DAVOUD, W/C Paul Yettvart (C325) - Mention in Despatches - No.409 Squadron - Award effective 9 June 1942 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1000-1001/42 dated 3 July 1942. See Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame and Canadian Who’s Who. Born at Provo, Utah, 25 November 1911. Educated at Mont Clair (New Jersey), RMC and Queen's University. Enlisted at Camp Borden, 24 June 1929. P/P/O training at Camp Borden, 24 June to 10 August 1929, 23 June to 29 August 1930 and 4 June to 19 August1931. Graduated from RMC, 1931 (had been 14th in a class of 35, 1929; Sword of Honour, 1931); qualified for Pilot's Badge at Trenton, 19 August 1931. P/P/O training had involved DH Moth (23 hours 50 minutes), Fleet (32 hours 20 minutes), Tomtit (one hour 15 minutes), Tutor (one hours) and Puss Moth (nine hours 15 minutes). Attended Queen’s University, September 1932 to February 1933, mechanical engineering). Joined RAF, February 1933. Took service training at No.5 Flying Training School (Atlas, three hours 55 minutes, Siskin 43 hours 15 minutes). Promoted Flying Officer, 24 August 1933. Service with No.17 (Fighter) Squadron, 28 August 1933 to March 1935 (Bristol Bulldog, 295 hours 15 minutes including 25 hours on instruments, Hart 45 minutes, Fury 15 minutes). Resigned RAF permanent commission, 31 March 1935. Returned to Canada to fly bush operations with Canadian Airways (May 1935 to 1938, Superintendent of Northern Manitoba operations) and Hudson Bay Company (Supervisor of Transportation for Fur Department - organized their air transport system and all transportation in Fur Trade Department including boats, trains, tractors, etc. An undated summary of his commercial types listed the Vega (two hours), Stearman 4EM (14 hours 15 minutes), Fairchild FC-2W (371 hours ten minutes), Fairchild 71C (467 hours 40 minutes), Fox Moth (20 hours), Fokker Universal Standard (ten hours 20 minutes), Fokker Super Universal (96 hours 20 minutes), Norseman (nine hours 45 minutes), Junkers W-34 (1,350 hours 50 minutes) and Beechcraft 18D (131 hours five minutes). Rejoined in Winnipeg, 5 June 1940. To Trenton, 15 June 1940. Took Instructor Course, CFS, 17 June to 31 July 1940. Graded A-2 Instructor, 9 September 1940; graded A-1 Instructor, 24 November 1940. Officer Commanding, CFS “A” Flight, August to December 1940. Assistant to CFI, Central Flying School, 1 December 1940 until May 1941 when he ferried a bomber to Britain. Appointed Acting Squadron Leader, 1 February 1941. Promoted Temporary Squadron Leader, 1 June 1941. To No.60 OTU, 14 June 1941. To No.410 Squadron, 30 June 1941. Joined No.409 Squadron, 5 September 1941. Attached for Instrument Beam Course, Inverness, 23-27 June 1942. Promoted Acting Wing Commander, 8 September 1941 and commanded No.409 Squadron to 3 February 1943. Confirmed as Temporary Wing Commander, 15 May 1942. To Digby, 18 February 1943. Credited with the following victories: 1 November 1941, one Do.217 destroyed; 29 July 1942, one He.111 probably destroyed plus one Do.217 damaged. Taken off operations 17 February 1943 when his Beaufighter developed engine trouble and he crashed on landing. Suffered second degree burns to right side of face, ears and both hands. He became a member of the “Guinea Pig Club” due to burns received in the crash and his time spent at East Grinstead; discharged 31 May 1943. This is described in the book: As for the Canadians - The Remarkable Story of the RCAF’s ‘Guinea Pigs’ of World War II by Rita Donovan, BuschekBooks. RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 9 April 1943. After he recovered he was then posted to command No.418 Squadron (15 June 1943 to 7 January 1944). To No.22 (RCAF) Wing, 9 January 1944 and promoted Acting Group Captain that date. To No.143 Wing, 12 July 1944; commanded, 15 July to 31 December 1944). Promoted Group Captain, 9 January 1945 when posted to Headquarters, No.83 Group. as Group Captain Operations, involving operation and control of some 600 fighters and fighter-bombers, detailed planning for Rhine crossing and subsequent pursuit. To RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 1 June 1945. Repatriated 17 June 1945 at his request to accept a position with TCA. Released 26 July 1945 and went back to commercial flying which included time with Trans Canada Airlines, Canadian Breweries/Argus Corporation, Field Aviation, Kenting Aviation, Orenda Engines and De