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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 0795.PDF
MARCH 25TH, 1943 FLIGHT 321 the eastern end of the Qattara Depression. Hesubsequently displayed fine leadership and re- source and succeeded' in getting his crew backto our lines on foot two days later. During the battles ol El Alamein he displayed exceptionalskill in numerous attacks on the enemy. Act Fit. Lt W R. K.OFOED. R.N.Z.A.F.. No.462 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—This officer has displayed the highest qualities of leadership and courage inthe face of the enemy. His numerous operational sorties include raids on some of the most heavilydefended targets. While serving in the United kingdom ha participated in two daylight raidson German warships at Brest. In April, 1942, he took part in two attacks on the enemy navalbase at Trondheim, completing his mission from a very low level in the face of the most intenseanti-aircraft fire. In the Middle East he has con- tinued to exhibit this high standard of gallantryand devotion to duty, which have been an inspira- tion to the squadron. Act. Fit. Lt. P. O. SAWYER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 70Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Sawyer has taken part in a large number ol operational sorties. He has partici-pated in attacks on enemy transport, obtaining hits on vehicles and starting fires. At other times,displaying a fine fighting spirit in his determina- tion to harass the enemy, he has made low levelmachine gun attacks. F/O. F. V. CAMPBELL, R.A.A.F., No. 148 Sqn-As captain of aircraft, this officer has led his erew in a, manner worthy ot the be»t traditionsalways aUB^ing hi» objective with determination and gallantry. He has participated in manysorties against Tobruk, in the course of which he has successfully bombed the jetties and shippingin the harbour. On one of these operations, he proceeded with his mission, ajthough the inter-lommunieation of the aircraft was unserviceable. In August, 1942, F/O. Campbell was detailed todrop Hares a task which he accomplished with success, making five runs across the target inspita of concentrated anti-aircraft fue. F/O K S CAMPBELL, R.A.A.F., No. 148 Sqn.-The navigation of F/O. Campbell has always been of an extremely high standard. His astro-naviga-tion when operating in adverse weather has been a fine example of technical skill. He has alwaysshown marked initiative in his methods of attack, resulting in many successes. Twice he has ob-tained exieptionally fine photographs of lobruk harbour. Methods of Attack F/O J CLARK, R.A.A.F., No. 148 Sqn.-This officer has displayed a fine spirit of ten-icity and keenness, iu the face of haidship and danger. He has exhibited a special aptitude for devising new methods of attack. During numerous- attacks on Tobruk he has been successful in bombing jetties and starting fires in the dock area. F/O. Clark has invaiiably pressed home his mission with determination and coolness, participating in sortie* over the battle araa, where he has severely damaged enemy motor transport. F/O. B. H. GBAY, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 70 Sqn.- This officer has participated in many operational sorties, a number of which were against heavily defended targets at Tobruk. One night in Novem- ber, 1942, after taking part in a bombing laid . on enemy tank concentrations he descended to within 50 feet ami nude a machine gun attack on the enemy's mechanised transport. Two vehicles and a petrel bowser were seen to burst into flames F/O. J. D. MACKELLAE, R.A.A.F., No. 148 S^n. —This officer has participated in a large number of operational sorties in which he has successfully attacked Tobrnk marry times. On one occasion in August, 1942, despite the presence cf dense cloud over the taiget area, he started a petrol fire near the harbour. He has also made attacks on a number vt enemy airfields, transport and j^ank concentrations with considerable.mwcess. *«• F/O. E W. SABGENT, R.A.F.V.K., NO. 37 Sqn. —This officer has participated in numerous opera- tions, including raids on targets in Crete, Cyre- naica, and enemy occupied territory in the Middle East. F/O. W. 11. STERNS, R.C.A.F., No. 3 48 Sqn.- F/O. Sterna has flown on operations continuously since July, 1942. He is a highly efficient navi- gator and bomb aimer who has never failed to reach and bomb his allotted target. In August. 1942, despite adverse weather, he obtained » bit on a petrol installation west of Tobruk harbour, causing a large tire. F/O. A. WHARTON R.A.A.F., No. 148 Sqn.