Image submitted
by Mike Grobbel
Secretary - Board of Directors, Michigan Heroes Museum.
DEREMO, 2nd
Lieutenant John (*James) Carlos - Distinguished Flying Cross - Awarded
as per London Gazette dated 3 June 1919. Formerly in CEF; home in
Toronto (student) - Mentioned in Despatches, June 1917 (probably
for CEF service); with No.15 Squadron, 23 May to 18 November 1918;
hospitalized for two days; rejoined No.15 Squadron, 20 November
1918 to 2 February 1919; No.59 Squadron, 2 February to 4 April 1919.
No published citation other than "in recognition of distinguished
services rendered during the war". The following does not read
like a citation but does come from Air Ministry.
Update:
Feb' 2020. It has been confirmed by Mike Grobbel that correct
name is "James Carlos Deremo". A PDF download was also
submitted. Downloadable here
300kb.
Thank you Mike.
More
information can be found at the Michigan
Heroes Museum site.
|
No.15
Squadron, has during his service with the squadron taken over 1,200
successful photographs of the enemy positions, under the most adverse
conditions.
Also, the following from file AIR 1/1057/204/5/1560 (MG.40 D.1 Volume
20), a submission from his commanding officer dated 26 November 1918:
Two days before hostilities ceased this officer engaged a large body
of troops and transport from the air, and while doing this was heavily
engaged by machine gun fire. His rudder control was shot away and
the tanks pierced. Lieutenant Deremo landed about two miles on the
enemy side of the lines and hid in a wood until dusk when he made
his way to our lines. He brought in a most valuable report as to the
enemy's movements and intentions, part of which information was gleaned
from civilians in the vicinity of his hiding place.
Public Record Office Air 1/1511 has the recommendation as of 15 February
1919, forwarded by Lieutenant-Colonel G.W. Dawes, Officer Commanding,
No.3 Brigade, Royal Air Force.
This officer has over 3 1⁄2 years of service overseas and has
done nearly 300 hours war flying whilst with No.15 Squadron.
His work throughout has been marked by a high degree of courage and
initiative and on one occasion within a week of the conclusion of
hostilities he was brought down behind the enemy lines but succeeded
in making his escape back to our lines, bringing useful information
as to enemy movements which he had obtained by questioning the inhabitants.
His gallantry and devotion to duty have been an excellent example
to the squadron.
The same file has a list of officers being recommended for a "Peace
Despatch"; John Carlos Deremo is included. His work is summarized
as follows:
Service overseas three years and seven months. Has done 275 hours
during the last eight months of the war and has always shown great
courage and initiative.
NOTE: There is some question as to whether his name is John Carlos
or James Carlos; National Archives of Canada RG.150 Accession 1992-93/166
Box 2455-16 has CEF service records for a James C. Deremo (not checked
as of 20 January 2000). source |
Further Information |
If you have any information about 2nd Lt. Deremo, please contact me, thank you. |
: Rest In Peace :  |