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Aviation History
1941
1941 - 1341.PDF
JUNE 12TH, 1941. FLIGHT 407 during which he has always displayed great deferruination and enthusiasm, combined with a higli standard of technical and navigational ability. Sqn. Ldr. A. T. D. SANDERS, NO. 264 Squadron.—This officer has taken part in many operational missions against the enemy. On one occasion hecarried out a very fine reconnaissance M Wilhelms- haven in the face of intense anti-aircraft opposi-tion and under appalling weather conditions. As a squadron commander he has proved himself tobe a fine leader and a determined pilot who has contributed in a large measure to the many suc-cesses obtained by his squadron. lie has recently destroyed two enemy aircraft at night. Act. Sqn. Ldr. R. O. M. GRAHAM, R.A.F.V.R.,Mo. 101 Squadron.—In May, 1941, this officer Jed a formation of aircraft which attacked a convoy of enemy shipping near Boulogne. Although the convoy was sailing within the protective rangeof -its own land anti-aircraft defences, Sqn. Graham brilliantly executed a most dcter-attack. In the face of intense fire from nvoy escorting the vessels and land defence?,he descended to an extremely low level and ob- tained two direct hits on the largest vessel inthe convoy. It was subsequently learned that this vessel was sunk. On a previous occasion he com-manded a flight which operated with much suc- cess against enemy shipping. Sqn. Ldr. Grahamhas carried out numerous operational missions, and throughout has displayed great leadership,courage and determination- Act. Fit. Lt. E. B. MORTIMER-ROSE, NO. 234Squadron.—This officer has displayed great skill as a fighter pilot. In a recent combat he de-stroyed two of five enemy aircraft destroyed by his flight, thus bringing his victories to at leastsix He has set a splendid example, and has con- tributed materially to the high standard of effi-ciency in his squadron. F/O. R. L. F. DAY, NO. 141 Squadron. P/O. F C. A. LANNING, R.A.F.V.R., No. 141Squadron.—In May, 1941, F/O. Day and P/O. Lanning were the pilot and air gunner respec-tively of an aircraft engaged in night fighting operations. Observing an enemy aircraft at about1,000 ft. below him, F/O. Day (,'kilfully closed in to attack and enabled P/O. Lanning to shootdown the raider. The same night, on further patrol, these officers .destroyed another enemy air-Craft. F/O. Day and P/O. Lanning have carried out many night operational flights and both havedisplayed great courage and devotion to duty. P/O. J. A. J. BAILEY, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 115Squadron.—One night in May, 1941, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft which carried out anattack against an important target at Hamburg. When over the North Sea, on the outward journey,a Junkers 88 was encountered. Evading an attempted attack from the rear, P/O. Bailey skil-fully manoeuvred his aircraft, enabling his rear gunner to fire a burst of about 400 rounds .intothe enemy aircraft which crashed into the sea in flames. P/O'. Bailey flew on to Hamburg, bombedhis objective successfully and returned safely to base. Since February, 1941, he has participated\-in many operational flights and throughout has Shown similar courage, determination and devotionto duty. Wing Udr. .1. O. WILLIS. NO. 45 Squadron.—This officer has displayed the utmost determina- tion in action against the enemy. In May, 1941,he led a force- of fighter aircraft in an attack against a moving transport column of some 100vehicles, the majority of which were either de- stroyed or damaged. His leadership has been ofa high order. Act. Sqn. Ldr. R. E. P. BROOKEU. NO. 1 Squad-ron.—This officer led his flight with considerable skill and ability 'over a long period, during whiciihe destroyed a number of enemy aircraft. Since taking command of the squadron, he has greatlyassisted in the brilliant work performed by the sqjiadron. Throughout Sqn. Ldr. Brooker has set££j excellent example. fikri. Sqn. Ldr. E. C. WOLFE, H.A.F.O., No. 141yquadron.