Havilland. He also had a position with the federal government as Chairman of the Air Transport Board and, later, a position with the Government of Ontario as Director of Aviation Services for the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. He was awarded the McKee Trophy in 1985. Elected to Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame (1985). Died at Wolfe Island (Kingston), 19 March 1987. Photo PL-4314 (ex UK-31) shows him. Photo PL-4822 (ex UK-596) shows administrative staff of No.409 Squadron - F/L R.M. MacKenzie, AFC, RNZAF, P/O E.L. McMillan, RAF, S/L Meakins (unit medical officer from Montreal), W/C P.Y. Davoud, S/L R.M. Trousdale, DFC, RAF, P/O T. Molloy, RAF (assistant adjutant) and F/O L.R.D. Pynn, Toronto (squadron signals officer). Photo PL-4827 (ex UK-603) shows him as Wing Commander commanding an RCAF night fighter squadron “somewhere in England.” RCAF photo PL-15869 (ex UK-4017 dated 14 May 1943) shows S/L H.A Forbes (Tatamagouche) and W/C P.Y. Davoud (Kingston) at Buckingham Palace after presentation of DFCs. RCAF photo PL-19763 (ex UK-5089 dated 13 September 1943) taken as CO of squadron. Photo PL-33215 (ex UK-15884 dated 17 October 1944) shows him greeting Sir Archibald Sinclair (alighting from car) in Holland. Photo PL-4739 (ex-UK-512) shows (left to right) S/L C.W. Trevena (Regina), G/C A.P. Campbell (Hamilton), the Duke of Kent, A/V/M R.E. Saul, W/C P.Y. Davoud, S/L Johnstone (Winnipeg) at a luncheon given for the Duke. Photo PL-4875 (ex UK-684) shows the King chatting with P/O L.R. Pynn (Toronto, third from left, Adjutant of No.409 Squadron); Davoud is at the King’s left. Photo PL-4875 (ex UK-684) shows the King chatting with P/O L.R. Pynn (Toronto, third from left, Adjutant of No.409 Squadron); Davoud is at the King’s left. RCAF photo PL-19063 (ex UK-4199 dated 31 May 1943) taken when King George and Queen Elizabeth visited “an RCAF station in the English Midlands”, the Queen chatting with W/C Paul Davoud (left), A/V/M W.A. Curtis and W/C George Elms. RCAF photo PL-26820 (ex UK-7365 dated 18 January 1944 shows W/C Paul Davoud and his Navigator, F/L Keith Reynolds before making the last sortie of their tour. Photo PL-26825 (ex UK-7370 dated 18 January 1944) shows G/C P.Y. Davoud handing over command of No.418 Squadron to W/C D.C. Macdonald (Vancouver). Photos PL-33443 (ex-UK15747, 11 October 1944) and PL-33444 (ex-UK-15748, same date) show G/C P.Y. Davoud (left) and W/C B.D. Russel soon after investiture of DSO at Buckingham Palace. PL-40741 (ex UK-15952 dated 30 November 1944) taken showing him conferring with Wing Adjutant, F/L Jack Bonner over a log book; taken in front of tented headquarters. PL-51780 shows him and Dal Russel receiving Dutch awards. // DAVOUD, W/C Paul Yettvart (C325) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.409 Squadron - Award effective 11 January 1943 as per London Gazette dated 2 February 1943 and AFRO 272/43 dated 19 February 1943. // This officer has been engaged on night flying operations for more than a year. He is a skilful pilot whose fine example and inspiring leadership have been worthy of high praise. He has destroyed one and probably destroyed another enemy aircraft. // DAVOUD, G/C Paul Yettvart, DFC (C325) - Distinguished Service Order - No.418 Squadron - Award effective 2 March 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 March 1944 and AFRO 766/44 dated 6 April 1944. // // Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has completed many sorties involving attacks on airfields and other heavily defended areas in Holland, Northern France, Belgium and Germany. He is a forceful and courageous leader whose personal example and exceptional ability have been reflected in the fine fighting qualities and efficiency of the squadron he commands. His loyal and devoted service has been worthy of the highest praise. // DAVOUD, G/C Paul Yettvart, DSO, DFC (C325) - Mention in Despatches - No.143 Wing - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. // DAVOUD, G/C Paul Yettvart, DSO, DFC (C325) - Officer, Order of the British Empire - No.83 Group Headquarters - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1219 dated 27 July 1945. No citation in Canadian sources. Public Records Office Air 2/9056 has recommended citation which, however, seems rather confused as to sequence of his postings. // Group Captain Davoud has served with this Group since January 1944. He was