Distinguished Flying Cross
Wing Commander Peter Ted SQUIRE AFC 608512, Royal Air
Force.
Six GR3 Harriers from 1(F) Squadron embarked in HMS
HERMES on 18th May 1982, and a further four replacement aircraft
were flown direct from Ascension Island to HMS HERMES'
deck 3,500 miles away. During the re-invasion phase of the Falklands
operations, 1 (F) Squadron flew from the ship in a wide variety
of bombing,
PR and rocket attacks on targets ashore in the Falkland
Islands in support of ground forces, usually at low level
against defended targets. Wing Commander Squire led his Squadron
with great courage from the front flying 24 attack sorties.
He flew many daring missions, but of particular note was an attack
at low level with rockets on targets at Port Stanley Airfield in
the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire when both he and his wing
man returned damaged. Also a bombing attack on an HQ position
when, on approach, a bullet passed through his cockpit which
temporarily distracted him, but he quickly found an alternative
target and bombed that instead. During overshoot Wing Commander
Squire's aircraft suffered engine failure and was damaged
during crash landing at the forward operating base ashore on 9th
June 1982, but he continued flying after his return to the ship
with unabated zeal. Wing Commander Squire has shown outstanding
valour and steadiness under enemy fire, and has led by brave
example.