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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 1510.PDF
8o % \ FLIGHT SERVICE AVIATION JULY I6TH, 1942 •* marked by the greatest keenness for the job in hand. Throughout lie h-.n proved a very valuable member of the aireralt crew, i'/O. E. W. D. ROY, No. 207 Sqn.-This officer has served with the squadron since April, 1941. having previously had operational experience on Blenheims. He has participated in' numerous attacks on important targets in enemy and enemy occupied territory. He has always shown excep tional keenness and efficiency both in the air and on the ground. His fine team work has contributed^ materially towards the successes achieved. His technical knowledge and practical application have been ol a high standard W/O. A. R. HUNTER, R.C.A.F., Mo. 408 (EC.A.F.I Sqn.—This observer has participated in numerous sorties, three ol which have been in daylight. He has attacked several targets in the Ruhr area; he also took part in the attack on the Renault works in Paris. W/O. Hunter lias shown exceptional skill and ability as navi gator, and his determination and devotion to duty have contributed to the success of his operational sorties. W/O. S. W. YARKER, NO. 105 Sqn.—W/O. Yarker has proved himself to be a most success ful air observer. His skilful navigation, accurate bombing and determination to secure good night photographs have been outstanding. On" the night of April 2, 1942. he participated in a low- level attack on the Matford works at Poissy. Whilst flying over the target area at 3,000 feet, his aircraft was subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences. It was hit in the port wing root and the fuselage and set on fire. W/O. Yarker. who was lying in the bomb aimen's posi tion, struggled to the back and endeavoured to extinguish the flames with his handB Unsuc cessful, he ran forward, collected a fire extin guisher and, after instructing the wireless opera tor to remove the photographic flash bombs, pro ceeded to extinguish the names. He then skil fully navigated the extensively damaged aircraft back to this country. By his skill, presence of mind and determination, this airman was largely responsible lor the safe .return of his aircraft. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Sgt. O. V. KINOETT, No. 210 Sqn.—For citation •ce Fit. Lt. Healy. Sgt. B. G. CHEEK, NO. 149 Sqn.—For citation tee P/O. Whitney. Fit. Sgt. D. R. MORRISON, R.C.A.F., No. 401 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.-Flt. Set Morrison has displayed outstanding ability and skil1 RE a pilot during combats with the enemy He has destroyed two and damaged several other enemy aircraft, besides sharing in the destruction ol two others. Fit. Sgt. Morrison has participated in 57 operational Borties, and in May, 1942, after his port elevator had been shot off by enemy cannon fire near Le Havre, he successfully brought his aircraft back to this country and performed a difficult landing with little additional damage. Sgt. B. C. GROVES. No. 10 Sqn.—One night in May, 1942. Sgt. Groves was the tail gunner of a Halifax aircraft engaged on operations. When over the target he was wounded by enemy fire. Nevertheless, he continued to fire his guns at searchlights and enemy gun positions while the aircraft lost height from 14,000 feet to only 200 -Meet. He waB wounded again in the arm and in the eye, and his turret was rendered unser viceable. He was thus forced to cease fire. His difficulties were still furthor increased as the turjet doors becamo jammed and he was unable to get out. During the whole of the engagement, whioh lasted 25 minutes, Sgt. Groves gave no indication that he had been so badly wounded. He displayed fortitude, courage and tenacity of a high standard. Sgt. 8. A. JONES, NO. 118 Sqn—Sgt. Jones has been engaged on operational flying for more than a year and has completed over 100 sorties. These have included flights as escort to our bombers, fighter sweeps, and successful low-level cannon attacks against land targets and shipping. Sgt. Jones has displayed fine leadership, keenness and determination, and has set a splendid example. 8gt. W. R. YODENS and Sgt. G. A. C. CAR. INGTON. both ot No. 38 Sqn.—One night in May. 1942, Sgt. Youens and Sgt. Carington were the pilot and observer respectively of an aircraft which made a daring attack on a convoy in the Mediterranean. A hit with a torpedo was •cored on an 8,000-ton motor vessel. Intense heavy anii-aiieialt fire was encountered, from which the aircraft sustained damage, but, by dis playing skilful Hying and navigation, these airmen brought the aircraft to an advance base safely after an operation lasting eight houis. Sgt. It. DURHAM, No. 57 Bqn.—This airman has displayed considerable ability as a navigator. His tool determination when attacking targets has contributed much to the successes achieved by his crew. During a flight to Berlin, in Septem ber, 1941, his aircraft failed to receive a recall signal, and flew on to the target, where a suc cessful attack was made from 5,000 feet, despite South African Bostons in formation. During the recent battles in Egypt two squadrons of the S.A.A.F. carried out 62 sorties in a period of 19 hours. very heavy opposition from the ground defences. Sgt. J. K. ELLIOTT, R.A.F.V.R., "No. 144 Sqn.-This wireless operator/air gunner has displayed great enthusiasm in his work both on the ground and in the air, and has always set a high stan dard of efficiency During a daylight attack on Brest, in the face of most intense antiaircraft fire, Sgt. Elliott handled his wireless set with great skill and greatly assisted in the safe return of his aircraft to its base. He has participated in raids on many important industrial targets in enemy territory. Fit. Sgt, T. D. GRANT, NO. 51 Sqn.