— This officer has displayed great deter- mination as a nifrht fighter pilot. During a patrolone night in May, 1941, he observed aa enemy aircraft and closed in with great skill beforeordering his air gunner to open tire. The aircraft whicii was still- carrying a full load of bomb?,crashed to the ground and hurst into flames. Sqn. Ldr. Wolfe assumed command of the squadronin September, 1940. and since then he has under- taken numerous night operational flights. Hehas at all times disptayed great courage and leadership. Fit. Lt. B. R. O'BBYEN HOAKE, NO. 2J Squadron.—Since January, 1941, this-officer has carried out many m^ht operational missions. His bombingattacks have been-delivered with great skill often in the face of severe opposition from ground de-fences, and. despite the hazardous nature of these sorties he seldom returns without valuable infor-mation. Fit. Lt. Hoare has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft and certainly damaged others.He has shown great enthusiasm and gallantry. throughout. F o. H. ' F. LEAVITT.—In April, 1941, tinsofficer was detailed to carry out an extensive recon- naissance off the Norwegian coast. He made asuccessful reconnaissance of two towns, but later his aircraft was* hit by anti-aircraft fire anddamaged. The aircralt immediately went into a spin, but after losing height of about 5,000 feel,*";tl. Leavitt regained control, and, although the c-nsine w;is running intermittently and the blindflying instruments were useless, he carried out a visual reconnaissance ol a tbird town. ' In spiteof the damage to bis engine K/O. Leavitt suc- ceeded in maintaining height above cloud in orderthat it might be possible to Klide to land should the engine Jail completely. Jle eventually suc-ceeded in regaining his base, returning with'much valuable information. F/O. Leavitt was subse-quently lound to be suffering from concussion ami an injured skull. He displayed great fortitudeand devotion to duty throughout. Act. Fit. Lt. C. RAYMOND, NO. 15 Squadron.-One night in May, 1941. Fit. Lt. Raymond and Sgt. Bushell v;ere captain and rear gunner respec-tively in an aircraft which carried out an attack against Berlin. After spending a consideiablo timeover the target area waiting for a break iu the cloud* 10 permit of accurate bombing, a steady run wasmade over the target, and, despite heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, a well-aimed stick ofbombs was finally released over the objective. The aircraft, was then hit by shell-fire. After flying"for a short distance it caught fire and began to lose height. After the fire had been put out theaircraft was subjected to a determined attack by an enemy fighter, but Sgt. Bushell loolly engagedthe enemy and enabled his captain to manoeuvre his aircraft and finally evade the attacker. In the face of many difficulties Fit. Lt. Raymond flew his aircraft back to his base and landed safely. Fit. Lt. Raymond and Sgt. Bushell bothdisplayed the greatest courage and determination throughout. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Sgt. J. R. BUSHELL, NO. 15 Squadron.-Fini Ration see Fit. Lt. Raymond above. Sergeant John Cameron FORBES—No. 206 Sqn.Sergeant Peter Alfred ROBEKTS—No. 23 Squ. I'll. Sgt. C. STANSFIELD, NO. 149 Bquadn.n.-Une nigut in May, 1941, this airman WUJ (he HIM wireless operator of an aircralt detailed lo carryout an attack against Berlin. Owing to unforeseen weather conditions the aircraft passed its objectiveby a considerable distance, ami was faced with the prospect of having insufficient petrol to com-plete the return flight, part of whicii would have • to be made over enemy territory in daylight. Sgt.Stansrield proceeded to give nis captain and navi- gator the utmost aid by means of wireless com-munication. With great skill he made contact with his base and kept the authorities informedas to position, height, speed and state of fuel. The aircraft eventually landed salely in this countrywith completely empty petrol tanks. Sgt. Stans- lield displayed exceptional skill and coolnessunder extremely difficult conditions, and was largely responsible for the safe return of his an-craft. Sgt, S. AUSTIN, NO. 219 Squadron—This airmanhas performed a large number of flying hours on night fighting operations, during which he hasassisted in the destruction of three enemy air- craft He has displayed considerable ability andefficiency throughout. Fit. Sgt. G. T. WILLIAMS, NO. 219 Squadron.