229 His DFM citation stated: Flight Sergeant Edwards is an extremely capable soldier and a superbly gallant fighter pilot. Since October 1942, he has destroyed six enemy aircraft while participating in numerous sorties over enemy territory. He has displayed outstanding coolness and courage in the face of opposition while his cheerful and imperturbable spirit has been an inspiration to the squadron.2 By 1943, Edwards was the Desert Air Force’s top scoring pilot. The twenty-one-year-old was credited with eleven enemy aircraft destroyed, eight probably destroyed and five damaged in the air with several more on the ground. One of Edwards’ victims during the North African campaign was famous Luftwaffe ace Otto Schulz with 51 victories. The Canadian shot him down on 17 June 1942.3 On 3 September 1942, Edwards likely damaged Hans-Joachim Marseille’s Me109. Marseille was the highest scoring pilot in North Africa and shot down more RAF and US aircraft than any other German pilot.4 Edward’s tour finished in May 1943. His impressive tally of enemy aircraft shot down was perhaps even more remarkable; German records show Flight Lieutenant Edwards underclaimed with twenty-two victories confirmed by German records.2 Regardless, Edwards was the North African Campaign’s top scoring pilot in the RAF. Edwards was given a rest as a gunnery instructor with 203 Group RAF at El Ballah. Soon after, an operational posting to 417 Squadron, RCAF had Edwards flying Spitfire Mk VIII’s over Italy in November. He was then transferred to 92 Squadron, RAF as one of its flight commanders in December also flying Spitfire VIII’s. Eddie continued to add to his score with this unit in early 1944. On 19 February he shot down three aircraft in a single day - two Focke Wulf Fw190’s and one Me 109 over the Anzio beachhead. In March, the still twenty-one-year-old was promoted to Squadron Leader and took command of 274 RAF Squadron in the UK. The unit was just re-equipping Spitfire Mk. IX’s and began flying
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