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Aviation History
1918
1918 - 1079.PDF
SEPTEMBER 26, 1918. Lieut. CHRISTOPHER MCEVOY.—-A gallant pilot who has destroyed six enemymachines in a few months. He displays great determination in his attacks in high or low flying, and in bombing attacks over the enemy's lines. Lieut. CLIFFORD MCEWEN, M.C. (Can. Inf., Res. Bn.).—-A skilful and fearlessofficer who in three weeks destroyed five enemy aeroplanes. (Notification of ,1 this award appeared in Gazette July 2nd, 1918.) .'-.;:.'. Lieut. (T. Capt.) EVANS ALEXANDER MCKAY, M.C.—This officer led a raid on ~L~- an important railway station : during this operation, which was most successful,. — 24 hostile aircraft attacked his formation. In the engagement he displayed . fine leadership and skill. Three of the hostile machines were destroyed and one driven down. He is an exceptionally good formation leader, and bisdetermination to reach his objective is only equalled by his coolness and courage '".•• when attacked. ' Lieut. (T. Capt.) DONALD RODERICK MACLAREN, M.C.—•Accompanied bytwo other pilots, this officer attacked four enemy aeroplanes ; all of these were destroyed ; he himself fought two down to within 200 ft. of the ground, destroy-ing both. The two pilots who were with him each accounted for one of the remaining two. It was a well-conceived manoeuvre ably carried out, reflecting.....•".• icredit on all concerned. This officer has in four and a-half months accounted : ;. for 37 hostile aircraft and six balloons, displayinggreat resolution and exceptional"' tactical ability. Lieut. ROY MANZER.—While carrying out a solitary patrol he observed atwo-seater belpw him ; diving on it he opened fire, and followed it down to 1,000 ft., caused it to land outside the aerodrome. During his return to our• • ljnes he saw a hostile kite balloon ; attacking it as it was being hauled down he closed to point Wank range at 300 ft. altitude ; on reaching the ground, tin-balloon burst into flames. In addition to the above, this officer has accounted for seven enemy machines, four of which were destroyed and three driven downout of control. Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) HAROLD THOMAS MELLINGS, D.S.C. (Sea Patrol).—Avery gallant officer who, on a recent patrol, attacked and caused to crash an enemy two-seater. Later, on the same patrol, he was attacked by four Fokkers,: • one of which he shot down at a range of 10 yards ; this machine was seen to crash. A second was driven down smoking. Since he was awarded a Bar tothe Distinguished Service Cross Capt. Mellings has, in addition to the above, accounted for 11 enemy machines—seven destroyed, and four driven down outof control. Lieut. (T. Capt.) JAMES MITCHELL, M.C.—During the last few months thisofficer has destroyed five enemy aeroplanes, displaying at all times gallantry and devotion to duty. (Notification of this award appeared in Gazette July2nd, 1918.) I.ieut. MABTHINUS THEUNIS STEYN PAPENFUS.—This officer displayed excellent, •' judgment in a recent raid. Keeping his formation well together, and, descending to low altitude, he led them well over an enemy factory and so enabled them to< use their bombs most effectively. The success of this operation was very largely due to his fine leadership. In addition, he has taken part in 18 raids as deputy leader of the formation, invariably showing the greatest keenness and devotionto duty. Lieut. JOSHUA PARKE.—-This officer has taken part in 40 long-distance day bomb raids and photographic reconnaissances. His work as an observer hasbeen consistently good, and he displays great gallantry and determination, - notably in a bombing raid when he was observer to the leader of our secondformation. Lieut. (T. Capt.) HERBERT ANDREW PATEY (Sea Patrol).—Whilst leading hisflight on an offensive patrol eight enemy machines were encountered. Capt Patey was cut off from his patrol by two of the enemy who got on his tail, and-continued in that position until within 2,000 ft. of the ground, at which point his machine was hit in the petrol tank. Notwithstanding his serious handicap,he turned four times on his pursuers, destroying one, and driving the remainder away. On previous occasions this officer has destroyed two enemy machinesand brought down two more out of control, and, in company with other pilots, he has assisted in destroying or bringing down out of control five additionalenemy aircraft. Sec. Lieut. WILLIAM RUSSELL PATEY (Royal Irish Rifles).—For consistentgood work, gallantry, and skill as an observer on long-distance bombing raids and photographic reconnaissances. During a raid three months ago, his machinewas heavily engaged by hostile akcraft. By very judicious management b<- remained master of the situation, imd eventually destroyed one of the enemymachines. During the past month he has again displayed notable qualities of airmanship whilst encountering large numbers of enemy aircraft. Lieut.Patey is always prepared to carry out any kind of operation entrusted to him, and the spirit he has shown when attacked has been of inestimable value to thesquadron. Sec. Lieut. DESMOND PHILIP POGSON.