Roderic Stanley Dallas DSO, DSC and Bar, Cr de G.

The 1st of June 1918 was the second black day for Australian aviators in the space of 5 days. Robert Little, Australia's highest scoring ace fell on the 27th of May. Roderic Stanley Dallas was to fall on this day in a dogfight, probably shot down by Ltn J Werner of Jasta 14.

Stan Dallas ended his life as the second highest scoring Australian ace of the war.

Major Bell the man credited with giving Dallas the nickname of "Breguet" wrote;

"Stanley Dallas soon carved for himself a very high reputation, his quiet unassuming manner and his determined, dauntless courage soon making him outstanding...Every officer and man who served either with or under Dallas loved him...He had no vices of any kind so far as I know, and I never once heard him swear." - "The Golden Eagles pg 55.

Dallas final score of 39 could have been higher as it was well know within his squadrons that sometimes he would not bother to submit a combat report after a successful outing.

Again quoting from Firkins book, The Golden Eagles (pg 54), perhaps the last words should be left to another of his squadron mates Lieut-Commander Cecil Usher;

"What a magnificent man to have known. Throughout my life he had remained an idol for me, and the nearest to God I shall ever get. And although I could never aspire to emulate him it has been a splendid thing for me to have such a guiding star in my firmament, however far away it may be."

Dallas' victory total should have read 32 not 39