FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1941
1941 - 1855.PDF
AUGUST 14TH, 1941. FLIGHT SERVICE AVIATION which two were effected on dead reckoning alone,out of sight of land. Flying through a balloon barrage and meeting with most determined andaccurate fire irom the ground, the centre of the town was attacked from a height of about 50 feet. During the action Sgt. Quinn was wounded inthe leg, but remained at his post maintaining wireless watch and assisting P/O. Ramsay materi-ally in navigating the aircraft safely back to base. p/O. Ramsay displayed exceptional skill and con-tributed in a large way to the success of this hazardous mission. In this he was ably assistedby Sgt. Quinn, who showed great coolness and courage. Both have participated in numerousoperational flights against the enemy. P/O. B. L. DulGAN, No. 70 Squadron.—One nightin July, 1941, this officer was captain of an air- craft which made a successful dive-bombing attackon shipping in Benghazi harbour, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. Afterdropping his bombs he silenced several of the light batteries with machine-gun fire. On the returnjourney he caused damage by machine-gun fire to an army encampment. On another night P/O.Duigan attacked aircraft on Nasrulla aerodrome. On the fourth run over the target he was attackedvigorously from all directions by three enemy fighters. Severe damage was caused to his aircraft,but, in spite of this he manoeuvred it so as to afford his gunners the best possible firing posi-'io.is. and then gave them cool and casual en- couragement over the damaged inter-communica-tion gear. Despite lack of instruments. P/O. Duigan brought the aircraft through the moun-tains to the sea. Preferring to make for base where much-needed spares were stored, he refusedto land on a flare-path at Lydda. TJnforunately he was unaware of his low air speed due to excessivedrag, and was compelled to make a forced landing. He has shown great coolness, resource and atenacity of purpose. P/O.F. A. O. GAZE, R.A.F.V.R., No. 610 Squad-ron.-This officer has shown a persistent desire to engage the enemy on all occasions. In ft recentcombat he undoubtedly saved his squadron com- mander from being shot down over enemy territoryhy destroying his two attackers. He has now destroyed at least three enemy aircraft. P/O. J. E. H. MARSHALL, and P/O. K. S.PETERSON, R.N.Z.A.F., both of No. 37 Squadron. —One night in July, 1941. these officers were thepilot and navigator/bomb aimer respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack an enemy fuel depot.The target area was obscured by cloud and P/O. Marshall found it necessary to descend to 2.500 feetto locate the objective. The first run was made in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, the aircraftbeing hit in several places. Some bombs were dropped, but the attack was not considered satis-factory. A second run was made, but P/O. Petersondecided not to release his remaining bombs because lie had not a sufficiently good sight of the target.On the third run direct hits on the storage tanks were obtained. P/O. Marshall and Peterson dis-played outstanding courage, devotion to duty and skill under difficult "and dangerous conditions. F/O. Q. H. A. WELLUM, NO. 92 Squadron.—Thia officer has been with his squadron since the evacuation from Dunkirk. During the recentoffensive operations over France he has led his FIRST ROYAL TRANSATLANTICFLIGHT: The Duke of Kent chatting to «3 equerry, Wing Cdr. Sir Louis Greig,p"or to embarking in a Liberator to inspect Air Training Schools in Canada. section and flight with great skill and determina-tion. He has destroyed at least three enemy air- craft and damaged several others.Act. F'O. D. T. WITT. D.F.M., No. 7 Squadron. —In July, 1941, this officer led three aircraft tobomb a target near Bethune. When the section crossed the enemy coast it was subjected to intenseanti-aircraft fire, which shot down one aircraft of the section. Unperturbed, however, F/O. Wittled the remaining aircraft in a determined attack on the target in the face of another intense anti-aircraft barrage. The success of this attack was due to the tenacity, skill and determination ofF/O. Witt. Ten days previously, while raiding Texel. he enabled his rear gunner to destroy aMesserschmitt, 109. He is an outstanding pilot who has gained notable successes against theenemy. Act. F'O. G. HALL, R.A.F.V.R., No. 61 Squad-ron.