Victoria Cross of Major Lanoe George Hawker

Hawker was recommended for a VC in recognition of his continuous courage and splendid example during a year of constant operational flying and fighting. The award was gazetted on 24 August. Hawker was a captain at the time. He was promoted to Major in 1916.

Hawker flew with No. 6 Squadron to France in early October 1914. During the winter of 1914-1915 Hawker flew on reconnaissance and artillery co-operation patrols, rarely meeting enemy aircraft but attacking any that he did see with a rifle or revolver. On 15 April 1915 he bombed a Zeppelin shed despite heavy ground fire. During the Second Battle of Ypres he was wounded but carried on flying for several days during which time he forced down four German aircraft. On return to his unit he was allotted a Bristol Scout Type C. Assisted by Airman 1st Class Ernest Elton, Hawker fitted a Lewis gun firing obliquely forward. He engaged five enemy machines, forcing down two, before running out of fuel and crashing. On 25 July he undertook a lone Offensive Patrol during which he forced down two two-seaters and destroyed another in flames over Zillebecke.