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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 1616.PDF
132 FLIGHT JU-Y 30TH, I942 SERVICE AVIATION , * Sqn. — Thin officer tins completed a large number of majot operational sorties He is an extremely HFirirnt itml reliable leader whose work has proved most valuable. During an attack on the warships Uneffemtrj and SeharnTioist at sea, Fit. Lt. Ingham shot down an enemy fighter which was att.a< king one ol oui aircraft. He has destroyed two enemy Bircraft. Act. Fit. Lt. R. Y. POWELL, NO. 202 Sqn -This officer h,i- BoMpletad a large number of operational flying hours. He is a keen and effi cient captain who has displayed great initiative und resource in the course of his tasks. In May. 1942, he made a skilh 1 and successful attack on an enemy TJ-ooat. During the same month he twice brought bis flying boat dowrr on to the sea and effected rescues. In the first instance, he rescued the crew of a Hudson aircraft who were afloat in their dinghy, and on the second occa sion he rescued a dangerously wounded pilot. Fit. Lt. Powell has set an inspiring example. Wing Cdr. D. 11. EVANS—This officer haB under taken a large number of hours flying at night and in all kinds of weather. On one occasion in January, 1942, he displayed both resource and skilful airmanship when executing a safe landing at an airfield Dear the coast, alter one engine of his aircraft had ceased to function. The effi ciency, keenness anil enthusiasm of the unit he commands reflects great credit on the efforts of Wing Cdr. Evans, who has himself destroyed two enemy aircraft. • Act Sqn. Ldr, R. G. ENGLAND, A.A.F., and P/O. (1. 8. BAKER, R.A.F.V.R.. both of No. 88 Sqn.—in June, 1942, Sqn. Ldr. England and P/O. linker were captain arid navigator respectively of the leading aircraft of a bomber force which attacked shipping in Dunkirk Harbour. When near- log the target a fierce barrage of anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Undeterred, Sqn. Ldr. England re solutely pressed home his attack, skilfully guided 10 the selected target by P/O. Baker, who, accu rately aiming and releasing his bombs, scored a hit on an enemy tanker. Throughout the operation 8qn. Ldr. England displayed brilliant leadership and high courage, while P/O. Baker's skilful navi gation and accurate bombing contributed mate rially to the success achieved. Sqn. Ldr. Eng land, acoompanled by P/O. Baker as navigator, has led formations of aircraft on many sorties. Act. Fit. Lt. E. N. WOODS, R.A.F V.R , No. 72 Sqn.—This officer has participated in numerous sorties over enemy territory. He has led his flight, and occasionally the squadron, with courage, skill and judgment. His resourcefulness in difficult circumstances has helped to promote and main tain the high morale of the squadron. Fit. Lt. Woods has destroyed one and damaged two further enemy aircraft. Fit. Lt. 8. N. PEABCE, R.A.F.V.R.—Fit. Lt. Pearce has completed many reconnaisisance flights in trying circumstances and under enemy fire. The successful results which he has achieved could be obtained only by exceptional keenness and skill. Fit. Lt. F. A ROBINSON.—Since August, 1941, this officer has participated in many operational sorties and several long reconnaissances of Ger many and Oerman occupied territory. These have been undertaken often in adverse weather and with fierce enemy opposition. Fit. Lt. Robinson possesses abiliw and keenness, which are a great inspiration to It is fellow pilots Fit. Lt.« O. S. G. STANBTJBY, NO. 70 Sqn.—This officer has completed 61 operational sorties. He has set a very high standard of efficiency, and his irofessional knowledge has been of great value. ie is a mos1 courageous captain, who, unde terred by the enemy s fire, presses home his attacks to the full. Fit. Lt. J. W. STEWART, R.A.F.V.R., No. 208 Sqn.—This officer has participated in 27 sorties, and led his flight with courage and determina tion in difficult conditions His conduct has been an inspiration to others. His fine qualities were to the fore during the particularly hazardous period before and during the withdrawal from Antelat. Act- Fit. Lt. J. M. LANDER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 22 Sqn.—In April, 1942, this officer led a formation of eight aircraft in an attack on a defended Italian convoy in the Mediterranean. The convoy was escorted by large numbers of enemy aircraft. De spite this, the attack was pressed home with great determination, and many explosions were observed amongst the ships before the attack was broken off. On the return journey Fit. Lt. Lander's air craft was attacked by enemy fighters. His air craft was extensively damaged by the attacker's fire, but, by skilful tactics, Fit. Lt. Lander even tually evaded the enemy and made a safe landing. Fit. Lt. E. COTTON, No. 502 Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Cot ton has proved himself to be an enthusiastic and efficient pilot and a brilliant leader. His opera tional hours amount to 300. On one occasion when patrolling the Bay of Biscay he stalked a U boat and made a successful attack while it was partly submerged. F/O. J. G. OBEY, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 104 Sqn.— This officer has participated in 40 operational sor ties, seven of which were over Germany and France. On one occasion, during an attack on Berlin, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire whilst over the target aTea. but he succeeded in flying his damaged aircraft back to this country. In the Middle East he has participated in many successful attacks on enemy objectives. When acting as captain he bombed and machine gunned the airfield at Castel Benito. On another occasion he was detailed to attack an important supply dump near Tripoli. Despite appalling weather (the cloud base over the target area was never more than 1,000ft), F/O. Grey found and successfully attacked the dump. His aircraft was badly damaged by machine-gun fire. It was reported by other aircraft which attacked the dump later, when the weather had cleared, that when they arrived, the target was a mass of flames. F/O. Grey has shown an aptitude and skill for operations far above the average. F/O C. P. T. HALLIWELL, R.A.F.V.R., No. 37 Sqn.