bentley priory - Spink

September 6, 2012 - LONDON
Since rejoining 92 Squadron as a Flight Commander, on the 10th January, 1945, he has
displayed all his old dash and determination and his bombing and straffing have been of the
highest standard of accuracy. On the 30th March, when doing a recce of the important
barge routes, he located 6 barges near Loreo. He left his flight of 4 aircraft and in the face
of intense light and heavy flak, went down alone to a very low altitude to investigate them.
Having ascertained that they were undamaged and definitely in use, he rejoined his flight,
and led them in the attack so successfully that 3 direct hits were scored, completely
destroying 3 barges. Then still experiencing intense flak, he returned and severely damaged
the remainder by strafing. On the 25th February he scored a direct hit on a bridge over the
River Brenta, successfully destroying it. On the 1st April on a strafing recce he located and
destroyed an armoured car, and severely damaged 2 staff cars, one 3-ton truck, and a motor
launch. On the 2nd April, and again on the 6th April he scored a direct hit on and destroyed
an enemy strong point.
Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Garner has shown the highest qualities of leadership and
initiative. His courage and his determination to engage the enemy, coupled with a complete
disregard for his own safety, have been the outstanding features of a career marked by the
utmost devotion to duty.’
Remarks by Officer Commanding Wing: ‘I most strongly endorse this recommendation.
The operation cited above and led by Flight Lieutenant Garner on the 30th March
demonstrated the greatest courage on his part, in that he recced the target alone, with his
bomb on, at a low level altitude in the face of intense return fire, in order to ensure getting
the best results from his ultimate attack. In addition to this Flight Lieutenant Garner has
again distinguished himself in an operation led by him two days ago in support of the 8th
Army’s offensive near Lugo. Under Rover control he attacked an Artillery H.Q. with
bombs, scoring hits and severely damaging the target: he then spotted two S.P. 75mm
guns, and attacked with front guns until his ammunition was exhausted; one of them
exploded and caught fire, and the other was left smoking. Two days before this last attack
Flight Lieutenant Garner was hit over his target and forced to bale out: despite a very bad
experience in getting back to friendly troops he was operating again the following day, and
his tremendous enthusiasm and great courage remain unabated. Flight Lieutenant Garner
is strongly recommended for the Immediate Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’
A.F.C. London Gazette 1.1.1951 Flight Lieutenant Ben Loraine Garner, D.F.C. (106649),
R.A.F.
The Recommendation states: ‘Flight Lieutenant Garner has commanded a Flight at No. 7
Flying Training School for one year and nine months. During that period, he has, at all
times, displayed an exemplary standard of efficiency and enthusiasm and, by his personal
example, has ensured that his instructors have given their best. Not only has this officer
always approached his duties with outstanding keenness, but he has taken every opportunity
to improve his professional knowledge as a pilot and as an instructor. Recently he won the
Flying Training Command aerobatic competition and was selected to give an aerobatic
display at the Royal Air Force display at Farnborough. Flight Lieutenant Garner is one of
the most outstanding Qualified Flying Instructors at No. 7 Flying Training School. By his
enthusiasm and efficiency in his duties he has set an outstanding example to all other
instructors.’
Squadron Leader Ben Loraine Garner, D.F.C., A.F.C.; born Spalding, Lincolnshire,
25.11.1918, and educated at Moulton Grammar School; after leaving school he joined the
Metropolitan Police, and in September 1940 enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve; served during the Second World War with No. 92 (East India) Squadron
(Spitfires), serving in England, Africa, Sicily, and Italy; Commissioned Pilot Officer,
11.9.1941; promoted Flying Officer, 11.9.1942; Flight Lieutenant, 11.9.1943; whilst with
244 Spitfire fighter bomber Wing of the Desert Air Force engaged on low bombing
operations in Italy under the command of Group Captain ‘Cockey’ Dundas he shot down
a Bf.109 over Ortona-Gradiagrele, 10.1.1944, and another Bf.109 south east of Avezzano,
23.4.1944, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after having completed 240
operational sorties; after the War Garner took a permanent Commission in the Royal Air
Force, and served as a flying instructor at RAF Cottesmore; took part in the Royal Air Force
display at Farnborough, as one of two pilots performing “on request aerobatics” in a Balliol,
7-8.7.1950- the air show was the first R.A.F. Pageant since before the War, and Garner was
one of three pilots performing at the air show who was invited to take tea with H.M. The
King; in the following New Year’s Honours list he was awarded the Air Force Cross, having
completed a total of 2,110 flying hours. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1.7.1951; Garner
retired from the Royal Air Force, 22.11.1957, and emigrated to Kenya, where he became
a farmer.
PROVENANCE:
Richardsons Auctioneers, May 1996
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