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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 1363.PDF
JUNE 25™, 1942 FLIGHT 653 CLOUDLAND STUDY : A squadron of Boston Ills seen from the rear gun turret of the leading machine. Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm News and Announcements Awards THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition ol gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy : — DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER. Ldr. A. M. Mui'i'HV, D.F.C.. No. 161 Sqn Tnis officer has carried out operations demanding the highest qualities of skill and organisation. He has, 'vithin a short period, personally organised his flight, trained his pilots and completed his tasks. He has displayed inspiring leadership. Act. Wing Cdr. D. C. T. BENNETT, No. 10 Sqn. —One night in April, 1942, Wing Cdr. Bennett and Sgt. Walmsley 'were the captain and second pilot respectively of an aircraft which attacked the German naval base in the Trondheim Fiord. In spite of a fierce defensive barrage the attack was carried out at an extremely low level. The aircraft was hit bv shell fire and,' later, burst into flames, Wine Cdr. Bonnctt and Sgt. Walwsley were forced to escape by parachute, but both landed safely in occupied territory. Both Wing Cdr. Bennett and Sst. Walmsley dis played excellent resource and, after escaping from German soldiers and police, they eventually reached Swedish territory after a most arduous and trying journey across snow-clad mountains, 1 hrouehont. both Wing Cdr. Bennett and Sgt. walmsley displayed courage, initiative and devo tion to duty of the highest order. f'U. Lt. R. M. CHRISTIE, B.C.A.F, NO. 407 (R.CA.F.) Sqn.—In May, 1942. Fit. Ft. Christie and P/O. Kav each led a force of bombers in an nttacl^^ri a large enemy convoy, including armed s'iiPiJr.;-d destroyers, off the Dutch coast. The attach, which was delivered in the fading light, was pressed home in the face of a harrage of the utmost intensity. P/O. Kay, who was first to attack, received wounds on the fingers when shrapnel tore through the floor in front of him. Despite this he flew on. firing his guns, and bombs were released on a ship almost at deck level. Fit. Lt. Christie followed in and, -releasing his bombs from mast height, scored hits on a medium Bized ship. Both aircraft were damaged. That of Fit. Lt. Christie was hit in the wings, fuselage and tail, causing damage which made the aircraft exceedingly difficult to control. P/O. Kay's aircraft was hit in both engines, while he himself received a. further wound in the arm. Despite their difficulties, both these officers flew their damaged aircraft back to this country. Some time previously, Fit. Lt. Christie partici pated in a daring attack on a convoy off the Dutch coast. In the face of heavy defensive fire, a large ship was bombed from only 20 feet. As the bombs exploded large quantities of debris were hurled in the air and the vessel was set on fire. BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Act. Wing Cdr. E. D S. SCOTT-MALDEN, D.F.C.. K.A.F V.R.—This officer has led the wing on 44 sorties over Northern France. During these opera tions six enemy aircraft were destroyed, one of which was shot down by Wing Cdr. Scott-Maldcn himself. On two occasions, in April, this officer displayed great skill when his force was attacked by superior numbers of enemy aircraft. Through out, he has displayed great courage and leadership. Act, Wing Cdr. B. B. O'B. HOARE, D.F.C.. R.A.F.O., No. 23 Sqn.—Since being awarded the D.F.C. in M'iy, 1941, this officer has completed some 38 intruder sorties during which he has destroyed a I least three and damaged several more enemy aircraft. He has at all times set an in spiring example. Fit. Lt. E. D. CREW, D.F.C., H.A.F.V.R., No. 604 Sqn.—Since the award of the D.F.C. in July. 1941, this officer has carried out a large num ber of operational patrols by night and has destroyed four enemy aircraft. He has now destroyed a total of eight enemy aircraft at night and damaged a number oi others. By his readiness to fly in any weather and his skill and ability in dealing with the enemy at night, he sets a great example to the squadron. P/O. I. C. Ormston, R.C.A.F.tNo. 401 Sqn., who has been awarded the D.F.C. The citation described him as having " displayed exceptional keen ness to engage the enemy."
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