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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 1190.PDF
F LI G HT MAY 6TH, 1943 SERVICE AVIATION the aircraft was subjected to a series of attacks)>> an enemy fighter,' sustaining much damage before the attacker was driven off. The star-board engine was hit and burst into flames, • the hydraulic system rendered useless, and therear turret and other equipment damaged; in addition a portable oxygen bottle was set onfire. The aircraft began to lose height, and the situation appeared hopeless. The captain orderedhis crew to prepare to abandon aircraft. L.A/C. Skingsley, ignoring his parachute, pack, however,attempted to extinguish the flames from the oxygen bottle. Sgt. Edwards came to his assist-ance, and together they grasped the Blazing bottle "with their bare hands, carried it to theescape hatch and hurled it out. The fire in the engine and in the main plane subsided, and8qn. Ldr. Booth decided to attempt to fly the bomber home. All mcveabJe equipment, includ-ing guns and ammunition, was jettisoned in an effort to maintain height. Although the aircraftwas difficult to control, Sqn. Ldr. Booth suc- ceeded in flying it to base, where lie made acuaeessful crash landing. Act. I'Jt. Lt. J. P. UKOWTHEft, R.A.F.V.R., No29 Sqn.—During the last 18 months Fit. Lt. C'rowther has flown on a large number of opera-tional patrols as observer. One night in February, 1943, in most adverse weather, he took part inLhe destruction of "two Do 217s. Seven Air I Sea Rescues Act. Fit. Lt. J. A. SPENCE, R.C.A.F., No. 277Sqn.—This officer has flown on a number of rescue sorties over the Straits-of Dover and theChannel, and has been instrumental in rescuing seven survivors from crashed planes. In Decem-ber, 1942, when off Dnngeness, he was attacked by a Fw 190, but although his aircraft wasdamaged, he successfully evaded the attacker and landed safely at base. On another occasion he.persevered with a search despite heavy fire from the German ground defences. In February, 1943,be flew to within five miles of Le Treport, brought his aircraft down on to the sea, and rescues aCanadian pilot who had been shot down three hours previously. The visibility was deterioratingfast, but he succeeded in a rescue which typified the skill, courage and resourcefulness invariablyexhibited by this officer. Act. Fit. I.t. H. D. VENABLES. R.A.F.V.R., No.418 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This officer has taken part in 30 sorties, including a number of attacks onairfields in Holland, Belgium and France. In attacks cm lines of communication and installa-tions, Fit. Lt. Venables has damaged numeroa* locomotives and storage tanks by machine gacfire. F/O. J. M. BBYAN. R.A.F.V.R.., No. 137 Sqn.—This officer has taken part in a' large number of sorties and patrols. On one occasion heassisted in the destruction of a Do 217. In attacks on enemy transport in Northern Franceand Belgium. F/O. Bryan has damaged 15 loi-o- motives. ^ Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)Fit. Sgt. G. F. DOVE. D.F.M., No 101 Sqn, Sgt- 1. H. HAZAED, NO. 101 Sqn. Sgt. \V. E. WILLIAMS. NO. 101 Sqn. Sgt. J. F. BAIN, NO. 101 Sqn. Sgt. L. AXEEV, No. 101 Sqn. For citations see P/O. GATES.Fit. Sst. G. ASHPLANT, No. 166 Sqn.—One night in February. 1343. Fit. Sgt. Ashplant. after snecessftilly coninirtiiig an operational sortie nn I.orient, was returning to bnw when, while overtills country, his aircraft taint- into collision wilh a Halifax bomber. As a result his aircraft wa.1^i-overely damaged. Both engines were torn frum (heir bearer.s. the front turret and the undersideof the nose were completely ripped off, the bomb aimer's parachute stowage and parachute werecarried away, and both propellers were missing. The aircraft went> out of control into a spin.Regaining control, however. Fit. Sgt. Ashplant. pave liis parachute to the bomb Rimer and orderedihe crew to abandon the aircraft. By a fine dis play of airmanship and determination ho managedlo make a crash-landing with the remains of his bomber, without personal injury. Sgt. E. W. TICKLER, NO. 49 Sqn.