231 operationally in May and included patrols over the Normandy beaches and bomber escorts. InAugust the unit began conversion to the Hawker Tempests to take on the German V-1 rockets known as “anti-diver” sorties. Shortly afterwards, Squadron Leader Edward’s second tour ended, and he returned to Canada on leave in late August 1944. A Bar to his DFC was awarded in October and in March 1945, Edwards was back in the UK. The following month Edwards was promoted to Wing Commander (Flying) with 127Wing, RCAF. Flying the Spitfire again, he damaged an FW 190 and a Me 262 jet fighter on 29 April. With the war nearly over, Edwards claimed his last “kill” on 3 May when he shot down a Ju 88, the only non-single seat fighter on his impressive tally. Edwards ended the war as third highest scoring pilot in the RCAF. After the end of the war, a further posting to 126 Wing RCAF followed in July before Edwards returned to Canada in September. He remained with the RCAF after the war, and it was also post war that an earlier nickname of “Stocky” became more commonly used. He reverted to the rank of Flight
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