Dan Thomas MacNEIL (1915-

MacNEIL, F/O Dan Thomas (J85961) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 May 1945 and AFRO 1291/45 dated 10 August 1945. Born 17 October 1915 in St.Margaret's Village, Nova Scotia; home there (teacher); enlisted in Halifax, 17 July 1940. To “R”, 20 August 1940. To No.2 ITS, 31 August 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 22 October 1940 when posted to No.1 EFTS; ceased training and posted to No.1 Manning Depot, 04 December 1940; to No.1 AOS, 31 March 1941; may have graduated 22 July 1941 but not posted to No.1 BGS until 30 July 1941; graduated 30 August 1941, promoted Sergeant and posted to No.2 ANS; graduated 28 September 1941. To Embarkation Depot, 30 September 1941. To RAF overseas, 19 October 1941. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 28 February 1942. Promoted WO2, 28 August 1942. Promoted WO1, 01 November 1942. Commissioned 29 March 1944. To RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 20 May 1944. Appears to have been returned to Canada for leave. Returned to Britain, 11 July 1944 (date of being taken on strength of No.3 PRC). Promoted Flying Officer, 29 September 1944. Repatriated 02 August 1945. Retired 02 October 1945. RCAF photo PL-33715 (ex UK-15731, 11 October 1944) shows F/L Art Bishop, AFC, DFM with navigator, P/O Don [sic, Dan] MacNeil, St. Margaret’s, Nova Scotia. No citation other than "completed ...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation by W/C M.E. Ferguson dated 15 February 1945 when he had flown 47 sorties (268 hours 20 minutes). First tour was on Stirlings, 27 sorties (28 July 1942 to 29 March 1943); second tour was 20 sorties (27 September 1944 to 5 January 1945). Medal presented in Halifax, 27 July 1949.

This navigator has completed his second tour while on 419 Squadron and during this time has shown a very high standard of efficiency. Throughout his second tour the results of his work and leadership made possible the completion of what, on the surface, appeared quite an uneventful tour.

Flying Officer MacNeil's work in the air was of a very high standard showing precision of timing and track keeping. By his example, through his work in the air and his constructive ideas and suggestions on the ground, he became very valuable to the section and an inspiration to all new navigators.

As a result of his individual endeavors I have no hesitation in recommending this officer for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

F/Lt. Art Bishop and crew of 419 Squadron
From left to right: F/O Michael John "Mike" Campbell - Rear Gunner,
F/O Nathaniel "John" Coles - Wireless Op.,
F/Lt Stephen "Steve" Best - Bomb Aimer,
F/Lt Art Bishop - Pilot,
P/O Toots Tootel - Flight Engineer,
F/O John Albert MacDonald Nash - Mid-upper Gunner,
F/O Dan "Danny" MacNeil - Navigator.

Name:	MacNEIL, Dan Thomas "Danny"
Nationality:	Canadian
Regiment/Service:	Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank:	Flying Officer
Service No.:	J/85961