Researchers successfully locate a war medal that belonged to a Scottish hero from World War Two after an extensive 25-year search. The search also led to the discovery of the final personal diary of Squadron Leader Patrick Gifford, who lost his life in May 1940. Squadron Leader Gifford, hailing from Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, tragically passed away at the age of 30 when his Hurricane aircraft crashed in Belgium after being shot down by a German fighter plane on May 16, 1940.
For over two decades, researcher Gordon MacKerracher had been endeavoring to uncover the whereabouts of Patrick Gifford’s final resting place. Recently, it was unveiled that the pilot’s Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and personal diaries are in possession of his great-nephew, Michael Moncrieff, residing in West Yorkshire. Gordon expressed his astonishment at finding the official diary and DFC, which were unknown to even the Royal Air Force until they contacted Patrick’s great-nephew.
Michael Moncrieff revealed that he holds Patrick’s personal diary spanning from January to May 15, 1940, containing crucial information not transferred to the RAF’s official diary due to administrative constraints in France at that time. The RAF is eager to obtain a copy of the diary for research purposes, while Michael plans to visit Edinburgh later this year to donate the medal and diary to a museum.
Before joining the war effort in 1940, Patrick Gifford was a solicitor in Castle Douglas. He made significant contributions as the first auxiliary to receive the DFC, become a squadron leader in the RAF, and shoot down a German bomber over Scotland. Despite more than 25 years of dedicated research by Gordon and his team to locate Patrick’s burial site, uncertainties persist about his exact resting place.
In conclusion, the discovery of Squadron Leader Patrick Gifford’s war medal and diary after over two decades is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals during times of conflict. The personal touch added by the preservation of his diary and medal by his family underscores the importance of honouring and preserving historical legacies for future generations.