—F/O Halliwell is one of the best captains in the squadron. Included in the numerous sor ties, he has completed air raids on targets in occu pied territory in France, in Cyrenaiea, -Greece, Tripolitania, Sicily, and the Dodecanese. He has at all times shown courage, skill and leadership. F/O. Halliwell performed excellent work during the recent attachment of his squadron to Malta. F/O. R WEST, R.A.F.V.R., No. 249 Sqn.-This officer is a flight leader of great skill and courage. He has destroyed at least six enemy aircraft and damaged six others. On a recent occasion his suc cessful leadership was well in evidence when his section destroyed three Italian fighters. P/O. M. G. HORNBY, R.A.F.V.R., No. 20S Sqn.-This officer has displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty He has completed 80 operational sorties. He is extremely efficient, and has instilled a spirit of confidence in his crew. On a recent occasion his accurate leport of the movements of an enemy convoy enabled a striking force to make a successful attack. P/O. P. A. HUGGINS, R.A.F.V.R., No. 104 Sqn. —This officer has completed 42 operational sorties, 23 of which were against targets in Germany, France and Italy. During a daylight raid on Brest he showed great skill and initiative when the leading aircraft of his formation was hit by anti aircraft fire, causing it to lo6e speed. Although anti-aircraft shells were exploding all around his leader's damaged aircraft, P/O. Hug-gins kept the closest formation. Enemy fighters which had approached would not close in on the tight formation. By his initiative, P/O. Huggins was of the greatest assistance to his stricken leader. On another occasion, after releasing his bomba**-on the airfield at Castel Benito, he descended to 800 feet and machine-gunned aircraft on the ground, setting at least two of them on Are. In another action he was captain of one of a forma tion of four aircraft which attacked a convoy of four merchant ships and two destroyers. One of the merchant vessels was destroyed and two damaged. Although P/O. Huggins has made many flights in appalling weather and his aircraft has been often subjected to heavy enemy fire, he has never shown the slightest sign of tiring. P/O. J. E. SWINGLER, R.C.A.F., No. 38 Sqn.— This officer has completed 39 sorties, which in clude raids on targets, in Germany, Italy, Greece and Libya. He has' always pressed home his attacks to the greatest advantage. In March he was detailed to attack shipping off Patra harbour. The attack had to be made across the harbour, but, in spite of heavy defensive fire, both from the Bhip selected for attack and the land defences, P/O. Swingler pressed home MB attack at a low level. He released his torpedo from close range and obtained a hit on the objective. This was confirmed later by reconnaissance. P/O. J. HURST, R.A.F.V.R., No. 603 Sqn-This airman completed 54 operational sorties over France before being drafted to Malta, where, in a period of three weeks, he destroyed four, pro bably destroyed six, and damaged three enemy aircraft. He is a fearless pilot and an excellent section leader. Wing Cdr. A. J. MASON, No. 39 8qn.-In June, 1942, this officer led an attack on an Italian naval force. Despite fighter opposition, a deter mined attack was made and at least one warship was hit by a torpedo. His leadership and courage in the face of formidable opposition were worthy of the highest praise. Fit. Lt. H. G. POCKLEY, R.A.A.F., No. 10 Sqn. —This officer has completed a large number of operational sorties against enemy shipping, both by day and by night, and has inflicted damage on both naval and merchant ships. His skill, tenacity and coolness under fire have set &^ inspiring example. ^K\ P/O S. J. JORDON, No. 489 Sqn.—P/O. Jordon is the rear gunner and wireless operator of a bomber. In June, 1942, his aircraft was attacked by two Focke Wulfe 190's. In the first of several attacks. P/O. Jordon coolly waited before firing a burst, which caused one of the pilots to break away with black smoke coming from his aircraft. Four further attacks were made by the remain ing fighter, during which P/O. Jordon, by his excellent directions, enabled his pilot to out manoeuvre the attacks. Whenever the pilot's evasive action enabled him to bring his guns into action, P/O. Jordon used . them effectively. Throughout the engagement he displayed great courage and skill, which contributed materially to the safe return of his aircraft. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL Sgt. L. R. COLQTJHOUN.—During the passage of our convoys to Malta, Sgt. Colquhoun carried oat valuable reconnaissance flights to obtain informa tion regarding the disposition of the Italian naval force. Twice in one day he completed flights of more than 600 miles over the sea and shadow"' enemy ship movemen-s. Much valuable informa tion was secured as a result of his determined and skilful efforts. Sgt. 8. G. FALCONER. NO. 218 Sqn—One night in June, 1942, this airman was captain of an air craft detailed to attack Bremen. In the light of the full moon, shortly after crossing the Dutch coast, the aircraft was intercepted by three enemy fighters whose pilots made simultaneous attacks from the port quarter, starboard and dead astern positions. Set. Falconer took violent evasive action but, in spite of this, his aircraft sustained severb damage. Just when it seemed that he had eludjT' his attackers, another enemy fighter appeat. firing a burst which raked the bember from front to rear. The complete eomb:it, lasting for
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