Donald Edward Garland
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Donald Edward Garland (June 28, 1918 - May 12, 1940) born Ballincor, County Wicklow he was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 21 years old, and a Flying Officer in the 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 12 May 1940, over the Albert Canal, Belgium, one bridge in particular was being used by the invading army, with protection from fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft and machine-guns. The RAF was ordered to demolish this vital bridge, and five Fairey Battle bombers were despatched with Flying Officer Garland leading the attack. They met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire, but the mission was accomplished, due to the expert leadership of Flying Officer Garland and the coolness and resource of his navigator (Thomas Gray). Only one bomber managed to get back to base, the leading aircraft and three others did not return.
[edit] Further information
The bridge Garland attacked was the bridge at Vroenhoven. He died either crashing in the village of Lanaken, or in the hospital in Maastricht, Netherlands. The third man of the LAC crew did not receive a medal because he was not occupying a "decision making" position. There is a monument on the spot of the bridge.
[edit] References
Listed in order of publication year
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
- Rene Torsin
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum (Hendon, England).
[edit] Memorial
A Vickers VC-10 Serial 'XR807' of 101 Squadron is named 'Donald Garland VC & Thomas Gray VC'
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Flying Officer D.E. Garland & Sergeant T. Grey in The Art of War exhibition at the UK National Archives
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
