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Sqdn Leader Dennis Barry Croix de Guerre

Discussion in 'WWII Obituaries' started by GRW, Mar 23, 2017.

  1. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    "Squadron Leader Dennis Barry was second in command of 616 South Yorkshire Squadron and is believed to have been the last surviving wartime Gloster Meteor pilot.
    The Meteors were Britain’s first jet fighters and played a key role by shooting down German V-1 flying bombs, dubbed doodlebugs or buzz bombs due to the ominous drone they emitted.
    He was born in London on August 26, 1921 and moved to Sheffield as a boy before joining the RAF in October 1940 at the age of 19.
    Mr Barry initially flew Hurricanes and Spitfires, and his skill and daring propelled him up the ranks to become a squadron leader, the second highest position within the 616 Squadron.
    The air ace led offensive patrols over northern France in the build up to D-Day in June 1944, before training to fly Meteors.
    His squadron also took part in numerous attacks on airfields, road and rail traffic as the Allied troops swept through Europe.
    His wartime exploits earned him the Croix de Guerre with Palme, a French military honour awarded for acts of heroism."
    WWII pilot who helped defend Britain from Hitler's flying bombs dies aged 95
     
  2. Skipper

    Skipper Kommodore

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    May he rest in peace :poppy:
     

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