—One night in July. 1941, this officer. a3 captain of aircraft, was detailed to attack a targetat Aachen. Shortly before reaching the target area the aircraft, while held by about twentysearchlights, was attacked from astern by an enemy fighter. The starboard petrol tank, main-plane, wings, fuselage and tailplane were all hit. The gunner succeeded, however, in driving off theenemy. Despite the damage to his aircraft F/O. Hall flew on to the target and made four runsover it at 5,000 feet before dropping his bombs. This officer's previous record is excellent, and hehas consistently shown a high degree of courage and determination on operations which is unsur-passed. BAB TO THE DISTINGUISHEP FLYTNC MEDAL.Sgt. T>. E. KINGABY, D.F.M., R.A.F.V.R , No. 92.—This airman pilot has contiuued to provehimself a very able section leader who fights with coolness and courage. He has now destroyed atleast 14 enemy aircraft and damaged others. Sgt. G. D. P. QUINN. D.F.M., No. 105.—For cita-tion see P/O. Ramsay. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL.Fit, Sgt. J. A. COWLEY, R.A.F.V.R., No. 70 Squadron.Fit. Sgt. J. MCALEESE, NO. 4 Squadron One of the Flight Sergeants has been with theSea Rescue Service for many months on flying duties, maintaining communications with rescue.vessels anil thus ensuring speedy rescue of men in the water. He has carried out this duty withgreat determination, frequently in the face of enemy fighter opposition, and has been instru-mental in saving life on at least three occasions. During the operations in France he also distin-guished himself. Sgt. R. H. NUTTALL, No. 115.—This airman wasrear gunner in an aircraft which attacked Bremen one night in July, 1941 During*the return flightthe aircraft was attacked from astern by a Messer- schmitt 110, which closed in to a range of 75yards. Although bullets were entering his turret, Sgt. Nuttall remained perfectly calm and. work-ing his turret by hand when the hydraulic gear failed, he eventually succeeded in driving off theenemy. Sgt. Nuttall displayed great courage and calmness in the face of intense enemy fire. Sgt. M. H. Ross, No. 29.—This airman hasproved himself to be a courageous and efficient wireless operator/air gunner and has displnyedgreat keenness. One night in March. 1941. after~ successfully intercepting an enemy aircraft, thecannons jammed, but Sergt. Ross managed to change the heavy pans and dear stoppages fourtimes under cramped and difficult conditions at 12,000 feet, which enabled his pilot to destroy theenemy aircraft. He has assisted his pilot in the destruction of at least two enemy aircraft at night. Sgt. N. TAYLOR, R.A.F.V.R., No. 601.—This air-man pilot has taken part in numerous offensive operations and patrols, during which he has de-stroyed at least for.r and damaged other enemy aircraft. He has at all times shown great keen-ness and determination to engage the enemy. Sgt. J. K. HENSON. R.A.F.V.R.. No. 226. Fit. Sgt. A. H. D. BATTY. NO. 226. Sgt, L. S. COLMAN, No. 226.Sgt. Henson. Fit. Sgt. Batty and Sgt. Colman were pilot, air gunner and observer respectively ofan aircraft which participated in an attack on Merville aerodrome in daylight The aircraftwas attacked by three enemy fighters, and Sgt. Henson was wounded in the jaw. Sgt. Colman.who saw this, waited to release his bombs as they flew over the target, then tended his woundedpilot, who was bleeding considerably. Set. Colman managed to reduce this by pressing the artery.Meanwhile the aircraft was subjected to another attack by four enemy fighters, the last of which,on receiving an accurate burst from Fit. Sgt. Batty, broke up in the air. With great coolness he con-tinued to fire accurately into each fighter as it attacked. Despite his wound. S?f. Henson greatlyassisted by Sgt. Colman. succesded in reaching one of our aerodromes, where he landed safely. The.coolness, cou*rage and team work of these three airmen were outstanding. Sgt. G. H. R. POLSON. No. 57 Squadron—Onenight in July, 1941. this airman was the rear gunner of an aircraft which was attacked by aJunkers 88 when returning across the North Sea. Holding his fire until the attacker was within 200yards. S«t. Poison fired a burst from each gun. The Junkers passed cverhcad and returned for an-other attack. The pilot had, however, manoeuvred the aircraft so as to enable Sgt. Poison to meet thisattack; he fired 40 rounds from, each gun, and the enemy aircraft dived into the sea in flames.Six nights previously he successfully defended his aircraft against an attack by a Messerschmitt 110.He has at all times shown courage and efficiency. Sgt. M. ROACH, R.C.A.F., No. 7 Squadron.