given the task of forming and commanding two new airfields from squadrons and personnel recently transferred from Canada. He showed himself to be a commander of considerable resource and ability and completed his task with great enthusiasm and efficiency. He arrived on the Continent a week after D Day, and shortly afterwards a reorganization of the Group placed him in command of 143 Wing. He filled this post with energy and distinction until January 1945, when he was appointed Group Captain, Operations at Group Headquarters. Previous to joining 83 Group this officer gave outstanding service whilst commanding a Canadian Typhoon fighter bomber wing. // DAVOUD, G/C Paul Yettvart, DSO, OBE, DFC (C325) - Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France) - AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947 and Canada Gazette dated 20 September 1947 // DAVOUD, G/C Paul Y., DSO, OBE, DFC (C325) - Croix de Guerre avec Palm (France) - AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947 and Canada Gazette dated 20 September 1947. // DAVOUD, G/C Paul Y., DSO, OBE, DFC (C325) - Commander, Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords (Holland) - Award effective 6 February 1948 as per AFRO 81/48 of that date. Public Records Office Air 2/9293 has recommended citation: // In command of No.143 Wing, Royal Air Force [sic], stationed at Eindhoven, from September until December 1944, through his excellent work has greatly contributed to the liberation of the Netherlands. // Notes: Letter, 30 May 1932, Brigadier W.H.P. Elkins (Commandant, RMC) to Militia Headquarters, stating that three Cadets had applied for RAF commissions - 2034 P.Y. Davoud, 2043 A.J. Kennedy and 2021 J.G. Bigelow - Kennedy and Davoud had already qualified as pilots (1931) and were to be given their Diplomas of Graduation at ceremonies on 6 June. // On 7 September 1939 he wrote to General McNaughton. Describing his RAF service, he stated. “During my two years service in No.17 (F) Squadron, RAF, I was fortunately able to take part in two Air Defence Exercises, and to represent the Squadron in the competition for the Brooke-Popham Firing Trophy. I made extensive study of Fighter Tactics and Gunnery with F/L E.W. Donaldson who won the Brooke-Popham Trophy three years in a row. I have always felt that a more complete understanding of elementary theory of Flight must be hammered into the heads of all pilots (particularly beginners) if the number of accidents from stalls, etc is to be materially decreased. This is increasingly important with high performance aeroplanes having high wing loadings. I don’t think these points can be too highly stressed and I would certainly welcome a chance to discuss them further.” // Report of his crash, 1500 hours, 17 February 1943 at Colby Grange - Beaufighter X7897, with C9309 F/O J.D. Horn-Kennedy - non-operational (but proceeding to Coltishall for operations). “Pilot returned to Base leading P/O Taylor and put the latter position to land. P/O Taylor landed successfully and pilot then made circuit and on final approach checked undercarriage indicator for main wheels showed ‘not fully down’. Pilot was then levelling off so opened both throttles to go round again. The Starboard engine failed to open up properly and aircraft swung to right and left wing dropped quickly. Pilot then closed both throttles and tried to straighten aircraft, but it struck the port wing and port undercarriage on the ground at about 45 degrees to original line of touch down. Aircraft immediately caught fire and Pilot escaped through top cockpit exit, sustaining slight cut on head and burns to hands and face after removing helmet. Observer was warned to hang on by Pilot and escaped through top rear hatch and was not injured.” Cause of engine failure undetermined due to aircraft being burned out. // Application for Operational Wing dated 9 January 1944 claimed operational hours on Beaufighter as 210.10 and on Mosquitos as 50.00; 101 sorties with No..409 Squadron (6 September 1941 to 17 February 1943) and 17 sorties with No.418 Squadron (15 June 1943 to date). // Possible Tiger Force Employment: His move from No.143 Wing to Headquarters, No.83 Group at the end of 1944 may well have been affected by Tiger Force planning. Early in December 1944, Air Marshal L.S. Breadner (Air Officer Commanding, RCAF Overseas) informed Davoud that Phase II included a heavy bomber element and a