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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 2385.PDF
NOVEMBER 12TH, 1942 DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Sgt. R. G. A. HARVEY, NO. 35 Sqn.—As wire km operator-air gunner this airman has displayed outstanding skill which on many occasions has • ii ol the greatest assistance in the safe return -of his aircraft. He has always shown a keen f desire for operational flying and, throughout his tour, he has been outstanding by his sen6e ol responsibility. His aircraft has been involved in a number of incidents, such as attacks bv enemy fighters or damage sustained by anti-aircraft fire, but Sgt. Harvey has always remained unperturbed Sgt. C. E. SAUNDERS. No ISO Sqn.—Since joining the squadron in December, 1941, this observer has completed numerous sorties over enemy occupied territory; he also took part in a daylight attack against the Scharnhorst and Gnekenau. On many occasions during the winter he has navigated his aircjaft in adverse circum stances but his dogged determination and tine fighting spirit has enabled his captain to suocess- fiyly complete his mission. Amongst the suc cesses achieved are successful attacks on the Renault Works, the Matford Works, and the Gnome-Rhone Factory. Fit. Sgt. J. L. BARBER.—In the course of many searches and patrols, Fit. Sgt. Barber has dis played both skill and devotion to duty as a member of tne Air Sea Rescue Service. On otic occasion he rescued four members of the crew of an aircraft who had been afloat in their dinghy for 16 hours. During the combined operations at Dieppe on August 19th. 1942, this airman rescued the pilot of a Spitfire in most hazardous circumstances. Fit. Sgt. F. R. JACKSON, R.A.A F., NO. 460 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.-One night in September. 1942. this airman was the captain of a bomber engaged in an attack on Duisberg. While it; vf\» target area the aircraft was held in a cone ol ;earchlighta and was hit by fire from the ground defences. Soon afterwards it was attacked by an enemy fighter, which inflicted serious damage on the aircraft and wounded many ol the crew. Despite this perilous situation. Fit Sgt. Jackson flew his badly damaged aircraft back to this country. Fit. Sgt. H. F. WATLINGTON, R.C.A.F., No 39 Sqn.—In September, 1942, this airman was pilot of an aircraft in the leading flight of a force detailed to attack an enemy convoy with a for midable escort of destroyers and fighter aircraft Despite the opposition Fit. Sgt. Watlington pressed home his attack from short range, and. although both of his air gunners were wounded during . attacks by fighters, he succeeded in evading his attackers and flew his aircraft back to base safely. Sgt. F. L CUBE, R.A.A.F., No. 75 (N.Z.) Sqn. —Thi3 captain of aircraft has completed numerous operational sorties. In each case, Sgt. Curr has pressed home his attacks from a low level to ensure success Sgt. W. W. O. DIGOINS. No. 15 Sqn.-This air man was the rear gunner in an aircraft which attacked Hamburg. After leaving the target area the bomber was attacked by a Me. 110 from close range. Sgt. Diggins coolly directed his pilot in evasive tactics and by skilful use of his guns he caused the port engine of the fighter to burst into flames Sgt. P. J. V. GHORHAM-HENDERSON. R.A.A.F.; No. 460 (RA.A.F.) Sqn.—One night in Jnly, 1942, when operating near St. Nazaire, this air man destroyed an enemy fighter which inter cepted the bomber in which he was the rear gunner. On another occasion he opened tire on a Ju. 88 which attacked his aircraft, and the enemy fighter burst into flames and dived away. The courage and determination displayed by this airman, combined with his skill as a gunner, contributed considerably to the safe re turn of his aircraft on both occasions. U-boat Slipway Attack Sgt. H Mnnis, No 15 Sqn.