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Maurice Barber Edit Profile

Maurice Clinton Hinton Barber was a South African Lieutenant Colonel in the South African Air Force during World World War World War II

Career

Born August 8, 1912 to Craddock, in the Cape Province of South Africa, Mauritius Barber served during World World War II in the Squadron 250 of the Royal Air Force on the Western front Deserted in 1942. He went on to command Squadron 450 / Royal Australian Air Force November 1942 until March 1943. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross in February 1943 and was transferred to the SAAF with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After the war he became Director of Civil Aviation in Southern Rhodesia.

Lieutenant Colonel Barber"s official Distinguished Flying Cross citation says:

During operations in the Western Desert this officer displayed great skill and unflagging devotion to duty. As flight and squadron commander his steady judgment and high morale proved a tower of strength.

In 1 flight during the battle of El Alamein, Squadron Leader Barber destroyed 3 Junkers 87"son His example has been worthy of high praise.

Achievements

  • Distinguished Flying Cross on 23 February 1943 as Acting Squadron Leader of the Number. 450 (Royal Australian Air Force) Squadron, Royal Air Force.