Kingsland Private

Kingsland Private dedicated to Flying Officer Robert Ross Kingsland, DFC.

Robert Ross Kingsland was born in 1922 in Montreal, the son of Wing Commander W.R. Kingsland, himself a First World War pilot. Receiving his education in Montreal and Ottawa, Robert Ross Kingsland joined the RCAF in January, 1942. He completed his training in April, 1943, and was assigned to 429 (Bomber) Squadron in East Moor, completing a 30 mission tour with this unit. During one particular sortie in 1944, his aircraft was so badly damaged by flak, that he was forced to land on the sea and abandon the plane. The skill and gallantry of Kingsland and his wireless operator earned them both a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

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privé Kingsland Pvt.

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“This pilot and wireless operator (air) have completed many sorties against the enemy and on all occasions have displayed coolness and devotion to duty. On a recent mine-laying operation over Oslo heavy anti-aircraft was encountered which damaged the starboard out and port outer engines. Undeterred, Flying Officer Kingsland completed his run and successfully dropped his mines before taking evasive action. Fire broke out and was eventually extinguished, but at the same time the starboard propeller flew off, damaged the starboard inner propeller, port fin and rudder. Over the sea the starboard inner engine caught fire but the flames were put out. Height was lost and it was evident that the aircraft could not reach land. Pilot Officer Courtois remained at his post, sending out distress signals, until ordered to his forced landing positions. The bomber was then brought safely down onto the sea and the crew were subsequently rescued from their dinghy. The courage and initiative displayed by these officers in the face of danger inspired the rest of the crew and are worthy of the highest praise.”

Privé Kingsland est dédiée au lieutenant d’aviation Robert Ross Kingsland, DFC.

Né en 1922 à Montréal, Robert Ross Kingsland est le fils du lieutenant-colonel d’aviation W.R. Kingsland, lui-même pilote de la Première Guerre mondiale. Après avoir étudié à Montréal et à Ottawa, Robert Ross Kingsland s’enrôle dans l’Aviation royale du Canada (ARC) en janvier 1942. Il termine sa formation de pilote en avril 1943 et est affecté au 429eEscadron de bombardiers à East Moor, où il effectue une mission de 30 sorties au sein de cette unité. Au cours d’une de ces sorties, en 1944, son aéronef était tellement endommagé par un tir antiaérien qu’il a été forcé d’atterrir sur l’eau, avant d’abandonner l’appareil. Le talent et bravoure dont a fait preuve Kingsland lui a valu, ainsi qu’à son opérateur radio, la Croix du service distingué dans l’Aviation (DFC).

Le texte de l’inscription figure dans la section anglaise.