squadron in March 1942, Flight Lieutenant Whalley served as Adjutant on a Fighter Squadron in the United Kingdom from August 1941. He was posted to this unit at his own request as he wished to be in a squadron in which he could fly on operations. At the time of entry into the Royal Canadian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Whalley was turned down for flying duties as a pilot because of slight colour blindness.

As Adjutant of this squadron (and reports confirm that it was the same with his previous unit), Flight Lieutenant Whalley has been a most outstanding success. He carries out all tasks rapidly, methodically and thoroughly, and has undertaken many duties which would normally fall upon the senior officers. In this manner he has given both his commanding officer and the officers in charge of the flights the fullest opportunity to devote a major portion of their time to active flying duties. He has watched over the interests of all personnel with the greatest keenness and personal interest, and has assured for all ranks the very best possible conditions of living and opportunities for bettering their position in the service.

In addition to these onerous duties which have been performed so thoroughly, Flight Lieutenant Whalley has set a remarkable example to all ranks by his participation in active flying operations. He has flown with his commanding officer on every possible occasion in the capacity of additional observer. At this task he has proved particularly useful because of his marked aptitude for sighting enemy shipping. He has flown on nine operational flights, during which two ships have been definitely hit. Another of his operational flights was on the first thousand-bomber Bremen raid, when the aircraft in which he was flying made a first class attack on the objective. I consider that Flight Lieutenant Whalley has been largely instrumental in building this squadron into an efficient striking force.

Richard married Daphne June Fortescue DRIVER, daughter of Dr. Henry LLOYD DRIVER and Amy Vavasour BERRIDGE, on 21 Apr 1944 in Alfold, Sussex, England. (Daphne June Fortescue DRIVER was born in 1924 in England and died in 1976 in England.)

  Marriage Notes:

4 Children