FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1943
1943 - 1258.PDF
512 FLIGHT MAY 13x11, < -ngM fire. while aome oil in the cockpit alsocnught alight. Just as the pilot had decided that the damaged aircraft should be abandonedthe English coast was sighted, so he struggled on. Meanwhile, Fit. Sgt. Carder coolly sent out dis-tress signals, and fired Very cartridges intermit- tently to attract the attention of people on shore.He eaided the pilot to the lowest part of a cliff, which was crossed safely, and a crash-landingeffected on an airfield. On impact the aircraft Imrst into flames, bat both Fit. Sgt. Corder andhis pilot were able to jump clear. Distinguished Flying Medal Sgt. J. W. T. M. SMITH, NO. 408 (K.C.A.F.)Squ.—For citation see Sqn. Ldr. Gilmore. Fit. Sgt. R. E. TAYLOB, R.C.A.F., No. 420I R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—One night in February, 1943, 1 his airman was the pilot oi an aircraft detailedto attack Wilhelrashaven. Although the constant speed units of one of the propellers became un-serviceable early on the outward journey, Fit. Sgt. Taylor flew on to the target and bombed it.Shortly afterwards, trouble developed in the port engine, while the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraftfire and went out of control. Fit. Sgt. Taylor quickly regained control and, a few minutes laterwhen the bomber was attacked by an enemy fighter, he skilfully evaded its fire and enabledhis own rear gunner to deliver a damaging burst. Sometime later, the port engine ceased to functionbut Fit. Sgt. Taylor sneceeded in flying the dam- aged aircraft back to this countrySgt. W. BRAZILL. NO. ISO Sqn.—One night in September, 1942. Sgt. Brazill was the navigatorof an aireraft engaged on an operational mission In hazardous circumstances, his courage, fortitudeand devotion to duty were of the highest OTder. Fit. Sgt. R. D. ROBERTS, NO. 158 Sqn.—Onenight in March, 1943, this airman captained an aircraft detailed to attack Nuremburg. Whilstsome distance from the target, on the outward flight, one of the port-engines failed. Despite this.Fit. Sgt. Roberts continued his mission. Con- siderable height had been lost by the time thetarget was reached but, in the face of heavy anti- aircraft fire, this captain pressed home a vigorousattack. After the bombs were released the bomb doors jammed. The aircraft began to lose heightbut. some 15 minutes later, Fit. Sgt. Roberts sue ceeded in getting the doors closed. Displayingsuperb airmanship, he eventually flew the aircraft safely to base with three engines.Fit. Sgt. J. A. J. BARSALOU. R.C.A.F., No. 10 Sqn.—One night in March, 1943, this airman wastoe rear gunner of an aircraft which attacked Essen. When nearing the target area the bomberwas subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire, and its fuselage wag pierced in 18 places. The rearturret was riddled and Fit. Sgt Barsalou was severely wounded, but refrained from informinghis captain, who went on to bomb the objective. A few minutes later, when his captain once moreenquired if he was all right. Fit. Sgt. Barsalou gave a reassuring reply and warned him of thepresence of an enemy fighter. It was shaken off and a member of the crew was ordered to investi-gate the rear turret. Fit. Sgt. Barsalou was then found slumped over his guns and the turret amass of blood. He had received severe shrapnel wounds. Although in great pain, very weak andbleeding profusely, he attempted to minimise hi? injuries and insisted that he could bear up untilthe English coast was reached. When the aircraft was finally landed Fit. Sgt. Barsalou was rushedto hospital. Sgt. D, C. USHER. NO. 145 Sqn.—Sgt. Usher hascompleted 70 sorties. One day in January, 1943, he took part in an engagement against nineMacehi 200's, covered by six Me 109's. In the combat. Sgt. Usher engaged the Messerscbmitts.breaking ap their attacks and shooting one of them down. Thus, the rest of his formation wereenabled to press home their attacks on the Macchi's, four of which were destroyed. S?t.Usner has taken part in many low level attarks on ground targets, gunning them with tellingeffect; he has also destroyed a .Ju 87 in combat. Fit. Sgt. M. MABMENT, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 408(R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This airman, who has completed twenty-five sorties, is a gallant and determinedcaptain. One night in March, 1943, he captained an aircraft detailed to attack Stuttgart. On thereturn flight the bomber was engaged by an enemy fighter and sustained severe damage. Twoengines were put out of action, but, displaying superb airmanship. Fit. Sgt. Marment flew thebomber to an airfield in this country. Fit. Sgt, A. L. Ross, R.C.A.F., No. 408(R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Sgt. Ross has taken part in thirty sorties against a wide range of enemytargets. He is ' a fine operational captain . who invariably presses homo bis attacks with greatdetermination. Sgt. K. R. BURTON. NO. 214 Sqn.