FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1942
1942 - 0998.PDF
Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm News and Announcements IP.C Awarded DECORATIONS FOR THE AUGSBURG RAID THE KING lias been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA CROSS OU the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery : Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. D. NETTLETON, NO. 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn. Sqn. Ldr. Nettleton was the leader of one of two formations of six Lancaster heavy bombers detailed to deliver a low-level attack in daylight on the diesel engine factory at Augsburg, in Southern Germany, on April 17th 1942. The enterprise was daring, the target of high military importance. To reach it and get back some 1,000 miles had to be flown over hostile territory. Soon after crossing into enemy territory his formation was engaged by 25 to 30 fighters- A running fight ensued. His rear guns went out of action. One by one the aircraft of his forma tion were shot down, until in the end only his own and one other remained. The fighters were shaken off, but the target was still far distant. There was formidable resistance to be faced. Flight mechanics of the W.A.A.F. get air experience. A formation of Miles Master Ills carrying their feminine passengers. With great spirit, and almost defenceless, he held his two remaining aircraft on their perilous course, and after a long and arduous flight, mostly at only 50 feet above the ground, he brought them to Augsburg. Here anti-aircraft fire of great intensity and accuracy was encoun tered. The two aircraft came low over the roof tops. Though fired at from point blank range, they stayed the course to drop their bombs true on the target. The second aircraft, hit by flak, burst into flames and crash-landed. The leading aircraft, though riddled with holes, flew safely back to base, the only one of the six to return. Sqn. Ldr. Nettleton, who has successfully under taken many other hazardous operations, displayed unflinching determination as well as leadership and valour of the highest order. THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in the same operations : — The following officers and airmen who partici pated, in various capacities, as members of the aircraft crews, displayed courage, fortitude and skill of the highest order: — COMPANION OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER. Fit. Lt. 1). J. PENMAN, D.F.C., No. 97 Sqn. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Fit. Lt.. B. R. W. HALLOWS, R.A.F.V.R., No. 97 Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. C. S. C. MCCLURE, R.A.F.V.R., No. 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn. Act. F/O. E. E. RODLEV, R.A.F.V.R., No. 97 Sqn. P/O. E. A. DEVERILL, D.F.M., No. 97 Sqn. P/O. P. A. DOREHILL, R.A.F.V.R., No. 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn. P/O. G. C. HOOEY, R.A.F V.R., No. 97 Sqn. P/O. E. L. IFOULTJ, R.A.A.F., No. 97 Sqn. P'O. D. O. SANDS, R.A.F.V.R., No. 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Fit. Sgt. F. H. HARRISON, NO. 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn, Fit. Sgt. B. G. LOUCH, No. 97 Sqn. Fit. Sgt. L. H. MUTTER, NO. 44 (Rhodesia) Squ. m pw^pj • "J 'f&fih .-;*1*FKf L. ™^"^ -*W ^5 ^„ w-,LJt?* Mi f 1 * d 1 i ! i ' pnjH ^«l £§ 3t •«* *5F •-•• "if 4 JHgBBHHHB [ W 1 k ' SI y Wz vf >/ v|- w. • ^ t. Decorated for their share in the daylight raid on Augsburg : (left to Right) Front How: P.O. COLQUHOUN; P/O. CUTTING; P/O. FRIEND; Flt./Lt. HALLOWS; F inagtmrr^mm^J P/O. BUTLER ; P/O. HOOEY-^i**' ^^" Centre! Sgt. HENLEY ; Sgt. CUMMINGS ; Sgt. JONES ; Sgt. BROOMFIELD ; Sgt. DEVINE^Sgt MACKAY; Sgt. COO! Sgt. TALES-V1^ i Back How: Sgt. GOACHER ; Sgt. MERRALLS ; Sgt. CRISP; Sgt. RATCLIFFE ; Set. OVERTON ; FIL/Sgt. ELLJfFOOD ; MAN, D.F.C.; P/O. DEVERILL, D F.M.; FIt./Sgt. KEANE ; Fit./Sgt LOUCH ; . IRONS ; Sgt. HEBDON. C\
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