—This airman was the air observer of one of a sec- tion of three aircraft which was detailed toattack a target near Bethune. When the section crossed the enemy coast it was subjected to intenseanti-aircraft fire, one of the aircraft beinsc "hot ORDER OF THE BOOT : A wingedboot forms the badge of the Late U Arrivals Club for airmen who walk •home from air battles. down. On approaching the target the two remain-ing aircraft were again subjected to anti-aircraft fire. Despite this and the fact that his pilot wastaking evasive action, Sgt. Roach carefully ami successfully bombed the target. The success of thishigh-level attack under extremely difficult condi- tions wa9 largely due to the courage and concen-tration of Sgt. Roach. Fit. Sgt. I'1. J. PATTERSON, NO. 21; Sgt. N. J.GIBLIN, U.A.F.V.R., No. 21.—for citation seo P/O. Waples.Sgt. A. B. J. Box, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 75 (N.Z.).— For citation see Sqn. Ldr. Widdowson and 8gfc.Ward, V.C. ' GEORGE MEDAL.P;U. J. C. 1'RICE, K.A.F.V.K.-One night in April, 1941, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft whichcrashed on landing and burst into flames. When the aircraft came to rest it was burning fiercely.P/O. Brice removed his flying helmet, harness and parachute, and attempted to open the lophatch. This was jammed, however, so he went forward to get the hatchet. By this time thewhole perspex nose of the aircraft was on fire an-i the heat intense.Failing to find the hatchet, P/O. Brice returned and made further efforts with the sliding roof,which he managed to get open, severely burning his left hand in the attempt. After getting clearlie noticed that the rear hatch was still closed, air.!, in spite of his burns and the fact that thewind was blowing the flames over this hatch, ha returned to the aircraft and tried with his un-damaged hand to open the hatch and release the gunner. I'nable to do so, P/O. Brice climbed on top olthe fuselage and, holding the catch with his right hand, he jumped on the hatch and succeededin bursting it open. Although he had received further burns to his hand and face, he remainedthere until the gunner was clear of the aiicruft. This officer displayed great coolness and braverythroughout. 1..A/C. T. J. CLARKE.—In May, 1941, this airman was undergoing night flying instruction it an aircraft which was attacked by an enemy aircraft as it was approaching to land. 1..A/C. Clarke received a bullet wound which caused a compoundfracture of the right hnmerus, rendering the arm useless, while his instructor was hit, in the stomar hfwhich paralysed both legs. The airciatt was crash- landed, but burst into (lames on impact. With great determination L.A/C. Clarke suc-ceeded in opening the emergency roof exit, and, in spite of his wound, managed to extricate his in-structor, who was helpless, and remove him to a safe distance. Although greatly handicappedthroughout, this airman displayed great determina- tion, gallantry and presence of mind, and un-doubtedly saved his instructor from being burned alive. Unfortunately the instructor has since diedof his wounds. A/C.l A. JONES—One morning in May, 1941,this airman drove his tender out on to the aero- drome to pick up the crew of an aircraft, return-ing from operations. Whilst waiting in his tender a loud explosion occurred, and the aircraft, whichwas only 10 yards away, burst into flames. A/U. Jones immediately drove his vehicle about 60yards away to avoid its destruction, and then ran back to the burning aircraft. With complete in-difference to danger he dragged a badly wounded airman from the aircraft to a place of safety.Whilst so doing three more bombs exploded, and he was wounded in the arm by a flying splinter,but, undaunted, he continued his efforts, although he did not know how many more bombs mightstill be in the aircraft. BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (MILITARY DIVISIONI.L.A/C. W. A. OSBORNE, A.A.F.—This airman was in charge of a balloon site one night inNovember, 1940. Several high explosive bombs had exploded on and around the site, and he hadordered his crew to shelters. He observed h>3 balloon dropping, due to shell splinter punctures,and led his crew to hRul it in. This was success- fully carried out during the attack. He later ledthree of his crew to the assistance of civilians who were trapped in a neighbouring demolished house,but on his way he was rendered unconscious by a bomb explosion which killed two of his com-panions. L.A. C. Osborne had. during a previous raid, led a relief party from bis crew to trappedcivilians. He hns displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in keeping with the high traditions of the8-irvice.
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
