228118 Alan Lestocq Roberts DFC.Royal Air Force 9 Sqdn. I work for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and have been asked if I can find any information or contacts for Alan Roberts, the father of one of our supporters. Details I have so far are that Alan's numbers were non-commissioned 1169273 and commissioned 115023 and he flew with 9 and 514 Sqn - he was a good friend of Roderick MacRoberts whose death led, in part, to the purchase of 'MacRoberts Reply'.
Update:
Air Ministry 4th April 1944. The King has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross -
Acting Squadron Leader Alan Lestocq Roberts, DFC (115023), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No 514 Squadron.
One night in February 1944, this officer captained an aircraft detailed to attack Schweinfurt. Early on the outward flight it was discovered that, owning to a broken pipe-line, the whole of the oxygen supply had been lost. Nevertheless Squadron Leader Roberts came down to a lower altitude and flew on to the target. Whilst over the area the aircraft was set on fire but the flames were extinguished and Squadron Leader Roberts flew back to base to complete his mission successfully. This officer displayed great determination throughout, setting a high example of devotion to duty.
The above from London Gazette Issue 36453 published on the 31 March 1944
I believe he was awarded his DFC in 1942 when he was with 9 Squadron but will have to do further digging for info on that.
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