User:Zawed/Sandbox3
Roy Lelong | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 December 1917 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Died | 25 August 1940 (aged 31) |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar |
Roy Emile Lelong DFC & Bar, AFC (17 December 1917 – ) was a New Zealand flying ace who served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) during the Second World War. He is credited with the destruction of at least eight aircraft.
Early life
[edit]Roy Emile Lelong was born on 17 December 1917 at Auckland, in New Zealand.
Second World War
[edit]He and McLaren were duly awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC); the citation for both officers, published in The London Gazette, read:
These officers are pilot and navigator of aircraft respectively. They have completed very many sorties during which they have effectively attacked numerous locomotives, sundry barges and much mechanical transport. In October, 1944, they saw 13 Dornier 24s at their moorings at a Baltic base. Flying Officer Lelong immediately dived to the attack. His first burst of fire struck one of the flying boats which burst into flames. For tea minutes he pressed home a series of attacks, frequently flying through the thick smoke and debris hurled in the air by exploding aircraft, 5 of which were left in burning, broken and sinking condition; two more were emitting dense smoke. A little later, when out to sea, a B.V. 138 was encountered. A sharp engagement ensued. Following a burst of machine gun fire from Flying Officer Lelong's guns the enemy aircraft broke away with smoke pouring from it. Some time afterwards, whilst over enemy territory the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. One engine was put out of action but Flying Officer Lelong went on to reach base. Throughout this spirited sortie, this gallant and dauntless pilot was splendidly supported by his navigator, Pilot Officer McLaren, whose undoubted ability, great coolness and resolution contributed materially to the success achieved.
— London Gazette, No. 36883, 9 January 1945[1]
The duo were awarded Bars to their DFCs. The published citation for Lelong's Bar read:
This officer has completed a large number of sorties, many of them involving attacks on airfields far into enemy territory. By the skilful execution of his most careful plans, Flying Officer Lelong has inflicted much loss on the enemy: Included in his successes is the destruction of 5 enemy aircraft in the air; he has also most effectively attacked several more on the ground. Fearless, cool and determined, this officer has set an example of a high order.
— London Gazette, No. 37075, 11 May 1945[2]
Postwar career
[edit]Le Long became wing leader at the RAF's Leuchars station at the start of 1953. The squadrons there, Nos. 43 and 222, operated Meteor jet fighters and in preparation for the Queen's coronation on 2 June, Le Long trained them for the ceremonial flypast.[3]
He was awarded the United States Air Medal in recognition of his service in Korea.[4]
He was awarded the Air Force Cross in the 1956 New Year Honours.[5]
Military aviation historians Christopher Shores and Clive Williams credit Lelong with having destroyed eight German aircraft...[6]
Notes
[edit]- ^ "No. 36883". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 January 1945. p. 274.
- ^ "No. 37075". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 May 1945. p. 2487.
- ^ Spencer, Tom. "Last of Its Kind". Key Aero. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
- ^ "No. 39999". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 October 1953. p. 5768.
- ^ "No. 40669". The London Gazette (Supplement). 2 January 1956. p. 34.
- ^ Shores & Williams 1994, p. 494.
References
[edit]- Hanson, C. M. (2001). By Such Deeds: Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force 1923–1999. Christchurch: Volplane Press. ISBN 0-473-07301-3.
- Lambert, Max (2014). Victory: New Zealand Airmen and the Fall of Germany. Auckland: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 978-1-77554-043-4.
- Rawlings, John (1976). Fighter Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London: MacDonald & James. ISBN 0-354-01028-X.
- Shores, Christopher; Williams, Clive (1994). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots of the British and Commonwealth Forces in WWII. London: Grub Street. ISBN 1-8-9869-7000.
- Thompson, H. L. (1956). New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force. Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45. Vol. II. Wellington: War History Branch. OCLC 300089346.