— F/O. Wharton has taken part in many opera tional sorties, including a large number of nttacks on Tobruk. where on two occasions he was detailed to drop flares. He has also attacked a number of enemy airfields and shipping. On all occasions this officer has pressed home his attacks and often, when returning, has descended to a low level to machine gtm enemy transport on the roads Lt. J. A. LlTHGOW, S.A.A.F., No. 15 (S..VA.F.1 Sqn.—On one occasion in October, 1942, Lt. Litb- gow was pilot of a bomber detailed to attack an enemy shipping convoy engaged in the transport of vital supplies to Tobruk. In order to reach his objective Lt. Lithgnw hod to face intense anti- aircraft fire, and was obliged to pass between two escorting destrnyeTS. His aircraft was repeatedly hit, but undeterred he flew low over the target and bombed a vessel from deck height. Lt. M. M YUDELMAN, S.A.A.F.. No. 15 (S.AA.F.) Sqn,-In November, 1942. as navigator ot a light bomber, this officer participated in an attack on an enemy convoy carrying vital supplies to Tobruk. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire 1o which his aircraft was subjected'. Lt. \udelman delayed, as Ions as possible and reached deck height before releasing his bombs, thus ensuring SERVICE AVIATION a hit on the stern of a tanker and setting thevessel on fire. P/O. A. AUSTIN. R.A.F.V.n.-P,'O. Austin hasat all times displayed outstanding determination in operations against the enemy. He has partici-pated in many successful soities on which excel- lent photographs of the target area have beenobtained, often in the face of intense enemy oppo- Sp/6. D W. CAIRNS, R.A.F.V.R., No. 250 Son. —P/O. Cairns has been engaged ou operational fly-ing for 12 months, taking part in dive bombing and low level attacks and reconnaissance.W/O. D. NEALE, NO. 148 Sqn.—During his opera- tional career W/O. Neale has attacked Tobruk onmany occasions. He has frequently made these raids from 1,000 to 1,500 feet, afterwards machinegunning enemy transport in the battle area from 150 feet. On one occasion he illuminated Tobr.ukharbour, and successfully secured complete details of shipping lying there. Distinguished Flying Medal Fit. -;«. ft. O. FULLEB, R.A.A.F., No. i4s San.—Fit. Sgt. Fuller has operated with skill and enthusiasm for some time prior to the commence-ment of the present advance of our forces. At his own request, he continued operational flying andhas -ow taken -pan in many more sorties. . Fit. Sgt. S. B. GRAY-BUCHANAN, R.A.A.F.. No.-148 Sqn.—Fit. Sgt. Gray-Buchanan .has diatin- - Ruisbed himself by bis coolness and determination.On two occasions the aircraft, in which he was flying as rear gunner, was attacked by enemyfighters. He obtained hits on an attacking Ju 8R despite the fact that his own aircraft had beenstruck by the enemy's fire and bullets had passed through his flying clothes. Fit. Sgt. F. LEVITT, NO. 55 Sqn.—This airmanhas displayed a high standard of gallantry and devotion to duty. Especially during the presentintensive operations, his coolness and efficiency in the face of enemy opposition have proved invalu-able. Fit. Sgt. A. W. VABEY. NO. 126 Sqn.—SinesMay, 1942. this pilot has displayed gTeat courage and devotion to duty. He has destroyed at leastfive enemy aircraft, probably destroyed and dam- aged many others.Sgt. C. C. CHAMBERS, NO. 148 Sqn.—Sgt, Cham- bers is a wireless operator of exceptional ability.He possesses an excellent technical knowledge, and on occasions has effected repairs to his wire-less apparatus while in the air, and so enabled the mission to be concluded successfully. Sgt. J. FEATHERSTONE, NO. 39 Sqn.—Hgt.Featherstone has taken part in numerous suc- cessful attacks on enemy shipping, formerly fromEngland, and latterly from bases in the Middle East. In the later operations he has damagedfour enemy aircraft. Sgt. J. S. HOLLAND, R.C.A.F., No. 70 8qn.-Througbout his tour of bombing operations this airman has exhibited conspicuous gallantry anddetermination to reach and attack his target. On one occasion, over Tobrulc, his coolness whenthe front hatch of the aircraft was blown off by intense antiaircraft fire almost certainly savedthe life of tne navigator. On another occasion Sgt. Holland was detailed to attack the defencesat Tobruk. He successfully bombed two heavy gun positions and a searchlight, and subsequentlymade five runs just off shore, machine gunning searchlights Sgt. D. M. MARTIN. NO. 148 Sqn.—Since May1942, Sgt. Martin lias flown continuously on operations. He had ceased operational dutywhen the piescnt advance of our forces began in the Western Desert. With nndimipi3hed keenness he returned to operational flying, making attacks on enemy transput and tank conoentrations with considerable success. Sgt. J. G. MILLER. NO. 39 Sqn.