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Air Commodore E B Sismore (130208)

Edward Barnes b: 23 Jun 1921 r: 23 Jun 1976 d: 22 Mar 2012

DSO – 18 Jun 1943, DFC – 16 Feb 1943, Bar – 15 Dec 1944, Bar – 22 Jun 1945, AFC – 31 May 1956, AE – xx xxx xxxx, MBIM.

(RAFVR): -Sgt: xx xxx 1939, Flt Sgt: xx xxx xxxx, Plt Off: 29 Aug 1942, Fg Off (WS): 28 Feb 1943, Act Flt Lt: xx xxx xxxx, Flt Lt (WS): 29 Aug 1944, Flt Lt: 28 Feb 1946,

(RAF): - Fg Off: 2 Apr 1946 [1 Sep 1945], Flt Lt: 1 Jul 1946, Sqn Ldr: 1 Jan 1951, Wg Cdr: 1 Jan 1957, Gp Capt: 1 Jul 1962, Act A/Cdre: 4 Jan 1971, A/Cdre: 1 Jul 1971.

Picture ^©Crown Copyright

xx xxx xxxx: U/T Observer

xx xxx xxxx: Navigator, No 110 Sqn. (Blenheims)

xx xxx xxxx: ?

xx Dec 1942: Navigator, No 105 Sqn. (Mosquito's)

xx xxx 1942: Navigator, No 139 Sqn

xx Mar 1943: Gee-H Instructor, Swanton Morley

xx xxx 1943: Navigation Leader, No 21 Sqn

2 Apr 1946 [1 Sep 1945]: Appointed to Permanent Commission in the rank of Flying Officer (retaining rank current at the time).

24 Dec 1945: Air Staff, HQ No 12 Group.

xx xxx 1947: Navigator, London-Cape Town Record Flight

xx xxx 1951: U/T, Pilot, No ? FTS

xx May 1953: Officer Commanding, No 29 Sqn. (Meteor NF11)

xx xxx xxxx: Officer Commanding, No ? AFS

9 Nov 1959: Joint Planning Staff, HQ British Forces Arabian Peninsula

13 Jan 1961: Air Attache, Addis Ababa.

9 Jul 1962: Deputy Director of Personnel (Air).

xx xxx 1964: Officer Commanding, RAF Bruggen.

24 Oct 1966: SASO, RAF Central Reconnaissance Establishment

? 1970 Staff, Central Defence Staff.

4 Jan 1971: Commandant, Royal Observer Corps.

29 May 1973: Director, Air Defence Environment Team.

Born in Kettering, he joined RAFVR as an Observer and was soon making a name for himself in the Mosquito force. In January 1943 he acted as Lead Navigator (pilot - Wing Commander Reynolds) on a daylight raid to Berlin which was timed to coincide with Goering's speech on the 10th Anniversary of the Werhmacht. By the end of WW2, he had been awarded the DSO, DFC and 2 Bars.

In March 1943 he was posted to teach Gee-H at Swanton Morley. He was one of only six people to be awarded the DSO, DFC , 2 Bars to the DFC and the AFC

After retiring from the RAF he joined Marconi as a service adviser.

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

“Pilot Officer Edward Barnes SISMORE (130208), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No.105 Squadron.

On the 3Oth January, 1943, two forces of bombers were detailed to attack Berlin, one during the morning and the other during the afternoon. To reach the German capital necessitated a flight of more than 500 miles, mostly over heavily defended territory. Close co-ordination and precise timing were essential but, such was the skill exhibited, that the target was reached and the attacks delivered within seconds of the specified time. That complete success was achieved, despite opposition from the ground defences, is a high tribute to the calm courage, resolution and endurance displayed by the following officers and airmen who, in various capacities, acted as members of the aircraft crews.”

(London Gazette – 16 February 1943)

Citation for the award of the Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

“Acting Wing Commander Reginald Wilfred REYNOLDS, D.S.O., D.F.C. (40259), R.A.F.O.

Acting Squadron Leader Edward Barnes SISMORE, D.S.O., D.F.C. (130208) R.A.F.V.R.

As pilot and navigator respectively these officers have taken part in numerous sorties against a wide I variety of targets. In October 1944, they took part in a most successful attack on a vital German target. In this well executed operation, these officers displayed skill and resolution of the highest standard.”

(London Gazette – 15 December 1944)

Citation for the award 2^nd Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

"Acting Squadron Leader Edward Barnes SISMORE, D.S.O., D.F.C. (130208), R.A.F.V.R.

In March, 1945 Squadron Leader Sismore was the navigator in the leading aircraft of a laige formation detailed to attack the Gestapo headquarters at Copenhagen. The operation, necessitating a flight of more than 1,000 miles, demanded the highest standard of navigational ability. In this direction, Squadron Leader Sismore's work was outstanding and contributed materially to the success obtained. Again,in April,1945,this officer flew with great distinction in an attack against a similar target at Odense. This officer, who has completed much operational flying, has rendered very valuable service.”

(London Gazette – 22 June 1945)

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