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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 1771.PDF
JULY 8TH, 1943 FLIGHT s» tione at night. He has destroyed three enemyaircraft. Act. Wing C(ir. E. G. L. MILLINOXON, NO. 225Sqn.—This officer participated in operations in North Africa and displayed courage, keenness anddevotion to duty worthy of high praise. His per- sonal example and skilful leadership have contri-buted materially to the operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. Act. Sqn. Ldr. E. L. BEVEBELV. NO. 13 Sqn.—This officer has completed twenty-nine sorties. He is a most efficient flight commander whosefine qualities and tireless efforts have proved in- spiring.Act. Sqn. Ldr. A. W. ELIER. R.A.F.V.R., No. 18 Sqn—This officer has participated in twenty-nine sorties During the campaign in North Africa he has undertaken many sorties both byday and night, often in difficult circumstances. On one occasion, during a daylight operation inDecember, 1942, his aircraft was hit and set on fire in an engagement against enemy fighters.Despite this, he effected a skilful forced landing. Undeterred by a trying experience, Sqn. Ldr.Eller quickly resumed operational flying. Act. Sqn. Ldr. I. G. JUACLAREN, NO 614 Sqn.—In operations iq North Africa this officer took part in a number of successful sorties, many ofthem in bad weather and over difficult terrain. One night in February, 1943, he was detailed toexecute a night bombing attack against enemy transport and troops in the Kasserine Pass. Theweather was extremely bad with heavy clouds covering the. mountains on either side. Despitethis, Sqn. Ldr. MacLaren flew down the pass and successfully bombed the target. Fit. Lt. G. HILL, R.C.A.F.. No. Ill Bqn.—Fit.Lt. Hill is a skilful leader whose ability has been well in evidence during recent operations. Hehas participated in many sorties and has destroyed four enemy aircraft, Kasserine Pass Patrol Act. Fit. Lt. F. ROTHWELL, No. IS Sqn.—On• one occasion, during a bombing attack on Bizerta in daylight, his aircraft was attacked byan enemy fighter but, by skilful manuceuvring, he eroded the attacker having sustained only slightdamage to his aircraft. On another occasion, one night in February, 1943, he was detailed topatrol the Kasserine Pass and to bomb any mechanical transport in the vicinity. Whilstsearching for objectives and flying at a low level his aircraft was hit by fire from the ground de-fences. A shell, which burst inside the aircraft, broke the rudder and tail trim controls. Inspite of this. Fit. Lt. Rothwell continued his search and later bombed some transport. Heflew the damaged aircraft to an airfield at Maison Blanche, where he effected a safe landing at thethird attempt. F/O. T. W. ALLEN, R.N.Z.A.F.. No. 142 Sqn.—This officer has participated in twenty-eight sorties. His determination to press home hisattacks from a low level, in the face of heavy fire from the ground defences, has beea mostpraiseworthy. F/O E. H. BROWN. R.A.A.F., No. 682 Sqn(since deceased).—This officer has completed 62 sorties, and has invariably displayed great skilland determination. This was amply demonstrated one day in April, 1943, when he successfullyaccomplished a reconnaissance flight over Naples and adjacent area in the face of heavy and accu-rate fire from the ground defences. F/O. I K. CRAWFORD, R.A.F.V.R;, NO. HISqn.—He took part in many sorties over Northern France before operating in North Africa, wherehe has completed a large number of sorties. In attacks on transport and other targets on theground he has achieved much success, while in air combats he has destroyed one enemy aircraft.F/O. O. L. HAEDV, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 72 Sqn- This officer has completed 70 sorties, includinga number in the campaign in North Africa. In air combat he has destroyed three enemy aircraft,while in low level machine gun attacks on enemy transport he has achieved success. F/O. E. J. HOLLOWAV, R.A.F.V.R., No. 18 Sqn.