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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 0918.PDF
376 FLIGHT APHTL 8TH, 1943 SERVICE AVIATION R.A.F. personnel stranded at Nancowry in thepath of the advancing Japanese. He and his crew then succeeded, without special facilities, in ren-tiering the entire base useless to the enemy and in removing valuable equipment. On two occasionsthis officer has assisted in the rescue of merchant teamen from lifeboats, and without mishap he hasferried various officers of high rank. Fit. I*. G. H. F. PUNSTON, No. 250 Sqn.—Fit.Lt. Plinston has a long record of operational flying. In the early days of the war he servedin France, and in May, 1940, flew in patrols over Dunkirk. He has destroyed at least sevenenemy aircraft. 27 Hours' Flight Fit. Lt. F. SQTJIRE.—In December, 1942, orderswere given for a special reconnaissance involving a flight of over 2,000 miles over the sea. Fit. Lt.Squire agreed to captain this sortie. A success- in! take-off was made, despite' a very rough seaand high wind and after a 27 hours' fligfit Fit. Lt. Squire landed the aircraft safely. The greaterpart of the flight was completed in very bad weather and thick cloud, which made navigationparticularly difficult. Opt. K. C. KUHUCANN, S.A.A.F., No. 185 Sqn.—This officer has at all times exhibited the utmost keenness to engage the enemy, and his- courage has been a magnificent example to the members of his flight- Capt Kohlmann has per-sonally destroyed at least three enemy aircraft. Act. Fit. Lt. T. J. BEACH, R.A.F.V.B., No. 61Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Beach is an outstanding bombing leader and navigator who exerts a fine influenceon the squadron Fit. Lt. Beach recently took part successfully in the raids on Berlin.Act. Fit. Lt. J. L. BiRBECK, R.A.F.V.R., No. 218 Sqn.—Early ill his operational career, Fit.Lt. Birbeck participated in a raid on Hamburg, during which his aircraft was badly damaged inan encounter with a night fighter. The prompt action taken by Fit. Lt. Birbeck resulted indriving off the enemy aircraft, which was last seen in a, dive. This orBcer has also participatedin attacks on many long-distance targets. In July, 1942, he took part in the daylight raidon Lubeck. F/O. H. R. Fio<3, D.F.M., No. 161 Sqn. F/O. R. W. TAVLOB, R.C.A.F., No. 161 Sqn.(since reported missing).—These officers have com pleted a large number of sorties, invariably dis-playing outstanding skill and devotion to duty. The successes achieved reflect the greatest crediton their efforts whioh are worthy of the highest praise.Sqn. Ldr. C. F GrBSOS, No. 138 8qn. (since re ported missing).—This officer has at all times dis-played high courage and outstanding devotion to duty. Early in the Battle of France he wasgrievoiuly wounded, but recovered to render ex- cellent service, completing many operational mis-kions. In addition, he has accomplished good work in the training of aircrews.Act. Sqn. Ldr. A. H. C. BOXER, No. 138 Sqn. —Within the last two months, Sqn. Ldr. Boxerhas successfully completed several long range sorties. On one of them, when some hundreds ofrailes from base, one engine of his aircraft failed. Despite this, he succeeded in flying the bomberhome. Some time later, he oornp!e,ted the return (light from a distant target in similar circum-stances. Act. Sqn. Ldx. R. B. BAGGULEV, NO. 139 Sqn.<»hice reported misaing). Fit. Lt. M. M. WAYMAN, NO. 1S9 Sqn.Act. Fit. Lt. O. K. HAVDEN, NO. 139 Sqn. (since reported missing).F/a. G. S. CLEAR. R.A.F.V.R., No. 139 Sqn.— In March, 1943, these officers were members ofaircraft crewa detailed to attack the molybdenum plant at Knabon, Norway. Such a task, necessi-tating a flight over mountainous terrain coveretl by a blanket of snow which obscured all promi-aent features :IDmanded *be highest 'If? ree of leadership and bkill. At various points the forma-tion had to fly through deep ravines and contend with most treacherous air currents. Despite this,the correct target, hidden away in the mountains, was located and subjected to a telling attack froma low level. Act. Fit. Lt. E. It. Guiss, R.A.F.V.R., No. 214Sqn.—This officer has taken part in a large number of sorties, involving attacks on various heavily de-iended targets. On one occasion, on the outward flight to a target in Germany, his aircraft wasattacked bj two enemy, fighters. Skilfully manoeuvring hia aircraft. Fit. Lt. Glass enabledhis rear gunner to deliver an accurate burst at «ne of the attackers causing it to dive away withits engine on fire. Although the bomber was dam- aged during the engagement. Fit. Lt. Glass flewit back to base. P/O. P. M. ANDERSON, K.C.A.F., No. 97 Sqn.