Ulster DFM

Thanks for the advice about trying the RAF Command forum. I’m only guessing, but I think the DFM may be connected to an incident reported in the Daily Telegraph of January 8th 1993, in which two Lynx came under fire in County Fermanagh and, as in the ‘Battle of Newry Road’ later that year, there was a running gun battle between the gunmen on the ground and the helicopter crew. But the Telegraph article is very light on details, unfortunately.

If no more info on here or pprune – you could try on ‘RAF Commands’ forum – the guys on there are very knowledgeable !

Hi again Shackleton,

You are almost certainly correct! Sorry, I had forgotten dates etc.; also why would both a DFC and DFM be awarded for same incident? IIRC the “Battle of Newry Road” was the first time a DFC had been awarded to an NCO.

The DFM may have been awarded for a similar incident in the same general area, but passage of time means I am not certain.

If you post on the Military Aviation of Pprune I am sure you will find somebody who knows something!

All the best,
Michael.

Thanks for that, Michael. I think this DFM may be connected to a different incident, as it was awarded in Oct ’93, just a few weeks after the Battle of Newry Road in Sept ’93, and DFMs/DFCs seem to be awarded about 10 or 12 months after the event has taken place.

Thanks also for the advice about trying the Pprune forum – I’ll do that.
Cheers.

Hi there Shackleton,

“Battle of Newry Road”? PIRA – v – Lynx’s (x4?). There was a DFC awarded; perhaps the DFM also arose from the same incident?

My memory’s a bit hazy, but I think there was a pretty serious exchange of lead, PIRA “surrendered” to Lynx, but managed to escape before QRF could arrive.

Might be worth asking on Pprune (other forums are available!!)

All the best,
Michael.