3 CDO BDE O'Brien, William Christopher

Company Commander
By Russell Lewis

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
O'Brien
  • FORENAME
William Christopher
  • UNIT
R.M. 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron (M Flight)
  • RANK
Sergeant
  • NUMBER
PO 30684 R
  • AWARD
Distinguished Flying Medal
  • PLACE
Falklands 1982
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
age 28
from Somerset
London Gazette 8.10.1982
RM 1972 (No 29 King's Squad)
RM Commandos
gained his wings 1981
flying instructor 1984
served in Northern Ireland
retired from RM 1999
Army Air Corps (Major)
served in Iraq
R.N.R. (Lt Cdr) 2008
served in Afghanistan
retired 2011 (Lt Commander) age 54
London Gazette 49134, 8th October 1982, Page 12841
 

CITATION:

Distinguished Flying Medal : During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green Sergeant O'Brien piloted a Gazelle helicopter of M Flight, 3rd Commando Brigade Air Squadron. For two days his helicopter conducted supply and casualty evacuation operations, often under enemy fire. With his Flight Commander he also took part in 17 night flying sorties to evacuate wounded personnel and resupply vital ammunition. At times these sorties necessitated flying forward to company lines in the heat of battle and in appalling weather. The conspicuous gallantry and cool professionalism displayed on all these occasions was superb and Sergeant O'Brien made an outstanding contribution. His expertise and competence as a pilot has been widely admired and recognised.

WEB LINKS:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/49134/supplement/12841
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