Distinguished Flying Medal group of 4 to 1394931 Flight Sergeant Roy Ronald Long, No. 35 Squadron, RAFVR, Halifax air gunner, 45 operational sorties, including strongly defended targets in Germany, London Gazette 15 September 1944, see description

A Distinguished Flying Medal group of four awarded to 1394931 Flight Sergeant Roy Ronald Long, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, comprising:

Distinguished Flying Medal; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star with France and Germany clasp; War Medal 1939-45.

Long served as an air gunner aboard Halifax bombers and completed 45 operational sorties, totalling 220 flying hours. While serving with No. 35 Squadron, he participated in numerous operations against strongly defended targets in Germany. He was described as a cool, confident and efficient air gunner who displayed great determination and unfailing devotion to duty, setting a fine example to his fellow aircrew.

He was recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal on 20 June 1944. The award was subsequently announced in the London Gazette on 15 September 1944.

Long had earlier served with No. 102 Squadron and was aboard Halifax DT512 during the night of 23-24 October 1942. Returning from an operation against Genoa with flak damage, a burst tyre and engine trouble, the aircraft diverted to Holme-on-Spalding-Moor. Shortly after landing in poor visibility, it was struck by Halifax W1181, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to two other members of the crew.

Accompanied by copied research concerning Long’s award, operational service and the Halifax DT512 accident.