World War 2 - Honours and Awards

Collie Boys who displayed Gallant or Distinguished Conduct during Active Service in WW2 (1939 - 1945)

Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

The Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the RAF and formerly (until 1991) to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for an “act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy”.  In Australia the award was discontinued after 1991.

During WW2 there was one (1) DFM awarded to a serviceman who enlisted from Collie.

Pilot Officer Herbert Leonard FUHRMANN, DFM (Sergeant at time of award)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was (until 1993) an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level (second only to VC), military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries in recognition of gallantry within the other ranks. In 1993 the DCM was discontinued and replaced by the MG, for all ranks.

During WW2 there was one (1) DCM awarded to a serviceman who enlisted from Collie.

Sergeant Henry (Harry) Charles FUHRMANN, DCM

Military Medal (MM)

The Military Medal (MM) was (until 1993) a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. The medal was established on 25 March 1916. In 1993 the MM was discontinued and replaced by the MG, for all ranks.

During WW2 there was two (2) MM awarded to servicemen who enlisted from Collie.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Eric EYRE, MM

Cpl Arthur Melville MAGILL MM (POW)

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, instituted for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy”. In Australia the award was discontinued after 1991.                                                                  

During WW2 there were two (2) DFC’s awarded to servicemen with links to Collie.

Flight Lieutenant Albert George McKENZIE, DFC (born Collie, enlisted from NORSEMAN).

Flying Officer John Joseph O’DONNELL, DFC (enlisted from Collie, NOK Collie).

WW2 - Collie Boys in Bomber Command