—In a recent long-distance bombingraid his petrol tank received a shot immediately after crossing the line, but he continued on his journey and bombed the distant objective. On the returnjourney very fierce fighting occurred, during which both leaders and deputy- leaders of our formations were shot down, and the remaining machines losttouch with each other. At this critical moment Sec. Lieut. Pogson ordered his I1 — observer to tie his handkerchief to the gun-mounting to indicate that his was theleader's machine. He then circled over the area three tunes and picked up five of our machines, and in face of very hostile opposition got them into formationand brought them all safely home. The prompt action of this officer was highly meritorious, and undoubtedly saved the remaining machines, which could not' have coped with the greatly superior formations of the enemy. Lieut. (T. Capt.) WALTER GEORGE PRESTON.—This officer has taken part in70 bombing raids, and has rendered most valuable service on reconnaissance duty by night. One night he carried out three most successful bombing raidson hostile rest billets, dropping his bombs and engaging the enemy troops with great effect. He sets an excellent example of skill and gallantry. Sec. Lieut. HARTLY PULLAN.—This officer has taken part in numerous long-distance bombing raids and reconnaissances. His work has been consistently good. On a recent occasion when on photographic reconnaissance he wasattacked by three scouts ' r he shot down one and the other two dived away.A few minutes later he was again attacked, this time by five triplanes, one of which he shot down out of control. Lieut. (T. Capt.) JOHN STKELE RALSTON, M.C. (Scottish Rifles, T.F.).—Ani itrepid patrol leader who in recent operations has accounted for three enemy machines and three kite balloons. Recently while on patrol he advanced toattack a kite balloon ; on his approach the balloon party began to haul it down, but forcing home his attack, he shot the balloon down in flames. In the engage-ment this officer was seriously wounded. Suffering great pain, he flew back to our lines and tried to land, but fainted and crashed. Sec. Lieut. CYRIL LANCELOT RAYMENT.—This officer has taken part in 35successful operations, and his work throughout has been distinguished by clear- ness, accuracy of observation and disregard of danger, notably on one occasionwhen he was observer to the leader of our first formation, which was vigorously attacked by four hostile machines. In spite of this the formation was ledover the target, which was effectively bombed. Subsequently the formation was attacked by five hostile machines, but owing to skilful leadership the fire ofour observers was so well controlled and directed that the enemy were kept at a distance and the formation returned in safety. Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) ROBERT REDFERN (Sea Patrol).—A zealous and very ableobserver, who has carried out extremely valuable photographic reconnaissances on enemy country and bases. He has also taken part in many long-distancebombing raids on important enemy towns. "Lieut. NORMAN ROBERTS.—This officer has destroyed three enemy'aiachmesand driven down two others out of control. He has also distinguished himself in attacking troops at low altitudes, and has carried out valuable reconnaissanceservice. Detailed to make a reconnaissance of an important area, he realised, on crossing our lines, that the wind was almost at hurricane strength, and thatin face of such a wind his return journey would only be accomplished with extreme ^difficulty. However, knowing the urgency of his mission, he completed hisreconnaissance, penetrating 12 miles behind the enemy lines. On the return journey, owing to the strength of the gale, he was forced to descend to a very lowaltitude, and was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft and machine-gun fire, which badly damaged his machine. Lieut. INDRA LAL ROY.—A very gallant and determined officer, who in 13days accounted for nine enemy machines. In these several engagements he has displayed remarkable skill and daring, on more than one occasion accountingfor two machines in one patrol. Lieut. (T. Capt.) THOMAS SYDNEY SHARPE (Glouc. Regt.).—A gallant officerwho has always led his patrol with marked skill and judgment. On one occasion he chased down an Albatross scout and caused it to crash. He afterwardsattacked five enemy machines, destroying two. On the following day, en- countering four Albatross scouts, he engaged one, which crashed. Proceedingon his patrol, he met a formation of enemy scouts ; he chased one and destroyed it. Lieut. RICHARD GEORGE TSHAW (Sea Patrol).—IT company with anothermachine he recently attacked seven enemy seaplanes and destroyed one of them. Lieut. Shaw has shown exceptional ability as a flight leader. He has carried outsuccessfully 21 bombing raids, si anti-submarine patrols, and has descended to very low altitudes to attack hostile submarines, destroyers and trawlers, scoringat least two direct hits. This officer displays great determination and keenness in his work. Lieut. (T. Capt.) BENJAMIN JAMES SILLY, M.C.—For exceptional skill andgallantry on long-distance raids, in 47 of which he has been engaged, and has been the leader on 22 occasions. Within the past month he led a formation ofbombers which accomplished their object notwithstanding that the enemy scouts were encountered almost from the start, and at the destination they numbered40 machines. Capt. Silly's formation destroyed four enemy aircraft, and returned without losing a single machine. LIEUT. FRANK WOOLLEY SMITH (Notts and Derby. Regt., T.F.).