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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 1460.PDF
592 FLIGHT JUNE 3RD, 1943 SERVICE AVIATION an attack on enemy shipping, Sqn. Ldr. Pitt-Brown destroyed one enemy fighter in air combat. F;O. F. W. GUY, R.A.F.V.R.—Beiore joininghis present unit, this officer was a pilot in a bomber squadron which operated in Libya andalso in Burma. Since April, 1942, he has parti- cipated in numerous sorties, flying throughoutthe monsoon period, and completing all his duties most efficiently. Distinguished Flying Medal Sgt. L. L. ANDERSON, NO. 426 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—For citation see P/O. LASKEV, D.F.C. Fit. BgL H. J. OCoNNOB, R.C.A.F., and Sgt.J. W. E. GAYLOR, both oJ No. 15 8qn.—One night in April, 1943, these airmen were captain widmid-upper gunner ot an aircraft which attacked a target in Germany. On the return flight theaircraft was attacked by three enemy fighters. Eaily in the combat the bomber was hit by theenemy's fire. One engine was damaged, while both the front and rear turrets were rendered unser-viceable. Despite this, Fit. Sgt. O'Connor coolly and skilfully manoeuvred his aircrait, enablinghis gunners to deliver effective bursts o! fire. Sgt. Gaylor, who used his guns with great skill, shotdown one of the enemy aircraft. Sgt. R. E. TOD, R.C.A.F., No. 75 (N.Z.) Sqn —This airman was the wireless operator of an air- craft which was damaged by anti-aircraft fireduring an operational flight over enemy terri- tory. The aircraft gradually lost height and thepilot was eventually compelled to brine it down on to the sea. Meanwhile Sgt. Tod coolly workedat his apparatus, maintaining wireless contact with base. His excellent work enabled the aircraft tobe continuously plotted from the ground, and plans for rescue to be made. The entire crew ofthe aircraft were picked up within 15 minutes oi coming down on to the sea. Sgt. L. I. THOMAS, NO. 405 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This airman, who has taken part in 24 operational missions, is an air gunner oi high merit. Onseveral occasions, when his aircraft has been attacked by enemy fighters, his accurate shootinghas driven them off. In September, 1942, he shot down one ol three Ju 88s which attempted toattack his aircraft. One night in March, 194J, duTing an operation against Duisburg, his aircraitwas intercepted by an enemy fighter which attempted to attack from close range. Coolly andtkilfupy, Sgt. Thomas delivered telling bursts of fire, causing the attacker to break away with itsengine on fire. 8gt. J. WAEDLE, NO. 207 Sqn.—Throughout hisperiod ol operations, .Sgt. Wardle has displayed great kaennesm and enthusiasm as air gunner.He has been tireless in his efforts to improve his own efficiency in order to further the achieve-ments of his captain and crew. Sgt. S. S. WAENOCK, NO. 207 Sqn.—As captainof aircraft, this airman has invariably displayed exceptional keenness and enthusiasm for hisduties and has proved himself efficient and valu able on operations. Sgt. W. A. WILLIAMS, NO. 115 Sqn.—Through-out his operational career Sgt. Williams has dis- played marked efficiency. He has never experi-enced difficulties with his equipment or been at a loss for the correct operational signals to em-ploy even in the most adverse oircnuistarcrpe Sgt. A. A. MELLIN, NO. 419 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—One night in February, 1943, this airman was the navigator of an aircraft detailed for a mine-laying mission, off the Frisian Islands. In the course of the 'operation an enemy fighter engagedthe aircraft, raking its fuselage with machine gun fire. The flight engineer and the rear*gunner werekilled, while Sgt Mellin was hit in the leg by a bullet which caused a compound fracture of thefibia and tibia bones. Despite the severity of his injuries "this airman assumed the duties of theflight engineer while other Biembera ol the crew were quelling flames which had broken out in thebomb bay. He afterwards returned to his navi- gational duties, proving of great assistance to hispilot who flew the damaged aircraft to an airfield in this country. Although be had lost much bloodand was in intense pain, it was only when the aircraft was about to be landed that Sgt. Mellinwould consent to leave his post. Fit. Sgt. L. D. BOWMAN, NO. 178 Sqn.