BOWERING [DFM], Rowland Dudley

Honoured Distinguished Flying Medal, Middle East / Mediterranean Theatre, No. 40 Squadron RAF. "On 24/10/1944 Flt. Sgt. RD Bowering was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on 24/10/1944 "for skill and determination in flying operations against the enemy". The official citation in his war service record reads: "Since March 1944 this airman has taken part in many operational sorties. In July 1944 he was rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack an airfield at Feuersbrun. The attack was made against fierce night fighter opposition and when his aircraft was engaged by a Junkers 88, Flight Sergeant Bowering gave his captain concise and accurate directions. He with held his fire until the enemy fighter was within close range, when a short and accurate burst of fire caused it to crash to the ground in flames. This airman has participated in attacks on many well defended and important targets in Italy, Romania and Bulgaria. In addition he has attacked ground defenses, including searchlights and gun sites with his guns, inflicting considerable damage on enemy installations and aircraft on the ground." In August 1944 he was promoted to Pilot Officer, with a further promotion to his final rank of Flying Officer in February 1945."

Last Name
BOWERING [DFM]
Given Names
Rowland Dudley
Service Number
429867
Distinguished Flying Medal
YES
Date of Birth
11/04/1922
Birth Location
Fitzroy South Australia
Enlistment Date
01/10/1942
Enlistment Location
Adelaide S.A.
Course Details
WAGS Course 35
Intake Date
04/02/1943
Kill Date or Discharge Date
06/09/1945 (Discharged)
Discharge Unit
ACAC
Rank
Flying Officer
Notes

Honoured Distinguished Flying Medal, Middle East / Mediterranean Theatre, No. 40 Squadron RAF. "On 24/10/1944 Flt. Sgt. RD Bowering was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on 24/10/1944 "for skill and determination in flying operations against the enemy". The official citation in his war service record reads: "Since March 1944 this airman has taken part in many operational sorties. In July 1944 he was rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack an airfield at Feuersbrun. The attack was made against fierce night fighter opposition and when his aircraft was engaged by a Junkers 88, Flight Sergeant Bowering gave his captain concise and accurate directions. He with held his fire until the enemy fighter was within close range, when a short and accurate burst of fire caused it to crash to the ground in flames. This airman has participated in attacks on many well defended and important targets in Italy, Romania and Bulgaria. In addition he has attacked ground defenses, including searchlights and gun sites with his guns, inflicting considerable damage on enemy installations and aircraft on the ground." In August 1944 he was promoted to Pilot Officer, with a further promotion to his final rank of Flying Officer in February 1945."

NAA Status
DIGITIZED
1 WAGS BOWERING Rowland Dudley - 429867
1 WAGS - BOWERING Rowland Dudley - 429867 Citation

Acknowledgements

National Archives of Australia - 1 WAGS BallaratUBC Web Design - 1 WAGS BallaratCity of Ballarat - 1 WAGS BallaratAPCO Alfredton - 1 WAGS BallaratDepartment of Veterans Affairs - 1 WAGS BallaratAustralian War Memorial - 1 WAGS BallaratRSL Virtual War Memorial - 1 WAGS Ballarat