Né à Brandon, dans le Manitoba, Arthur Lawrence s'engage dans la RCAF en 1940 et après avoir achevé son entraînement de pilote, il rejoint la Grande Bretagne comme Pilot Officer en juillet 1941. Affecté à l'OTU 54 pour y effectuer sa conversion opérationnelle, il est transféré au Squadron 406 en février 1942 afin d'opérer en qualité de chasseur de nuit. Promu Flying Officer en août 1942 puis Flight Lieutenant en avril 1943, il reçoit alors la DFC. En juin 1943, il est promu Squadron leader et affecté comme Chef d'Escadrille que Squadron 410 où il sert jusqu'en septembre, remportant la cinquième victoire qui lui permet d'acquérir le statut d'As de la chasse. Il est ensuite transféré au Group 9 avant d'être renvoyé au Canada où il devient instructeur à Greenwood. Il recevra l'AFC en Juin 1945 et sera libéré en novembre de la même année. Il réintègre finalement la RCAF en qualité de F/L en octobre 1946 et obtiendra à nouveau une promotion au grade de S/L en 1949 puis de W/Co en 1954.

Ses victoires ont été remporté avec le F/S H J Wilmer, DFM comme Opérateur Radar.

Traducteur / Translator / Traduttore / übersetzer / vertaler

 

LAWRENCE Arthur George (S/L) RCAF J6409

Distinguished Flying Cross en avril 1943

Flying Officer Lawrence has been flying with this squadron since March 1942 and has destroyed three enemy aircraft in combat at night. These engagements took place under difficult circumstances when this officer proved himself to be a skilful pilot and gunner. He has invariably displayed great keenness for operational flying and has fulfilled his duties most commendably.

NOTE : Public Record Office Air 2/8945 has the original recommendation dated 11 March 1943, submitted by Wing Commander I.R. Stephenson :

Flying Officer Lawrence has been flying operationally with this squadron since 12 March 1942 and has carried out 100 hours night flying. During this time he has destroyed three enemy aircraft in night combat: a Junkers 88, a Heinkel 111 and a Dornier 217.

He has constantly refused to be daunted by the worst conditions; the manner in which he held in sight, attacked and destroyed these aircraft under conditions of difficulty has shown him to be a very skilful pilot and a first class shot.

He has always shown great keenness to do his work well, and an enthusiasm which has set a fine example to the pilots of the squadron. I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Also on 11 March 1943 the Officer Commanding, RAF Station Middle Wallop, added his remarks :

The recommendation of the Squadron Commander is strongly supported. No.406 Squadron have had a very lean time lately, and the award of this decoration, while not only being thoroughly well deserved, will be both a tonic and fillip to the whole unit.

The Air Officer Commanding, No.10 Group, concurred on 14 March 1943, and on 23 March 1943 the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Fighter Command, minuted the form, "Recommended for award of Distinguished Flying Cross."

Air Force Cross le 14 juin 1945

This officer has, over a long period as Officer Commanding night flying squadron, displayed outstanding personal initiative and ability. Both in administrative and flying work he has proved to be a highly efficient and competent chief instructor. He has been invaluable to his pupils because of the operational knowledge he is able to pass on to them and the exceptional drive and initiative he has displayed in organizing night training at this unit is most praiseworthy. He has made a valuable contribution to operational training.