Employees honoured
Staff of Aviva constituent companies decorated for their actions during the 1939-1945 war.
Visit our list of employees who received medals and honours. If you have additional information on any of the men or women listed or any we have omitted please let us know.
Displaying results 1 to 10 of 15 Page 1 of 2
Caldow, William Fleming
Glasgow
Commercial Union Assurance Company Ltd
| Rank | Flight Sergeant |
|---|---|
| Regiment | RAFVR, 550 Squadron |
| Medal or honour | Distinguished Flying Medal, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Order |
| Additional information | |
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Decorated in June 1941, aged 21, for his part in the attack on the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenauin the English Channel in February 1941. "Captain of an air craft he was detailed to attack and succeeded in delivering attack before being interrupted by three enemy fighters. By skilful airmanship, the attackers were held off until the rear gunner was able to obtain an accurate sight. One enemy aircraft was shot down towards the sea." The Policy Holder dated 15th July 1942 contained the following "here one has a peep at a team of youngsters engaged in high endeavour. At the time Caldow had not yet attained his majority. Yet on his skill and resourcefulness depended not only whether the job he had been given to do was carried through but whether he and his companions would come through with their lives. The way these young men have risen to the occasion and are shouldering such great responsibilities is a source of pride to the whole nation." AFC gazetted 01 January 1944 and DSC gazetted 21 September 1945. |
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Carpentier, J
Paris, France
General Accident Fire & Life Assurance Corporation Ltd
| Regiment | French Army |
|---|---|
| Medal or honour | Croix de Guerre |
Chapman, R C
Philadelphia, United States
General Accident Fire & Life Assurance Corporation Ltd
| Rank | 1st Lieutenant |
|---|---|
| Regiment | US Marine Air Corps |
| Medal or honour | Distinguished Flying Cross x 2 plus 8 Air Medals |
Chilcott, F J
Bristol
General Accident Fire & Life Assurance Corporation Ltd
| Rank | Sub Lieutenant |
|---|---|
| Regiment | Royal Navy |
| Medal or honour | Distinguished Service Cross |
| Additional information | |
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Decorated c March 1945 "For gallantry and devotion to duty in the assault and capture of Walcheren Island." |
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Chong Yew, Cheong
Singapore
Commercial Union Assurance Company Ltd
| Rank | Civilian |
|---|---|
| Medal or honour | British Empire Medal |
| Additional information | |
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Awarded "for courage and devotion to duty as Group Warden during the air attacks on Singapoe in 1941 - 1942." |
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Clear, Gordon Sampson
Head Office, London
Commercial Union Assurance Company Ltd
| Date of Death | 20 March 1943, aged 31 |
|---|---|
| Rank | Flying Officer (Observer) |
| Regiment | RAFVR, 139 Squadron |
| Medal or honour | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Additional information | |
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Member of the Accident Department. Award gazetted 26 March 1943. Official citation reads "In March, 1943, these officers were members of aircraft crews detailed to attack the Molybdenum Plant at Knaben, Norway. Such a task, necessitating a flight over mountainous terrain covered by a blanket of snow which obscured all prominent features, demanded the highest degree of leadership and skill. At various points the formation had to fly through deep ravines and contend with most treacherous air currents. Despite this the correct target, hidden away in the mountains, was located and subjected to a telling attack from a low level. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of these officers whose high courage and faultless work were worthy of the highest praise." Killed on active service. |
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Collett, Frederick Joseph
Manchester
Commercial Union Assurance Company Ltd
| Rank | Captain |
|---|---|
| Regiment | Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Medal or honour | Military Cross |
| Additional information | |
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MC gazetted 22 March 1945. Also twice mentioned in dispatches. |
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Collier, H Neil
London
Norwich Union Life Insurance Society
| Rank | Civilian |
|---|---|
| Medal or honour | Distinguished War Service Certificate of the British Red Cross society |
| Additional information | |
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Dr Collier was chief medical referee for the company. Decorated for helping rescue an injured man from the roof of a building which was badly damaged and in danger of collapse during a heavy air raid. |
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Compton, L A
Reading
General Accident Fire & Life Assurance Corporation Ltd
| Rank | Wireless Operator |
|---|---|
| Regiment | RAF |
| Medal or honour | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Additional information | |
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Decorated c March 1945. |
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Cornes, Eric Kenyon
Kilburn
North British & Mercantile Insurance Company Ltd
| Rank | Lieutenant |
|---|---|
| Regiment | Royal Regiment of Artilery |
| Medal or honour | Military Cross |
| Additional information | |
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Gazetted 18 October 1945. |
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