PHILPOTTS, F/O Laurie Evan (J15527) -
Distinguished Flying Cross -
No. 683 Squadron
Award effective 5 April 1943 as per London Gazette dated 20 April 1943.
Born Caistorville, Ontario, 1918.
Home in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Educated in Saint John; enlisted in Moncton, 5 June 1940.
Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 20 July 1940, No.6 SFTS (graduated 6 October 1940), and No.1 SFTS (graduated 16 January 1941).
Flight Sargeant in 1941, commissioned 1942.
Posted to No.57 OTU, 2 September 1941, No.1 PRU, Benson on 2 October 1942, and to No.69 Squadron, Malta, 13 November 1942.
Subsequently decorated for service with No.683 Squadron.
Active postwar in aerial photography; a prolific author on the subject.
Invested with award by George VI, 24 January 1945.
"This officer has made many flights over Sicily and southern Italy. Although attacked on numerous occasions by fighter aircraft, he has always continued his missions. On a recent occasion, as a result of an accurate report by this officer, a submarine was enabled to damage a new Italian cruiser. Fyling Officer Philpotts has displayed outstanding keenness and devotion to duty" - accompanied Laurie's receipt of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
