Rank & Name: F/L RW Ayres DFC
Date of Death: 25/05/1941
Details:

 

P/O (later F/L) Ayres was pilot of a 59 Blenheim, that was attacked by 12 Be109's and crash landed at Thorney Island on return. Sgt Webb was awarded a DFM for his actions on this day. It is unknown at this stage whether Ayres received his DFC for actions on this day, but the ORB notes on 30/09/40 that the DFC was awarded to him for gallantry and devotion to duty in operations against the enemy. view more

It appears that after 59 Sqn he was posted to the Photo Recon Unit - and most probably flying recon Spitfires. He was killed in action on the 25/05/1941. Another pilot from 59 Sqn that was sent to this unit was P/O Alec McCurdy. Alec also flew with the squadron during the Battle of Britain.

On 12/09/1940 - Ayres was appointed to the rank of Acting Flight Lieutenant and assumed command of "B" Flight after F/L C.M.M Grece was posted to HQ-Flight for operations duties and training.

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Name: AYRES, ROBERT WILLIAM
Initials: R W
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Unit Text: Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 25/05/1941
Service No: 40292
Awards: D F C
Additional information: Son of Frank Ayres and of Lilian Quinton Ayres, of Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 29.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

 

 

Further Information
Awardee of the Battle of Britain Clasp - Although entitlement was revoked by the Air Ministry in 1960 for 59 Sqn airmen (read more).

If you have any information about Robert Ayres, please contact me, thank you.

Rest In Peace