FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1940
1940 - 1582.PDF
496 MAY 30, 1940 WESTLAND LYSANDERS : These army co-operation machines have lately had an opportunity of proving their worth. SERVICE AVIATION Royal Air Force Official Announcements The King's Message H.M. The King has sent the following messageto the Royal Air Force : — " During my visit to the Headquarters of theBomber Command to-day. I was able to hear more about the epic deeds of our Bomber Forcesin recent weeks. Coupled with the arduous and unceasing duties of the Coastal Command, andwith the heroic exploits of our Fighter squadrons in this country and in France, they make animmortal story—a story that fills the whole Empire, whose sons are now fighting in all threebranches, with gratitude and admiration. "' I congratulate the Royal Air Forte with allmy heart and wish them good luck, and continued success. The matchless spirit that has shown soclear an ascendancy over the enemy makes the final victory oi the Allies doubly sure."(Signed) GEORGE, R.I. Awards IN recognition of the work of the Advanced AirStriking Force the following message has been sent to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief by General Georges, the Commander of the North- F.asttrn Group of Armies: " I address mv congratulations and thanks for the wonderful effort sustained through three days by the British Air Force in low flying and bombing attacks. " The French Army salute the memory of the British airmen who have sacrificed their lives ior the sal- vation of our two countries." The King has approved twelve im- mediate- bwirds to personnel of this §.. :J force : %'- DlSTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Fit. Lt. W. Simpson. P/O. T. D. H.Davy. Winy Cdr. L. D. Dickens, Fit. Lt. Vf. Blom, P/O. W. M. Corbett. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Sgt. E. N. ODell. A /C.I G. N. Pat-terson. Cpl. It. T. Tomlinson. Sgt. J. R. Paine, Sgt. A. X. Spear. Sgt. T. R. V.Kitto, and Cpl. D. J. Barbrooke. One of those who received the D.F.C.was, with five other volunteers, chosen tn attack two bridges which spannedthe Albert Canal. He was attacked by a. Messerschmitt MelO9 and be-lieved that he shot it down. His own port wing lank had been damaged,however, and the white petrol vapour led him to believe that his aircraft wason fire. He gave orders for the crew to jamp and then brought the ma-chine down within ten miles of his- base. GROUND DEFENCE:Personnel charged with the defence of R.A.F. stationsagainst low-flying attacks practice with Lewis guns. against toy balloons. THE KING has been graciously pleased to' approve the undermentioned awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flyingoperations against the enemy : — DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. HAYES, FLYING OFFICER THOMAS NORMAN.F/O. Hayes was pilot of one of six aircraft that attacked Rotterdam aerodrome. In company withhis commanding officer he destroyed a Junkers 52 on the aerodrome by machine-gun fire. Whilstclimbing, after the dive, the formation was at- tacked by twelve Mes.serscb.mitt 110s. F/O. Hayeswas unable to see the enemy aircraft himself, but skilfully manoeuvred his aircraft on instructionsfrom the air gunner. After a short while he sighted a Junkers 52 and, although hard pressedby superior numbers 01 other enemy aircraft and with his own aircraft damage, F/O. Hayes at-tacked the Junkers 52 with tenacity and deter- mination until it was eeen to go down with itsport engine on fire. Breaking off the engagement and skilfully evading his opponents, he made forhome, but shortly encountered three Heinkel Ills. He courageously attacked with his remainingammunition and succeeded in breaking up their formation before arriving safely at his base. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. HOLMES. CORPORAL GEORGE HENRY Cpl. Holmes was the air gunner in F/O. Hayes's aircraft in this action. After the attack, theformation was engaged from astern by twelve Messerschmitt 110s. Cpl. Holmes displayed cool-ness and initiative in advising his pilot how best to manoeuvre his aircraft to evade the enemy.Even when handicapped by petrol fumes from a tank burst by enemy action, he continued to giveaccurate information. His gallant conduct under intense fire was largely responsible for the pilot'sbeing able to take evasive action and to bring the aircraft safeiy home. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. SMEDDLE. ACTING FLIGHT LIEUTENANT HUGH LOMAS.This officer was leading a formation of three aircraft on a, bombing operation against Ypenburg(Holland) aerodrome. When about fwo miles from the objective, a large number of Messer-schmitt 110s attacked the formation and two of the three aircraft were forced to retire. Fit. Lt. Smeddiecontinued towards his target alone until a cannon shell burst in his cockpit, wounding him and hisobserver; a second shell exploding at the rear of the aircraft, wounded his air guwer and wreckedthe wireless apparatus. In spite of severe wounds and the loss of his compass and wireless. Fit. Lt.Smeddie succeeded in throwing off the enemy attack and bringing his aircraft safely home to itsbase. By his great courage and determination he saved his aircraft and the lives of his crew.
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
