Major Eric Cowley Saville DFC SAAF

Died during the preparation for the Allied invasion of Italy.

From the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site:

Name: SAVILLE, ERIC COWLEY Initials: E C Nationality: South African Rank: Major (Pilot) Regiment/Service: South African Air Force Unit Text: 260 (R.A.F.) Sqdn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 19/09/1943 Service No: 103255V Awards: D F C and Bar Additional information: Distinguished Flying Cross (U.S.A.). Son of William C. and Marjorie Saville, of Richmond, Natal, South Africa. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: III. P. 11. Cemetery: NAPLES WAR CEMETERY

Memorial Certificate:

In Memory of Major ERIC COWLEY SAVILLE

D F C and Bar

103255V, 260 (R.A.F.) Sqdn., South African Air Force who died age 21 on 19 September 1943 Distinguished Flying Cross (U.S.A.). Son of William C. and Marjorie Saville, of Richmond, Natal, South Africa. Remembered with honour NAPLES WAR CEMETERY (See photo)

Commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

From 112 Squadron web site:

5337, SECOND SUPPLEMENT

TO The London Gazette Of FRIDAY, the 4th of.DECEMBER, 1942"

8 December 1942, Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross.

Captain Eric Cowley-SAVILLE, -D.F-.C. (P.IO3255),

South African Air Force, No. 112 Squadron.One day in October,. 1942, this officer led a formation -of -fighter aircraft on an interception patrol. A number of Messerschmitt 109s was observed and engaged after a short pursuit. During the combat, Captain Saville destroyed 2 enemy aircraft. Subsequently, he skillfully led his formation to base where, in spite of .difficulties a perfect landing was effected. This officer has invariably displayed outstanding leadership, great courage and devotion to duty. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross he has destroyed at least 3 enemy aircraft.

KIA 2 SAAF, Tomahawk AN311, letters reversed C-TA, 21/11/41, 112 and 260 Sqdn 8 victories

http://www.southafricawargraves.org/search/details.php?id=22319

Killed in action, flying low into intense Breda fire

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2240036/