| Date | 26 November 1942 |
|---|---|
| Reference | EE01-0033 |
| Volume | Eton Excelsior Rowing Club, Volume 1 |
| Collection | Eton Excelsior |
Transcript
Malta Convoy DSO
Lieut. R. J. Cork’s award for “conspicuous gallantry’ with Fleet Air Arm
Lieut. Richard John Cork, RN, eldest son of Mr and Mrs H.J. Cork of “Lurley”, Dawes East Road, Burnham, is front page news again. This twenty-five-year-old pilot of the Fleet Air Arm, who was decorated with the DSC for courageous flying in the defence of London during the Battle of Britain, when he piloted a fighter in the squadron led by W/Commander Bader, the legless ace, has now been awarded the DSO for conspicuous gallantry in repelling attacks during the passage through the Mediterranean of a Malta convoy.
An old pupil of Slough Grammar School, Lieut. Cork was a popular member of the Windsor Rugby and Eton Excelsior Rowing clubs, and joined the Fleet Air Arm a year before the outbreak of war. He is now employed on instructional duties, and was spending a weekend at home when the announcement of the award was made in the London Gazette on 14th November. His younger brother Brian is serving as an artillery lieutenant with the Eighth Army in Libya.
Images
![A newspaper clipping featuring an article about Lieutenant R. J. Cork's award for 'conspicuous gallantry' during World War II. The image includes a portrait of Lieutenant Cork in military attire, with details about his contributions to the Fleet Air Arm and a brief biography. [P1011967]](https://i0.wp.com/windsorlocalhistorygroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P1011967.jpg?ssl=1)
Curator's Notes
On 10 Nov 1942, Lieutenant (A) Richard John Cork, D.S.C., Royal Navy, was awarded the DSO “when an important Convoy was fought through to Malta in the face of relentless attacks by day and night from enemy submarines, aircraft and surface forces“. [source: The London Gazette]
On 18 Oct 1940, Sub-Lieutenant (A) Richard John Cork, Royal Navy, was awarded the DSC “for exemplary courage and coolness in successful action against enemy bombers“. [source: The London Gazette]
Richard John Cork was born in London on 4th April 1917, the son of Harold James Cork (1888-1954) and Ethel Mary Cork (nee Wood, 1892-1981) of Burnham, Buckinghamshire. [source: Battle of Britain London Monument website]
Richard John “Dickie” Cork attended the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and earned his pilot’s license on January 20, 1940, after which he enlisted in the Fleet Air Arm (FAA). [src: Traces of War website]
He was one of eight members of the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club killed in action during the Second World War. The EERC Scrapbook Digitisation Project is dedicated to them. [source: WLHG website]
He died 14 Apr 1944 and is buried in the Trincomalee War Cemetery (2.C.9) in Sri Lanka. [source: CWGC website]
Airfix have made a 1/48th scale kit of the Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.Ib flown by Lt. Richard John Cork, No.880 Naval Air Squadron, FAA, HMS Indomitable, Madagascar, May 1942. [source: Historical Wings website]
See also Record EE01-0032 “Burnham Air Hero Awarded DFC” in the EERC Vol 1 Collection.
Curator's References
Fifth supplement to The London Gazette of 6 Nov 1942, supplement 35780, page 4879 [accessed 30 Jul 2026].
Second supplement to The London Gazette of 18 Oct 1940, supplement 34974, page 6111 [accessed 30 Jul 2026].
“The Airmen’s Stories – Sub/Lt (FAA) R J Cork” on the Battle of Britain London Monument website [accessed 30 Jul 2026].
“Cork, Richard John” on the Traces of War website [accessed 30 Jul 2026].
“Lieut-Commander (A) RICHARD JOHN CORK” on the CWGC website [accessed 30 Jul 2026].
“Ace of the Month – Lt Cdr RJ “Dickie” Cork” by Mike Barber, on the War Thunder website [accessed 30 Jul 2026].
“1/48the scale Airfix kit of a Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.Ib, flown by Lt. Richard John Cork, No.880 Naval Air Squadron, FAA, HMS Indomitable, Madagascar, May 1942.” on the Historical Wings website [accessed 30 Jul 2026].