-,1'hisairman has participated in rumerous operational sorties, including eight daylight attacks on well-defended targets. In September, 1942, while taking part in a shipping strike, his aircraft wasintercepted by an enemy fighter and damaged. The mid-upper turret was disabled and the beamgunner wounded. Fit. Sgt. Bowman continued to fire from the reai turret until his guns alsowere put out of action. On another occasion the formation in which Fit. Sgt. Bowman was flying•was subjected to nine attacks by enemy fighters. His coolness and the accuracy of his fire helpedin the destruction of at least one enemy aircraft. Fit. Sgt. B. H. Burnt, No. 178 Sqn.—Through-out many operational flights, Fit. Sgt. Burr has proved himself to be a highly reliable and re-sourceful navigator. In June, 1942, he played an important part in an attack on an Italian navalforce in the Mediterranean. Later in June, 1942, when detailed to attack motor transport concen-trations behind enemy lines, his aircraft was attacked by enemy night fighters. Although oneengine in the aircraft was pnt out o£ action and one gunner was killed and anotheT wounded, thetarget was bombed successfully. This airman before joining this squadron took part in numerousoperational sorties over European targets, includ- ing three successful attacks on Berlin. 56 Sorties Fit. Set. D. B. CAMPBELL, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 178Sqn.—Wnen flying on night intruder patrols over North-Western Europe, Fit. Sgt. Campbell com-pleted 22 operational sorties. Since joining this squadron he has taken part in a further 34sorties, ten of which have been daylight attacks. During one of these operations against an enemyconvoy in the Mediterranean, the formation in which Fit. Sgt. Campbell was flying as reargunner was repeatedly attacked by fighters. His cool and accurate gunnery greatly contributedtoward> beating off all these attacks. The enemy lost one aircxoJt. Fit. Sgt. F. M. H. HENDERSON, R.N.Z.A.F., No.178 Sqn.—In October, 1942, this airman took part in a daylight operation against shipping.Throughout the action, when attacked by enemy fighters, he maintained an accurate fire andgreatly assisted the lire controller with an admir- ably tool commentary on the enemy's movements.On a later date in October, 1942, he participated in a similar sortie in an equally praiseworthymanner, sharing in the destruction of an enemy aircraft Fit. Sgt H. J. WILMER, No. 406 (R.C.A.F.)Son —TtiU a.rnna-n has completed many attacks Mr. R. A. Lovett (left), U.S. Assistant Secretary of War, and Brie Gen F O'D Hunter, who commands the 8th U.S. A.A.F. Fighter Command. Mr. Lovett is touring all the American air bases in Britain. . on the eneaiy. He has co-operated with his pilotin the destruction of three enemy aircraft. Fit. Sgt. Wilmer has invariably displayed the greatestcourage and devotion to duty Sgt. R. F. ATSDEBSON, R.A.A.F., No. 150 Sqn.—One night when flying over Sicily his aircraft was hit and one of the fuel tanks caught fire.This airman promptly extinguished the flames which enabled his captain to fly the damaged air-craft back to base, where an emergency landing was successfully accomplished.Sgt. R. V. BANKS, R.A.AJP., NO. 178 Sqn.— Sgt, Banks has participated as fire controller innine daylight eorties. During an attack on ship- ping at Benghazi in July, 1942, the formation inwhich he was flying was broken up by heavy anti- aircraft fire. Sgt. Banks coolly directed the fireof his aircrait, which was then "subjected to con- centrated enemy fighter attacks. Owing to hisskill one enemy aircrait was shot down. He theu assisted in repairing holed petrol tanks, thusenabling the aircrait to reach friendly territory ; Sgt. D. K. BBEABHY, NO. 150 Sqn.—Sgt, Brearey>has taken part in operational sorties over G«r. many, Italy and Tunisia. This airman's coolnessand courage under fire were well displayed when on one occasion over Essen his aircraft wasattacked by a Me 110. Sgt. Brearey beat ott the attack, giving his captain excellent directions. Sgt. J. G. H'AVDEN, No. 142 Sqn.