Maurice C. H. Barber
Maurice Clinton Hinton Barber, DFC (born 8 August 1912 in Craddock) was a South African lieutenant colonel in the South African Air Force during World War II.[1] Barber served during World War II in the Squadron 250 of the RAF on the Western front in 1942. He went on to command Squadron 450 / RAAF November 1942 until March 1943. Although it was considered to have achieved 5 wins, it seems that this total is only 3. He received a DFC in February 1943 and was transferred to the SAAF with the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war he became Director of Civil Aviation in Southern Rhodesia.[2]
Awards
- Distinguished Flying Cross on 23 February 1943 as Acting Squadron Leader of the No. 450 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force[3]
Distinguished Flying Cross citation
Lieutenant Colonel Barber's official DFC citation says:
During operations in the Western Desert this officer displayed great skill and unflagging devotion to duty. As flight and squadron commander his steady judgment and high morale proved a tower of strength. In 1 flight during the battle of El Alamein, Squadron Leader Barber destroyed 3 Junkers 87's. His example has been worthy of high praise.[3]
References
- Shores, C; Williams C. Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. p. 101. ISBN 1-898697-00-0.
- "Barber's biography". Ciel de Gloire. Ciel de Gloire. November 15, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
- "Barber's awards". World War 2 Awards. World War 2 Awards. November 15, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.