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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 0056.PDF
26 FLIGHT JANUARY 7TH, 1943 • N> 419 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This officer has takenpart in many ot the most suceosslul attacks on enemy targets, including Cologne, Rostock andthe Renault factory at Paris, He has also par ticipated in daylight raids on the German battleships Sc/iarnttorrt and Ontiunav, and in mine- laying operations He has always displayed skilftil airmanship in the face of concentrated de fenceo. BAR TO DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Fit. Lt. L. C. PIPKIN, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R.,No. 10S Sqn.—In September, 1942, this officer wag the navigator of an aircraft detailed toattack a target in the Ruhr. In most hazardous circumstances he displayed courage and devotionto duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the R.A.F.F/O. R. O. CALVEET, D.F.C.. R.N.Z.A.F., No. 50 Sqn.—As pilot and navigator of aircraftrespectively, F/O. Calvert and Fit. Sgt. Medani have participated in numerous sorties, includingattacks on heavily defended areas in Western Germany, and daylight raid* on Le Creusot andMilan. During a recent sortie, F/O. Calvert's aircraft was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire,sustaining much damage. The wireless operator was killed and both the pilot and navigatorwere wounded. The aircraft became difficult to control, but F/O. Calvert, although he had apiece of shell splinter embedded in his left arm, set course for home. Fit. Sgt. Medani, despitethe severity of his wound and subsequent loss of blood, continued his duties until he col-lapsed- Even so, he succeeded in giving his pilot a Jinn) course which enabled him to reach anairfield in this country where he made a skilful crash landing in bad visibility.Son. Ldr. P. R. CROMPTON, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R.- In September, ]942, Sqn. Ldr. Crompton was de-tailed to take part in an attack on Dusseldorf. After crossing the Dutch coast he was attacked. by a hostile aircraft, which secured many hits. Despito his badly damaged bomber, Sqn. .Ldr.CTompton proceeded to the target, bombed it, anT new safely back to base.Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. DE L WOOLDRIPGE, D.F.C., D.F.M., R.A.F.V.R., No. 106 Sqrf—Since beingawarded the D.F.C. in June, 1942, Sqn. Ldr. Wool riridgf; has taken part in attacks on ^Bremen, Dtts-ne]florf. Duisberg and other towns in the Ruhr, and mining operations. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Wing Cdr. C A. MASTERMAN, O.B.E., No. 227(l<)ri.—This officer has led his squadron with great j*ill and da«h. During a flight one day in Novem-t<er, 1942, a large formation of enemy aircraft was intercepted over (he Sicilian Channel. In theensuing engagement seven of these were destroyed and several more probably destroyed. Winf Cdr.Masterraan destroyed a 8.M.81. Within two weeks the squadron has destroyed 16 hostile air-craft in combat ai well as others on the ground, while in attacks on shipping, trains, road columnsntul fuel dumps much damage and disorganisa- tion were caused.Act. Wing Cdr. D. T. SAVILLE, R.A.F.V.R., No. 104 Sqn.—Within two weeks ol his arrival inMalta, this officer completed numerous sorties. In November, 1942. at night, he took part in "ana"act; on an airfield at Tunis. In spite of heavy opposition and bad weather, the objective wasbombed from a low level. The next night he par ticipated in three attacks on Comiso airfield,where a large flre was started. Act. Sqn. Ldr. D. G. LONG. NO. 57 Sqn.F O. E. W. G. ROSAM. D.F.M., R.A.F.V.R., No. 57 Bqn—In November, 1942. Sqn. Ldr. Long andF O. Rnsam were captain and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft which was detailed -totttack Genoa. On the outward flight, shortly after crossing enemy territory, engine trouble developed.Despite this, Sqn. Ldr. Long continued his mis st*>n, reached his target and bombed it. Soon• ftcr leaving the target area the port enter engine caught flre- and ceased to function. Displayingfine airmanship and ably supported by F/O. Rosnm, whosp wireless skill was of the greatestvalue, Sqn. Ldr. Long flew his aircraft back to this country and effected a masterly landing inijifnVnlt circumstances. Full Load Landing P/O. H. E. DABBS, R.C.A.F., No. 101 Sun.