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Heroic RAF pilot destroyed four Isis bomb trucks in nine-hour mission through storm

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An RAF pilot who destroyed four Isis bomb trucks during a gruelling nine hour flight has been given a top honour.

Flight Lieutenant Thomas Hansford was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after his extraordinary mission in Syria on September 23, 2017.

He managed to take out four vehicles that were booby-trapped with bombs despite having to contend with severe thunderstorms.

British pilot gets medal for flying jet for nine hours and destroying four ISIS truck bombs Picture: Flight Lieutenant Thomas Hansford Credit: MOD

Flight Lieutenant Thomas Hansford was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Picture: MOD)

Flt Lt Hansford, who was the lead on an Operation Shader mission for the first time, helped clear the road to Hawijah after obliterating the vehicles that were a mile apart.

The 1 Fighter Squadron member had been in the skies for nine hours, which was a record at the time.

Flt Lt Hansfords award citation read: Flight Lieutenant Hansford demonstrated exceptional leadership, judgment and bravery during his first mission as a lead pilot.

The complexity of this simultaneous strike required him to precisely enter varying cockpit switch selections, controlling sensors and weapons.

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A single error could have resulted in a failure of the mission and a direct threat to friendly forces on the ground.

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An RAF Typhoon jet takes off during a visit by Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on March 7, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / PHIL NOBLE (Photo credit should read PHIL NOBLE/AFP/Getty Images)

An RAF Typhoon jet takes off (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Flt Lt Hansford said he was incredibly proud to receive the award yesterday and said any other pilot on his squadron would have achieved equal success if on the same mission.

He added: It still feels surreal to be receiving such a prestigious award.

None of the Typhoon operations against Daesh (IS) would be possible without the teamwork and tireless support of our ground crew and air-air refuelling units.

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British pilot gets medal for flying jet for nine hours and destroying four ISIS truck bombs Picture: Flight Lieutenant Thomas Hansford Credit: MOD

The Distinguished Flying Cross (Picture: MOD)

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson spoke after 30 members of the RAF, Navy and Army were given their awards.

He said: The diversity of this years awards show the extraordinary achievements of our Armed Forces.

The members of the military will attend an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace in 2019.

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