— Dunn;; » da? tight attack on Brest this airman destroyed two' enemy fighters which intercepted the bomber in which he was a gunner. By accurate gunfire ht extinguished many searchlights and silenced t*SL anti-aircraft, gun during a receut low level attack on submarine slipwavs at Lubeck. Sgt. G. E. SANDERSON. No. 39 Sqn -Sgt. San derson was the pilot of one of a force of aircraft detailed to attack four enemy merchant vessels escorted by 11 destroyers and a strong force oi tighter aircraft. Despite this considerable oppo sition, Set. Sanderson made his attack from clo>e range. His aircraft was hit by antiaircraft fire and sustained further damage from the enemy fighters, but by skilful evasive tactics, this air man flew his aircraft to base safely. Sgt. L. H. TESTER, NO 39 Sqn.—In September. 1942, Sgt. Tester was wireless operator/air gun ner in one of a force of aircraft which attacked four enemy merchant vessels escorted by 11 destroyers and a strong force of fighter aircraft. After the attack bad been delivered on the con voy, Sgt. Tester's aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters. This airman gave skilful directions to his pilot and, as a result of his accurate return fire, the enemy eventually withdrew. During the engagement Sgt. Tester was wounded by a cannon shell. Despite the pain he suffered. che rendered valuable service with his wireless VLset during the return flight. V Sgt. F. A. BARKER, No. 102 Sqn. Sgt. J. T. BENNETT, No. 35 Sqn. These airmen have been engaged in operational missions against the enemy, and in most hazard ous circumstances both nave displayed great courage and resolute devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force. Sgt. C. W. GRAY, NO 50 Sqn.—As air bomber. B 8t- Gray has participated in many operational FLIGHT At Medicine Hat : Ground crews who keep the trainers and trainees flying at one oi the prairie stations of the Commonwealth Joint Training Plan in Canada. sorties, including attacks on industrial targets in the Ruhr. His efficient work, often in the lace of •fierce opposition, has contributed materially to the success achieved. Sgt. F. M. SPAFFOBD, No. 50 Sqn.—Sgt. Spafiord is an air. bomber of high merit. He has taken part in many sorties and, by his skill, has played a great part in the successes obtained. Pit. Sgt. B. H. BERBIDGE, .NO 97 (Straits Settlements! Sqn.—This captain of aircraft hiis participated in attacks with outstanding dash and success. His sorties have included low-level attacks at Rostock, Danzig, and in the Paris area, and be has often brougnt back excellent night photographs. Fit Sgt. J A BURCESS. A.A.F, NO. 101 Sqn. —This airman has displayed outstanding coolness and courage urder difficult conditions in numer ous attacks on the enemy. His eagerness and devotion to duty have set a fine example to his squadron. Fit. Sgt. (now P/O.) S. C. Cox, No. 407 Sqn. —Fit. Sgt. Cox was mentioned in despatches on January 1st. 1941. He has at all times pressed home attacks at masthead height in the face of anti-aircraft fire from shipping and shore batteries. Fit. Sgt. H. M. GOULTER. R.A.A.F., No. 12 Sqn.—Fit. Sgt. Goulter has made numerous attacks on the enemy, and by his marked de termination to engage his target has instilled into his cre-v the same fine aggressive spirit. On two occasions he made successful emergency land ings bv night with a full bomb load. Fit. Sgt. L. C. V. GRAY, NO. 12 Sqn.-This air man has participated in attacks on targets at Ls-en, Genoa, Berlin, Mannheim and Kiel. On ne occasion, while acting as rear gunner, he shot down two Me. 110's which attacked his air craft at dusk. F.t Sgt. T. MACKENZIE. R.C.A.F., No. 156 Sqn —Fk. Sgt. MacKenr.ie has made a number of ,<ttack5 on the ecc v. One night in July fie lock control of a badly damaged aircraft from his wounded captain, and by his courage and skilful handling saved a valuable aircraft and wa v largely responsible for the sate descent by parachute of his captain and crew. Fit. Sgt. G. MILLS, No. 12 Sqn.—This air- gunner has completed 49 attacks on the enemy. On one occasion his aircraft crashed into the sea and Fit. Sgt. Mills spent 75 hours in a dinghy. Engine on Fire Fit. Sgt. F OLIVER, NO. 51 Sqn.—This airman has made many night-bombing raids over the enemy's most heavily defended targets. One night in March. 1942, when approaching St. Naxaire, one engine of his aircraft showed signs cf failing, but he carried on and dropped his bombs. The faulty engine then caught fire, but Fit. Sgt. Oliver extinguished the flames and with ereat skill brought the aircraft safely back home although fired ori by an enemy convoy. In July he sighted an enemy submarine and made a well- executed attack. Fit. Sgt. J K. R- PicHP.TE, R.C.A.F., No. 142 Sqr.