In recognition of his distinguished career in the Royal Air Force and of his outstanding services as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Middle East, later Air Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Air Forces in the Mediterranean campaign, and more recently as Deputy Supreme Commander of the British-American Forces in the European theatre of war; and in testimony of the profound admiration and gratitude of the community for his brilliant leadership and for the magnificent feats of the Services under his command.
"Your squadron, 603, has a record of being in the middle of the fighting everywhere, which, I believe, is practically unique. They started it here in Edinburgh, and they were in the Battle of Britain. They got into Malta at the toughest time, went from Alamein right on to Italy, and came back here so as not to miss the 'European party.'"