Donald Garland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Garland
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| Born | 28 June 1918 Ballinacor, Ireland |
| Died | 12 May 1940 (aged 21) Albert Canal, Lanaken, Belgium |
| Buried |
Heverlee War Cemetery, Leuven
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1937–1940 |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Unit | No. 12 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War
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| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Flying Officer Donald Edward Garland (born June 28, 1918 – died May 12, 1940) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. He received it for his incredible courage during a very dangerous mission.
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Donald Garland's Early Life
Donald Garland was born in Ballinacor, County Wicklow, Ireland. He went to Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in London from 1929 to 1935. After school, he worked at an insurance office for a short time. Later, he decided to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a pilot.
Heroic Action: The Victoria Cross
Donald Garland was 21 years old when he showed amazing bravery during World War II. He was a flying officer in No. 12 Squadron.
The Dangerous Mission
On May 12, 1940, there was an important mission over the Albert Canal in Belgium. Two bridges, Veldwezelt and Vroenhoven, were being used by the enemy army. These bridges were heavily protected by fighter planes, anti-aircraft guns, and machine-guns. The RAF was ordered to destroy one of these vital bridges.
Five Fairey Battle bombers were sent for the attack. Flying Officer Garland led this very risky mission. As they approached, they faced intense anti-aircraft fire. The bridge was hit, but it was not completely destroyed.
Bravery Under Fire
Garland and his navigator, Sergeant Thomas Gray, bravely attacked the bridge at Veldwezelt. They flew directly into the heavy enemy fire. Sadly, both Garland and Gray died during this mission. Their plane crashed either in the village of Lanaken or they died in a hospital in Maastricht, Netherlands. Only one bomber from the five managed to return to its base.
Highest Honor for Courage
Because of their incredible bravery, both Flying Officer Garland and Sergeant Gray were awarded the Victoria Cross. This award was given to them after they had died, which is called "posthumously."
Donald Garland is buried at the Heverlee War Cemetery in Leuven, Belgium.
Donald had three brothers, and all of them also served in the RAF and sadly died during the war:
- Pilot Officer Desmond William Garland – died in Belgium on June 5, 1942, aged 27.
- Flight Lieutenant John Cuthbert Garland – died on February 28, 1943, aged 32.
- Flight Lieutenant Patrick James Garland – died in Holland on January 1, 1945, aged 36.
Donald Garland's Victoria Cross medal is now on display at the Royal Air Force Museum London in England.
Remembering a Hero
Aircraft Named in Their Honor
To remember their bravery, a Vickers VC-10 aircraft (Serial 'XR807') from 101 Squadron was named 'Donald Garland VC & Thomas Gray VC'.
In 2005, No. 12 Squadron RAF celebrated its 90th anniversary. To show respect, they flew a Tornado GR4 jet with Flying Officer Garland's and Sergeant Gray's names painted under the cockpit.
Bridge Monument
There is also a special monument on the bridge they attacked. It helps everyone remember the brave actions of Donald Garland and his crew.
