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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 0459.PDF
FEBRUARY I8TH, 1943 FLIGHT O'is anil skilful fighter-pilot, ami has destroyed oiir enemy aircraft, shart'tl in the destruction ofanother, and damaecd others. BAR TO DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Set. 'I', FLETCHER, D.F.M.—In December, 1942.S^t. Fletcher wa^ captain of an aircraft detailed t(T rescue sis men seen on a raft some eight toten miles east of Dover. In spite of the rough conditions, lie dropped a smoke float and successfully landed on the sea. The aircraft was taxiod vip to the raft, and, with the aid of a boat-hook,one man was helped into the aircraft. The rough soa and increasing darkness made further at-tempts most haza'rdous. Nevertheless, Sgt. Flrt clier persisted in his efforts, and after Jour attempts succeeded in rescuing two more. Un- happily in the darkness it was impossible to locatethe others,- who had been washed off the raft into the sea. During • the rescue -pperations the air-craft was damaged, and it took Sgt. Fletcher over an hour to reach the mouth of the harbour aftertaxi-ing through three minefields. The three men who had been saved were German seamen. Thisis the seventh successful sea rescue undertaken by this airman. He is a courageous and skilfulpilot who has direr tlv contributed to the rescue of 13 people. OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE : Sgt. C. M. Johnsen, of the S.A.'A.F. He arrived in South Africa in a sailing ship in 1893 ; fought in the Matabele war, 1896-7 ; the South African war, the Zulu war and the 1914-18 Great War. In this war he has served at Mogadishu and Gil Gil. According uto the age given by him when he rejoined .the Forces he fought in the Matabele war at the mature age of five ! DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. Fit. Sgt. A. M. Mci)O-VALD. R.A.A.F. .No. 102Sqn.—For citation see Fit. Lt. Milnes. Fit. 8gt. W. W. BICOUAV. R.C.A.F.-For citationsee P/O. Jordan. Sgt. K. LEWIS, NO. 158 Bqn.Sgt. 11. KAV, NO. 158 Sqn.-For citations see Sqn.-Xdr. Fletcher, D.F.M.Sgt. L. C. STEVENS. R.C.A.F., No. 218 Sqn.— Sgt. Stevens has taken part in many operationalsorties and has proved to be a most successful rear gunner. On several occasions, when attackedby enemy fighters, directions given by this air- man, have- been responsible lor the successfulevasion of the attacker. . Sgt. ,1. H. TAYLOR, E.A.A.F.. No. 12 Sqn.-ogt. laylor, as ai- gunner, has taken part in many operational forties. On May 30th. 1942,during an attack on Cologne, his aircraft was attacked by a Ju 88. Despite the severe damagesustained, Sgt. Tajlor, by skilfully handling his guns, successfully drove off the enefny fighter. Onanother occasion, in September, 1942, he parti'ci- •pated in an attack on Dusseldorf, Shortly aderreaching the Dutch coast the hydraulic lead tc tne turret of his aircraft burst, but with greatuetennination he proceeded on his mission. Uespite a temperature below zero this airmanJjwerated his turret crank with bare hands, throughout this hazardous flight Sgt. Taylor was"great source of encouragement to the rest of tne crew. Sgt, A. H. THOMSON, R.N.Z.A.F.. No. 218oqn.-As bomb aimer, this airman has displayed remarkable skill. He participated in the '• 1.000Iwmber" riiid on Bremen tfhile still at an "•'•tJ. In August he took part in an attack onM'liabruck. In September. 1942, at Thlisburg. lie released his bombs ou the target although his air- craft was held in a cone ol searchlights and subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire. Two nights later, on the outward flight to Frankfurt, his air-cralt was attacked by three fighters. Engine trouble developed but the pilot flew on arid Sgt.Thomson succeeded in bombing; his objective. Hi? high , percentage of successful photographs h;isproved most valuable. Fit. Sgt. F. J. BLUTE, NO. 12 Sqn.