Murrisk in County Mayo, Connacht, Ireland — Irish West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
Squadron Leader R. F. C. Garvey
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 24, 2009
1. Sqdn Ldr R. F. C. Garvey Marker
Squadron Leader
R.F.C. Garvey D.F.C. & Bar
Only son of J.C. & Gladys Garvey
Born at Murrisk Abbey 11th July 1918
Killed in a flying accident
at Shawbury, England,
on 14th January 1948 & buried there
Dearly loved
Erected by J. C. and Gladys Garvey.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 1948.
Location. 53° 46.922′ N, 9° 38.366′ W. Marker is in Murrisk, Connacht, in County Mayo. Memorial is on the north interior wall of the Murrisk Friary church ruins, about 100 meters north of Road R335 at its intersection with the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre parking lot. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Murrisk Friary / Mainistir Mhuraisce (within shouting distance of this marker); National Famine Memorial (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Murrisk Abbey / National Famine Monument / Statue of St Patrick (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Murrisk Fisherman's Monument
this page online
Regarding Squadron Leader R. F. C. Garvey.
"R.F.C." stands for "Richard Francis Christopher."
Served as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Irish Fusiliers in 1939; commissioned into the Royal Air Force, 1940, service no. 44811.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving as a Flight Lieutenant in Royal Air Force No.170 Squadron; citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 12962, as follows:
"Flight Lieutenant Garvey has taken part in a large number of operational sorties and photographic reconnaissances, achieving some excellent results. In June 1943, whilst on a shipping reconnaissance, he sighted and photographed a large convoy of enemy shipping as a result of which five enemy vessels were sunk. Recently this officer completed five special photographic missions very
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 24, 2009
2. Sqdn Ldr R. F. C. Garvey Marker
On wall to left of East Window.
Air Ministry, 17th November, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy.
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Flight Lieutenant Richard Francis Christopher GARVEY, D.F.C. (44811), R.A.F., 541 Sqn.
This officer has completed numerous reconnaissance sorties, setting an example of great courage and devotion to duty. In October, 1944, was detailed to obtain photographs of a certain objective. After completing his photographic runs Flight Lieutenant Garvey noticed two enemy fighters behind him. Their leader opened fire. Flight Lieutenant Garvey spiralled almost to ground level, pulling out of his dive at the last moment. His attacker, who had followed him down, dived into a wood and burst into flames. This incident is characteristic of the skill and determination consistently displayed by this officer.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.
3. Murrisk Friary / Mainistir Mhuraisce & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,781 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on February 16, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