—This officerhas carried out most valuable work in observing for our artillery from kite balloons. On one occasion his balloon was brought down in flames; his parachutedid not open properly, and he fell very rapidly ; fortunately, a tree broke his fall and saved him from what seemed certain death. Although badly shakenhe volunteered at once to ascend in another balloon. On a later date, when engaged in registration for one of our batteries, his balloon was burnt; afterparachuting down, he at once ascended in another balloon and completed his task. The courage and coolness shown by him under these circumstancesdeserves the highest praise. Lieut. (T. Capt.) WILLIAM ERNEST STATON, M.C.—This officer has alreadybeen awarded the Military Cross for gallantry and devotion to duty. Since this award he has accounted for TI enemy aeroplanes—nine destroyed andtwo shot down out of control. He has proved himself a most efficient flight commander and an enterprising leader, setting a very fine example to hissquadron. Lieut. WILLIAM SAMUEL STEPHENSON, M.C.—This officer has shown con- spicuous gallantry and skill in attacking enemy troops and transports from low altitudes, causing heavy casualties. His reports, also, have contained valuable and accurate information. He has further proved himself a keen antagonist in the air, having during recent opeartions, accounted for six enemy aero- planes.Lieut. EARLE RICHARD STEWART.—For gallantry and skill as an observer on long-distance bombing raids. During a raid a few months back he was in thedeputy leader's machine (which usually has to bear the brunt of an attack), and in the course of repelling vigorous enemy attacks he had a breakage in hisgun, with the result that he could only fire single shots. In these circumstances he would have been justified in causing bis pilot to close up under the remainderof the formation, but with great coolness and sound judgment he maintained his place, and thus avoided the risk of impairing the squadron's defensiveefficiency. By his action he rendered the most valuable assistance to his forma- tion in holding off the enemy, and by the time the enemy had been disperse dhe had fired 200 rounds by single shots with excellent effect. Lieut. Stewart has rendered further distinguished services during the past month, displayingvery great ability and absolute fearlessness. Lieut. HAROLD WALLER ST. JOHN (Sea Patrol).—An intrepid and skilfulobserver who has rendered most efficient service on reconnaissance and long- distance bombing raids. He bombed and destroyed an enemy flying boaton one raid, and on another occasion sunk a torpedo boat. Lieut. (T. Capt.) THEODORE QUINTUS STUDD (Sea Patrol).—As pilot he hasbeen engaged in more than 60 successful bombing raids many miles behind the enemy's lines; Capt. Studd is a most skilful pilot who can always be reliedupon "to carry out any task that he may be called upon to perform, no matter what adverse conditions may prevail. Lieut. GEORGE THOMSON (King's Own Scottish Borderers).—-A brilliant^andintrepid observer in whom bis pilot places implicit confidence when engaged in action. He has personally accounted for nine enemy machines. On one raid,when acting as escort, 15 enemy aeroplanes were encountered; of these this officer shot down two, which crashed, and one out of control. Lieut. ERNEST HENRY TREDCROFT.—A cool and courageous observer withmarked initiative. He has taken part in 41 successful bomb raids and seven photographic reconnaissances. On one raid, having dropped his bombs on abridge, he attacked and dispersed with gun fire a number of the enemy on the bank of the river although he had received two severe wounds. On the returnjourney his machine was attacked by five enemy aeroplanes; with great gallantry he drove them off by his fire. He became exhausted by the exertionand severity of his wounds, which caused him to collapse in his machine. Lieut. WILLIAM BERESFORD WALKER (H.L. Inf.).—This officer has takenpart in 21 bomb raids, and has rendered excellent and valuable service in photo- graphy and general observation. He has shown himself a brave and skilfulofficer in action, notably on one occasion when his formation was attacked by twelve hostile scouts which approached to within short range ; he engagedone at 150 yards and drove it down in flames. In another engagement he attacked one enemy aeroplane at close range and drove it down; he thenengaged several others with good effect. Capt. RICHARD PERCYVALE WARD, M.C. (R.Welsh Fus.).—Has been engagedon 37 bombing raids and on 10 photographic reconnaissances, and has been in nearly all the raids in which severe fighting has taken place. Capt. Wardhas displayed the greatest coolness and courage in action, combined with ability and keenness in the work entrusted to him. Lieut. (T. Capt.) LESLIE REGINALD WARREN (late R.N.A.S.).—This officerhas taken part in 46 successful raids, 14 of which he has led. In these opera- tions his formation has only suffered one casualty. This remarkable immunityhas been in the main due to his brilliant and successful leadership; he combines keenness and determination with sound, clear judgment. In addition to raidshe has taken many area photographs, and carried out five long-distance recon- naissances, rendering valuable reports. Lieut. (T. Capt.) ERIC WATERLOW, M.C.—This officer has carried out 33bombing raids and over 40 solo photographic and long-distance reconnaissances far over the enemy lines. In one flight he took no less than 108 photographs. 1079
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