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Introduction

This article has been submitted by Joseph Ritson, a volunteer story-gatherer for the ��ѿ��ý “People’s War” website on behalf of the ��ѿ��ý Radio Cumbria CSV Action Desk. The author has read and understands the terms of the “People’s War” website.

In the Royal British Legion at Egremont, Cumbria are several framed photographs, medals and citations of local people were given gallantry awards while serving in the Armed Forces. One of these is Squadron Leader Jack Blair who was awarded the DFM and DFC during World War Two. The citations for these awards are displayed on the wall in Egremont RBL below a photograph of Jack Blair, and are included in this article.

DFM Citation

This is the citation for the award of the DFM for Jack Blair, which is displayed below his photograph on the wall at Egremont British Legion:

“RECOMMENDATION FOR THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL TO 984600 SERGEANT J.E. BLAIR OF NO 103 SQUADRON

This NCO has at all times shown the highest possible courage and devotion to duty, and has succeeded in achieving an operational record of which the squadron can be proud. Although he has completed a large number of raids, Sergeant Blair has only on one occasion been engaged in actual combat.

This occurred during the daylight raid on Brest on the 24th July 1941, when Sergeant Blair was Rear Gunner in the leading aircraft of a section of three which was attacked by an enemy aircraft over the target area. This aircraft was destroyed by the combined efforts of the gunners of the formation.

Sergeant Blair’s Captain, Squadron Leader Lane, gives him an excellent report and I personally consider his work, both in the air and on the ground, merit’s the award for which he is recommended. His quiet manner and determined spirit are a valuable asset in the air and have earned the complete confidence of the remainder of the crew, and the squadron as a whole”.

DFC Citation

This is the citation for the award of the DFC for Jack Blair, which is displayed below his photograph on the wall at Egremont British Legion:

“RECOMMENDATION FOR THE AWARD FOR THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS TO FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.E. BLAIR D.F.M. OF NO 97 SQUADRON

This officer has flown on a large number of operational sorties. In September 1943, when attacking Munich, his aircraft was intercepted by an enemy fighter. Flight Lieutenant Blair’s excellent directions to his Captain enabled the attacker to be frustrated.
An excellent Air Gunner, he has always displayed the greatest keenness to fly on operations and contributed largely to the high standards of gunnery in the unit”.

Conclusion

Squadron Leader Jack Blair DFC DFM was shot down over the Netherlands while on a mission to Duisburg, Germany on 22 May 1944. By this time he was serving with 156 Squadron. All but one of the crew was killed. The six aircrew that died were interred at Molensgraaf in the Netherlands.

I would like to thank Ian Cavaghan, Secretary of Egremont Royal British Legion and Jack Blair’s son Eddie for their help while researching this story. Other articles for the “People’s War” project give additional information about Jack Blair. These are listed below:

Related “People’s War” articles about Squadron Leader Jack Blair:

1. “Egremont’s most famous airman”: Squadron Leader Jack Blair DFC, DFM
(Article Reference: A5541716, posted 5 September 2005)

2. 156 Squadron bombing mission to Duisburg, 21 — 22 May 1944
(Article Reference A6519873, posted 29 October 2005)

3. Egremont Royal British Legion honours the town’s ‘most famous airman’
(Article Reference: A7584023, posted 6 December 2005)

4. Squadron Leader Jack Blair: his family’s story
(Article Reference: A7584212, posted 6 December 2005).

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