-Flt. Sgt. Grant, an air gunner, has shown great ability and keenness both in the air and on the ground. Since joining bis present squadron, he has participated in 23 sorties. His keenness and efficiency have done much to raise the squadron to its present high operational standard. He participated in many anti-submarine patrols whilst serving* in Coastal Command. Sgt J. HIOHET, NO 115 Sqn.—This wireless operator-air gunner has completed 34 sorties, several of which have been against long-distance targets in adverse weather. His skill in obtain ing fixes and bearings has played a major part in the safe return of his aircraft under most try ing conditions. Sgt. Highet is an airman of initi ative and resource who has carried out his duties with the utmost efficiency. Sgt. L. D. II. IzzARD, No. 35 Sqn.-Sgt. Izzard is a wireless opera tor-air gunner of outstanding ability. He has displayed great enthusiasm to take part in actions against the enemy, and has, at all times given valuable radio assistance during the heaviest engagements and under difficult weather conditions. Sgt. Izzani has a magnificent record and has set a fine example. He has par ticipated in three raids on Berlin, and his trips have included flights to many of the most strongly defended targets. Sgt.'J. F. JENKINS, NO. 115 Sqn.-Sgt. Jenkins a wireless operator air gunner, has participated in 33 sorties, including attacks on targets at Berliu, Bremen, Brest. Cologne, Le Havre, Stettin and Turin. He has displayed outstanding ability and his skill and resource have, on many occa sions, contributed largely to the successful results obtained on long-distance operations under diffi cult conditions. On one occasion, when a dinghy was located 50 miles off the East Coast, it was due to this airman's skill that rescue cratt were able to search the area. Apart from his excel lent work as a member of air crew, he has, in his spare time, assisted in the training of junior wiiele3S operators. Sgt. T. LEITHEAD. NO. 51 Sqn.—Sgt. Leitbead is a skilled and courageous wireless operator-air gunner. He joined his present squadron on the 12th May, 1941, and since that date he has been employed continuously on operations. He has displayed outstanding ability, particularly in an attack on Frankfurt in Octcber, 1S41. when he > was responsible for the safe return of the air craft after a flight which lasted 9% hours. His keenness and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to other air crew personnel, Sgt. D, A. LLOYD, No. 76 Sqn.—Sgt Lloyd is a navigator of outstanding ability and courage. Throughout his operational tour he has shown discipline and devotion to duty of a high stand ard. He i& one of the keenest astro navigators in the squadron, and his success iu this form of navigation is proved by the fact that he has never had a navigational failure. Sgt. A. G. MJSKELL, R.A.F.V.R., No. 57 Sqn.-This airman's operational flights have included two raids on Berlin and one on Brest in daylight. He has at all times shown great keenness both as a gunner and wireless operator, and his general bearing is an example to all. He has also displayed the utmost coolness and efficiency when under enemy fire. Sgt. T MACL. MACKENZIE, No. 214 (F.M.S.| Sq.11. —Sgt. Mackenzie, a captaiii of aircraft, has dis played exceptional zeal and energy in the perform ance of his duties, which have been reflected in 1he results achieved He has.taken part in 34 major operuions which have included taids on important enemy docks and factories. Sgt. R. C. W. MCMULLAN, NO. 115 Sqn.-This airman iias proved himself to be an exceptional rear gunner. He has HISO displayed a complete disregard of danger and his alertness has, on several occasions, prevented enemy fighters from carrying out attacks against his aircraft. On a recent sortie Sgt. McMullan observed an enemy fighter closing in slowly from below and astern. He calmly waited until the alrcralt came within 300 yaids when he fii-d an accurate burst with his guns which caused the tighter to pull away violently and disappear. Fit. Sgt. S W. MERRYWEATJER, No. 174 San (since deceased). —Since November, 1939, this pilot .has participated in a number of ops-'-^n'*' patrots and offensive so.'ties. When in France, in May. 1940, he destroyed on•; Me. 109 in com bat and anotiier wh-le patrolling over Dunkirk during the evacuation. He damaged another enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Fit. Sgt. Merryweather has also taken part in many bombing attacks on factories and enemy airfields. His skill and determination are a source of inspiration to his fellow pilots. . Sgt. C. TERRY.-Sgt. Terry made his first operational flight as i-ont gunner of an aircraft which participated in the mass iaid on Cologne of May 30th, 1942. On observing one of oar bombers being attacked by an enemy aircraft, his clear instructions enabled his captain to manoeuvre the aircraft into a position from which Sgt, Terry was able to open fire at short range. At the first burst, the enemy Aircraft caught fire and entered a curling dive. Shortly afterwards, Sgt. Terry skilfully drove off ano'her enemy ai'-craft which was attacking o.^eof oar bombers. T*° nights later this airman was the front gunner of a° aircraft operating against th-- Ruhr. Whilst over Holland, on the return flight, Sgt Terry observed a Focke Wulf 190 and shot it do-»n in flames int« the sea. By his keen observat'o.i. clear thinking and accurate gunnery this airman has destroyed two enemy fighters,* and probably saved his own and two other bombers from destruction.
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