-This Flight Sergeant has been employed with the squadron since May, 1940. He has completedmany hours of oprational night flying and his keenness and ability have been of great benefit inthe training of others. He has assisted his pilots in the destruction of three enemy aircraft atnight. Sgt. J. GILLIES, NO. 91 Squadron.—In April,1941. this airman as pilot of an aifcraft on a reconnaissance patrol observed a Heinkel 115 sea-plane being towed by an enemy tender of 800 tons near the coast off Gris Nez. He returned to baseand reported the incident and later escorted a section of our fighters to the target. Despite poorvisibility, he located the objective and participated in an attack whicii resulted in the destruction ofthe seaplane and inflicted great damage to the tender. Returning from this operation he engagedand shot down a Messerschmitt 109. Sgt. Gillies has displayed exceptional skill as a reconnaissancepilot and,'since October, 1940, has completed 150 sorties during the course of which he has destroyedI wo enemy aircraft. On four other occasions' he has attacked enemy aerodromes and troops. Sgt. G. LAURENCE, NO. 141 Squadron.—Whtnreturning from a patrol one night in May, 1941, this airman observed an enemy aircraft within20 miles of his base. Although his petrol was nearly exhausted he immediately closed to theattack and enabled his air gunner to open fire. Sgt. Laurence followed the enemy down to 3,000feet firing five mage bursts. The enemy aircraft subsequently crasnfd. On a previous occasion,Sgt. Laurence destroyed a Junkers 88 at night. He has shown great courage and devotion to dulythroughout the many night operational flights in which he has participated. Sgt. J B RAFFELS. R.A.F.V.R., No. 23 Squadron.Sgt. L. LANOLEY, NO. 23 Squadron.—Sgt. Raffels and Sgt. Langley have performed -excellent workas pilot and air gunner respectively in an aircraft engaged on night fighting operations. By theirsplendid teamwork they have destroyed three enemy aircraft snd caused much dampge to enemyaerodromes. Both have displayed great enthusiasm and efficiency. Sgt. A. A. O'LEARY. NO. 604 Squadron.-OneTiiKht in Ma?, 1941, this airman was one of the crew of a fiehter aircraft engaged in night, livingoperations. His pilot was closing in to attack a hostile aircraft when the en<=my fired a burstwhich severelv wounded Sgt. O'I.eary. In spite of his wounds. Set. O'Lcary rendered valuable assist-ance to his nilot which enabled him to bring the aircraft safely bat'k to base. 9st. O'Leary dis-played great courage and forftucle throughout. Sgt. B. G. COOKE. R.A.F.V.R.. No. 101Squadron.—This airman wss the pilot of an air- craft which participated in an attack aaainst threeenemy merchant ships and their escorting vessel-. Descending to only 50 ft.. Sgt. Cooke attacked oneof the escorting vessels and obtained direct hit* SERVICE AVIATION with two of h.s bombs. A few days later he tonk-in in another attack on enemy shipping off Boulogne. In the face oi intense and accuratefire both from the ships and shore batteries, lie bombed his objective frcm an extremely low level.Sgt. Cooke displayed considerable ability in flying hi* air-raft back to basn ironi this attack. Hehas displayed great courage, initiative and devo- tion 10 duty throughout. bgl, W. .) SCOTT, K.N.Z.A.I1'-, No. 256 Squadroil.—Fit. 1.1. Ueaneslcy and S;,'t. Scull, ; 1S piluluuU air gunner respect m-K. h.iw achieved con- spicuous cUu'i'ss during itrtnt night fightinKoperations. One night in April, 1941, a Heinkel 1 11 was encountered and destroyed, and since thena further three enemy aircralt have been di- stroyed, of which two were shot down during thesame palrol. During these operations both i'lt. Lt. Ueane.aley and Sgt. Scott have displavod gieat.skill and diMcrminaUon. THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the award of the British EmpiruMeih! (Military Division) to the undermentioned uirinen : — Sgt. F. K. WOOLVEN.—When the ship in whichWoolven was travelling wps shelled by the enemy, considerable damage was done and a number belowdeck were badly hurt. Woolven ithmedialely went down to help them, but found he could do littlealone and returned to the deck for holp. On reaching deck he was ordered to abandon shipimmediately, but before doing so, with groat presence of mind, he collected a torch and a bottleof tablets. Though there were several ships and aircraft in the neighbourhood, Woolven and twowho were with him were not spotted and Ihoy were accordingly not picked up. in order to forma makeshift raft, Woolvcn managed to collect sonu- oarj and a length of rope, which were in thewater near him, and lashed the onm together bo that the three of them could lie with their legsover one oar and their backs and aims against the other.That evening one of the two became delirious, but thanks to Woolven's cheerfulness and optimismhe was calmed down and he and his comrade per- suaded to go on holding out. About 4.30 nextmorning, after they had been nearly 24 hours in the water, the party of three were picked up bya British warship. Just before being picked up Woolven had seen a darkened vessel which he tookto be a submarine. Having, therefore, attracted the warship's attention with his torch, he shouledto her to keep clear as he had seen a submarine in the vicinity. The warship bad, however, passed the vesselwhich Woolven had seen, and knowing that it was • a trawler, proceeded to pick up the party. Thetwo were by now in an extreme state of exhaustion, but Woolven appeared to be quite unshaken byhis experience. Woolven displayed throughout fortitude and foresight ot a high order, and hisfine example was largely instrumental in saving the lives of his two comrades. A/C.2 E. GARRETT.—One night in January, 1941,during a heavy air raid, a large high explosive bomb wrecked some houses. A party of airmenhastened to the spot, where, in one of the houses, a young woman was trapped under a blazingstaircase. Without hesitation one of the party, Aircraftman Garrett, began to extricate her, andalthough it was necessary continually 10 ihmw buckets of water over him to sustain him in biseffort, he eventually succeeded in rescuing her. Three other people were apparently trappedunder the stairs, but the fire was so fierce that, in spili of repeated attempts by AircraftmanGarret t, it was impossible to save them. Un- daunted, however, he- led a working party in anattempt to control the fire, despite the fact that enemy aircraft remained overhead, and may havedropped further bombs, using the fire as an aiming mark. This airman showed great bravery through.out :ind was undoubtedly responsible for saving 1 tie woman's life. Roll of Honour CtiMwIti/ Communique No. 69. THE Air Ministry regrets to announce the fol-lowing casualties on various dates. The nextof-kin have been informed. KILLED IN ACTION (WHILE FLYING IN OPERA-TIONS AGAINST THE KNF.MY).—Sgt. F. Allen, 615122; Sgt. F. N. Alstrom, 927508; Sgt. W.Arscott, 759119; Sgt. I.. W. Bacon, 748320; Sal. B. Beardsley. 939008- Sgt. G. Bell, 802438; Szt.A. C. Bonnet, 7451183; P/O. C. A. C. Chetham, 82946; Sgt. B. Collyer, 1164662'; Sgt. G. 8. Corn-wall. 749328; Sgt. F. C. Crozier, 908262; Sst. A. S. Darling. 740544; Sgt. F. H. Erdwin, 553897:Sgt. L. Fass, 754442; Sgt. W. E. Godfrey, 748681; F/O. C. F. Greenhill, 40472; P/O. P. Haldenb.v,85690; Sgt. C. T. Handley, 910738; P/O. J. K. Hill, 83253: P/O. P Hogarth. 81068; Sgt. W. H.Johnson. 900135; Sgt. N". E. T. Kendall, 755195; Sgt. A. L. Kennedy. 552595; P/O. B. P. Klee,86340; Sst. K. r,. W. Kyle, 742023; Sgt. J. T. Lamb, 754628; P/O. .T. L. McGinnis. 84658;Fit. Lt. J. F. Mackie, 39886; P/O. H. K. Marshal , 81049; Sit. L-. U. B. Pearce, 741920; Sgt. G. V.Reeves, 748689; P/O. D. J. Spence, 42445; Set. L. .1. Symes, 975686; F/O. 11. h. Tanner. 74692;F'O. (j E V. Thompson. D.F.C., 77466: 8f?t. P. II. Waehorn 745800; Sgt. P. C. L. Wicks.910019; Sgt R. Wilson. 1065928; Bgt. H. W. Wright 745187; Sgt. S. Wright, 751744.
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