(since reported missing).—One night in Decem bur, 1942. this officer was pilot of an aircraftdetailed to attack Frankfurt. When nearinr the target area his aircraft, whilst held in arune ol searchlights, was hit by anti aircralt fire and one of its engines was put out ofaction Despite this, P/O. Dabbs flew on to his target Hut, as the bomb releass mechanism wasunserviceable, he was unable to drop his bombs. Displaying skilful airmanship he flew his air-craft back to thii country without the aid of wireless. With a full bomb load he made amasterly landing in poor visibility. This officer has flown on several sorties with distinctionAct. 8jn. Ldr P. C. FLETCHER, R.A.e.v'.H., No. 258 Sqn.-One day in April, 1942, Sqn. Ldr.Flsicher led his squadron against a formation cf enemy dive bombers which were attempting toattack shipping in Colombo Harbour. In the en- miing combat, during which at least five of theeombeis were destroyed, his own aircraft was hit. »mi later, when attacked by a hostile fighter, itburs! into flames. Sqn. Ldr. Fletcher was com- pelled to descend by parachute. Thioughout thishazardous operation, in which he was wounded, this officer displayed fine courage and leadershipand destroyed one of the five enemy aircraft. Fit. Lt. 8. R. PEACOCK-EDWARDS, NO. 258 Sqn—Since September, 1939. this officer has flown in many operational sorties both in bomber andlighter aircraft. One day in April. 1942, during ar Kir aitaci OD Colombo, he engaged six enemv aircraft, following them down and destroying atleast one of them. He has * destroyed at least four enemy aircraft.F/O P. J. GIBBES, R.A.A.F., No. 1 Sqn.—F/O. Cibbes has performed many operational sortieswith distinction. On cne occasion during Janu- ary, 1942, he successfully carried out a low-levelattack on an armed Japanese wireless ship at sea. F/O- Gibbes was flying a Hudson aircraft.The attack was carried out mast high and was pressed home to such an extent that Gibbesscored a h.t with each of his "four bombs. The result was -lot observed at the time, but the shipwas not sighted in the area again. F/O. Gibbes, in February, 1942, successfully accomplished areconnaissance of the Japanese convoy and escort which had assembled at the Anamba Islands. F/O.Gibbes took oft' from Palembang II, Sumatra, made a sketch of the disposition nf the enemy ships,successfully evaded the defence weapons of the escort and landed at Singapore, where he deliveredhis report to the Headquarter! of the Far East Cotnariaud. The enemy hajj, at the time, airsuperiority over Singapore. The airfield where F/O. Gibbes landed had been very seriously damagedby enemy bombing. After delivering the report, he took off and returned to Palembang. Anotheroutstanding exploit in which thi3 officer proved his courage was at R.A.F. station, Kalijati, Java,Here, whilst under concentrated fire from the enemy, actually on the airfield and equipped withtanks and motor cycle troops with Tommy guns, he ran across the airfield to bis aircraft, startedthe motors while lying flat on the floor to escape machine-gun fire and immediately both enginesstarted, opened the throttles, leapt into the pilot's ieat, ?nd took off across the diBpersal area whichwas dangerously littered with bomb craters. Just before ae was airborne, he opened up with hisfront guns, killing a motor cyclist directly ahead of him, who was continually firing at the aircraftwith his Tommy gun. Act. Bqn. Ldr. T. J. GUNN. R.A.F.O., No. 161Sqn.—This officer has commanded an operational flight for the past six months, and has achieved'most successful results. At all times he has shown exceptional enthusiasm for operationalduties. Fit. Lt. A. F. CHISHOLM, No. 83 Sqn.—Thisofficer has participated in numerous sorties. In July, 1942, he was the bomb-aimer of an aircraftwhich attacked Danzig. Despite unfavourable weather, his skilful map reading was of thegreatest assistance, and undoubtedly enabled his pilot to reach the target area. On another occa-sion, over Dusseldorf, his aircraft was subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences. Althoughhe was severely shaken by the violent evasive action which his pilot was forced to take, Fit.Lt. Chisholm did not allow this to impair his determination to press home accurately his attackafter the aircraft had regained the necessary height. Prior to joining his present squadron,this officer participated in many daylight opera tionB in France and the Low Countries.Fit. Lt. T. G. MOORE, NO. 115 Sqn.