Captain George McElroy MC & two Bars, DFC & Bar. An Irish born fighter pilot ace with 47 enemy kills. McElroy flew with the British RFC and RAF during the First World War.
| Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) |
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C.
A brilliant fighting pilot who has destroyed thirty-five machines and three kite balloons to date. He has led many offensive patrols with marked success, never hesitating to engage the enemy regardless of their being, on many occasions, in superior numbers. Under his dashing and skilful leadership his flight has largely contributed to the excellent record obtained by the squadron.
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| Military Cross (MC) |
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, R.G.A. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown a splendid offensive spirit in dealing with enemy aircraft. He has destroyed at least two enemy machines, and has always set a magnificent example of courage and initiative.
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| Military Cross (MC) First Bar |
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on an offensive patrol, observing a hostile scout diving on one of our aeroplanes, he opened fire, and sent down the enemy machine in an irregular spin out of control, when it finally crashed completely. Later in the same day, he sent down another enemy machine in flames. On another occasion, when on offensive patrol, he singled one out of four enemy machines, and sent it down crashing to earth. On the same day he attacked another enemy machine, and, after firing 200 rounds, it burst into flames. On a later occasion, he opened fire on an enemy scout at 400 yards range, and finally sent it down in a slow spin out of control. In addition, this officer has brought down two other enemy machines completely out of control, his skill and determination being most praiseworthy.
(M.C. gazetted 26th March, 1918.)
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| Military Cross (MC) Second Bar |
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While flying at a height of 2,000 feet, he observed a patrol of five enemy aircraft patrolling behind the lines. After climbing into the clouds, he dived to the attack, shot down and crashed one of them. Later, observing a two-seater, he engaged and shot it down out of control. On another occasion he shot down an enemy scout which was attacking our positions with machine-gun fire. He has carried out most enterprising work in attacking enemy troops and transport and in the course of a month has shot down six enemy aircraft, which were seen to crash, and five others out of control.
(M.C. gazetted 26th March, 1918.)
(1st Bar gazetted 22nd April, 1918.)
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| Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar |
Lieut. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., D.F.C. (Royal G. Artillery).
In the recent battles on various army fronts this officer has carried out numerous patrols, and flying at low altitudes, has inflicted heavy casualties on massed enemy troops, transport, artillery teams, etc., both with machine-gun fire and bombs. He has destroyed three enemy kite balloons and forty-three machines, accounting for eight of the latter in eight consecutive days. His brilliant achievements, keenness and dash have at all times set a fine example and inspired all who came in contact with him.
(M.C. gazetted 26th March, 1918, 1st Bar 22nd April, 1918, 2nd Bar 26th July, 1918. D.F.C. gazetted 3rd August, 1918.)
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He would be shot down a week after Mannock on 31 July 1918. The RAF lost two of its best pilots so suddenly.
Published by theirishatwar
Hi,
I'm David, I'm from Ireland. I am an avid fan of history. I have my B.A. in History, my M.A. in Military History and Strategic Studies,a Post Qualification Diploma in History and I've been teaching History for five years now.
I wanted to create a podcast that examines, in great detail, major Irish battles and battles allover the world in various wars that Irish people played a significant part in.
Hope you enjoy.
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The Irish at War 