long-range fighter formation. Davoud replied to Breadner on 8 December 1944. He was thinking of who might succeed him in No.143 Wing. Part of his letter read: // With regard to my views and wishes with respect to the RCAF’s part in the war against Japan, I would be very interested indeed if the position entailed added responsibility. I talked the matter over with our AOC and as far as Staff Experience in this Group is concerned, there will shortly be a Group Captain vacancy available which is being held open. He is prepared to accept me on his staff if an experienced officer is available to take over. I am entirely satisfied with W/C Nesbitt, DFC, who is at present double banked as Wing Commander Ops at 83 Group, is the best qualified RCAF officer for the job, and I am sure the AOC will be agreeable to him taking over. // If the RCAF Far Eastern Commitment includes a Fighter Group, I would very much like to be considered to handle the Operations. I feel that my experience from a straight Fighter and Fighter-Bomber point of view has been fairly comprehensive both in England and over here, but I am sure that the U.S. VIII Air Force Fighter Command’s ideas on long range day fighter tactics and organization must be very sound. // It would appear that he eventually took advantage of a TCA offer and opted for repatriation in June 1945 followed by his release on 26 July 1945. // Selected Assessments: “Under instruction, CFS. An outstanding pilot of considerable experience, commercial and RAF. Reliable and hard working.” (S/L D. Edwards, 18 July 1940). // “An exceptionally able instructor and officer. Very keen and industrious. Possesses executive ability and excellent leadership. Has considerable experience which is of value to the School.” (Illegible signature, 9 December 1940, Central Flying School). // “Flight Lieutenant Davoud is an outstanding officer and, wirth his wide experience, both in the RAF and in business life, has been a tremendous asset to CFS He possesses initiative, drive and personality and, as Assistant CFI, is proving a source of strength in solving training problems at Central Flying School. With a higher rank, he could carry more weight and could be more useful, as he would be able to assume more responsibility. It is recommended that Flight Lieutenant Davoud he given accelerated promotion to the next higher rank.” (G/C T.A. Lawrence, Commanding Station Trenton, 7 February 1941). // “Sound, keen and exceptionally able. Wing Commander Davoud took over his squadron after the death of the previous CO in a flying accident. The previous CO had been exceptionably able and popular, and his death affected the Squadron profoundly. Nevertheless, Wing Commander Davoud, due to his leadership, energy and keenness, has made this squadron a keen, happy and thoroughly efficient one. A most valuable officer and an outstanding leader.” (G/C Patrick Campbell, 1 December 1941). // “This officer can be classed as superior. Has tremendous energy and zeal which he communicates to those in his squadron.” (G/C E.A. McNab, 30 June 1943, to which Air Commodore A.S.G. Lee adds, 5 July 1943, “Concur. An outstanding officer with drive and personality.” // “I consider this officer to be one of the most outstanding officers I have ever come across in the RAF. He is a great leader, a highly experience pilot and a fine character.” (W/C G. Maxwell, Station Ford, 10 January 1944). To this, on 11 January 1944, G/C W.J. Crisham (SASO, 11 Group) adds, “I agree with para. 12. Wing Commander Davoud is a personality who will always have the admiration and full backing of all his associates and subordinates. He will fill a Group Captain’s appointment with distinction, particularly in an operational capacity.” // “This officer gets on well with everyone and promotes a feeling of good will amongst all those with whom he comes in contact. He is a keen and capable commander.” (Air Commodore D.T. Boyle, Headquarters, No.83 Group, 13 November 1944 - to which A/V/M Harry Broadhust adds, “I concur.” // “This officer has given very fine service as Officer Commanding, 143 Wing and is in every way fit for promotion to the Temporary rank of Group Captain.” (A/V/M Harry Broadhust, AOC No.83 Group, 1 February 1945). // Training: First Term P/P/O training involved flying on Moth aircraft (twelve hours dual, one hour 15 minutes solo). // Second Term P/P/O training (23 June to 29 August 1930) marks were Workshops and Engines (265/300), Carpentry and Rigging (163/200), Armament, practical (79/100), Armament, written (82/100), Meteorology (84/100), Signalling (100/100), Air Pilotage and Map Reading (81/100), Drill, Discipline and Efficiency (188/200). Flew Moths, seven hours 15 minutes dual, 22 hours 35 minutes solo (cumulative total in two terms now 20 hours ten minutes dual and 23 hours 50 minutes solo on Moth aircraft). Skills described under the following headings: 1. Taxying and handling of engines - “Shows good judgement and handles engine carefully.” 