—This officer has completed a large number ol sorties, including seven attacks on targets inItaly. One night in February, 1943, he com pleted a successful attack on Lorient in difficultcircumstances. Three nights later, he flew with distinction in an attack on the same target P/O. C. IS. BtUMEHAUER, R.C.A.F.. No. 103Sqn.—Since the beginning of February, 1943, this officer has completed a number of night sortiesagainst targets in Germany, Italy and Northern France. He has never failed to reach his objec-tive, and lias pressed home hia attacks "with accu- racy and determination In operations BgainstLorient. Milan and Cologne. P/O. Bhimenauer obtained excellent photographs. P/Xi. A. R. FOOLE, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 97 6<jn.—P/O. Poole is an air gunner of high merit. Ho has taken part in a large number of operationalflights, including many in the Middle East. On one occasion he was forced to abandon his air-craft over the desert. Four days later he was picked up by an army patrol. P/O. Poole tookpart in the raids on die Ruhr and Bremen, when 1,000 of our bombers operated; tie has also flownon three attacks against Berlin P/O. G. F. H SAVEKS, NO. 90 Sqn.—This officerhas completed a large number of operational mis sions. He ie an exceptionally determined pilotwho invariably presses home hi's attacks with skill and courase. Distinguished Flying Medal Fit. Sgt. W. J. M. L. BASCUkY, R.N.Z.A.F..Vo. 156 Sqn.—In the course of his operational career this airman has participated in numerousattacks on targets in Germany and Ttaly. At. all times he has displayed high courage and skill inthe execution of his duties. Fit. Sgt. J. A. BOTT, No. 83 Sqn.—Throughouthis operational career Fit. Sgt. Bott has dis played the utmost keenness to fly on operations,together with a complete nnd thorough know- ledge of his work. In September, 1942, whileattacking Duisburg, his aircraft was engaged by particularly hettvv snti-aircraft fire and was ronedby many searchlights. Fit. Sgt. Bott remained cool and efficient, and gave directions from theastrodrome which enabled hfs captain to complete the mission successfully with little d»mage to U10aircraft. On another occasion, while returning from an attack on Berlin, this airman was to alarge extent responsible for the safe landing of the aircraft in this country after a long andhazardous flight with two engines unserviceable. Fit. Sgt. G. F. CALDWEIA, NO. 101 Sqn.—Fit.SKt. Caldwell has proved himself to be a most efficient and courageous airman. Hie navigationalability has largely contributed to the outstanding success attained by his squadron. He has par-ticipated in a determined and effective attack on Emden Docks, and on two other occasions whenhis aircraft was severely damaged, their safe return was <lae chiefly to his coolness and skill.Fit. Sgt. A. CLIFT. NO. 7 8qn.-Flt. Sgt. Clift is an exceptionally reliable air gunner whose cool-nes* and efficiency in action are outstanding. f The King inspecting Fleet Air Arm aircraft and aircrews during a four-day visit to the Royal Navy. Throughout his operational career be has conducted UiuiKOll in a most exemplary manner. Fit. Sgt. (now P/O.) B. COOK, R.C.A.F., No.97 Sqn.—This airman has participated in numerous operational sorties against enemy targets, inclutling nearly all the most heavily defended centres in Germany^ and Italy. He also took part in thedaylight raid on Le Creusot. Fit, Sgt. E. M. COPLEY, R.A.A.F., No. 460(R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Throughout his operational career Fit. Sgt. Oopley has displayed a highly-vornmendable keenness and devotion to duty, bi August, 1942, during an attack against Kassel,he acted a: fira controller whilst being attacked by enemy aircraft. His efficient orders enabledthe rear gunnar to hit the enemy aircraft, and hie captain to take effective evasive action. Fit. 8gt. W. J. ORWJMTN, NO. 115 8qu.-Thisairman has completed a number of most successful operational missions in the course of which he hftsset a Hue example of leadership. On one ort-askm in spite of severe damage sustained by his air--<'raft during a raid, he flew back safely to base and accomplished a skilful crash landing. Fit. Sgt. R. CBOSTON, NO. 57 Sqn.