World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Ballinacor, Ireland, he served as a Sergeant Flying Officer in the 12th Squadron, Royal Air Force. On May 12, 1940, Flying Officer Garland was the pilot of a 23 Sqn Fairey Battle, and Sergeant Thomas Gray was the observer of the leading aircraft formation of five aircraft that attacked a bridge over the Albert Canal. The bridge had not been destroyed and was allowing the enemy to advance into Belgium. As they approached the target, they met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire; the bridge was hit, but not put out of commission. Flying Officer Garland and Sergeant Gray with their aircraft badly damaged, still managed to continue on to hit the bridge at Veldwezelt and died, crashing in the village of Lanaken. For conspicuous bravery, he and Sergeant Thomas Gray were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on June 11, 1940.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Ballinacor, Ireland, he served as a Sergeant Flying Officer in the 12th Squadron, Royal Air Force. On May 12, 1940, Flying Officer Garland was the pilot of a 23 Sqn Fairey Battle, and Sergeant Thomas Gray was the observer of the leading aircraft formation of five aircraft that attacked a bridge over the Albert Canal. The bridge had not been destroyed and was allowing the enemy to advance into Belgium. As they approached the target, they met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire; the bridge was hit, but not put out of commission. Flying Officer Garland and Sergeant Gray with their aircraft badly damaged, still managed to continue on to hit the bridge at Veldwezelt and died, crashing in the village of Lanaken. For conspicuous bravery, he and Sergeant Thomas Gray were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on June 11, 1940.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Gravesite Details
Two VC awarded Airmen side by side is probably unique
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