—This airgunner has flown on many sorties in which such heavily defended targets as Berlin. Essen.Cologne, and Bremen have been attacked. On one occasion, in February, 1942. on the returnflight from Brest, his aircraft struck the edge of a mountainside in Yorkshire. The ground w;i>covered in snow and it was intensely cold. Fll. Sgt. Blute lay trapped upside down in the rea'rturret for 121/; hours. After recovery from his injuries he asked to resume operational flying. Fit. ggt. W. D. MACMONAGLE, R.C.A.F.. No15 Sqn. Fit. Sgt. E. F. WARREN, RX:.A.F., NO. 15 Sqn—In December, 1942, Fit. Sgts. MacMonagle an.l Warren were captain and mid-upper gunner respeetively of an aircraft detailed to attack a target in Germany. When approaching the target; theiraircraft was intercepted and severely damaged •by fire from two SCe 110s. Fit. Sgt. Warreu,although seriously wounded, shot one of the fighters down in flames. By skilful evasive tacticsthe remaining attacker was eluded and the target successfully bombed. On the return flight another MeilO attacked, and further damage was inflicted on the bomber. The attack was againbeaten off, and Fit. Sgt. MacMonagle flew the disabled aircraft safely. back to base. FH. Sgt. W. F. AUSTIN, NO. 103 Sqn.—Duringthe outward flight on a recent sortie against Frankfurt. Fit. Sgt. Austin's aircraft was subjeeted to six attacks by an enemy aircraft. These attacks were skilfully evaded, and Fit. Sgt.Austin proceeded and bombed his target success fully. On the return flight another attack wasmade by an enemy fighter, which was destroyed Fit. Sgt. D. H. STYLES, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 418(K.C.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Sgt Styles has taken part in ninety-nine operational iorties. In May, 1941.he was the navigator of an aircraft which, .whilst operating off the west coast of Ireland, attackedand damaged a Ju 88. Since September, 1941, he has participated in a large number of intruderoperations over enemy-occupied territories. This airman" has always shown great keenness anddetermination in the performance of his duties. He has flown as navigator in operations that haveresulted in severely damaging four locomotives. Sgt. R. E. WlLKES. No. 35 S<jn.—In December.1942, this captain of aircraft was detailed for an attack on Duisberg. When commencing his bomb-ing run he was heavily engaged by anti-aircraft fire, and his aircraft was badly damaged, twoengines being rendered useless. With admirable coolness. Sgt. Wilkes released his bombs, and byskilful evasive tactiefi withdrew without further damage. Descending gradually, a constant heightwas ultimately maintained on the homeward journey, until a Ju 88 was .encountered, whichmade three attacks. Displaying superb airman ship, Sgt. Wilkes manoeuvred his disabled aircraftto avoid these attacks, and eventually flew safely back to base. On a previous occasion, in thesame month, in adverse weather conditions, this airman had persisted in his mission to attack-Turin, although shortly after setting out, In? airspeed indicator and one engine failed. B.E.M. (MIL.). A/C a M NUNN.—On August 19th, 1942, A/C.lNunn ras wireless operator in a high speed la .inch. During operations the launch wasseverely attacked by enemv airciaft. He remained at his post until hi# wireless equipment was shotaway and on going on deck, found he was the only member of the crew uninjured, the othermembers being either killed or wounded. He showed great presence cl mind by first endeavour-ing to stop the engines .until he was almost over- lum1! by fumes. He then ran to the wheel and'•cutinued to steer the launch for the British Coast unni some time later he was taken aboardjno-'be.' launch. Shortly afterwards both launches were sunk by the enemy. "A/O.I Nunn has servedwit a high speed launches singe December, 1941. and has carried rut numerous operations withskill and efficiency'. Roll of Honour Casualty CuvirnvniQiic A'o. 201. THE Air Ministry regrets to announce the following casualties on various dates. Thenext of kin have been informed. Casualties " in action" are due to flying operations against theenemy; "on active service" includes ground casualties due to enemy action, non-operationalflying casualties fatal accidents ami natural deaths. Royal Air Force KILLED IN ACTION—P/O. H. N. Atkinson; SgtE .1. Burbridge; Sgt. R. Culshaw; Sgt. M. A. Fussell- P'O. J. Kray-Trosch: Sgt. J. H. Miller:Sgt. T. Pascoe; Sgt. C. J. -Prior; Sgt. J. W. Redman; Wing Cdr. R. A. Sprague, D.F.C.; Sgt.G J Warren; Sgt. J." Worsnop. