Eric Stanley Lock
Victories : 26.5
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Country : UK
Fought in : WW2
Fought for : Allied
Died : 3rd August 1941
Born 19th April 1919, Eric Lock became one of the most famous fighter pilots of the war. Joining No.41 Sqn, he flew Spitfires in the Battle of Britain, but was eventually forced to crash-land his badly damaged Spitfire, and spent a long time recovering from his injuries. Returning to action over France in 1941, he joined No.611 Squadron, again flying Spitfires. On 3rd August 1941, Lock was last seen going in for a ground attack near the Pas-de-Calais, where it is presumed he was shot down and killed. Neither his body or aircraft have ever been found. Lock scored 26.5 victories in total, making him the 8th highest scoring British Ace of the war, despite only living until 1941. He was awarded the DSO, DFC and a Bar to the DFC.
Citation for the DSO
This officer has shown exceptional keenness and courage in his attacks against the enemy. In November, 1940, whilst engaged with his squadron in attacking a superior number of enemy forces, he destroyed two Messerschmitt 109's, thus bringing his total to at least twenty-two. His magnificent fighting spirit and personal example have been in the highest traditions of the service.
Citation for the DFC
This officer has destroyed nine enemy aircraft, eight of these within a period of one week. He has displayed great vigour and determination in pressing home his attacks.
Citation for the Bar to the DFC
In September, 1940, whilst engaged on a patrol over the Dover area, Pilot Officer Lock engaged three Heinkel 113's one of which he shot down into the sea. Immediately afterwards he engaged a Henschel 126 and destroyed it. He has displayed great courage in the face of heavy odds, and his skill and coolness in combat have enabled him to destroy fifteen enemy aircraft within a period of nineteen days.
Combat Reports Personal combat reports from this pilot.
5th September 1940 15.00 hrs, 41 Squadron. Two HeIII and an Me109, about 15,000ft over Shppey. I was Red 2, 41 Squadron flying in formation with the rest of the squadron when we intercepted a formation of enemy aircraft. We attacked the bombers first. After we engaged, we broke away to port, then I saw Red 1 shoot down an Me109 which exploded in mid-air. It then developed into a dogfight. I then engaged an enemy HeIII which crashed into the river and I followed this down. I climbed back to 8,000 feet and saw an enemy HeIII which had left the main formation. I engaged same and his starboard engine set on fire. I closed in to about 75 yards and fired two long bursts and smoke came from the fuselage. The enemy aircraft then put his wheels down and started to glide. I then stopped firing and followed him down. I was then attacked by an Me109 who fired at me from below and wounded me in the leg. As he banked away he stallturned. I fired at him and he exploded in mid-air. I then followed the bomber down who landed on the sea about 10 miles from the first one in the mouth of the river. I circled round a boat which was at hand. I also flashed my downward light - I saw the boat go to the enemy aircraft. I was then joined by Red 3. On our return we saw the first bomber which was still floating. I saw a small rubber boat.
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