—One night inFebruary, 1943, Fit. Sgt. Matthews and Lowans and Sgt. Silvester were members of the crew ofan aircraft captained by Sgt. Tickler, which was detailed for a mine-laying mission. When wellon the outward flight an armed ship opened fire on the aircraft and the rear turret was hit, butthe captain proceeded on his course. Visibility in the target area was poor and Sgt. Tickler hadto bring the aircraft down to 700 feet to locate the objective. Whilst at this height, during thecommencement of its attacking run the aircraft was engaged by the ground defences. A numberof anti-aircraft guns opened fire whilst it was held in the searchlights and the bomber was hit in thnnavigator's compartment, the rear turret, the pilot's coo,J:pit and in the port wing. The flight,engineer was severely wounded in the head and became unconscious. Sgt. Tickler was hit in theleft shoulder and side, becoming so dazed that he almost lost control of the aircraft, which com-menced to dive. Sgt. Matthews, with great promptitude, however, pulled back the controlcolumn and brought the aircraft back to a height of 700 feet. Displaying great fortitude, Sgt.Tickler kept to his course and the mines were dropped in the correct, place. Not until this wasaccomplished did he inform his comrades of his injuries. On the return night, although his leftarm wa.s entirely useless, he remained at the con- trols, being greatly assisted by Fit. Sgt. Lowanand Sgt. Silvester, who did everything possible to mitigate his task. Meanwhile. FH. Sgt. Matthewsdisplayed great navigational ability and. although deprived of all wireless aid, he set courses whichenabled his captain to reach an airfield in this country. Despite his injuries, Set. Tickler effecteda perfect landing before collapsing over the con- trols. Distinguished Flying Medal Fit. Sgt. W. L. HAEVET, R.N.Z.A.F.. No. 149Sqn.—For' citation see F/O. DTUnimond. Sgt. J. EDWABDS, NO. 142 Sqn.L.A/C. J. A. SKIRGSLEY, NO. 142 Sqn. For citation see Sqn. Ldr. BOOTH.Fit Sgt. J. L. MATTHEWS, R.C.A.F., Jio. <?e Sqn.; Fit Sgt. E. J. LOWASS. R.C.A.F., No. 49Squ.; and 8gt. G. B. SILVESTER, NO. 49 Sqn.— For citations see flgt. Tickler.Fit Sgt. J. E. WATEKHOUSE. NO. 178 Sqn.— Fit. Sgrt. Waternouse has taken pan in numeroussorties, some of which were completed in daylight. In September, 1942, following an attack on ship-ping, his aircraft was attacked by enemy aircraft. In the ensuing engagement, Fit. Sgt. Waterhousegave his captain dear evading directions, white his skilful control of the aircra.lt's fire powerenabled its gunners to beat off eight attacks. One day in October. 1942. he flew in 1he leading air-craft of a bomber formation which attacked a. <-on- *©y. The formation •was attacked by enemyfighters before and .after bombinp the target. Dur- ing the flights. Fit. Sgt. Waterhouse displayedgreat confidence, directing the fire of the forma- tion with skill. In all, nine attacks were beaten..ft ami one enemv aircraft shot down. Some na\$ later, this airman's excellent wmi; i "titribuUMhiateriuU.v to iho safety <it his am-inn wlwn j[ wn> subjected to enemy fighter attacksSgt. .1. 0. BARKLEY, NO. 150 Sqn.—Sgt.. Barklr-v !ias participated in many successful or>erationalsorties against targets such as Duisbtirg, Frank- furt and Hamburg, in addition to attacks onobjectives in Tunisia. He has always co-operated efficiently with his captain and crew while inthe air, often in trying circumstances. On one occasion, over Duisburg, his aircraft was inter-cepted by a night fighter. Hits from Sgt. Bark- iey's guns were observed, which probably defitrovodthe fighter. At other times he has been of gnat assistance in giving accurate reports of nightfighters and anti-aircraft fire in the vicinity, so enabling his captain to take successful evasiveaction. Sgt. W. KELLY, NO. 150 Sqn. (since deceased).— This airman is a navigator whose efficiency and coolness have set a fine example to his comrades.Although his first sortie ended in a crash land- ing, he continued his first tour of duty unper-turbed, and took part in attacks on the most heavily defended objectives in Germany, Italyand Tunisia. On completing his first tour, he continued operational duties without a breakFit. Sgt. F. P. DENMAN, NO. 142 Squ.