Distinguished Flying Medal of Sergeant George Hawkins

Hawkins won his DFM as a Leading Aircraftman whilst serving as the air gunner on a Bristol Blenheim. The Blenheim undertook a highly successful reconnaissance over north-west Germany on 31 October 1939. The DFM was awarded on 8 March 1940 by which time Hawkins had been promoted to Sergeant.

Hawkins joined the RAF in 1929. He re-mustered as an air gunner, qualifying as a Wireless Operator (Air Gunner) on 19 January 1939. Hawkins appeared on the front cover of Life magazine on 6 May 1940. The selection of Hawkins' for the cover was the result of a recommendation from his squadron, No. 18 Squadron, who had been asked to provide a suitable candidate for the front cover.