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Headstone of Flight-Lieutenant David Lord, VC
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Headstone of Flight-Lieutenant David Lord, VC
David Lord is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Oosterbeek. He had spent five years, mostly in India with 31 Squadron, notably supplying Orde Wingates Chindits force behind enemy lines in Burma, for which he was awarded the DFC in July 1943. He moved to 271 Squadron at Down Ampney in January 1944 and with them took part in the D-Day operation and then on to supplying the surrounded British paratroopers at Oosterbeek during Operation Market Garden. Flying Dakota KG 374 he knew that to have a chance for his much needed supplies to reach the troops surrounded in the grounds of the Hartenstein Hotel he had to drop to 900 feet before releasing his cargo. On the approach at 1, 500 feet on 19th September his aircraft was both hit and set on fire. His Citation continues the story - Flt. Lt. Lord would have been justified in withdrawing or even in abandoning his aircraft, but knowing that the supplies were desperately needed he continued on his course. Twice going down to 900 feet under very intense fire, he successfully dropped his containers. His task completed he ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, making no attempt to leave himself. A few seconds later the aircraft fell in flames, only one of the crew surviving.... Flt.Lieut. Lord displayed supreme valour and self-sacrifice.
2001
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Media ID 23271314
© Holt
1943 1944 2001 Awarded Behind Buried Burma Cemetery Commission Commonwealth D Day Dday Enemy Graves Headstone Lines Moved Notably Oosterbeek Orde Spent Squadron Supplying Years January
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This poignant headstone marks the final resting place of Flight-Lieutenant David Lord, Victoria Cross recipient, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Oosterbeek, Netherlands. David Lord's military career began in 1938 when he joined the Royal Air Force and was posted to 31 Squadron in India. He played a crucial role in supplying the Chindits force, led by Orde Wingate, behind enemy lines in Burma, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in July 1943. In January 1944, Lord transferred to 271 Squadron based at Down Ampney, and took part in the D-Day operation. Later that year, during Operation Market Garden, he flew Dakota KG 374 to deliver much-needed supplies to the British paratroopers surrounded in the grounds of the Hartenstein Hotel. Aware that the low altitude required to successfully drop the cargo would put him and his aircraft at great risk, Lord pressed on. As he approached the drop zone at 1,500 feet on 19th September, his aircraft was hit and set on fire. Despite the danger, Lord continued his course, twice descending to 900 feet under intense enemy fire to release his containers. With his mission accomplished, he ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, refusing to save himself. A few seconds later, KG 374 fell in flames, with only one crew member surviving. Flight-Lieutenant David Lord's supreme valour and self-sacrifice were recognized with the highest military decoration, the Victoria Cross, posthumously awarded in 1945. This moving tribute to a heroic life stands as a testament to the courage and determination of those who gave their lives for their country during World War II.
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