—This airmanhas taken part in a number o! torpedo strikes against vessels and in attacks on enemy portsPrior to being posted to the Middle East Sgt. Miller achieved much success in sorties fromhome, bases and subsequently, in the Mcditer ranean, he obtainecUhits on two motor vessels anda tanker. As an air gunner this airman has damaged five enemy aircraft. Sgt. G. E. MUSK, NO." 148 Sqn.—Since May.1942, Sgt. Musk has flown continuously on opera- tions. In July, 1942, he participated in manyoperational sorties, and during a period of inten- sive operations flew in attacks against the enemyeight time» in nine nights. Sgt. R. A. H. SNOW. NO. 37 Sqn.-Sgt. 8no»has taken part in many operational soities against objectives in Cyrenaica and enemy occupied terri-tory in Egypt. Throughout he has maintained an exceedingly high standard of efficiency. Sgt. M. SPINLEY, R.N Z.A.F., No. 37 Sqn.-Sgt. Spinley has completed many operation!, mainly as a captain oi aircraft. He baa parti-cipated in a large number of long-distance aCTtifiB. including raids on objectives in Cyrcnatca, Crete«nd enemy occupied territory in Egypt. Towardi the end of his tour he had some hazardous ex-perienceB: on one occasion he crashed at night, and another time he flew bis aircraft home onone engine. He was ordered to rest, but in a few days requested to be allowed to resumeoperational flying. Sgt. N. G. STEWART, R.A.A.F., No 148 Sqn.-Sgt. Stewart has taken part in a large number of operational sorties, and has achieved remark-ably successful results. He has attacked fobruk many times, and twice during August, 1942.caused explosions and large fires. On one occa- sion in September, 1942, he made four runsduring an attack on an enemy airfield, and hi» bombs burst amidst the dispersed aircraft. THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the following awards in recognitionof gallantry and devotion to duty in the execu- tion of air operations: — Distinguished Service Order . Act. Sqn. Ldr. A. W. SOUTHMX, No. 179 Sqn.—Sqn. Ldr. Southall has been a most valuable member of his squadron since its formation inOctober, 1942. llis comprehensive technical and operational knowledge has been of the greatestvalue. Son. Idr. Southall has made a number vl successful attack on U-boats in the face 01 Ktf iM^SlIALLlttJC. R.A.F.V.R., No 202Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Soialln-an is an outstanding cap- « tain of aircraft and a most skilful pilot. Ai oneperiod of stress he completed 360 hours' opeia tionai flying in just over five weeks In the faceof intense oppositior he has made several attacks on U-boais- Distinguished Flying Cross Act. Sqn. Ldr. C. W. PASSEY. R.A.F.V.R.. No.89 Sqn.—In operations in North Africa, thi» officer has performed much excellent work whichhas been reflected in the successes obtained by the flight he has so skilfully led. Twenty enemyaircraft have been destroyed at night, three of them by Sqn. Ldr. Passey. F/O A. L M. SFURQIN, R.A.A.F., No. 89 Sqn.—In operations in North Africa this officer hau destroyed five enemy aircraft. He is a skilfuland courageous pilot, whose fine example n»s been an inspiration -to others.P/O R. L SMITH, D.F.M., R.A.F.V.R.. No. 137 Sqn —Since being awarded the D.F.M., P/O.Smith has taken part in numerous opeiational flights, including attacks on shipping and rail-ways. On one occasion he engaged four Pw 190* and seriously damaged ono of them. Althoughhis own aircraft also received severe damage dur- the combat, he flew it safely to ba3e and effecteda masterly landing. V.C.'s Aircrew F/O. G. It. ROYDE, R.A.F.V.R., No. 149 Sqo. P/O N. E. SKINNER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 149 Sqn. On November 28th, 1942, these members of anaircraft crew took part in an attack on a target at Turin. Whilst over the target area their ,bomter was repeatedly hit by anti-aircraft fire, and sustained much damage. A shell, whichburst in the cockpit, rendered the captain, the late Fit. Sgt. Middleton, V.C., unconscious andwounded the second pilot, Sst. Hyder, in the face and legs; P/O. Skinner, the wireless operator.was also wounded in the leg. Despite his in- juries, Sgt. Hyder took over the controls and suc-ceeded in regaining control of the aircraft which had dived from 2,000 to 800 feet. Later thebomb load was released Shortly afterwards, the captain recovered consciousness but Sgt. Hyder.after receiving first aid. insisted on remaining beside him in case of emergency. On the returnflight, when crossing the Alps, Fit. Sgt. Cameron Fit. Lt. B. Oliver, R.A.F.V.R., who has been awarded a Bar to his D.F.C. the aircraft to be flown back to this country.Shortly after crossing the coast the aircraft had to be abandoned owing to lack of petrol. Act Fit. Lt. P. L. ARNOTT, R.A.F.V.R. No.130 Sqn.-This officer has completed a very large
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