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Aviation History
1941
1941 - 2508.PDF
288 FLIGHT OCTOBER 23RD, 1941. Service Aviation Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm News and Announcements Awards THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the following awards in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execu-tion of air operations : — BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CBOSS. Act. Wing Cdr. A. L. BOOKING, D.F.C., NO. 11 Sqn.Art Wing-Cdr. J. A. KENT. D F.C, A.F.C. This officer has led his wing in an efficient andfearless manner on many operational sorties within the last two months He has destroyeda further six enemy aircraft, bringing his total successes to IS destroyed and three probablydestroyed. Wing-Cdr. Kent haa Kt a grand example.Act. Wing Cdr. R. J. WELLS, D.F.C., No. 108 Squadron.—This officer has led his unit with greatsuccess. In attacks on Tripoli, six ships were sunk and hits were obtained on many others. Wide-spread damage was caused at various other places. At Messina, in particular, the whole railwaysidings, including many trucks, were destroyed, while the power house and a large adjoining areav,ere completely burnt out. Throughout the short period of less than amonth, Wing Cdr. Wells organised and directed a very large number of sorties which were carriedout by his unit, and participated in fifteen of them himself He has at all times displayed out-standing leadership, courage and determination. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS Fit. Lt. A. C RAWLINSON, R.A.A.F., No. 3 SqnArt. Fit. Lt. John Mervyn DENNIS, NO. 45 8qn Act Fit. Lt. Kenneth Henry Osborne YOUNG.F/O P. St. G. B. TURNBULL, R.A.A.F., No. 3 Sqn Act. Fit. Lt. C. G. PETERSON. R.A.F.V.R.. No. 71lEatrle) Squadron.—This American pilot has led his flight with initiative and determination duringthe past three months. He has participated in forty-two operational sorties and has destroyedtwo, probably destroyed a further two. and damaged one hostile aircraft. His coolness andcourage have set an excellent example. F/O. G. A. DAVMOND, R.A.F.V.R., No. 71(Kaglc) Squadron.—This American pilot has taken part in twenty-seven operational missions, includ-ing sorties over Northern France and convoy pat- rols. He has always shown great courage and keen-ness to attack the enemy and he has destroyed five <if their aircraft.Wing Cdr. R. G YAXLEY, M.C., No. 252. Squad- ron.—This officer commanded a detachment olfighter aircraft which recently carried out a series ol sorties with the object of assisting in the safepassage of our convoys in the Mediterranean. Attacks were made on certain aerodromes andsraplane bases which resulted in a loss to the enemy ^of at least 49 aircraft and a further 42damaged. The successes achieved undoubtedly contributedlargely to the fact that the convoys were able to proceed without loss; only one ship was damaged,lint it succeeded in reaching port. The courageous leadership and determination of this officer isworthy of the highest praise and. throughout, he set an example which proved an inspiration to hisfollow pilots Fit, Lt. D. H. WARD, NO. 87 Squadron.—Thisdfficer (ought with his squadron during the air operations in France and destroyed two enemy air.craft. Since September, 1940, he has commanded a flight engaged in night flying operations, andhas performed excellent work, particularly in the training of new pilots.In July, 1941, Fit Lt. Ward and another pilot intercepted a force of hostile aircraft, whichattempted to attack one of our aerodromes from a low altitude. Although the weather conditionswere extremely unfavourable, at least one of the attacking aircraft was damaged.On another occasion Fit. Lt. Ward led a sue rrssfnl attack on the aerodrome at Caen. In «piteol Bnti-airnralt opposition hits were believed to have been obtained on two enemy aircraft and.in addition, a goods train was machine gunned, together with buildings and gun-posts This officerlias alwavs displayed the greatest keenness to ensage the enemy.Fit. Lt. n 8AIWEY.—This officer has displayed t sststanding skill and devotion to duty in photo-graphic reconnaissance. Act. I'lt Lt. C R. BUSH, NO 41 Squadron.—This officer has carried out forty-eight operational sweeps over enemy territory, and has destroyed atleast three hostile aircraft Fit. I.t. Bush also took part in the air operations in France andInter fought in the Battle of Britain He has at all times displayed courage and keenness and hasset an excellent example. Act. Fit Lt, R. D. ELLIOTT, R.A.F.V.R., No.72 Squadron This officer has been engaged nn operational firing since December. 