FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1942
1942 - 1506.PDF
78 FLIGHT JULY I6TH, 1942 SERVICE AVIATION J outer engine was hit an 1 (cawtl to function. The windscreen wan also damaged, and a piece of Perspex entered W/O. Peterson's left eye. Never-thelesfc, he continued to take evasive action, and eventually set off on the return journey. Whilst over Holland, fifi&g at 11,000 feet, he was at tacked by an enemy fighter. His rear gunner delivered a short burst, which caused the enemy aircraft to bnrst into flames and dive away out of control. When crossing the Dutch coast the air craft was again subjected to anti-aircraft fire, and the starboard engine was put out of action. De spite W/O Peterson's injury and the severe damage sustained by the arfrcraft, he succeeded in flying back to this country and landing on an air field with which he was unfamiliar, W/O. Peter son displayed fine courage and determination throughout. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. P O. K. BCHOFIBLD, R.A.F.VK., No. 210 Sqn.— For citation see Fit. Lt. Healy. I-" O. B. H WXOKOYSBD. R.A.F.V.R.. No. 600 Kiiii For citation sec p O. Harvey. Art. Bqn. Ldr. JI. C. KENNAHP, No. 121 (Eagl*) Sqn.—Sqn. T^dr. Kennard has completed 58 offen sive operations since he was appointed to corn niand the squadron in January, 1942. In May, 1942, he led the squadron in a successful combat againHt. ei^ht enemy aircraft, two of which were destroyed, une probably destroyed, and another damaged. A few days later he led a flight in a Mtcccssful attack against a minesweeper. Later in May. 1942. Sqn. Ldr. Kennard led his squadron to attack an armed trawler off the Dutch coast. The trawler was observed to sink. Sqn. Ldr. Kennard has commanded Q$1 squadron skilfully, and has set an excellent example at all times. Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. K, PENNINGTON-LEGH, No. 175 Sqn.—This oiMcer has always shown great keenness to engage the enemy, and has done so with con sistently good results. The squadron, under Hqn. Ldr. Pcrmington-Legh's excellent leadership, has sunk an enemy destroyer and a minesweeper, and has probably sunk or seriously damaged a further four warships. In addition, the squadron has attacked enemy airfields and inflicted considerable damage. Fit. Lt. S. K. C. WOOD, R A.A.F., No. 10 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Wood was the captain of a Sunderland aircraft which attacked a U-boat in the Bay of Biscay. Shortly afterwards the Sunderland was attacked by an enemy aircraft. Severe damage was inflicted on the attacker, and it is unlikely that the aircraft was able to return to its base. Despite the damage sustained by the Sunderland, Fit. Lt Wood succeeded in bringing his aircraft back safely. The cool courage and determination consistently displayed by this officer have set an excellent example. Act. Fit- Lt. A. J. ANDREWS. R.A.F*V.R., NO. 91 Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Andrews ha* completed 220 operational sorties, in which he has displayed great skill in reconnaissances of shipping and in attacks on enemy vessels. He has i-hown a keen desire to engage the enemy in the air. and has probablv destroyed two Me. 109s and damaged other hostile aircraft. Act. Fit. Lt. W. W. MCDONNELL, R.A.F Y.K., No. 174 Sqn.—Fit. Lt. McOonncll has completed a large number of operational sorties both by day and night, and has shared in the destruction of two enemy bomber* Me watt appointed flight commander in March. 1942, and has since led his flight, and on occasions the squadron, in many successful bombing operations. These, have, in cluded both high- and low level attacks against airfields and factories and against enemy shipping at night. Despite intense opposition. Fit, Lt. MeConnell has displayed fine leadership and deter mination, which have contributed largely to the successes achieved by his squadron. He has proved himself an excellent flight commander, and has set a fine example. Act. Fit. Lt. U. C. PANNELL, R.N.Z A.F., No 91 Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Pannell has completed a large, number of operational sorties, including patrols, sweeps, shipping reconnaissances., and flights as escort to bombers. He has displayed an excep tional enthusiasm for operational flying, and a keen desire to engage the enemy. In October. 1941, this officer was leading an air escort pro vided for an Air Sea Rescue operation. The forma tion was attacked, but, showing fine leadership and tenacity. Fit. Lt. Pannell succeeded in pro tecting the rescue craft, and in destroying person ally one of the attacking aircralt. In all, he has destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged several more. * Act. Fit. Lt. B. R. WALKER. R.C.A.F., No. 403 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Walker completed 14 operational sorties before joining his present squadron. He has since participated in 38 fighter sweeps over Frame and has led the squadron on three occasions. In April, 1942, he led a flight in a successful attack made by the squadron an.unst a formation ot enemy aircraft. One hos tile aircraft was destroyed and several others damaged. Fit. Lt. Walker has proved himself to he a courageous and skilful leader and has set a fine example. F/O. W. T. H. HOWELL, No. 23 Sqn.