VC Citation:

London Gazette 13 November 1945.

‘The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA

CROSS on the under-mentioned ofcer in recognition of most

conspicuous bravery: — Flight Lieutenant David Samuel Anthony

LORD, D.F.C. (49149), R.A.F., 271 Sqn. (deceased).

Flight Lieutenant Lord was pilot and captain of a Dakota aircraft

detailed to drop supplies at Arnhem on the afternoon of the 19th

September, 1944. Our airborne troops had been surrounded and

were being pressed into a small area defended by a large number

of anti-aircraft guns. Air crews were warned that intense opposition

would be met over the dropping zone.

To ensure accuracy they were ordered to y at 900 feet when

dropping their containers. While ying at 1,500 feet near Arnhem

the starboard wing of Flight Lieutenant Lord’s aircraft was twice hit

by anti-aircraft re. The starboard engine was set on re. He would

have been justied in leaving the main stream of supply aircraft and

continuing at the same height or even abandoning his aircraft.

But on learning that his crew were uninjured and that the dropping

zone would be reached in three minutes he said he would complete

his mission, as the troops were in dire need of supplies. By now the

starboard engine was burning furiously.

Ginkel Heath Drop Zone where Lord crashed: memorial to left. Author

Flight Lieutenant Lord came down to 900 feet, where he was singled

out for the concentrated re of all the anti-aircraft guns. On reaching

the dropping zone he kept the aircraft on a straight and level course

while supplies were dropped.