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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 0596.PDF
244 FLIGHT MARCH 4TH, SERVICE AVIATION pilot who has destroyed at least three enemyaircraft. Fit. 8gt. J. NICKEIX. No 24 (S.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Sgt. Nickell hag taken part in a large number of operational sorties. In addition he was a mem-ber of the crew flying with General Ritchie, over the forward lineFit Sgt. B H VVlfcLSON, Mo, 223 Sqn.— This air gunner has taken part in many operationalsorties in the Western Desert, of which at least tea were in daylight and unescorted. His calmand clear directions when confronting the enemy have been of great assistance to his captain. Air Sgt W. R ANDERSON, S.A.A.F., No. 24(S.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Taroughout his many operational scrties, Air Sgt Anderson has proved himselfto be an excellent air gunner. The conscientious manner in which he has applied himself to histaik is worthy of the highest, praise. Repairs in the Air Sgt. A. L. BRADBUEV, NO. 37 Sqn.—Sgt. Brad-bury has taken part in a large number of long distance operational flights, including attacks ontargets in Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, Crete and eru my-occupied territory in Egypt. Throughouthe has shown himself to be a most conscientious and reliable wireless operator. When the aircraftiu which he was flying from ihe United Kingdom to the Middle Ktst was on the last stage of itsjourney, the wireless apparatus became unserv.iee able. Sgt. Bradbury effected repairs in the 'air,and with great initiative made arrangements for 1!ie aircraft's reception arrival at the base dikingplace with only enough petrol for a further teD minutes' flying.Fit. Sgt. R A BriXEN, No. 70 Sqn.— Fit. Sgt Billen has taken part in many night bombingraids against the enemy in North Africa and the Mediterranean On two occasions he has beendetailed to illuminate the targe*,, and on each occa- sion, despite severe opposition, his skill has largelymntributed to the success achieved. - Sgt. M. J. T. CANE, NO. 148 Sqn.—Sgt. Cane hasparticipated in many operational sorties, display- ing nnshakeable determination in his attacks, oftenin the face of severe opposition. He has taken rart in 17 operations against Tobruk, and on oneoccasion he dived to 3,500ft. in an attack against the- jetties. Daring the enemy advance in Janeand July he made numerous attacks on transport and t'oops.Sgt N. C. JONES NO 38 Sqn.—One niglit in September. 1942, Sgt. Jones was captain of anaircraft detailed to attack enemy shipping near Tobruk. The ship was hit and caught fire. Lateri's destruction was confirmed. Sgt. F. O. JORDAN. NO 104 Sqn.—Sgt. Jordanhas taken part in a large number of operational sorties as wireless operator. On two occasionsby his technical skill he hag been instrumental iu securing the safe return of his aircraft, despiteserious engine trouble. Sgt C. G. KLIMCKE, NO 148 Sqn.—Since the2n<f May, 1942, Sft. Klimeke has flown on a large number of operational sorties. On 4th May, 1943,when flying at 4,000ft., he hit an enemy am munition dump in the battle area. This airmanbaa bombed Tobruk on 16 occasions, starting many large fires. On the 6th September, 1942, »1though his aircraft was held by a cone of search- lights, he dived to within 5,000tt. and pressedhome his attack. Sgt. D. R. MOON, NO. 143 Sqn.-One day in- Au-gust, 1942 during an operation against Tobruk, Sgt. Moon sighted fire enemy ships, which heimmediately attacked. Later fire and smoke were seen coming from one large ship. On three otheroccasions'this airman has made determined attacks en the jetties and shipping in Tobruk harbour.On later sorties be silenced an anti-aircraft gun in the battle area, and machine gunned thetnemy'8 transpott from a very low level. Sgt. E. J. Ross, R.A.A.F., No. 104 Sqn.-Sgt.Hoes, as rear gunner, has displayed cool courage and absolute lack of tear in the face of intenseenemy fire, and has always given his captain a, dear running commentary. Which has helped inevading the anti aircraft fire. Long-distance Flights Sgt. J. G. SOUTHWELL, R.A.A.F., No. 37 Sqn.—Sgt. Southwell has taken part in many longdis- tance operational flights involving operations8 gainst targets in Cyrenaica. Crete, Greece and enemy-occapied territory in Egypt. Throughouthis operational career he has maintained an ex- ceedingly higfc standard of efficiency, both asbomb aimer and navigator, and has always shown the utmost coolness and determination in pressing home his attack, fn the lace of intense opposi- tion from the enemy.Sgt. S. A. STAID. R A.A.F., No. 104 Bqn.-Sgt. Staid as wireless operator has taken part in manyoperational sorties lie has always displayed great technical ability. On at least two occasionsthe safe return of his aircraft has been almost entirely due te his high degree of wireless effi-ciency despite most adverse weather conditions Sgt 0. C. SWEETMAN No. 104 Sqn.—Daring theintensive operations at the time of our withdrawal Sgt Sweetman displayed outstanding skill and de-tetmination in engaging the enemy in the battle Inspecting a dinghy which has been used in the rescue of a bomber crew. A thorough examination is always carried out to see if all the appliances functioned properly. area and bombing their lines of communicationand tank concentrations. Sgt. H. TRICKS, NO,. 148 Sqn.—Sgt. Tricks hastakeu part iu many operational sorties, including 20 attacks on Tobruk, where on a number ofoccasions he has started fires in the dockside area He has flown many times on operationsagainst enemy units in the battle area, setting iire to an ammunition dump and attacking theenemy's lines of communication from a low levtl. Throughout, this airman has continued to showthe utmost keenness for operational flying despite a harassing experience when his aircraft crashedin the dark behind the enemy's liues. Fit. Sgt. T. R. STBAKER, NO/ 205 Sqn.