—Fit. Sgt. Pichette has participated as an air-gunner in 34 attacks over enemy and enemy- occupied territory. On one occasion he took part in a daylight attack on two enemy battle c-uisers and was responsible for driving off an ene-ny fighter, thereby making it possible for the safe return of his damaged aircraft and its Fit. Sgt. D. SEAGRAVE. No. 149 Sqa.-This air- gu-ner has completed many attacks on the eneinv with unfailing efficiency. On one occa sion, ' when over the target, his aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire and forced down to a low level. Sgt. Seagrave opened fire. hitting two searchlights and silencing several gun positions. By his determination and effi ciency he enabled the aircraft to fight its way through the strong enemy defences and return to base with its mission successfully completed Fit. Sgt. P. H. STEWART, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 142 Sqn.—Fit. Sgt. Stewart has taken part in numerous successful attacks over enemy territory. Despite the heaviest of enemy defences he has been abso lutely fearless and has shown an outstanding deter mination to locate and bomb his target. Fit. Sgt. H. H TAYLOR, NO. 44 (Rhodesia) Sqn. —This airman has at all times shown the greatest determination to reach the target and attack it. Recen'lv he attacked the Ruhr on two successive nights and took excellent photographs on both occasions. 36 Trips to Germany Sgt. A. J. BALDWIN, NO. 150 Sqn.—This airman has made 36 attacks over Germany and the oceu- pied countries. On one occasion during an opera tion at Brest his aircraft was badly damaged and members of the crew were wounded. The success ful completion of this flight was due to the resourcefulness and initiative of Sgt. Baldwin. Sgt. C. G. CAIRNS, NO. 150 Sqn.—Sgt. Cairns has made 37 attacks against enemy targets with great skill and courage in the face of very strong opposition. This captain of aircraft has always shown an unconquerable spirit of determination to achieve his objective and he has been a source of inspiration to his comrades. Sgt. (now P/O.) J. R. CUNNINGHAM, NO. 15 Sqn.-8gt. Cunningham las successfully partici pated in 37 attacks on enemy territory, includ ing targets at Berlin, Nuremburg. Kristiansand. Stettin and Hamburg. On one occasion, when owr Kiel, the aircraft was attacked by an Me. 110. Although almost blinded by searchlights this airman successfully directed evasive action and using his guns with good effect caused the enemy aircraft to break away in flames. Sgt. H. GALLAHER, NO. 156 Sqn.—This airman has taken part in numerous attacks on enemy territory. One night in July his aircraft was caught in a cone of searchlights and Sac. Galiaher was wounded. Despite this and his badly damaged aircraft he succeeded in shooting out two searchlights and then assisted the wire less operator who was also wonnded. Sgt. H. J. GREEN, NO. 142 Sqn -This captain of aircraft has completed numerous successful at tacks over enemy territory His skilful piloting and outstanding airmanship have enabled him to penetrate the heaviest enemy defences. Sgt. H. HAXBY, NO. 35 Sqn.—Sgt. Haxby is a flight engireer of outstanding ability. lie has taken part in numerous attacks on ths enemy and throughout has been outstanding for his enthusiasm, initiative and conscientious sense of responsibility. Sgt. R. 8. D. KEARNS, R.N.Z AF., No. 75 (N.Z.) Sqn.—This airman has participated in numerous major attacks on enemy or enemy occu pied territory. By his outstanding courage and enthusiasm he has been most successful in obtain ing photographs Sgt. J. M. MITCHELL, No. 35 Sqn.-Sgt. Mitchell has made numerous attacks on enemy territory, including two daylight raids on Brest and two low level attacks at 150 feet on the German naval base at Trondheim. On two occasions his aircraft was severely damaged and on another the wire less operator was seriously injured. This airman administered first aid and by his skill and cool-
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