-One nightin March, 1943, this airman was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Stuttgart. On theoutward flight • one engine in the bomber failed. The target was still 150 miles distant, but Sgt.Burton continued his flight and eventually bombed his target from a low level. On thereturn flight Sgt. Burton was unable to maintain height above 3,000 feet, and there was the pos-sibility of the petrol becoming exhausted, but he finally succeeded in flying the aircraft backto base. Sgt. H. E. PABRAT, NO. 408 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This airman has flown on thirty operational mis- sions as wireless operator. On one occasion inFebruary, 1943, the aircraft in which he was flying was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire.Sgt. Parrat skilfully obtained radio fixes which enabled bin pilot to set a course for base.Sgt. J. M. J. SMITH, NO. 218 Sqn.—In March, 1943, this airman was the wireless operator ofan aircraft which attacked Nrrremburg. On the return flight, whilst still over enemy territory, the compass became unserviceable, and whrnSgt. Smith obtained a fix by means of his wire less apparatus, it was apparent that the aircraftwas well off. its course. Petrol was running low, but more good work by Sgt. Smith, whospeedily obtained homing fixes, enabled the pilot to set the correct course and, eventually, toreach an airfield near the coast, where a landing was effected almost as the petrol became ex-hausted. Fk. Sgt. W. F. BUNTING, NO. 150 Sqn.-Flt.Sgt. Bunting has completed 40 operational sorties. At all times he has displayed the utmost devotionto duty, and by his efficiency as bomb aimer a*id gunner has fully contributed to the successfulresults attained by his crew. Fit. Sgt. U. E. DELANY, lt.C.A.F., No. 142 Sqn.—This airman has completed 31 operational sorties as a rear gunner, and by his steady and skilfulmethod of guiding his pilot through heavy ground defences has contributed in no small measure tothe successes achieved. One night in May. 1942, Fit. Sgt. Delany was a member of a crew detailedto attack Stuttgart. Whilst over the target area the bomber was attacked by an enemy night fighter.Fit. Sgt. Delany drove off the first atack, and directed his pilot in the subsequent evasive tactics,which resulted in the engagement being broken off, and enabled the mission to be successfullycompleted. Fit. Sgt. A. DRABBLE, NO. 150 Sqn.—This airmanhas completed many operational missions. Invari- ably he has displayed the utmost keenness, -whilehis technical skill as wireless operator has mate- rially contributed to the many successes achievedby his crew. Sgt. L. W. MATHEWS, R.C.A.F., No. 150 Sqn.—This airman li-i- completed 31 operational sortie SERV FRONT VIEW : Attending to the Packard-built Merlin XXVHI in a Curtiss P.40 Warhawk. over Germany, ltily and Tunisia. He has invari-ably pressed home his attacks witjh courage and determination, and has obtained many excellentphotographs. On one occasion when taking part in an operation over Sicily, his aircraft sustaineddamage, and his rear gunner received wounds which proved fatal. Sgt. Mathews brought hisdamaged aircraft cafely back, landing with hit wounded comrade at an airfield where hospitalattention was available. Fit. Sgt. A. E. HOENE, R.A.A.F., No. 405(R.C A.F.) Sqn.—In all the operations in which lie has participated, Fit. Sgt. Home has dis-played untiring devotion to duty. On one occa- sion he was flying in an aircraft which wasshadowing an enemy convoy when it was attacked by two Ju 88s. Du-ing the enduing action thisairman calmly put up a stout defence, and by the expert use of his gons made a valuable con-tribution to the success of the encounter. One of the enemy aircraft was destroyed and theother damaged a«d probably destroyed. THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the following awards: — George Medal F/O. H. D. LINE, R.C.A.F.—In January, 1943,F/O. Link was the rear gunner of an aircraft which crashed a few miles away from an airfieldand caught fire. Although thrown clear of tho wreckage, this officer sustained injuries to hisback and was badly cut about the head and face. Disregarding his injuries and the danger from tx-ploding ammunition, petrol tanks and oxygen bottles, F/O. Link immediately proceeded toassist other members of the crew who were trapped in the blazing wreckage. By his heroicefforts he succeeded in releasing two of his com- panions, and it \va= not until the flames lierametoo fierce that he abandoned his rescue efforts Sgt A. L. EASTWICK.