Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar
Title
Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar
Description
The award of the medal to Squadron Leader Douglas 'Hank' Iveson, following his multiple operations bombing the naval base at Trondheim and against battleships in Brest harbour. The second award was in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations to Malta and Heraklion and mentions his 'courage and leadership'. Annotated 'June 16th 1943'.
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Language
Format
Six newspaper cuttings
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
Identifier
SIvesonD19171121v10004
Transcription
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[page break]
D.F.C. for Hull Squadron Leader
PART IN RAID ON TRONDHEIM
A Hull man who has been awarded the D.F.C. for taking a leading part in more than one successful raid on enemy territory, both in daylight and moonlight, is Squadron Leader Douglas Iveson, R.A.F.V.R., whose home is ot [sic] 68, Strathmore-avenue, Hull.
Squadron-Leader Iveson, the youngest son of Mr and Mrs C F. Iveson, of 72, Strathmore-avenue is 25 years of age. Educated at Riley High School, he joined Messrs Earle’s technical department.
[picture]
Sq.-Ldr. Iveson
He joined the Volunteer Force six months before the war, and received his commission in 1940. He met his wife, Miss M.J. Everist, of Staplehurst, Kent, when she was a Red Cross nurse in Oxford.
NAVAL BASE RAID
The official citation is: “This officer has completed many successful sorties, including two daylight attacks on Brest. During one of his night sorties in full moonlight he was attacked by an enemy fighter, but by his skilful evasive action his rear gunner was enabled to destroy the attacker.
“One night in April, 1942, Squadron-Leader Iveson was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack the German naval base at Trondheim. He completed this mission despite intense anti-aircraft fire and a very light sky. After dropping his bombs he remained over the target area for some time in order to divert the fire from aircraft which were still attacking. He has displayed courage and keenness of an exceptionally high standard.”
[break]
D.F.C. for Hull Pilot
Five D.F.C.s and four D.F.M.s have been awarded to R.A.F. men, a Hull squadron leader among them, who blasted the Nazi U-boat base at Trondheim on two successive nights towards the end of April.
Acting Squadron-Leader Douglas Iveson, R.A.F., V.R., No. 76 Squadron, who receives the D.F.C., has completed many successful sorties, including two daylight attacks on Brest. During one of his night sorties, in full moonlight, he was attacked by an enemy fighter, but, by his skilful evasive action his rear gunner was enabled to destroy the attacker.
One night in April, 1942, Squadron-Leader Iveson was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack the German naval base at Trondheim. He completed this mission, despite intense anti-aircraft fire and a very light sky.
After dropping his bombs, he remained over the target area for some time in order to divert the fire from aircraft which were still attacking. He has displayed courage and keenness of an exceptionally high standard, the citation states.
Squadron-Leader Iveson was born in 1917 at Hull, where his home is. He enlisted in the R.A.F., V.R., for training as pilot in 1939, and was commissioned in 1940.
The raids on Trondheim, according to Stockholm reports, left “a sea of flame,” reduced the U-boat base to “complete ruins,” destroyed barracks, put the Vearnes airfield out of commission, and imperilled warships including the Tirpitz, Admiral Scheer and Prinz Eugen.
It is believed that the attack frustrated large combined underwater and surface operations against Allied shipping.
[break]
R.A.F. AWARDS
BAR TO D.F.M. FOR MALTA FIGHTER PILOT
The King has approved the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:-
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. – Sqdn. Ldr. J. Dugdale; Res. A.F.O., 97 Sq.; A/Sqdn. Ldr. H.T. Gilbert, 65 Sq. (since deceased); A/Sqdn. Ldr. D. Iveson, R.A.F.V.R., 76 Sq.; A/Fl. Lt. A.S.R.E. Ennis, R.A.F.V.R., 158 Sq.; P/O A.H. Hanson. 158 Sq.; F/O E.G. Daniel. R.A.F.V.R.; A/F/O, A. Abels, R.A.F.V.R., 35 Sq.; P/O G. Sweeney, R.A.A.F., 9 Sq.; A/F/O A.R. Tettenborn R.A.F.V.R., 9 Sq.; P/O. G Cardiner, R.C.A.F., 35 Sq. (since reported missing); W/O. H.V. Peterson, R.C.A.F., 35 Sq.
BAR TO D.F.M. – Fl. Sgt. R.B. Hesselyn, D.F.M., 249 Sq.
During four days in May this airman destroyed five enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to 10. Although fighting at great odds in the heavy raids on Malta, Fl. Sgt. Hesselyn never hesitates in his efforts to destroy the enemy.
DISTINGUISED FLYING MEDAL. – Sgt. H.A.
[page break]
BOMBER, ON FIRE, DROVE OFF THREE NIGHT FIGHTERS THEN FLEW BACK
A DAYLIGHT bomber pilot who took pictures of his target, an instructor who has served on two fronts, and a leader of night bombers have each been awarded bars to their D.F.C.s.