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING, HOW PRE- SUMED KILLED IN ACTION.—Set. G. M. Footner:Fit. Sgt. R. J. Helsdon; Sgt. F G. Stoner; Fit. Sgt. W Wooldridge. WOUNDED OR INJURED IS ACTION'.—P.O.A. F. C. Valentine. MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED IS AGTIOX. Sgi. The two W.A.A.F. officers, SO J. 1 Burroughs (left) and A.S O. B. I Gough who, with officers o' the other women's services, made up the secre- - tarial staff of the Casablanca con- ference. U. V. Andrews; Sgt. E. Appleton Bach; P/O.G. H. Berry; P/O. A. L. Campbell; Sgt, H. T. Cheetham; Sgt. E. J. Cheyne; Sgt. H. Clarkson;Sgt. L. W. Drywood; Sgt. A. F, Fletcher; 'P/O T. H. Follett; Sgt. T. Gill; Sgt. D. Johnson;P/O. G. B. H. King; Sgt. R. Laverty; P/O. D. A Macarthur; Act. Sqn. Ixlr. R. L. Mannix • Sgt.R. K. Mead; Sgt. J. Nicholson; F/O. W. U. O'Connor; Sgt. J. L. O'Rorke; Sgt. R. E. W.Page; Sgt. A. W. Robertson; Sgt. V. G. Rowen; .Sgt. J. Sanderson: Sgt. J. A. Texter; Sgt. F. It.Thompson; Sgt. R. A. Tiffen. . MISSING.—Sgi. W. J. Antonia; Fit. Sgt. T. R.Armstrong; P/O. D. J. Appleton; Sgt. J. U. Ashton; F/O. F. E. Ayers; Sgt. K. R. Bancroft;Sgt. R Bentley; Sgt. T. W. Brock; Sgt. D. A Brown; Fit. Sgt. A. Buckton; Sgt. C. (J. Candler; Sgt. U. T. Canterbury; Fit. Sgt. W. S. T Carter; Sgt. T. W. U. Casbolt; Sgt. C. T. Chiiholm; Sgt. J. C. Chiltick; Sgt. T. Clarke; Sgi F. II. Collins; P/O. M. J. Cowan; Sgt. E. Crowe.F/O. R. J, Curds; P/O. P. A. Davies; Fit. Lt. C. C. H. Davis: P/O. H. Duncan; Fit. SgtG. M. Edwards; Sgt. J. Falconer; Sgt. N. Frater Sgt. D. W. J. Hanson; Set. T H. llanslock;F/O. A. T. H. Ha ward; F, O S. T. Hewitt; S«t F. S. Higginbottom; Sgt. It. N. Hildred; SgtD. J. Hills; Sgt. J. E. Hughes; Sgt. G. C G Hutton; P/O. K. F. G.'lnskip; Sgt. F. A. Jones;F/O. F. T. Keeping; F/O. H. Keil; Fit. Sgt D. O. Lawton; Sgt. W. G. S. Me Ash; Sgt. A.McKinlay; Sgt. A. Mannering; Fit. Sgt. T. H. Miller; Sgt. R C. Moiwk; Fit.. Lt. G. N. Moir;F/O. J. W. Monk; P/O." P. J. Morice? Sgt. A Morris; Sgt. R. D Morris; Sgt. W. W. Morton:Sgt. J. Murchison; Sgt. C. Naylor; Sgt. B. E. B. Neaisey; Sgt. C. Xeilson; F/O. J. Owen; SgtW. K. D. Page; Sgt. W. J. Parnell; Sgi. J Patton; P,O. W. II. Perinchief: WO. B. Raises:Sgt. R. Rawcliffc; Sgt. G. E. Rawson; Fit. Sgt J. P. Robinson; Fit. Sgt. 11. E. Rousseau; P/O.G. W. Scwelt de Gcncy; Sgt. W. Shanks; P,O II. B. Smith; P/O. T. S. South- Sgt A Staustteld; P.O. K. -Sword; Act. fit. Ll. A. E. Th6mas; 1\ O. O. T. Thomson; F/O. J. B. Thornton; Sgt. T. Wallace; Sgt. J. Warren; Sgt. J. E Watson; Sgt. L. E. Webber; Sgt. C. A. Wey-mouth- P/O. J. A. White; Sgt. A. L. Wood; F/O. H. L. C. Wooliey; P.O. V J.-Wotton; P/OS. R. Young. KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE.—F.O. G. D. Armstrong; Sgt. J. S. T. Baxter; L.A C. T. J Blun dell; Sgt. H. J. Buckley; P.O. G. H. A. Butler:Sgt. S. Carter; L.A/C. R. A. Cater; Sgt. R. A Clark; Sgt. A. Clouting; 1..A C. F. R. Daley;LA C. E. H. Fletcher: L.AC. C. P. Fotherir.g ham; Sgt. B. A. Hartley; Cpl. F. C. Harvev;Fit. Sgt. J. H. Kellett; L.A/C. J. K. King; Sgt. M. A. Lundy; P/O. R. W. Mel. McKenzie; Fit.Sgt. P. D. Mace; Sgt. H. O. Male; L.A C. R. A Purrett; P/O. R. W. Reeves; P/O. C. H. Rudge-A/C.2 C. F. Sargeant; Sgt. W. Stewart; P'O O. W. Stone: Sgt. C. W. Stratton: Cpl. C E HStrudwick; Sgt • A. Tanswell; Fit. Lt. G. W Thoroughgood. WOUNDED OR INJURED ON ACTIVE SERVICE.-Cpl. F. A. Armstrong; L.A/C. L. A. Brewer; A/C.2 R. Butler; L.A/C.' J. Doan; L.A/C. H. Hackett;J7Q. R. B. Hamilton; F/O. J. G. McCathie: A/C.2 J. B. Pool; L.A/C. C. V. Sales! L.A/C. IIWorrall; L.A/C. R. L. Wrench. DIED OF WOUNDS OR -INJURIES RECEIVED ON ACTIVE SERVICE.—A/C.l C. II. Crawley. DIED ON ACTIVE SERVICE—A/C.2 J G. Andrews; Cpl. A. Crosland; Sgt 1. B Davies; I..A/C. A. T. Fieldhouse; LA C. C. F fcejles:Air Vice-Marsha: A C Maund. <-.B. C.B.E.. DSO • A/C.l E. J. North; Cpl J. I.. Parker.
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