2. Demonstration of effect of control - “Fairly good, is a little heavy on controls/” 3. Straight and level flying - “Satisfactory” 4. Stalling, Climbing and Gliding - “Satisfactory, keeps fairly constant.” 5. Taking off into wind - “Good, inclined to get tail up too high.” 6. Landing into wind and judging distances - “Fairly good, inclined to make wheelish landings.” 7. Turns up to 45 degrees - “Satisfactory”. 8 (a) Climbing turns - “Satisfactory, makes constant turns”; 8 (b) Gliding turns - “Satisfactory, constant”. 9. Turns over 45 degrees, with and without engine - “Satisfactory”. 10. Spinning - “Good, is quite confident and brings the aircraft out properly.” 11. Preliminary forced landings - “Good, makes good approach and lands close to mark.” 12. Solo - “Good, plays safe and shows good judgement.” 13. Side Slipping - “Satisfactory, inclined to pick up too much speed.” 14. Forced Landings- |”Satisfactory for instruction given.” 15. Taking Off and Landing Across Wind - “Shows fairly goof judgement in handling controls.” Summary - “This pupil made satisfactory progress throughout the season and is recommended for his third year instruction.” (F/O W.L. Woolison, Flying Instructor, 29 August 1930, with concurrence of F/L L.R. Charron). // Third Term P/P/O training (1931) involved following types - Fleet (15 hours dual, 31 hours 40 minutes solo), Puss Moth (50 minutes dual, nine hours 45 minutes solo), Hawker Tomtit (25 minutes dual, one hour 15 minutes solo) and Avro Tutor (one hour solo). Totals for three terms was 36.25 dual, 67.30 solo. “Somewhat course on use of controls. Further training in aerobatics required.” (S/L A.B. Shearer, Officer in Charge, Flying Training Wing, Camp Borden). On 18 August 1931, F/O D.R. Rundle-Woolcock wrote (to Officer Commanding, “E” Flight, Camp Borden), “Reference the above-named gentleman, I wish to report that his progress has been one of steady improvement throughout the whole season. He absorbs and retains instruction readily. His conduct, punctuality and deportment are all that could be desired. He has completed all tests for Pilot’s Badge as laid down in H.Q. O & I A/27/1. // Flying Instructor Course, 18 June to 30 July 1940. At the time he already had 2,753 hours 25 minutes single engine solo time, 73 hours 35 minutes single engine dual, 131 hours five minutes twin-engine solo time (no twin dual). Aircraft flown listed as Fleet, Tomtit, Siskin, Bulldog, FC.71, Norseman, Beechcraft, Hawker Hart and Hawker Fury. On course he flew 44.30 single engine solo, 15.25 single engine dual, 16.30 twin-engine solo, 2.05 twin-engine dual. “This pupil flies exceptionally well. He has a thorough knowledge of sequence. His varied flying experience and his conscientious application to his work will make him a very valuable instructor.” (F/L K.L.B. Hodson). Examined on 31 July 1940 on Finch and Harvard. Rated in following matters - Sequence (“Good”), Voice (“Very Good”), Manner (“Very Good”), Ability to Impart Knowledge (“Good”), Ability as a Pilot (“High average”). “A capable instructor; should do exceptionally well after expertise is gained.” (S/L D.A.R. Bradshaw, Examining Officer). Category “B” awarded. // Re-examined at CFS, 29 September 1940. By then he had flown 121 hours 20 minutes at instructing (98.05 single engine, 23.15 dual). Tested on Lockheed 12 and Finch. Rated in following matters - Sequence (“Excellent”), Voice (“Very Good”), Manner (“Very Good”), Ability to Impart Knowledge (“Above Average”), Ability as a Pilot (“Above Average”). “Definitely A.1 calibre. Experience in RAF and operational flying advanced type aircraft lend background to a marked aptitude for Flying Instructor. A.1 category not recommended until further time is gained as Flying Instructor. In meantime A.2 category is strongly recommended.” (S/L D.A.R. Bradshaw, Examining Officer). Category “A.2" awarded.