—Onenight in December, 1942, this airman was the flight engineer of an aircraft engaged on anoperational flight. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by. anti-aircraft fire, whichcaused one engine to fail arid the wing tip float to drop. While his pilot was making great effortsto regain control, Fit. Sgt. Straker, realising the great danger of the aircraft crashing in the sea,if the damaged float stfuck the water, succeeded in restoring the float to its position. By hispromptitude he contributed materially to the safe return of the aircraft. Fit. Sgt. G. E. COHSES, No. 223 Sqn.—SinceMay, 1942, Fit. Sgt. Comes has taken part in a large number of operational sorties against enemytargets in the Western Desert. A considerable number of these flights "were made without fighterescort and in many instances interception by hos- tile fighters occurred In October, 1942, this air-man flew one of a formation of aircraft detailed to attack an enemy landing ground noar Daba.Fit. Sgt. Cornes's aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft lire and the starboard engine rendered nseless.He was forced to leave the formation and, escorted by a small number of fighters, eventually landedhis Ladly damaged aircraft safely at base. Fit. 8gt. A. W. FARQUHARSON, NO. 46 Squ.—In December, 1942, Fit. Sgt. Farquharson was the observer in one of a formation of aircraft detailedto make a low level attack on enemy shipping off the coast of Tripoli. Following the operation anattack was made by enemy fighters and Fit. Sgt. Farquharson received a wound in the shoulder.A running fight continued for twenty minutes. The cool, explicit instructions for evasive action givenby this airman enabled him to damage and prob- ably destroy one of the attackers and at the sametime greatly assisted his pilot in flying the air- craft safely back to base. Sgt. M W. BISHOP, NO. 40 Sqn.—This airmanhas participated in many successful attacks on enemy shipping and on the installations at Tobruk,at a time when the area was very heavily de- . fended. After being posted to Malta, he volun-teered for further operational duty and took part in A number of sorties against Bizerta, Tunis andtargets in Sardinia. Sgt. J. V. PRICE, NO. 233 Sqn.—In September,1942, this pilot participated in an attack on enemy troops and motor transport. Hie aircraft was sub-jected to heavy and accurate antiaircraft fire and sustained severe damage. Bgt. Price waswounded in the head by a shell splinter) Though dazed, and suffering from concussion, he proceeded with his mission and flew the aircraft safely back to base. After a short period in hospital. Sgt. Price returned to his operational duties.This airmail has participated in numerous bomb- ing raids, many of them unescorted attacks information on enemy airfields, installations and harbours.-Sgt. J. W. STRAIN, NO. 70 Sqn.—During the final battle at El Alamein, this airman participatedwith success in daring low level operations against enemy motor transport. In- August, 1942, whileendeavouring to secure a photograph, after bomb- ing, ' his aircraft sustained severe damage fromintense anti-aircraft fire, which blew off the front hatch. Sgt Strain, bleeding dangerously from awound in the arm, was pulled to safety by the 2nd pilot. The bleeding was stopped by the ap-plication of a tourniquet and, in spite of this hazardous experience Sgt. Strain was again onoperational duty after a very short interval. As navigator/bomb aimer he achieved outstandingresults during numerous sorties over Tobruk, where many large fires were started despite hsavjopposition. THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the following awards: — B.E.M. (MIL.) A/C.l J. H. MCNEILL.—One night in June,1942, during an enemy attack a bomb demolished a block of shops and houses, and fire broke outowing to escaping gas. The flat asphalt roof was practically intact, lying across the wreckage,and cries for help were coming from underneath. A/C. McNeill was among the first to appear onthe scene, and, joining a volunteer rescue party, burrowed his way underneath the debris. AfterZ\j hours' work they succeeded in rescuing a number of persons, despite the constant dangerfrom fire and falling debris and the risk of the roof collapsing completely. A/C.2 F. BBOWN.A/C.2 C. T. WELSH —H.M. Minesweeper C'kuno- Uh sailed from Singapore in February, 1942,carrying 40 officers and men of the fi.A.K.* among fitner passengers, an'd was sunk the next day byair attack, with heavy loss of life. Forty men escapee, in tnc enly undamaged boat, the propercomplement of which was 22. After being nearly Mvatr.ped in heavy weather, they reached landnear the mouth of a river a few days later, but foil,-1 no !resh water. Thirty survivors were pickedup next day. The naval officer-in charge of the T^rty has reported tnat the two airmen mentioned•ibove weie outstanding. The,- never faltered thYoughout a severe ordeal add set a magnificentexample to all the lest. A/C.2 D. A. WELLESLEY (Viscount Danganl—lnAugust, 1942, a refueller was being started up by two members of its crew, when there was a ter-rific explosion and it burst into flames. There were fenr refuellers moored in pairs, bow to stern.One member of the crew was blown into the water and the other was killed.. A/C 2 Wellesley ru-inedto the refuelling pier, dived into the water in which- there are barracuda and alligators, jwanito the two refuellers that were not alight and im- mediated began to cast off. He had nearly com-pleted his task when reinforcement* arrived, itiey were inspired by his example and the two re-fuellers were got sway safely from the conflagra- tion.
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