—In November, 1345Sgt. Eastwick was the wireless operator of an aj r;craft which crashed and burst into flames. He managed to get dear of the burning bomber butfinding that the bomb aimer was injured and trapped. Sgt. Eastwick re-entered the blazing air.craft, liy this time the flares and petrol tanks were exploding. Despite this and the danger fromthe ammunition, which was liable to explode at any moment, Sgt. Eastwick successfully extricatedthe bomb aimer and then assisted in the rescue of the rear gunner, who was also injured. Cpl. G. REES. NO. 89 Sqn.—In June, 1942. anaircraft crashed and the petrol caught fire. Cpl. Rees, on being informed that the rear gunnerwas still in the aircraft, immediately went to the rescue, although fully aware that it was loadedwith bombs. He searched the interior of the air. craft, although, in fact, the rear gunner had beenthrown clear and killed. On another occasion in November, 1942, when a fire occurred in the wingof an aircraft and caused an explosion, Cpl. Reea obtained a fire extinguisher, Jumped on the wine,and succeeded in putting out the flames, which were around the petrol tank«. His gallant actionsaved a valuable aircraft. Finally, in Decem- ber, 1942. whilst he was ' engaged with a partyin refuelling an aircraft an attack was made by enemy fighter bombers. In the midst of a hailof cannon and machine-gun fire Cpl. Heea started the engine and drove the bowser away from theaircraft he was refuelling. A/C.2 V. S. MARSH.—One morning in Decem-ber, 1942, A/C. Marsh was engaged on a routine inspection of a marine craft refueller, when anexplosion occurred in the engine room. One ol his companions was severely burned and blinded.Disregarding the flames, A/C Marsh made his «ny into the engine room and. after several attempts,he succeeded" in dragging the airman to safety He then returned to the engine room and closed al!portholes and batches, thus localising the tire. The courage and devotion to dnty displayed byA/C. Marsh undoubtedly saved his companions life and prevented the refueller from becoming atotal loss. B.E.M. (Mil.) L.A/C. K. G. COLES, RA.F.-One nisbt inDecember, 1942, L.A/C. Coles was undergoing training as a navigator in an aircraft detailed fora navigation exercise. The aircraft crashed into the top of a hill and all members of the crewwere seriously injured. L.A/C. Coles, although suffering intense pain and being very weak,having sustained a compound fracture of the left arm with multiple abrasions and severe shock,dragged one of his helpless comrades out of the aircraft and clear of the wreckage. He thanassisted the remaining two airaicu to safety. During the whole of this time there was a gravedanger of fire due to escaping petrol. Roll of Honour Casualty Ceminvnique No. 230 THE Air Ministry regrets to announce the fol-lowing casualties on various dates. 1 be nrxtof kin have been informed. Casualties " in action are due to flying operations agarast the enemy;" on active service includes grormd casualties due to enemy action, non-operational flying casual-ties, fatal accidents and nataral deaths. Of the names in this list 78 are second entriesgiving later information of casualties published in earlier lists. Royal Air Force KILLED IS ACTION.-F/O. S. B. De Mier; Cpl. F. .T. G. Miller. PHEVIOUSLY KEPOBTED MISSING. BELIEVED KILLED IN ACTION, NOW PRESUMED KILLED INACTION.-Sgt. L. T. Baker; P/O. J. F. Berkett. D.F.M.; Sgt. F. Coulson; Fit. Lt. W. -I Ev.art;P/O. G. Gascoyne, D.F.M.; Sgt. J. IL Ilactett; Sgt. A. J. Harrison; Sgt. B. T. Haylock; FitSgt. J. T. Healey; Set. W. Jackson; Ht. Sgt. G. E. Lawrence; P/O. C. Lewis; P/O. R. A.Minchin; Sgt. B. D Moss; Sgt. H. J. Oily; Fit. Lt. H. G. Pilling; P/O. J. F. V. Saundcrs; P/O.R. Scrtven; Fit. Sgt. D. R. Stuart; Sgt. J. « Thompson; Sgt. R. L. Trustram. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING, NOW PRE-SUMED KILLED IN AcTiON.-Sgt. H. C. Andrews; P/O. C. H. Beet; Sgt. A. F. Blencowe; P.'O-E. A. Bowker; Sgt. H. B, Bnllen; Set. 8- <•*•'"*"• Bgt. W. B. Eastwood; Sgt. F. OK. Etvers; Sg-A. A. Fersuson; Sgt. J. V. Gardner: ?/O. I). *• Garland; Sgt. .T. B. Gower; Sgt. W. LSray; Sgt.S. H. Harle; Sgt. W. Heltiwelf; Act. Wing Ur. P. W. Lvnch-Blosse, D.F.C.; Act. Fit. Lt. C. s. £.McCIurc'D.F.C; F/O. D. G. MacKay; P/O. J- M. Marchington; Fit. Lt. D. E. Milebam; Sgt- J-Moores; Sgt. A. Moth; Sgt. D. W. Musgroyf. Sgt. K. 8 Preston; Fit. Sgt. J. Rogers; 1 /«•H. P: Rose; Sgt. D. M. Sharp; P/O. J. M- «• Somerville; Sgt. W. R. West; Sgt. V. P- »•Wheaton. Orf.MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED IN ACTION-»«'• G. W. Armer; Sgt. C. Avery; Sgt. W. D. Bowmen,Sgt. D. B. Care; Sgt. D. A. Crofts; P/O.. K- »• Ellis; Act. Sqn. Mr. J. L. Fletcher. I>-*-«:'Sgt. J. Howe; Fit. Sgt. H. S. Howlam.j » A. L. Hyrons; Sgt. D. Kelly; Sgt. J. <-•• L^frSgt. W. A. Martin; Fit. Sgt. J. j!ie<"]'• J, na-H. L. Meller; Sgt. G. A. Moss; Sgt. R- A. «"njy Sgt. J. C. Paton; Sgt. D. W. Perch; Sgt. U - "•
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
