Victoria Cross of Flying Officer Donald Garland

Flying Officer Donald Edward Garland was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the attack on bridges over the Albert Canal on 12 May. Garland led No. 12 squadron's attack on the bridges, in which all the aircraft were shot down. Garland's Victoria Cross was the first awarded to the RAF in the Second World War.

On 12 May 1940, an attempt was made by the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force to halt the German advance through Belgium. Six Fairey Battle light bombers of No.12 Squadron attacked bridges over the Albert Canal near Maastricht. The bridges were heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns and all six aircraft were shot down. Flying Officer Garland and Sergeant Gray were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for their part in this action.