Air Commodore Peter Langloh Donkin, CBE, DSO (19 June 1913 – 12 July 2000) was a New Zealand reconnaissance pilot with the Royal Air Force (RAF). He is thought to be the first western serviceman to be attacked by the Germans in the Second World War.[1]
Peter Langloh Donkin | |
---|---|
Born | Invercargill, New Zealand | 19 June 1913
Died | 12 July 2000 Orange, New South Wales, Australia | (aged 87)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | Royal Air Force |
Rank | Air Commodore |
Commands | RAF Hong Kong RAF Chivenor No. 35 Wing RAF No. 33 Wing RAF No. 239 Squadron RAF No. 4 Squadron RAF No. 225 Squadron RAF |
Battles/wars | Second World War |
Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order |
In February 1938, he was a flight lieutenant and a flight commander of No. 16 Squadron RAF.[2]
Citation for Distinguished Service Order, 22 February 1944:
In recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in operations. From a low level he took excellent photographs of a heavily defended section of the French coat [sic]. As a Commanding Officer he distinguished himself with outstanding leadership and his careful planning and discipline have enabled his squadrons to undertake sustained offensive and photographic operations with notable success.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Air Commodore Peter Langloh Donkin CBE DSO". Jever Steam Laundry. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
- ^ Richards, Clive (2013). "'All Undiluted Nonsense'? The Royal Air Force in the Army Cooperation Role, 1919-1940" (PDF). Royal Air Force Historical Society Journal (54): 50.