—Fit. Sgt,Croston has taken part in a number of successful operational sorties. In June, 1942, he -was serv-ing as captain of aircraft when during an attack on Bremen a Mo 109 was probably destroyedAgain iu July, 1942, when returning from BK men a. Ju 88 was shot down off the Knglislicoast. Operational Since 1940 Fit. Sgt T. J. DRABBLE, NO. 59 Sqn.—Fit. Sgt.Drabble flew on his first opejationsS 6ortie in December, 1940, when he attacked an airfieldat Deauville from 100 feet. Since then he has Sarticipated in many hazardous operations overrest and the Channel ports. He has also takenpart in daylight attacks on E-boats and other enemy shipping. On one of these occasions hewas wounded in the thigh. In addition Fit. Sgt. Drabble has made a number of low-level nightbombing attacks on well-defended enemy convoys. Recently he made a determined attack on a Ger-man destroyer and a U-boat entering an enemy harbour, despite intense opposing fire. Fit. Sgt. B. D£ FMIKD, SO. 207 Sqn.-Whileattached to Coastal Command this airman suc- cessfully bombed an enemy submarine. LatiThe tooE pact in numerous sorties agaiust Germun targets SUC'J as Essen and in daylight raids onLe Creusot and Milan. Fit. Sgt. P L. ELLIOTT, R.A.A.F., No. 61 S<jn—Fit. Sgt. Elliott has t irapleted many success ful operational sorties which have included day-light raids ov Milan and Le Creusot and attacks on Berlin and Ess»nFit. Sgt. J. C. GoODSON, No. 35 Sqn.—i'lt. Sgt. Goodson has displayed keenness to participate inany mission against the enemy. The success ol many sorties has been largely due to his fineexample and his exceptional ability a? nigM engineer. Fit. Sgt. A H. HAMMET, R.A.A.F., No. 460(R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—One night in December, 3S42. Fit. Sgt. Hammet was wireless operator 01 anaircraft detailed to attack Duisberg. On tin* return journey his apparatus was seriouslydamaged by gunfire, and became unserviceable. In addition the compasses failed, but Fit. Sgt,Hammet was able to improvise communications •which gave the navigator valuable assistance whichenabled the aircraft to be flown safely buck to Fit. Sgt. H. HEAD, NO. 7 Sqn.—This airman i-,a most valuable member of air crew who has completed a large number of operational sortiein heavy bomber aircraft. The record of ser vieeability of his aircraft over a long period ha*been outstanding, and this has been in a great., part due tc his conscientious and untiring^efforts. Sgt. O. C. McDotiOLE, No. 10 Sqn —An air gun-ner, this airman has flown on a large number of operational missions. In December, 1942, duringa return flight from Duisburg, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter from close range.Although two of hia four guns jammed, Sgt, McDougle delivered a burst, causing the fighterto break away and fall towards the ground with Its engine apparently on fiTe. In Febrnary 1943,when returning from an attack on Wilhelmshaven. Sgt. McDougle observed an enemy fighter flymsin to attack from astern. He immediately attempted to engage it, but his guns jammed- -Coolly and skilfully he gave his captain a com- "- mentary on the enemy aircraft's movements, enabling him to evade it successfully. Shortly after- wards, another fighter appeared and attackedfiercely. Ret. McCougle had only one gun ser- viceable,' but, opening firr with it fiom. very closerange, he drove the attacker off. Suddenly it disintegrated in th« air and burning picres wererbserved to fall into the sea Fit. Sgt, D. JAMES, No. 214 San.—On his manyoperational sorties. Fit. Sgt. James hap always ' hown great courage and determination in locatingtile target. On three occasions his aircraft hns iieen attacked by enemy night fighters. On t&iast occasion, although wounded in the back. Fit. Sgt.. James successfully navigated thelamaged aiicraft back to base. One night 1« October, 1^42, when returning from Genoa. t!i<'•virelesa transmitter and compasses in thr a:r- • >nft became Hnservireable. This airmail'- finevavfeatinnal skill enabled the pilot to retnrn '0 ba se safely. Fit. Sgt. ,T. A. KENNEDY. NO. 106 Sqn-Vlt. Sgt. Kennedy has attacked targets in th' Ruhr, at Mainz, Nuremberg, Mnnich and Rostora,besides participating in the two "1,000" ra«w. f-n addition he fl«w on trie daylight attacks <•"fjt Oeusnt aikl Milan, on both occasion? nsinj: hfcs (suns eflectively against ground target*. On>~nieM in August, 1942, when returning from » raid oh Kasspl, his accurate and steady lire dmvoff an enemy night fighter.
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