User:Reguyla\Piggy Boyle

Brian John Lister "Piggy" Boyle (24 January 1917 in East London - 14 August 1991/93) was a South African Lieutenant-Colonel in the South African Air Force during World War II. "Piggy" Boyle born in 1917 in the Cape Province in East London (South Africa). Engaged in the SAAF in 1938 as an officer, he joined the Squadron 1 / SAAF in February 1940 and operates in Eritrea in July 1940. In August 1940, he took command of one of the Squadrons. In October, he won his first victories and participate in the destruction of a large number of Italians devices in Barentu. On November 5, he became head of a group that operates on the front line in the support of the first British offensive in East Africa. The next day he takes off on alert and helplessly the destruction of the unit from the Unit Head. Finding himself alone, he still committed the fight against 8 Fiat CR 42s but his Gladiator (N5852) is repeatedly touched and Boyle himself shot in the hand and leg. For his courage and determination during this fight, Boyle will receive the DFC 7 January 1941 becoming the first South African pilot to be so decorated for combat. Once treated, it resumes its place in action February 7, 1941, but on March 19 the device is damaged again during a fight with the devices of the 412a Squadriglia above Keren. On March 29, 1941, Boyle is sent to rest and became an instructor. Back in operations in 1944, he joined the Wing 7 / SAAF Italy in February and joined the Squadron 4 / SAAF that flies on Spitfire V, taking command of the Squadron in April 1944. In September, he was assigned to the State -Major the MORU (Mobile Operations Room Unit) that totaled at this stage of his career 1470 hours of flight. He then became commander of the 4th School of the Air in 1945 and the 64th. He pursued his career after war in the SAAF and retired as Brigadier. He died in 1993.

Awards

 * Distinguished Flying Cross on 7 January 1941 as Captain in the No. 1 Squadron, South African Air Force
 * War Medal 1939-1945
 * 1939-1945 Star