Died in Aircraft Accident, in Lockheed Lodestar 18-08 #248. Crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Kisumu Airport (KIS). The airplane came down in Kavirondo Gulf, Lake Victoria. It appeared that the undercarriage could not be raised after takeoff because of an electrical failure in the under-carriage safety lock circuit. The Lodestar was returning to South Africa from Cairo, Egypt
A mention in despatches is not a medal. It is an official commendation for gallantry or distinguished service, denoted by an oak-leaf emblem worn on the appropriate campaign medal ribbon.
This recipient
2745, 2nd MID LG Sup 24 June 1943 pg. 2867 | Son of Frank and Edith A. Rawlins; husband of Sheila M. Rawlins, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal.