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Aviation History
1941
1941 - 1548.PDF
26 FLIGHT JULY IOTH, 1941. SERVICE AVIATION aircraft whif h torik part in an operational sweepof the enemy coast from Flushing to Dunkirk. Following the bombing of some ships near Dun-JiirJi harbour, his aircraft wag atUgked by thr«s Messerschmitt 109's, but, by brilliant shooting,Fit. Lt. Stock" destroyed one and damaged another oi the attackers. On a, previous occasion he dis-played great coolness in the tace of considerable odds. Kit. Lt. Stock has always displayed out-standing devotion to duty and keenness in gun- nery.F/O. 11. W. Cox, No. 7 Squadron.—In June, 1941. this officer was the captain of an aircraftwhich participated in an operational sweep of the enemy coastline from Flushing to Dunkirk.Whilst carrying out an attack on some ships near Dunkirk, his aircraft was attacked by two Messer-schrnitt 109's. During the ensuing battle, F/O. Cox displayed great skill and determination, and,as a result, one of the enemy aircraft was ob- served to go down into a steep dive with smokeand flames pouring from it. A few days previously he carried out an opera-tion under extremely unfavourable weather condi- tions. Despite the fact that shortly after takingoff the generator failed and wirele^ communication with his base became impossible, he continuedhis mission and successfully bombed his target. He ha9 set an excellent example of courage anddevotion to duty. P/O. J. It. ANDERSON, R.A.F.V.R., No. 103Squadron.—One night in June, 1941, this officer was the captain of an aircraft which participatedin a low-level attack on dockside buildings at Brest. The target could not at first be identified,and, although fully aware that the area wag pro- tected by a balloon barrage, P/O. Anderson re-mained over the target for 30 minutes until a temporary improvement in visibility afforded theopportunity to attack. Descending from 3,000 feet, his bombs were observed to burst on or near theobjective. Despite intense light anti-aircraft fire, he con-tinued his dive to 900 feet, where he was he'd in the beams of searchlights, but eight of thesewere extinguished by his front and rear gunners. P/O. Anderson has completed numerous opera-tional flights, and has always displayed the utmost determination and skill. P/O. J. W. SIEVERS, R.A.F.V.R., No. 150Squadron.—One night in June, 1941, this officer was the captain of an aircraft which took partin an attack on Brest. In spite of intense anti- aircraft fire both from ground defences and ships,P/O. Sievers descended to 4,500 feet and skil- fully dropped all his bombs in the target area. Ona previous occasion, during an attack on Hamburg, this officer displayed great flying skill whichenabled his rear gunner to shoot down a Messer- BChmitt 110 which attacked his aircraft whilstheld in the beams of searchlights. P/O. Sievers has completed many operational missions overenemy and enemy-occupied country, and has shown great skill and coolness throughout. F/O. K. I. GEDDES, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 604Squadron—This officer has performed excellent work as a tighter pilot and has destroyed at leastfour enemy aircraft. His skill and thoroughness in preparation for flight have been most markedP/O. F G. H. CHALK, R.A.F.V.R., No. 218 Squadron.—One night in June, 1941, this officerwas the rear gunner of an aircraft which took Part in an attack on Hanover. On the returnjourney, whilst over the Amsterdam area, the air- craft was attacked by a Messerschmitt 110 which pressed home two attacks from close range. Inthe face of accurate cannon and machine gun fire from the enemy, P/O. Chalk fired two steady' bursts which were observed to enter the enemy aircraft, causing it to break away with flamesroming from the starboard side. By his cool and accurate fire, P/O. Chalk undoubtedly saved Msaircraft and probably destroyed the attacker. Since February, 1941, this officer has participate:!in many operational missions and has shown high courage and devotion to duty throughout. Act. Fit. Lt. E. SYDNEY-SMITH, R.A.F.V.R., No.139 Squadron.—In May, 1941, Fit. Lt. Sydney- Smith and Sgt. Shepherd were pilot and observerrespectively of an aircraft which attacked an enemy cargo ship, believed to be carrying ammu-nition, escorted by a destroyer Two direct hits were obtained on the vessel, which was compelledto seek refuge in Sfax harbour. Four days later they participated in a low level attack againstan enemy ammunition ship, lying in Sfax har- bour, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire fromdestroyers and other ships. In June, 1941, Fit. Lt. Sydney-Smith and Sgt.Shepherd took part in an attack against a large and heavily escorted enemy convoy. With greatskill they obtained direct hits on an 8.000-ton ship carrying ammunition, which blew up withterrific force, hurling parts of the vessel as high as 1,000 ft. Fit. Lt. Svdney-Smith has consis-tently displayed great courage and determination while Sgt. Shepherd's navigation and bomb aiminghave been of a very high standard. DISTINGUISHED FLVTOG MEDAL. Sergeant Hughie Cecil BAILEY, NO. 233. Sergeant Derek George BULEY, No. 210. Sergeant William Jackson COLTJBECK, NO. 206. Sergeant Peter McDonald GRANT, No. 42. Sergeant Leonard Reginald JAMES, NO. 22. Sergeant James Gardner Simpson WEST, NO, 42. Sgt. NORMAN HENRY SHEPHEBD, NO. 139Squadron.—For citation see Fit. Lt. Sydney- Smith. Sgt. G. J. EVANS, A.A.F., No. 604 Squadron.—This airman has been continuously employed on operational flying since September, 1939. He hasdisplayed great skill in his duties and has assisted his pilot in the destruction of three enemy air-craft. Sgt. J. GBAHAM, NO. 7 Squadron.—In June,1941, this airman was the rear gunner of an air- craft which was attacked by two enemy fightersabout 20 miles west of Texel, in Holland. His aircraft was attacked simultaneously from theport and starboard quarters. During the combat. Sgt. Graham's reflector sight became unserviceableand two of his guns jammed. Despite continuous attacks, Sgt. Graham coolly repaired the damageto his reflector sight and cleared the gun stop- pages, after -which he. withheld his fire until oneof the attacking aircraft was in close range. He then fired a long burst which caused it to breakaway and subsequently dive straight into the sea. Sgt. J. D. V. S. STEPHENS, R.A.F.V.R., No.83 Squadron,—One night in June, 1941, this air- man was the pilot of an aircraft which carried outa successful attack on the goods yard at Soest. The vicinity of the target area was obscured bylow eioui and visibility was poor, but Sgt. Stephens descended to 1.000 ft. and made a care-ful reconnaissance by the light of flares dropped from other- aircraft. Finally locating his objectivehe released his bombs which were seen to burst on the permanent way. He then descended to 800 ft.and machine gunned a train standing in the goods yard. Sgt. Stephens has at all times shown greatkeenness, initiative and courage. TAILS UP FROM DOWN UNDER : A group of pilots of the first R. A.F. fighter squad- ron in which the flying personnel are all Australians. The squadron is fully operational. London Qazette Royal Air Force Air Ministry, July 1, 1941. General Duties Branch.Air Marshal Sir P. B Joubert lie la Ferte, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., is promoted to rank of AirChief Marshal (temp.) -(July 1). Air Vice-Marshal (Act. Air Marshal) W. L.Welsh, C.B., D.S.C., A.F.C., is promoted to rank of Air Marshal (temp.) (July 1). • Royal Air Force Reserve RESERVE OF AIR FORCE OFFICERS. General Duties Branch.Sqn. Ldr. B. E. Harrison is granted rank of Wing Cdr. (June 2). Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Administrative and Special Duties Branch.Hon. F/O. J. W. Buck is granted hon. rank of Fit. Lt. (June 17).F/O. L. C. Saxby relinquishes, at own request, rank of T/O., and is transfd. to General DutiesBranch in rank of P/O. (June 11). Air Ministry,June 27, 1941. General Duties Branch. Fit. Lt. (temp. Sqn. Ldr.) R. C. Love is granteda permt. commn. in substve. rank of Fit. Lt. lApr. 16).F/O. T. E. J. Fitton (since promoted to Fit. Lt., a)il t-ransfd. to Technical Branch), is grviiei apermt. commn. (Oct. 21, 1939). The folg. are granted commns. for dm. asF/O. on probn. :— W/O.: (June 5) R. W. Knights. As P/Os. on pronn.:-8gts.: (Aug. 30, 1940)8, J. B. Snowden, D.F.M.; (May 1) P. G. J. Cra-n- ley; (May 14) S. Sumner; (May 22) G. F. Hodder,J. Gilmour; (May 27) J. Craig; (May 29) N. H. Josling. Temp. Sgt. : (May 16) J. H. Moutray,D.F.M. Cpl.: (May 9) S. Park. The folg. P/Oe. on probn. are confmd. in theirappts. and promoted to war substve. rank o! K/O.:—(Apr. 1) W. R. Acott, F. A. B. Tarns;(Apr. 7) G. Robinson; (June 15) J. W. White; (June 12) W. Fletcher, D.F.M.; (June 18)R. L. L. McCullough; (June 20) C. McK. Dunni- cliffe, F. B. Everest, K. P. M. Fernbank, J. h.Fletcher, D.F.M., G. Ryder, G.M.; (June 21) G. A. C. Potts, D.F.C., J. A. Sims, R. F. Jones,T. W. Newbould; (June 22) N. Butler, K H W. Dodkin, A. T. Maudsley, D.F.C., D.F.M., C J.Batho, A. W. Belbin, A. G. Blagden, N. E. Hore; (June 25) K. J. Plested, D. B. Clifford; (June 26)W. M. Collins; (June 29) A. Beece. Act. P/O. on probn. P. G. Polsue is graded asP/O. on probn. Apr. 7, 1940, and confmd. in his appt. (July 10, 1940).The folg. F/.Os. are promoted to war substve. rank of Fit. Lt. :—(Sept. 3, 1940) A. D. Panton,D.F.C.; (May 24) C. Marshall; (May 25) K. G. Davis, D. T. Maepherson; (May 27) F. J. Knight;(May 28) J. J. McKay, D.F.C. • (June 17) H. D. Clark, T. C. Murray, D.F.C.', H. Parkinson,W. D. B. Ruth, D.F.C., D. Salwev. F/O. R. J. Wells, D.F.C., is granted war sub-Btve. rank of Fit. Lt. (Mar. 4). The folg. P/Os. are promoted to war substve.rank of F/O.:—(Jan. 23) T. K. H. Sfconey; (Apr. 7) C. W. H. .Thomson, P. G. Polsue; (Apr. 91J. B. Paterson; (Apr. 29) H. T. Gilbert, D.F.C.; (May 4) P. J. E. Ritchie. D. A. Thomas; (May 13)D. W. Barlow (Capt., R.T.R.), A. P. Q. Bluett (2nd Lt., R.T.R.), E. Chegwin (Lt., D.C.L.I.),B. P. W. Clapin (2nd Lt., R.E.), A. N. Davis (2nd Lt, R.E.), J. B. A. Fleming (2nd Lt., R.A.), F. L.Gates (Lt., R.T.R.), D. G. Harley (2nd Lt, A. and S.H.), H. G. Munro (2nd Lt., R. Scots)R. T. H. Pughe (2nd Lt., K.O.R.R.), J. M. H. Sargent (2nd Lt., R.T.R.), A. P. W.Strachan (2nd Lt., Hampshire R.); (May 18) R. W. Atkinson (2nd Lt., Middx. R.), J. J. "P. Kenny;(May 25) R. E. Troward; (June 1) W. C. Wig- mort!; (June 7) L. D. Emblem (2nd Lt., R.T,R.j. P/O. L. L. K. Wilcox is granted war substve.rank of TIO. (Feb. 28). P/O. on probn. J. Watson is promoted to warsubstve. rank of F/O. on probn. (May 15). Air Comdre. (act. Air Vice-Marshal) H. G. SmartO.B.E., D.F.C., A.F.C., relinquishes act. rank of Air Vice-Marshal (May 17).Wing Cdr. J. D'A. Keary is seconded for special duty (May 21).The folg. are transfd. to Technical Branch: — Wing Cdrs. : (Apr. 24, 1940) II. St. G. Burke P.Bathurst. Sqn. Ldr.: H. B. Wrigley. P/O. on probn.; (May 19) G. Ryder.The folg. Act. P/Os. on probn. relinquish their short service commns. on appt. to commns. in theR.AJF.V.R.:—(July 6, 1940) R, J. Jennings; (Jan. 14) F. R. Godsmark.P/Q. W. S. Stearns resigns his short service commn. (June 10). Technical Branch. The foig. are granted commns. for durn. aeF/Os. on probn. :—W/Os.: (Apr. 18) V. M. Mon- tanini; (May 28) A. Rowbotham; (June 1, Sen.Nov. 20, 1940) H. G. Aylen; (June 10) W. F. Nash. As P/Os. on probn.:—W/O. : (May 8) S. W.Searle. Fit. Sgts. : (Apr. 21) F. G. Hoad; (May 6) 8. C. Marven. As Act. P/Os. on probn •Fit. Sgts.: (May 17) C. G. Euston, D. J. Ellery, E. B. Loftus, H. B Baiter, A W Skingsley,D. J C. Frost, H. J. R. Hailstone, C. W. Hhep- pard, A. M. Coole, L. W. N. Walker, L. H. Mar-
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