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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 0206.PDF
«2 SERVIC prejted home their attacks to the utmost c ceded in scoring hits on their objectives. Beyera- • nemy aircraft were shot down. The success of the operation, which demanded the highest degree of skill and courage, reflects the greatest credit on the efforts oi the following officers and airmen who participated in various capacities as leaders and members of aircraft crews:— DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDEE Wing Cdr. B. V. ROBINSON, D.F.C., No. 35 Squadron. DimNotiianED Vuawt CROSS Wing Cdr. II. It. GRAHAM, U.H.O., ISO. 7 Squadron. Wing Cdr. P. B. B. OGILVIE, D.S.O., No. 15 Squadron. Act. Wing Cdr. D. O. YOUNG, A.F.O., R.A.F.O., No. 76 Squadron. Act. Sqri. Ldr. V. D. WEBSTER, NO. 10 Squadron. F/O. P. J. 8. BOGGIS, NO. 15 Squadron. F/O. C, A. VERNIEUX, R.A.F.O., No. 15 Squadron. W/O. N. L. TAYLER, No. 7 Squadron. DISTINGUISHED FLYINO MEDAL. Kit. Sat. It. H. HARDY, No. 15 Squadron. Sgi. E. E. DE JOUX, NO. 7 Squadron. THE KING has been graciously pleased to ap prove the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the eneiry: — DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER. Act. Fit. Lt. L. B. EBCOLANI, B.A.F.V.R., No. 214 Squadron.—One night in November, 1941, this officer was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Berlin. The target area was completely obscured by heavy cloud and Fit. Lt. Ercolani •.lecided to retain his load of incendiary bombs in order to avoid diverting following aircraft by start ing fires in the wrong places. High explosive bombs, however, were released over searchlight and anti-aircraft defences. On the return journey the aircraft was hit in the bomb racks by enemy shell fire. The floor was torn up and flames burst through the aperture. Following an. unsuccessful attempt to jettison containers which were burn ing, the fire spread over the whole floor, filling the aircraft with smoke and sparks. The fire eventually subsided, but was never completely ex tinguished, leaving the mid-part of the aircraft almost burned away. Both wings were holed and the fabric torn, while other damage was sustained which caused the aircraft to lose both height and speed. Despite these appalling conditions, Fit. Lt. Ercolani attempted to fly the aircraft back to this ccuntry, but shortly after crossing the enemy coast, at 1,000 feet, the engines failed through lack of fuel and the aircraft came down in the sea. The pilot had then been flying a burning air craft for some three hours and for most of the time the eireraft had presented a fiery target for the enemy 's guns. Fit. Lt. Ercolani received injuries when the aircraft hit the water and he went down with it, but it surfaced again and lie was able to get in the dinghy with the remainder of the crew. Despite his injuries, Fit. Lt. Ercolani took charge ami, displaying great leadership, inspired Act. Fit. Lt. L. B. Ercolani, who has been awarded the D.S.O. The official citation appears on this page. his comrades until the dinghy finally went ashore on, the Isle of Wight some 57 hours later. Through out, this officer displayed courage, initiative and devotion to duty worthy ol the highest praise. Fit, Lt. Ercolani has completed 26 operational missions. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Art. Sqn. Ldr. W. R. WILLIAMS, with effect from July 16, 1941. Fit. Lt. A. D. GOSMAN, with effect from Aug. 11, 1941. F/O. R. McD. DURHAM, with effect from Aug. 11, 1941. P/O. E. A. MASTERS, R.A.F.V.R., with effect from July 24, 1941. Act. Wing Cdr. J. D. ROLLINSON, R.A.F.O., No. 38 Squadron.—This officer has carried out 30 operational sorties from Malta. First as a flight commander and later as the commanding officer. Wing Cdr. Rollinson has performed sterling work. Wing Cdr. Rollinson himself has contributed materially to the outstanding successes achieved by his squadron. Throughout, he has shown cheerfulness and courage and he has been un deterred by difficulties. Major O. W. B. VAN GINKEL, S.A.A.F., No. 12 Squadron.-This officer has participated in opera- JANUARY 22ND, IQ42 AVIATION tions in East Africa and the Western Desert. He has completed many bombing raids. As flight com mander, Major Van Ginkel has displayed remark able leadership and devotion to duty. His services, particularly in the Western Desert, have proved trie ability and courage. .Major J. A. RADEMAN, S.A.A.F., No. 29 Squadron.—This officer haj completed many bomb ing raids, both in East Africa and the Western Desert, As a flight commander he has rendered invaluable service, and has always displayed high courage and devotion to duty. Fit. Lt. E. OASSIDY, No. 249 Squadron.—This offifieT has been actively engaged in operational flying, both in England and in Malta, since the war began, and has destroyed two enemy bombers at night. In a recent engagement, on a dark night. Fit. Lt. Cassidy displayed great tenacity when severely damaging two enemy aircraft, lt is ecu- sidered likely that one of them probably failed to reach its base. This officer has shown considerable •lash and initiative. He has set a splendid example. Fit. Lt. D. F. WYKEHAM-MARTIN, R.A.F.V.R.— This officer's vigilance and alertness have enabled him to sight and attack enemy submarines on four occasions. All these attacks produced promising results; after one attack which Fit. Lt. Wykeham-Martin carried out large air bubbles and oil were observed. This officer has served with great dis tinction, and he has shown great skill when flying in adverse weather conditions. Act. Fit. Lt. D. "L. BISGOOD.—This officer has carried out a large number of meteorological flights, often involving flying in extremely un favourable weather conditions. One day, while—,, carrying out one of these missions, he observed three enemy bombers. Fit. Lt. Bisgood decided to attack and, skilfully using cloud cover, effected a surprise attack on one of the Junkers. Following a long burst from Fit. Lt. Bisgood's guns, the enemy bomber caught fire and plunged into the sea. Previously, Fit. Lt. Bisgood liad destroved three hostile aircraft whilst flying with a Hurricane Squadron. He has at all times shown high devo tion to duty and by hie skill and determination ho has obtained the required meteorological data on many occasions when otherwise it would not have been obtained. Act. Fit. Lt, W. E. G. HEANLY. B.A.F.V.B., No. 38 Squadron.—This officer's efficiency, enthusiasm and untiring energy have been reflected in the admirable work of the Squadron. On numerous raids over Tripoli when low flying attacks have been made on road transports and aerodromes. Fit. Lt. Heanly has inflicted great damage to enemy property. F/O. J. M. V. CARPENTER, NO. 126 Squadron.— This officer has been engaged on operational flying over a long period. He fought in the Battle of Britain and destroyed four enemy aircraft, besides damaging many others. He has participated in numerous operations since he has been at Malta and has destroyed two Italian aircraft. In a low flying attack over Augusta, the elevator and rudder controls of F/O. Carpenter's aircraft were «hot away. In spite of this, he flew the aircraft over 129 miles of sea to his base, and landed safely. The initial training of W.A.A.F. personnel in the art of handling barrage balloons is carried out with table to represent anchor points.
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