HODGE, Donald Hartley. Sergeant, Co Pilot 1104390, 99 Squadron Royal Air Force , Bomber Command died 01/09/1941. He was part of a crew of a Vickers Wellington which was shot down by a Junkers Ju88C Intruder over Midenhall, Suffolk. The plane was on a mission to bomb Cologne.
He lived at Meonie, Lake Road, Ambleside, West Moreland,
He is at rest in Leigh Cemetery, Lancashire.
Also on this headstone is his friend -
BARRON, James Fraser. Wing Commander, D.S.O. and Bar, D.F.C. Pathfinder Pilot, 401749 Royal New Zealand Air Force, 7th Royal Air Force Squadron. killed on the 17th May 1944 aged 23, He was born on the 9th January 1921 James and Winifred Ellen nee Fraser of Palmerston, Otago, New Zealand.
He is commemorated on a family friends memorial (Hodge) in Leigh Cemetery, Lancashire. He is at rest Le Mans West Cemetery, France.
London Gazette, dated 26th May 1942
Distinguished Flying Medal.
N.Z. 401749 Flight Sergeant James Fraser BARRON, Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 15 Squadron.
London Gazette dated 9th February 1943
Acting Flight Lieutenant James Fraser. BARRON, D.F.M. (N.Z. 401749), Royal New Zealand Air
Force, No. 7 Squadron
London Gazette Published date 5th March 1943
Air Ministry, 5th March, 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy.
Distinguished Service Order. Acting Flight Lieutenant James Fraser BARRON, D.F.C., D F.M. (N.Z-40I749), Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 7 Squadron. One night in February, 1943, this officer was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. When nearing the target area his aircraft was held in a cone of searchlights and subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences.
Despite this,\' Flight Lieutenant Barron remained on his course, defying an intense and concentrated barrage and pressed home a successful attack on his second run over the target. This officer displayed exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty, setting an example of the highest order.
London Gazette. Published date 13th June 1944
Bar to Distinguished Service Order.
Acting Wing Commander James Fraser BARRON, (D. S.O., D.F.C., D.F.M. (N.Z.40I749), Royal New
Zealand Air Force, No. 7 Squadron: One night in May, 1944, this officer participated in an attack on an airfield at Nantes. By his appreciation of the responsibilities entrusted to him and. the skill and precision with which he executed his attack, Wing Commander Barron contributed in a large measure to the success achieved. Since (being awarded the Distinguished Service Order. This officer has taken part in many attacks on dangerous and difficult targets. He is an outstanding
captain whose example of skill,, bravery and determination has impressed all.
