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Ivor Herbert EDWARDS
Joined the RAFVR in April 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot and began flight training. Called up on 1st September 1939, he commenced an instructor’s course at Woodley near Reading and was then transferred to 15 EFTS at Lossiemouth. He was commissioned on 30th April 1940 and the following month transferred to No. 1 School of Army Co-Operation at Old Sarum, flying Lysanders and Hectors. In August 1940 he converted to Spitfires at 7 OTU Hawarden and was posted to 234 Squadron at St. Eval in mid-September. On 20th September he was a passenger in a Coastal Command Hudson which was attacked by a Dornier 17 without result. On 1st November 1940 Edwards claimed the destruction of an ‘E Boat’. On the 29th November he claimed a Ju88 destroyed and a Me110 destroyed the following day.
Edwards was posted to the Central Flying School at Upavon for an instructors course on 14th December 1940.
In January 1941 he went to 54 Night Fighting OTU at Church Fenton and was promoted to F/O on 30th April. He remained there until October 1941 when he was briefly posted to 152 Squadron, moving on 22nd November 1941 to 19 Squadron. The squadron moved to Ludham in December 1941 and Edwards was again operational. On 24th March 1942 he was escorting Bostons on a raid to Abbeville when he shared a Fw190 destroyed. The squadron operated from Hutton Cranswick the following month and Perranporth in May. Edwards was now a Flight Lieutenant. In August the squadron moved to Rochford to cover the Dieppe operation on the 19th. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 22nd September 1942) the citation stating:
"This officer has completed numerous sorties over enemy occupied territory, twelve of which were undertaken leading his flight and three when in command of the squadron. He is a skilful and determined leader whose confidence has set an inspiring example. Since 1940 in 170 operational hours he has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft and damaged four others. F/Lt. Edwards participated with distinction in the recent combined operations at Dieppe".
In October 1942 Edwards was transferred to 59 OTU at Millfield, later going to 587 Squadron at Weston Zoyland. He was awarded the Air Efficiency Award (gazetted 30th December 1943) and a Mention in Despatches (gazetted 1st January 1945).
Citation Air Efficiency Award
"This Officer was posted to this Squadron on 22.11.1941 from No.152 Squadron after his operational rest. He immediately showed his keeness to once again engage the enemy. Since 1940 in 170 Operational Hours he has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft and probably destroyed or damaged four others. he has taken part in 24 sweeps over enemy occupied territory 12 of which were undertaken in leading his Flight and 3 when in command of the Squadron. He has at all times shown great powers of leadership, and in the face of the enemy is cool and determined, inspiring his Flight with confidence and setting an example to the men under his command. He shows particular interest towards new pilots joining the squadron showing personal interest in each one, and giving them instruction and help from his invaluable experiences. In recent operations over Dieppe, Flight Lieutenant Edwards led his flight with skill and courage and took part in all three operations with the greatest determination."
In June 1945 he attended courses at Sherman Field, Fort Leavenworth in the USA, returning on the Queen Mary in August. Edwards was released from the RAF on 21st March 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant with 1500 hours to his credit.
Ref
Battle of Britain Monument London
World War 2 Awards.com
