Approved Gallantry award for actions in Burma

Overview

The C2017G01014 award, approved by the Governor-General on 19 September 2017, recognises the extraordinary acts of gallantry of Flying Officer Harold Bertie Chatfield from Victoria. The Commendation for Gallantry was instituted to honour members of the Australian Defence Force and other eligible persons for acts of conspicuous courage, presence of mind and a readiness to undertake dangerous tasks in circumstances of great peril in operational areas. This award was made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Defence Force Gallantry Awards Committee and the policy objective is to acknowledge and celebrate acts of bravery and courage in the face of danger, thus fostering a culture of recognition and respect for such qualities within the Defence Force. This award specifically recognises Flying Officer Chatfield's exceptional courage and skill as a wingman in numerous attacks against superior Japanese forces during the air war in Burma from December 1943 to June 1944, particularly highlighting his actions on 26 December 1943.

Scope and Application

The legislative notification C2017G01014 pertains to the official recognition of gallantry by an individual, in this instance, Flying Officer Harold Bertie Chatfield of Victoria, for his commendable actions during World War II. This specific award recognises Chatfield's acts of bravery while serving as part of Number 615 Squadron, Royal Air Force, in the Burma air war between December 1943 and June 1944. The award is a formal commendation issued under the authority of the Governor-General, highlighting the exceptional courage displayed by Chatfield in combat, particularly during the event of 26 December 1943. This notification serves to publicly honour his service and gallantry, and while it does not outline specific legal ramifications or applications, it embodies the national recognition of bravery and sacrifice by military personnel.

Key Provisions

The legislation (C2017G01014) centres on the awarding of a Commendation for Gallantry to Flying Officer Harold Bertie Chatfield, as notified by the Governor-General. This formal recognition (Section 1) highlights Chatfield's distinguished service and bravery in action as a member of Number 615 Squadron, Royal Air Force, during the air war in Burma from December 1943 to June 1944. The award acknowledges his exemplary conduct and gallantry, particularly exemplified on 26 December 1943, when he demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill in engaging and overcoming numerically superior Japanese forces. Under the terms of this recognition, the government formally acknowledges Chatfield’s actions and contributions to the war effort. The commendation is a public honour intended to celebrate and uphold the high standards of bravery and service exhibited by Chatfield. It serves as both a recognition of his individual courage and a tribute to his role in the broader context of military operations in Burma. This award is not just a personal accolade but a national acknowledgment of his service and sacrifice. The obligations imposed by this award on Chatfield and the government include the formal presentation of the Commendation for Gallantry, which involves public recognition and possibly participation in ceremonies or events commemorating his service. The government, in turn, has an obligation to ensure that the award is presented in a manner befitting the significance of the recognition. This includes maintaining records of the award and ensuring that the honour is preserved and communicated appropriately to the public and relevant military and historical records. Breach of the obligations or misuse of the award is not explicitly covered in the provided text, but generally, such misuse could lead to formal reprimands or the revocation of the award. In a broader legal context, actions that dishonour or defame the award or its recipient could result in civil or criminal consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. While specific penalties are not detailed in this notification, breaches of military honours and recognitions can result in disciplinary actions, fines, or other legal repercussions as determined by applicable military law and general Australian legislation.