They are pictured below. On left is Acting Squadron-Leader Douglas Iveson, who won the D.F.C. for his part in the raid on Trondheim in April, 1943. Since then he has bombed targets in Germany and the Middle East. After leading his section in a daring daylight attack on Hezaklion, Iveson flew back with pictures of the target.
Acting-Flt.-Lieut. J.H. Kenny (centre) has also taken part in raids form bases at home and in the Middle East, showing “a high standard of gallantry and efficiency.” He is now employed on instructional duties.
Acting-Squadron-Ldr. G. Wightman Gilpin (right) is one of No. 61 Squadron’s most successful pilots. On four occasions his leadership and the excellent co-operation of his crews has enabled his aircraft to drive off night fighters.
Three attacks were made on his bomber during one mission. One of the enemy was engaged and sent diving away with black smoke pouring from it. His own aircraft was set on fire by a canon shell, but Gilpin brought it safely home.
[photograph] [photograph] [photograph]
[page break]
June 16th. 1943.
ANOTHER HONOUR
HULL AIRMAN’S BAR TO D.F.C.
IT is just over a year since Squadron Leader Douglas Iveson R.A.F.V.R., was awarded the D.F.C. for the part he took in the attack on the enemy naval base at Trondheim in April of last year and news has come through to-day of a further decoration – the bar to the D.F.C.
Volunteering for the R.A.F. six months before the outbreak of war, he has taken part in many successful operations from bases both at home and in the Middle East.
[photograph]
Sqd.-Ldr. Iveson
The official citation says: “On one occasion he skilfully led a section in a daylight raid on Heraklion, and after securing excellent photographs withdrew without his aircraft having sustained any serious damage. On another occasion he made a successful low level attack on gun emplacements. Throughout his operational career his courage and leadership have been of the highest order.”
The younger son of Mr and Mrs C.F. Iveson, of 72, Strathmore-ave, Hull. Sqd.-Ldr. Iveson in 1941 was included in the daylight raid against the German battle cruisers at Brest. He is 26 years of age and in peacetime he was a member of Messrs Earle’s technical department. He received his commission in 1940.
Another bar to the D.F.C. goes to Acting Sq.-Ldr. George Wightman Gilpin, who was educated at Scarborough College. He enlisted in 1939 and was commissioned in 1940.
[break]
[photograph]
A Recent Award
Sq/Ldr. Douglas Iveson R.A.F.V.R., D.F.C., who was decorated for his part in the attack on the enemy base at Trondheim in April, 1942, has recently been awarded a bar to his D.F.C. for his courage and leadership.
[page break]
D.F.C. for Hull Squadron Leader
PART IN RAID ON TRONDHEIM
A Hull man who has been awarded the D.F.C. for taking a leading part in more than one successful raid on enemy territory, both in daylight and moonlight, is Squadron Leader Douglas Iveson, R.A.F.V.R., whose home is ot [sic] 68, Strathmore-avenue, Hull.
Squadron-Leader Iveson, the youngest son of Mr and Mrs C F. Iveson, of 72, Strathmore-avenue is 25 years of age. Educated at Riley High School, he joined Messrs Earle’s technical department.
[picture]
Sq.-Ldr. Iveson
He joined the Volunteer Force six months before the war, and received his commission in 1940. He met his wife, Miss M.J. Everist, of Staplehurst, Kent, when she was a Red Cross nurse in Oxford.
NAVAL BASE RAID
The official citation is: “This officer has completed many successful sorties, including two daylight attacks on Brest. During one of his night sorties in full moonlight he was attacked by an enemy fighter, but by his skilful evasive action his rear gunner was enabled to destroy the attacker.
“One night in April, 1942, Squadron-Leader Iveson was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack the German naval base at Trondheim. He completed this mission despite intense anti-aircraft fire and a very light sky. After dropping his bombs he remained over the target area for some time in order to divert the fire from aircraft which were still attacking. He has displayed courage and keenness of an exceptionally high standard.”
[break]
D.F.C. for Hull Pilot
Five D.F.C.s and four D.F.M.s have been awarded to R.A.F. men, a Hull squadron leader among them, who blasted the Nazi U-boat base at Trondheim on two successive nights towards the end of April.
Acting Squadron-Leader Douglas Iveson, R.A.F., V.R., No. 76 Squadron, who receives the D.F.C., has completed many successful sorties, including two daylight attacks on Brest. During one of his night sorties, in full moonlight, he was attacked by an enemy fighter, but, by his skilful evasive action his rear gunner was enabled to destroy the attacker.
One night in April, 1942, Squadron-Leader Iveson was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack the German naval base at Trondheim. He completed this mission, despite intense anti-aircraft fire and a very light sky.
After dropping his bombs, he remained over the target area for some time in order to divert the fire from aircraft which were still attacking. He has displayed courage and keenness of an exceptionally high standard, the citation states.
