List of World War II aces from the United Kingdom

This is a list of fighter aces in World War II from the United Kingdom and the British Empire (Country names as per name at the time of World War II). For other countries see List of World War II aces by country.

For "turret fighters" such as the Boulton Paul Defiant, the pilot put the aircraft into position with the enemy and it was the gunner who controlled the armament, air victories are credited to both.

List

Abbreviations

Awards

Awards
AwardTitleNotes
AEAir Efficiency AwardAwarded for ten years' efficient service in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force
AFCAir Force CrossAt this time, awarded "for acts of courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy" to commissioned officers and warrant officers.[76] Extended to all ranks in 1993.
CdeGCroix de GuerreA military decoration of both France and Belgium, also commonly bestowed to foreign military forces allied to France and Belgium.
DFCDistinguished Flying CrossAt this time, awarded "for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy" to commissioned officers and warrant officers.[76] Extended to all ranks in 1993.
DFC*Distinguished Flying Cross and BarA bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DFC who receive a second award.
DFC**Distinguished Flying Cross and two BarsA second bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DFC and Bar who receive a third award.
DFMDistinguished Flying MedalAt this time, awarded "for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy" to non-commissioned officers and men.[76] Discontinued in 1993.
DSODistinguished Service OrderAwarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.
DSO*Distinguished Service Order and BarA bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DSO who receive a second award.
DSO**Distinguished Service Order and two BarsA second bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DSO and Bar who receive a third award.
MCMilitary CrossAt this time, awarded for "distinguished and meritorious services" to officers of the rank of Captain or below, and warrant officers.[77] Extended to all ranks in 1993.
MiDMentioned in despatchesAwarded for gallantry or otherwise commendable service.
VCVictoria CrossHighest British military decoration, awarded for valour in the face of the enemy.
VMVirtuti MilitariHighest Polish military award for courage in the face of the enemy

See also

Notes

References

Citations

Bibliography