General Information
Distinguished Flying Cross
Twice Mentioned in Despatches
Award Citations
Distinguished Service Order
Squadron Leader ARTHUR as commanding officer of No. 75 I/F Squadron displayed extraordinary bravery in the course of an attack by 91 Japanese aircraft upon Milne Bay at approximately 1240 hours on the 14th April, 1943.
When warning was received of the impending attack, No. 75 and No. 77 Squadrons were the only squadrons immediately available to meet it and the squadron commanders were warned of the great odds which the respective squadrons would, in all probability, have to fight.
With full knowledge of the enormous odds he was facing, Squadron Leader ARTHUR led his squadron into combat. In the course of the ensuing combat and with full knowledge that none of his guns was firing, he manoeuvred his squadron and led it in a determined head-on attack on this greatly superior force of enemy aircraft. After the first attack he reformed his squadron and led it in a second attack. He then made several determined attacks on an armed enemy dive bomber attempting, as he himself was unarmed, to force it into the water.
The extreme gallantry, matchless leadership and devotion to duty displayed by Squadron Leader ARTHUR was one of the chief factors in the success of the day's air fighting.
Unit: No. 75 Squadron, RAAF
Distinguished Flying Cross
Flight Lieutenant ARTHUR participated in an operational sweep last November over the Bir El Gobi Area. A large formation of enemy aircraft was intercepted and in the ensuing combat Flight Lieutenant ARTHUR destroyed four of them. This officer has displayed great skill and gallantry on many occasions and he has destroyed at least seven hostile aircraft during an advance.
Mentioned in Despatches
On the 14th June, 1943, Wing Commander ARTHUR was appointed wing leader to a fighter wing consisting of four squadrons all of different types of aircraft, two of them completely inexperienced. He spared neither effort nor persons in rapidly welding and training these squadrons for co-operative wing operations, and has since led them on six most successful fighter-bomber missions.
His courage, efficiency and drive have been most commendable and have set an excellent example to all other pilots of the Wing.
Archival Material
National Archives of Australia
| Series No. | Control Symbol | Item Title | Digitised Item | Item ID |
| A9300 | ARTHUR W S | ARTHUR WILFRED STANLEY : Service Number - 565 : Date of birth - 07 Dec 1919 : Place of birth - Unknown : Place of enlistment - Unknown : Next of Kin - ARTHUR LUCIE |
|
5375226 |
External Links
Record Published:
New Book Release:
8 October 2023