Squadron-Leader Iveson was born in 1917 at Hull, where his home is. He enlisted in the R.A.F., V.R., for training as pilot in 1939, and was commissioned in 1940.
The raids on Trondheim, according to Stockholm reports, left “a sea of flame,” reduced the U-boat base to “complete ruins,” destroyed barracks, put the Vearnes airfield out of commission, and imperilled warships including the Tirpitz, Admiral Scheer and Prinz Eugen.
It is believed that the attack frustrated large combined underwater and surface operations against Allied shipping.
[break]
R.A.F. AWARDS
BAR TO D.F.M. FOR MALTA FIGHTER PILOT
The King has approved the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:-
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. – Sqdn. Ldr. J. Dugdale; Res. A.F.O., 97 Sq.; A/Sqdn. Ldr. H.T. Gilbert, 65 Sq. (since deceased); A/Sqdn. Ldr. D. Iveson, R.A.F.V.R., 76 Sq.; A/Fl. Lt. A.S.R.E. Ennis, R.A.F.V.R., 158 Sq.; P/O A.H. Hanson. 158 Sq.; F/O E.G. Daniel. R.A.F.V.R.; A/F/O, A. Abels, R.A.F.V.R., 35 Sq.; P/O G. Sweeney, R.A.A.F., 9 Sq.; A/F/O A.R. Tettenborn R.A.F.V.R., 9 Sq.; P/O. G Cardiner, R.C.A.F., 35 Sq. (since reported missing); W/O. H.V. Peterson, R.C.A.F., 35 Sq.
BAR TO D.F.M. – Fl. Sgt. R.B. Hesselyn, D.F.M., 249 Sq.
During four days in May this airman destroyed five enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to 10. Although fighting at great odds in the heavy raids on Malta, Fl. Sgt. Hesselyn never hesitates in his efforts to destroy the enemy.
DISTINGUISED FLYING MEDAL. – Sgt. H.A.
[page break]
BOMBER, ON FIRE, DROVE OFF THREE NIGHT FIGHTERS THEN FLEW BACK
A DAYLIGHT bomber pilot who took pictures of his target, an instructor who has served on two fronts, and a leader of night bombers have each been awarded bars to their D.F.C.s.
They are pictured below. On left is Acting Squadron-Leader Douglas Iveson, who won the D.F.C. for his part in the raid on Trondheim in April, 1943. Since then he has bombed targets in Germany and the Middle East. After leading his section in a daring daylight attack on Hezaklion, Iveson flew back with pictures of the target.
Acting-Flt.-Lieut. J.H. Kenny (centre) has also taken part in raids form bases at home and in the Middle East, showing “a high standard of gallantry and efficiency.” He is now employed on instructional duties.
Acting-Squadron-Ldr. G. Wightman Gilpin (right) is one of No. 61 Squadron’s most successful pilots. On four occasions his leadership and the excellent co-operation of his crews has enabled his aircraft to drive off night fighters.
Three attacks were made on his bomber during one mission. One of the enemy was engaged and sent diving away with black smoke pouring from it. His own aircraft was set on fire by a canon shell, but Gilpin brought it safely home.
[photograph] [photograph] [photograph]
[page break]
June 16th. 1943.
ANOTHER HONOUR
HULL AIRMAN’S BAR TO D.F.C.
IT is just over a year since Squadron Leader Douglas Iveson R.A.F.V.R., was awarded the D.F.C. for the part he took in the attack on the enemy naval base at Trondheim in April of last year and news has come through to-day of a further decoration – the bar to the D.F.C.
Volunteering for the R.A.F. six months before the outbreak of war, he has taken part in many successful operations from bases both at home and in the Middle East.
[photograph]
Sqd.-Ldr. Iveson
The official citation says: “On one occasion he skilfully led a section in a daylight raid on Heraklion, and after securing excellent photographs withdrew without his aircraft having sustained any serious damage. On another occasion he made a successful low level attack on gun emplacements. Throughout his operational career his courage and leadership have been of the highest order.”
The younger son of Mr and Mrs C.F. Iveson, of 72, Strathmore-ave, Hull. Sqd.-Ldr. Iveson in 1941 was included in the daylight raid against the German battle cruisers at Brest. He is 26 years of age and in peacetime he was a member of Messrs Earle’s technical department. He received his commission in 1940.
Another bar to the D.F.C. goes to Acting Sq.-Ldr. George Wightman Gilpin, who was educated at Scarborough College. He enlisted in 1939 and was commissioned in 1940.
[break]
[photograph]
A Recent Award
Sq/Ldr. Douglas Iveson R.A.F.V.R., D.F.C., who was decorated for his part in the attack on the enemy base at Trondheim in April, 1942, has recently been awarded a bar to his D.F.C. for his courage and leadership.
Collection
Citation
“Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed August 11, 2026, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/collections/document/44783.