Born on October 4, 1912, Donald Carlson was only 25 when he joined the RAF in August 1937. By the outbreak of war, he was an accomplished pilot and flight commander in the 74th Squadron. During his sorties in June and July 1940, he successfully shot down two Messerschmitts, with another credited as “probably shot down.”
After a brief period of rest, Carlson assumed command of the 154th Squadron in March 1942. This unit had been formed just four months earlier and was equipped with Spitfires. In the spring of 1942, pilots primarily conducted patrol flights along the eastern coast of the British Isles. However, in June, command reassigned them to cover bomber missions over France.
Operations Over Europe
On July 30, 1942, the 154th Squadron escorted Hurricanes during a raid on St. Nazaire. Following a successful attack, while returning over the Channel, the British were intercepted by a large formation of German fighters. A fierce battle ensued, resulting in eight Spitfires and three Hurricanes being shot down. Enemy losses included five Fw 190s, and Carlson was credited with a shared victory.
The New Zealander later led his squadron during the ill-fated Dieppe raid on August 19, 1942. During this operation, Carlson managed to damage one Do 21 (likely Do 217).
North African Campaign
In September, Carlson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The squadron was subsequently transferred to Gibraltar in early November, where it played an active role in the Allied landings in North Africa. Pilots of the 154th were among the first to land at Djidjelli airfield on November 12. In Africa, within the first two weeks alone, the squadron accounted for 14 enemy bombers destroyed, three probably destroyed, and six damaged. Carlson personally shot down a Ju 88 on November 13.
Post-War Service and Retirement
In March 1943, the New Zealander completed his final combat sortie of World War II, having achieved six confirmed enemy aircraft kills. Following this, he transitioned to staff duties, first commanding the Bône airbase in Algeria, then Levante in 1944, and later serving at Air Force Headquarters after the war. He retired on May 7, 1958, holding the rank of Squadron Leader.