Eric Cowley Saville (1922-1943) was a South African flying ace of World War II, credited with 8 'kills'.[1]

Eric Cowley Saville
Born(1922-02-03)3 February 1922
Eshowe, Natal
Died19 September 1943(1943-09-19) (aged 21)
Over Breda, Italy
Buried
Naples War Cemetery
Service / branchSouth African Air Force
RankMajor
Service number103255V
Commands
  • 260 Squadron
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross

Born in Eshowe in Natal, he went to school at Durban High School.[1] He joined the Permanent Force in the South African Air Force and was posted to 2 Squadron SAAF on 15 October 1941. He moved to 112 Squadron in August 1942 as a flight commander. He was awarded the DFC in September 1942 for 5 confirmed kills, 2 probables and 3 damaged.

He was awarded a bar to his DFC in December 1942 and credited with 3 more kills[1][2]

In May 1943 he was promoted and took command of 260 Squadron.[1] He was shot down over Italy on 19 September 1943.[1]

He was buried in Naples War Cemetery.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Shores, C; Williams C (15 July 2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8.
  2. ^ The London Gazette
  3. ^ "The South Africa War Graves Project - Search Results".