Honoured Distinguished Flying Medal, Middle East / Mediterranean Theatre, No. 40 Squadron RAF. "On 24/10/1944 Flt. Sgt. RD Bowering was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on 24/10/1944 "for skill and determination in flying operations against the enemy". The official citation in his war service record reads: "Since March 1944 this airman has taken part in many operational sorties. In July 1944 he was rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack an airfield at Feuersbrun. The attack was made against fierce night fighter opposition and when his aircraft was engaged by a Junkers 88, Flight Sergeant Bowering gave his captain concise and accurate directions. He with held his fire until the enemy fighter was within close range, when a short and accurate burst of fire caused it to crash to the ground in flames. This airman has participated in attacks on many well defended and important targets in Italy, Romania and Bulgaria. In addition he has attacked ground defenses, including searchlights and gun sites with his guns, inflicting considerable damage on enemy installations and aircraft on the ground." In August 1944 he was promoted to Pilot Officer, with a further promotion to his final rank of Flying Officer in February 1945."