—During thelast six months Sgt. Hayden has participated in a number of operational sorties during whichhe has obtained some excellent photographs. Sgt. llayden has set a magnificent example. Sgt. W. E. LAHCHBERBY, NO. 150 Sqn.—Bgt.Lanchberry has completed many operational sorties over Germany, Italy and Tunisia. Hisability is outstanding and he has invariably set an excellent example oi keenness and efficiency Sgt. J. C, LEPINE, R.C.A.F., No. 150 Sqn.—This airman participated in operations over Europe before being posted to North Africa. Hehas proved himself to be an efficient wireless operator and has fully contributed to the suc-cesses achieved by his crew. Sgt. M. PENMAN, NO. 150 Sqn.—Sgt. Penmanlisrs taken part in many operational sorties over Germany, Italy and Tunisia* He has alwayspressed home his attacks with great determina- tion and courage, achieving excellent results. Onone occasion, over Germany, Sgt. Penman's air- craft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and badlydamaged, but with skill and resolution lie flew the aircraft safely back to base. Fit. Sgt: A. GUNN, No. 101 Sqn.—Due nightin April, 1943, this airman was the wireless opera- tor of an aircrait which attacked Essen. On thereturn flight, when nearing the Dutch coast, the aircraft was subjected to intense anti-aircraftfire and sustained much damage. The rear gun- ner was badly wounded, but, regardless of theimminent danger, Fit. Sgt. Gunn went to his comrade's assistance and rendered first aid afterextricating him from the turret. Fit. Sgt. Gunn thsn tkilfuily repaired the damaged wirelessapparatus, afterwards obtaining fisea wtieb proved of much assistance in directing his cap-tain on the homeward flight. Sgt. R. A. HOWORTH, No 104 Sqn.—One nightin March, 1943, this airman was the second pilot of an aircraft which was engaged on a bomb-ing sortie. Whilst over the target area the bomber was attacked by an enemy aircraft, andsustained damage. Sgt. Howorth coolly assisted his captain in an attempt to fly the aircraft tobase, but its engines were ba,dly damaged and their efforts proved unavailing. The aircraftcame down on to the sea and broke up when it crashed against a rock. Although he was badlyinjured, Sgt. Howorth was mainly instrumental in getting his captain ashore, where he madeprolonged efforts in an endeavour to resuscitate him. Me 210 and Ju 88s Sgt. B. P. O. WATSON, NO. 608 Sqn.—In recentmonths Sgt. Watson has made lour very creditable attacks on submarines, one of which was by nightin bad weather. He has also participated in two encounters with Ju 88s, in the course of whichhe and his crew displayed splendid team work and cool efficiency. Again in February, L943, this air-man twice attacked and damaged" a Me 210 while at the same time his rear gunner was engaged inan action with a Ju 88. Sgt. W. MILLWASD, No. 69 Sqn.—In March,1S43, tnis airman was the wireless operator of an aircraft which, during a flight off the coast ofItaly, was engaged by two enemy fighters. In the ensuing combat the aircraft sustained muchdamage and the rear gunner was wounded. Dis- playing great promptitude. Sgt. Millward extri-cated his comrade from the cockpit and then took his place at the guns. Coolly and skilfully hefought off the attackers, shooting one of them down before he was injured and his guns rendereduseless. Althou^^i the inter-communication system was unserviceable, Sgt. Millward succeededHI giving directions which enabled his pilot to take the necessary evading action.Fit. Sgt. R. J. CARSON, R.A.A.F., No. 166 Sqn. —Fit. Sgt. Carson has completed 24 sorties.Whilst over Mannheim one night his aircraft was illuminated by searchlights, but he skilfullyevaded them to complete hia attack from a low level. On the return flight th« bomber was hitand severely damaged by anti aircraft fire. Dis- playing great skill and resource, Fit. Sgt. Carsonflew the aircraft safely to base. Fit. Sgt. J. A. HOATHEB, No. 58 Sqn.—In April.1943, this airman captained an aircraft detailed to search for a German merchant vessel, escortedby four destroyerB and a number of aircraft. He successfully located the convoy, reporting theposition, and then, in spite oi the formidable opposition, continued to shadow it. Although
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