Operation: Dunkirk cover patrol

Date: 28th May 1940 (Tuesday)

Unit: No. 54 Squadron (motto: Audax omnia perpeti - 'Boldness endures anything')

Type: Spitfire I

Serial: N3180

Code: KL-?

Base: RAF Manston, Kent

Location: Nieuwpoort, Belgium

Pilot: P/O. Alan Christopher Deere 40370 RAF Age 23. Slightly injured

REASON FOR LOSS:

During the cover for the Dunkirk evacuation his Spitfire was holed in the radiator by return fire from a Bf109 from 7(F)./LG2. P/O. Deere turned off the Merlin and belly landed on the beach at 17:30 hrs - injured forehead. Pilot fired the aircraft.

P/O. Deere returned by sea on the 09th July.

He survived a number of bale outs including:

1940-07-09 Spitfire I N3183: Scramble. Collided with Me109 and force landed near Manston. Aircraft struck off charge. Walked away with minor cuts and burns, but back on patrol the following day.
1940-08-15 Spitfire I R6981: Baled out over Ashford after combat with Me109. Aircraft crashed at Pope Street, Godmersham 19:00 hrs. Pilot admitted to East Grinstead Hospital with a suspected broken wrist.
1940-08-28 Spitfire I R6832: Patrol. Baled out after being shot down by another Spitfire over Detling at 13:00 hrs.The Spitfire was targeting a Bf109 at the time.
1940-08-31 Spitfire I R6895: During take off bombed by enemy fighters crashed from 100 ft and the Spitfire inverted. at 13:15 hrs. Suffered slight injuries.

DFC citation awarded on 14th June 1940:

'During May, 1940, this officer has, in company with his squadron, taken part in numerous offensive patrols over Northern France, and has been engaged in seven combats often against superior numbers of the enemy. In the course of these engagements he has personally shot down five enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of others. On one occasion, in company with a second aircraft, he escorted a trainer aircraft to Calais Marck aerodrome, for the purpose of rescuing a squadron commander who had been shot down there. The trainer aircraft was attacked by twelve Messerschmitt 109's whilst taking off at Calais, but Pilot Officer Deere, with the other pilot, immediately attacked, with the result that three enemy aircraft were shot down, and a further three severely damaged. Throughout these engagements this officer has displayed courage and determination in his attacks on the enemy.'

2nd DFC citation awarded on 06th September 1940:

'Since the outbreak of war this officer has personally destroyed eleven and probably one other enemy, aircraft and assisted in the destruction of two more. In addition to the skill and gallantry he has shown in leading his flight, and in many instances his squadron, Flight Lieutenant Deere has displayed conspicuous bravery and determination in pressing home his attacks against superior numbers of enemy aircraft, often pursuing them across the Channel in order to shoot them down. As a leader he shows outstanding dash and determination.'

DSO citation awarded on: 04th June 1943:

'This officer has displayed exceptional qualities of skill which have played a large part in the successes of formations he has led. His fearlessness, tenacity and unswerving devotion to duty have inspired all with whom he has flown. Wing Commander Deere has destroyed 18 enemy aircraft.'

USA DFC citation awarded on 18th January 1944:

'For extraordinary achievement while leading his Wing as fighter escort for medium bombers of the Eighth Air Force on more than 15 missions over enemy occupied Europe. Wing Commander Deere devoted untiring energy assisting in the development of new, untried tactics for medium bombardment aircraft. In order to observe the effectiveness of the new tactics, he personally led his Wing as cover for the bombers on the first mission. The successful bombing of a heavily defended target without the loss of an airplane is in a large measure due to the planning, skill and leadership of Wing Commander Deere. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of His Majesty’s Government.'

Croix de Guerre (1939-1945) citation awarded March 1944:

'Wing Commander Deere took part in protective operations covering the Dunkirk evacuation, securing four victories and, two days later, two new victories. He participated in the Battle of Britain. And on 53 occasions he led the French fighter groups “Ile de France” and “Alsace” in operations over occupied territory. His total victories are 21 with an addition of seven probables.'

OBE: January 1st, 1946

Promotion ladder:

09th January 1938: Acting Pilot Officer
28th October 1938: Pilot Officer
May 1940: Acting Flight Lieutenant
28th July 1940: Flying Officer
01st August 1941: Acting Squadron Leader
28th July 1941: Flight Lieutenant
14th December 1942: Acting Wing Commander
14th June 1943: Squadron Leader
01st July 1951: Wing Commander
01 January 1958: Group Captain
01st July 1964: Air Commodore

Burial details:

Survived the war as a Squadron Leader. 22 confirmed victories, 10 probable victories and 18 damaged. He was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in May 1945 and went on have a prestigious post-war career, including service as Aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II in 1962. Remained in the RAF and retired as an Air Commodore in October 1967 but continued as the RAF Director of sport until 1977 (civilian position). Passed away on the 21st September 1995, aged 77 years. His ashes were scattered over the River Thames from a Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Wrote the book 'Nine Lives (Witness to War)' Goodall Publications Ltd. 200 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0907579823.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2026 Last Modified: 29 October 2019, 23:48