—This air observer has participated in 38 sorties with the squadron, His skill as a navigator is of a high, order, and he has displayed great calmness as a bomb aimer. F/O. Howell lias shown extreme keenness for operations which has been an example to others. P/O. G. W. BREWER, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 107 Sqn. —In June, 1942, P/O. Brewer, who was engaged on his first operational flight, was the pilot of one of six Boston aircraft detailed to attack ship ping and the docks at Dunkirk. On approaching the French coast the formation was subjected to extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire. P/O. Brewer's aircraft was hit in numerous places and the hydraulic system was rendered useless. P/O. Bwwer received a shrapnel wound in the thigh which rendered his leg useless. Despite the pain and the loss ol much blood, he bombed his objective successfully and maintained formation during the return flight to base. Knowing that he was without brakes, he brought his aircraft in to land and avoided crashing by running it to a standstill through a dispersal area. P/O. Brewer thereby saved his crew from injury. He displayed high courage and devotion to duty and set an excellent example. P/O. E. W. WHITNEY, No. 149 Sqn.—On the night of June 5th. 1942, P/O. Whitney and 8gt. Cheek were the pilot and wireless operator re spectively of a Stirling aircraft detailed to attack the Ruhr. Whilst over the target, the aircraft was held by searchlights and subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire from which considerable damage was sustained. Despite this. P/O. Whitney pressed home bis attack and dropped his bombs in* the target area. When leaving the target the aircraft was again hit by anti-aircraft fire arid a fire was started in the front turret. This was, however, eventually extinguished. The aircraft was then involved in a collision with another aircraft and damaged at the rear. Sgt. Cheek inspected the damage and informed the pilot. During his passage along the aircraft he received a wound in the arm, but, ignoring his injury, he returned to his cabin and sent out a menage giving information as to the con- -dittos of the aircraft. While sending this message an attack was made by an. enemy fighter and the wireless aerial was shot away. Other damage- was also inflicted which caused height to be lost rapidly. Although injured and in great, pain, Sgt. Cheek repaired his wireless set and succeeded in informing base of the position. P/O. Whitney, displaying skilful airmanship and great determination, eventually succeeded in alighting on the sea eight miles from the Belgian coast. The crew escaped by dinghy and all. were rescued. This was largely due to the courage and calm devotion to duty displayed by Sgt. Cheek in sending his messages. Fit. Lt. it. N. DALKIN, R.A.A.F.—This officer has displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in operations against the enemy in the Darwin area. On several occasions he led his flight against intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter attack and dived and released his bombs at very low altitudes. Afterwards, in the fate of similar opposition, he attacked with machine-gun fire enemy flying-boats and bases at Koepang. His personal courage and quality of leadership proved an inspiring example to his squadron. W/O. K. S. THOMPSON, NO. 23 Sqn.—This air observer has taken part in 55 operational sorties, of which 36 have been undertaken with his pre sent squadron In April, 1942, he bombed and destroyed a Heinkel III on the runway at Evreux. W/O. Thompson has displayed great keenness in his work and his navigation is of a high order. Son. Ldr. F. W. S. TURNER R.A.F.O., No. 419 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This officer has had a I#j*e^ experience of operational duties both by day and night. He took part in an attack on the German Fleet off Heligoland on September 3rd, 1939, and in a number of subsequent daylight attacks on Heligoland and Wilhelmshaven. Since January, 1940, he has completed numerous sorties, including attacks on the enemy's industrial centres and dockyard towns. He has displayed courage and keenness throughout and has performed excellent work in organising his flight and in training the crews. Act, Sqn. Ldr. P. H. CRIBB, NO. 35 Sqn.—This officer has participated in attacks on a wide range o[ enemy targets. These include Oslo, Aalborg, Stavanger. Bremen. Hamm and many other im portant centres. His devotion to duty, regardless of the opposition, has set a fine example to all. Act. Sqn. Ldr. D. F. E. C. DEAN. No. 77 Sqn. —This officer, who has a fine operational record, has carried out his duties with vigour and deter mination and set a high standard to his squadron. When as a second pilot he was forced to alight in the North Sea, his courage and cheerful spirit under most arduous conditions proved of great help to the fellow members of his crew. He has now completed an operational tour in which he has participated in attacks on Germany and German occupied territory. Act Fit. Lt. J. CATANACH, R.A.A.F., No. 455 Sqn.—On three occasions, in spite cf severe damage A. three-quarter front view of the Avro Lancaster, showing the disposition of the four MerJm engines and the front gun turret above the bomb aimer's position.
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
