Charles Ian Rose "Duke" Arthur

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ARTHUR, S/L Charles Ian Rose (41241) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.72 Sq.
Award effective 9 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date.

In May 1944 this officer flew the leading aircraft of a formation which engaged a force of eighteen enemy aircraft, nine of which were shot down without loss. By his skilful and determined leadership, Squadron Leader Arthur played a worthy part in this brilliant success. This officer has taken part in a very large number of sorties and has displayed outstanding devotion to duty. He has destroyed two enemy aircraft.

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Canadian Airman in Command Of RAF Over Southern France

Somewhere in Corsica, Aug. 16, 1944 - (CP) - First British aircraft over the new bridgehead in Southern France was commanded by a Canadian in the RAF, Sqdn. Ldr. "Duke" Arthur, D.F.C., of Winnipeg, whose parents live in Vancouver, the RCAF said tonight in a press release.
Arthur's aircraft was the leading plane in the tremendous air assault which receded and coincided with the newest attack on Europe.
In the release, F/L L. C. Powell, RCAF Public Relations Officer, told of a flight over the invasion area. He said:
"We could see more than 800 vessels of all sizes headed toward the mainland. They moved under the strongest kind of air protection.
The softening-up attack had been left almost entirely to the Americans but in the RAF Spitfire squadron that covered the assault itself there were plenty of Canadians. They were there too, in force, as escorts of the U.S. bombers and for strafing targets of opportunity.
". . . We saw not the slightest trace of resistance other than several burst of heavy flak in the distance. No enemy fighters showed.
"As we wheeled away from the target the Clouds broke enough for us to see hundreds of ships steaming in to pour troops ashore. We saw smoke and flame belching from the warships as heavy cannon roared into action pounding what gun defenses were left after the consistent bombing of the last few days."

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ARTHUR, S/L Charles Ian Rose (41241) - Bar to DFC - No.72 Squadron
Awarded as per London Gazette dated 29 December 1944.

Squadron Leader Arthur has continued to lead his squadron with skill and determination. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross he has completed many sorties and has destroyed at least one enemy aircraft. During the invasion of the south of France he has led his squadron in many sorties which resulted in the destruction of 37 mechanical transport and other vehicles and damaged many others. His coolness, determination and outstanding leadership have largely contributed to the successes achieved by the squadron.

NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9033 has recommendation for this award dated 25 October 1944. It stated he had flown 81 operational hours since previous award, had flown a total of 1,645 hours (145 in previous six months) and had flown a total of 717 operational hours (437 sorties). Text differs little from the published citation:

Squadron Leader Arthur has continued to lead his squadron with skill and determination. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has completed many sorties and has destroyed one enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of another.

During the invasion of the south of France he lead his squadron on many sorties resulting in the destruction of some 37 mechanical transport and other vehicles besides damaging many others. His coolness and determination contributed largely to the success of his squadron. Squadron Leader Arthur has now completed over 700 hours operational flying.

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Victories Include :

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