1939 fie ought in the Battle of Britain, during which lie CONCENTRATION : A game of backgammon in the ante room destroyed four enemy aircraft. In addition to par-ticipating in many night patrols. Fit. Lt. Elliott has been largely responsible for the training ofnew members of his squadron. Throughout, he has shown exceptional skill and courage.Act. Fit. LI. R. MABPLE8, NO. 41 Squadron- Thie officer haa shown great courage and leadership as a flight commander. He has carried out fifty-two operational sorties over enemy territoryand has destroyed two. probably destroyed three, and damaged a further two enemy aircraft. Hiskeenness and personal example have been out outstanding F/O. W. I. ANSTKY, NO. 70 Squadron.—Thisofficer, as captain of aircraft, carried out seven long-distance night bombing attacks during thefirst fourteen days in August. Four attacks were made on shipping at Benghazi, two attacks on theCorinth canal, and one on the aerodrome at Berca Good results were obtained on each occa-sion. Throughout F/O Anstey displayed greatefficiency and physical endurance. He has com- pleted forty-three operational missions, involvingnearly 300 hours Hying. P/O R. A. BEABDSLEY, R.A.F.V.R., No. 41Squadron.—In the course of fourteen operational sorties over enemy territory P/O. Reardslev hasdestroyed three, probably destroyed three and damaged a further four hostile aircraft. Both a.sa section and flight commander, P/O Beardsley has set a fine example. DISTINGUISHEH FLYING MEDAL. Fit. Sgt. Frank R. MASON, NO. 11 Squadron. Sgt. J. II. H. MILLS. R.A F.V.R.. No 70 Squadroo— In September this airman was the captain of an aircraft detailed to participate in a raid onshipping in the harbour at Benghazi. Owing to engine trouble Sgt. Mills was unable to take offwith the squadron, tut after n great effort, both by himself and the ground crew, the aircraft wasmade serviceable, and he took off two hours later. Reaching his objective. Sgt. Mills attacked asmall but vitally important ship which was used for pumping oil from tankers He released hisbombs on his second run and obtained hits, causing n fire on the ship, which was completely butntout. Throughout the forty-three operational missionsin which he has participated Sgt. Mills has dis- played similar perseverance, determination anddevotion to duty. S?t W. PALMER. NO. 41 Squadron—This airmanhas displayed great courage and coolness in the Ince of the enemy. On a recent operation nearDunkirk, when engaged by a superior number cf MesserBchmitts, his ammunition became expended,but with commendable skill Sgt. Palmer led his pursuers down low. then- flew under some high-tension cables so that one oi the following Messer schmitts crashed into the cables and was destroyed.Sgt. Palmer has destroyed at least three enemy aircraft.Sgt. N. J. A PATON. R.A.F.V.R., No. 225 Squad- ron—This airman has participated in fourteendaylight bombing attacks on enemy targets. In July lie carried out a successful attack on the docksat Rotterdam. Defying intense anti-aircraft fire, Sgt. Paton pressed home his attack and obtained ahit which destroyed a vessel of 1,800 tone. Three days later he attacked a convoy and scoreddirect hits on a ship of 5.000 tons. In August Sgt. Paton participated in an attack on Lille,and. despite heavy enemy fire which hit his air- craft in several places and also wounded his ob-server, he successfully bombed his target Some days later he bombed and set on fire a2,000 ton merchant vessel in the face of heavj fire from escorting ships. Sgt. Paton's aircraftreceived a direct hit from a cannon shell, which wounded the observer and wrecked the instruments.Nevertheless. Sgt Paton flew his aircraft safely back to base He is an excellent leader, whose skill and cool-ness in the face of the enemy are of the highest order. Sgt. C. P. STONE. R.A.F V.R., No. 72 Squad-ron.—This airman has proved himself tt> be a cool, keen &nrl rcBonrsetul pilot. Within the lasttwo months Sgt. Stone has carried out twenty- eight sorties over Northern France. On one occa-sion he became separated from his unit and was attacked by four Messerschmitt 109's. He sue-seeded in destroying at least one of the enemy aircraft without damage to his own.The following day Sgt. Stone destroyed another hostile aircraft. By his splendid example, oftcD indifficult conditions, he has assisted in maintaining a high standard ol morale in his unit. Roll oj Honour Caiuallv CnmmvniQue /Vo. 85.THF, Air Ministry legret to announce the 101 lowing casualties on various dates The nextof kin have heen informed Royal Air Force KILLED IN ACTION .WHILE FLVING IN OPE**; TIONS AfTMNST TI1E E.NEMV i.— Sgt. T. A. B8r««, Sgt. P W. Bryant: 8(t i. W. .] Cowell] Fit. 3£' A. Km so: Fit Lt. 11 M. Hammond; fast 1' J- McGaw; Set. A. I' A. Mackenzie; P/O• "• J»> Mason: Sqn. Ldr. E. J. C. Michelmore; 6«t •<•»• Murdoch; Sgt. F. Rovney. Spt. G. R u8iraf)r^ PREVIOUSLY KLFORTEP MISSING. "fL'tr zl KILLED IN ACTION NOW PRESUMED k";LEI),it. AtTHQH.—Fit. Lt. R. 8. E. Aldridge, D.t.V/.i a»"
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