—As captain of aircraft this officer has taken part in manyoperational sorties, including attacks on Berlin. Hamburg, and the Ruhr Valley. Throughout hehas shown great devotion to duty, and his cheerful spirit in the face of difficulties has been an in-spiration to all. Act. Fit. Lt. M. A. BROGAN. R.A.F.V.R., No.149 Sqn.—This captain of aircraft has successfully attacked some of the most heavily defended targetsin Germany. He has always performed his duties in a most determined and conscientious manner,often in the face of heavy- enemy opposition. Act. Fit. Lt J H. EVANS, R.A.F.V.H., No. 44Sqn.—Fit. T.t. Evans is a navigator of high merit. flu has at all times performed his tasks in a most conscientious manner, and has proved a greatasset to the squadron. He has participated in attacks on a wide range ol heavily defendedtargets. Many Sorties Act. Fit. Lt. R. B. SPEAR, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 218Sqn.—Since May, 1942, Fit. Lt. Spear has partici- pated in many operational sorties with outstand-ing success. In August, 1942, he pressed_ home an attack on a target in Mainz despite intenseopposition. On another occasion, in September, when over enemy territory his aircraft was at-tacked by two hostile fighters, but by skilful manoeuvring he succeeded in evading them, al-though his aircraft suffered damage. With great determination he proceeded to his objective, anddespite heavy anti-aircraft flre, released his bombs and flew safely back to base. Act. Fit. Lt. N. F. WALKER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 83Sqn.—This officer is a navigator of outstanding ability. He has participated in attacks on man;enemy targets, including Bremen, Brest, Cologne, Hamburg, and other heavily defended areas. Dur-ing the past three months Fit. Lt. Walker has been employed as squadron navigation officer. Byhis keenness and untiring efforts, he has done much to raise the standard of navigation in MBsquadron. Act. Fit. Lt. J. L. WILKINSON, R.A.F.V.R.. NO.12 Sqn.—Since June, 1941, this officer has been employed as an air-gunner. In July, 1941, whilstattacking the German battleships Scharnhortt and Gneitenau in daylight, he was wounded. Never-theless, he continued to man the turret, passing to the captain an excellent running commentary,thus enabling him to avoid balloons and fighters. As squadron gunnery leader. Fit. Lt. Wilkinson'scheerful bearing and keenness to get at grips with the enemy have been an excellent example to hiscrew and squadron. BAR TO DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL Fit. Sgt. W. F. HORNER, D.F.M., No. 207 Sqn.—8ince Fit. Sgt. Horner was awarded the D.F.M. he has greatly enhanced his reputation. Hisresolution and resource have probably saved 'his crew on at least two occasions.Fit. Sgt. R. L. TURNER, D.F.M., No. 97 Sqn.— Fit. Sgt. Turner has participated in attacksagainst many targets in Germany, and recently he flew on one of the G«noa raids and in a day-light attack on Milan. As wireless operator/air gunner, his ability, courage and devotion to dutyhave made him a most valuable member of air- craft crew. DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Fit. Sgt. J. MEDANt, No. 50 Sqn.—For citationsee F/O. Calvert, D.F.C. Sgt. H. MORRISSF, R.C.A.F., No. 102 Sqn.(since reported missing).—One night in Novem- ber, 1942, Sgt. Morrjjsy captained an aircraftdetailed to attack Turin. During the take-off, the hatch cover above his head blew open andall attempts to close and sepure it were unavail- ing. Although it was necessary to jettison th«hatch cover, leaving bim exposed to intense cold and extreme discomfort, Sgt. Morrissy flewon to the target and successfully bombed it. Fit. Sgt. W. E. EORt, B C.A.F., No. 15 Sqn.—Durinc a recent sortie this airman was the rear gunner of a heavy bomber which was attackedby two Ju 88s. In the face of strong attacks. Fit. Sgt. Egri maintained a steady and accuratefire and probably destroyed one of the attackers and caused th<i other to break t>ff the engage-ment. His aircraft had sustained much damage and a flre broke out. but Fit. Sgt. Egri assistedin extinguishing the flames with his gloved hands A Dornier 18 being swung out on to the water for convoy-spotting patrol from the French coast.
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