Edward Lancelot (Eddie) MUSGRAVE DFC

MUSGRAVE, Edward Lancelot

Service Number: 403528
Enlisted: 1 February 1941
Last Rank: Flying Officer
Last Unit: Royal Air Force - unspecified units
Born: Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 26 February 1918
Home Town: Bankstown, Bankstown, New South Wales
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Salesman
Died: Flying Battle, France, 18 May 1943, aged 25 years
Cemetery: Pihen-les-Guines War Cemetery
Plot I, Row C, Grave I,
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour
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World War 2 Service

3 Sep 1939: Involvement Flying Officer, 403528
1 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, 403528, Sydney
1 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 403528
13 Jun 1941: Embarked Royal Australian Air Force, 403528, Left Australia for Canada
12 Mar 1943: Honoured Distinguished Flying Cross
18 May 1943: Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 403528, Royal Air Force - unspecified units, 137 Squadron

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Biography contributed by Elizabeth Allen

Edward Lancelot MUSGRAVE was born in Paddington, Sydney on 26th February, 1918

His parents were William MUSGRAVE & Nellie PRITCHARD who married in Sydney in 1915

He married Jessie Eileen HAMILTON in Sydney in 1941

He enlisted with the RAAF in Sydney on 1st February, 1941 and embarked for Canada on 13th June, 1941

Edward died in  a Flying Battle in France on 18th May, 1943 and is buried in the Pihen-les-Guines War Cemetery (Plot I, Row C, Grave 1) & his name is memorialised on the Australian War Memorial

His last rank was Flight Lieutenant with the 137 Squadron (RAF)  3 PRC

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He was awarded a Distingushed Flying Cross on 12th March, 1943 as he had participated in a large number of operational missions

Citation:

The Citation for the DFC awarded to Flight Officer Musgrave is as follows:

"This officer has taken part in a large number of operational missions.

In attacks on the enemies communications in Northern France & Belgium, he has damaged seven locomotives

One night in Feb 1943, he took off to search for a particular merchant escorted by 5 armed ships reported to be in the Channel

Although the night was very dark, FO Musgrave sighted the vessel sailing close into the shore south of Boulogne.  Skilfully approacing the mercant vessell he flew into attack but was frustrated by heavy fire from the coastal defences.  Despite this he persisted and after diving through searchlights from the shore, he attacked his objective, realising bombs from a low level.

Although his aircraft was damaged from the opposing fire from ships, he flew in safely to his base

FO Musgrave displayed great courage, skill and determination in the execution of his task"

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             He made the supreme sacrifice for his Country

                     "We feel & know he is with us still"

                       Lovingly remember by his family

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