—Fit. Sgt. Denman has flown on many successful opira-Uonal sorties, displaying steadiness and deter- mination which have made lum. a valuable mem-ber of aircraft crew. On two occasions his tech- nical skill in obtaining wireless aid in adverseweather largely contributed to the safe return of his aircraft.Fit. Sgt. T. E. JONSSON, No. Ill Sqn.—Fit. Sgt., Jonsson is a courageous and skilful pilotwho has taJcen part in many sorties over enemy territory, in the course of which lie has destroyedthree enemy aircraft and damaged others. An agreement being signed whereby Canada agrees to pay the costs of the 35 R.C.A.F. squadrons, formed or to be formed, for service with the R.A.F. and also those of all R.C.A.F. personnel serving in the R.A.F. Left to right: Group Capt. C. F. G. Rogers, The Right Hon. Vincent Massey, Canadian High Commissioner ; Sir J. B. Abraham, Deputy Under-Secretary of State for Air ; Sir A. Sinclair, Air Minister. * THE KING has been graciously pleased to ap-prove the following awards in recognition oldistinguished service with the Royal Air Force: — Air Force Cross Wing Cdr. J. C. McE. GIBB, R.A.F.O.Wing Cdr. R. C. MEAD, D.F.C. Aet. Wing Cdr. T. C. CHAMBERS. R.A.F.O.Sqn. Ldr. E. A. BEATJMONT. Sqn. Ldr. O B. HALL.Sqn. Ldr. R. HAWKINS, M.C., R.A.F.O. Sqn. Ldr. J. F. BUTTON, R.A.F.OAct. Sqn. Ldr. E. H. IRVING, R.A.F.V.R Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. KOESDORFPEE, E.A.I-". V.R.Act. Sqn. Ldr. R. B. LOED. Act. Sqn. Ldr. H. F. MARCOU. Act. Sqn. Ldr. A. P. PESKETT.Fit. Lt. H. D. BlSLCY. Fit. Lt. A. J. BLAYNEY, A.A.F.Fit. Lt P. C. Cox, R.A.F.V.R. Fit. Lt. F. W. H. DARLINGTON, R.A.F.V.R.Fit. Lt. G H. HADLAND, R.A.F.V.R. Fit. Lt. F. HOLT, R.A.F.V.R.Fit. Lt. G. T. JAMES, R.A.F.V.R. Fit. Irt. H. JOSEPH, R.A.A.F.Fit. it. E. N LEWIS, A.F.M. Fit. Lt. C. W. LOFTHOUSK, R.A.F.V.R*Fit. Lt W. M. MACKAY, R.A.F.V.R. Fit. Lt. S. J. MANSELL. Fit. Lt. A. G. SMITH.Fit. Lt. G V. VAUGHAN, R.A.F.V.R. Fit. Lt. A. L. WOODE.F/O. H. H. CHANDLER. D.F.M., R.A.F.V.R. P/O. K. H. RITCHIE. R.A.F.V.R.Air Force Medal Sgt. A. L. FREEMAN. Sgt, H. A. de FEEITAS. Sft. H. SMART. RoU of Honour Casualty Communique JVo. 227.THE Air Ministry regret to annonnce the fol- lowing "casualties on various dates. Thenext of kin have been informed. Casualties in action" are due to flying operations against th*enemy; " on active service" includes ground casualties due to enemy action, n<m-<jperati mai'flving casualties, fatal accidents and liaturiil deaths.Of the names in this list 75 are second mitirs giving later information of casualties jiubli^ ie<lin earlier lists. Royal Air Force KILLED IN ACTION.—Sgt. D. Booker; Sgi. T.Bows; P/O. R Flood; F/O. G'. B. Herbert; Sgt. A B. Langeland; Sgt. J. R. Mace; Sgt. A.Mar km; Sgt. J. E. Partos; Sgt. W. Kutti; Sgi. <;. R Taylor; Sgt. F. Tomkins; A.C.2 I). -UWinter. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING. BELIEVU' KILLED IN ACTION, NOW PRESL'MED KILLED INACTION.—Sgt. E. F. Burrell; Sgt. W. .1 Davit*: Act Wing Cdr. B. Finncane. D.S.O , D.F.C.; Sfi.,T. H. Garland; Sgt. I. B. Griffiths; W.'O. S. .A. l^evenson; Sgt. G. B. Melton; Sgt. J. L. Morri";Fit. Sgt. S. S. Newcombe; Sgt. A. E. Richard*'!.; Sgt. L. C. Tillin; Sgt. P. A. Walker; TO. R-Wesi/on. PREVIOPSLV REPORTED MISSING, NOW PRE- SUMED KILLED IN ACTION.—P/O. J. Antoim•:Sgt. R. W. Beales; Sgt. L. F. G. Boreham; SL'! P. C. J. Brain; Sgt. R. A. Brown; Sgt. .). "Butcher; F/O. F. M. Davis; Sgt. C. G. E. I>..i> We; Sgt. B. R. Diion; Sgt. J. R. Elheringtcn;Sgt. J. H. G. Garrick; Sgt. C. E. Goldring; Fit- Spt. A. O. Graham; Sqn. Ldr. N. D. Guthnr;¥ O D. W. Halt*; P/O. F. Hancock: Sgt. F. A. Hayes; Sst. "M. <J. Killingbeck; Sgt. F. II. I*Vai'-k; SRI.. A. Logie; Fit. Sgt. J. C. MPV:IVU: Hfri. A. J Millar; Sgt. T. ,T. Naish; F1L gg*. i:Ntnl, D.F.M.; PO. H. ('. NicholSmith; W.O. J. A Nutt; Fit. Sgt. F. D. L. Oakwell; Act. I'.1-
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