Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918 -- Howard Bowden Fletcher

confirmed

Born: 22 November 1890

Died: 10 April 1967

Father Ernest George Fletcher lived at "Hanraki" 62 Prince Street, Mosman.

Served with No 2 Troop "B" Squadron 12th Light Horse Regiment before transferring to No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, as an Observer.

Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC):

For conspicuous gallantry in air combats and in attacking ground objectives. On the 24th August, 1918 this officer, acting as Observer in Lieutenant P.J. McGUINNESS, D.C.M. (and accompanied by Lieutenants PETERS and THAILL in a second machine) attacked seven hostile machines, of which he and his Pilot succeeded in cashing two single-seaters, one of which burst into flames on hitting the ground. In addition, this Officer has shown much initiative in attacking ground objectives, notably on 2nd May, 1918, when he attacked the hangars and camps at AMMAN from a low height with effect, and also on the 31st July, 1918, when from a low height he attacked trains and transport parks at BEISAN. Other attacks were carried out on the 11th June, 16th June, 8th July, and 9th August, 1918. Further this officer has done much valuable and dangerous work recently in obtaining photographs and intelligence regarding roads etc. which was particularly required.