—At the commencement of the campaign in North Africa he took part in several daylight bombingsorties, and his steadfastness in the face of con- siderable opposition proved inspiring. On oneoccasion, in December, 1942, he skilfully force- landed his aircraft, which had been set on firewhen attacked by a superior number of enemy fighters. F/O. J. LE CHEMINANT, NO. 72 Sqn.—This officerfought in the Battle of Britain, and afterwards took part in many sortie3 over Northern France.In operations in North Africa he has proved him- self to be an excellent section leader. He hasdestroyed six enemy aircraft. F/O. E. D. MACKIE. R.N.Z.A.F.. No. 243 Sqn.—In operations in North Africa this officer has displayed skilful leadership and great tenacity.He has destroyed five enen»y aircraft, four of them within a period of eleven days in April,1943. F/O. K. P. NEILL. R.NZ.A.F., No. 225 Sqn.-This officer has undertaken many operational flights during the campaign in North Africa. Onone occasion he undertook an important sortie which necessitated several runs over the targetto obtain the desired results. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire F/O. Neill displayed greatskill and coolness, and completed his task success- fully. P/O. J. D. AITCHISON, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 150Son. (since deceased).—One night in April, 1943. P/O. Aitchison and Sgt. Leckie were navigatorand pilot of an aircraft detailed to bomb an enemy airfield. Whilst over the target area theaircraft was hit by antiaircraft fire. One engine was disabled, the hydraulic systems were renderedunserviceable, while ft serious leakage -of petrol occurred. Despite this. Sgt. Leekie attempted to fly the aircraft to a landing ground, being groatlyassisted by P/O. Aitchison. It was impossible to maintain height, however, and Sgt. Leckie gaveorder to auamion aircraft, but, by tho time the other members of the crew had left by parachute,it was too late for him to follow. Nevertheless, be succeeded in effecting a crash landing in abattle area. P/O. Aitchison, who had descende< safe] ', immediately rushed to his comrade's a>eis1.ance. Although under enemy fire, t2«!y* took steps to prevent the crasUfid aircraf>-'from fallinginto enemy hands. ^ *~ Sqn. Ldf. II. .B^'VEBITT, R^F.V.R . No. 161Sqn.—Sqn. Ldj*- Verity has-''participateJ in 118 sorties. Hg^";s a skilful pilot whose er '"of determination and d"votion to duty proved inspiring.F/O/F. E. RYMILL* D.FJI., R.AF. "his officer* ha^coniplefcdLperatfcns Wee of theiJPof'Vvery •lire. WIj^V5 displaj^rlrcat deter,andt his| wrcesHi haj^ueeff worthily Group Capt P. C. Pickard, D.S.O.,D.F.C., of "Target for To-night" fame, who has now taken over a Halifaxstation in the North. Group Capt. Pickard also commanded the Whitleysquadron wh'ch dropped the paratroops for their raid on Bruneval. P/O. P. J. O. BUCK, R.N.Z.A.F., and P/O.J. II. SYMONS, U.C.A.F., both of No. 75 (N.Z.) San—One night in April, 1943, P/Os Buckand Symons were pilot and navigator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg. Whilstover the target area th. aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter and sustained much damage.The rear gunner was mortally wounded, while P/O. Symons wr.s wounded in the hand. P/O.Buck succeeded in evading the attacker and set course for base. On the return flight thedamaged bomber became difficult to control and, when <;ne of the engines failed, the aircraft beganto lose height. All movable equipment was jettisoned and, height' being maintained, P/O.Buck flew the aircraft to base, woeie he effected a perfect crash-landing. During the return flightP/O. Symons, in spite of his .painful injury, did all within his power to help his pilot, obtaininga number of fixes which proved of great assistance. P/O. F. N. PLUM, R.A.F.V.R., No. 115 Sqn.-This officer has completed 24 sorties. In April, 1943, he piloted an aircraft detailed to a'.tnckDuisburg. Shortly after the take-off, engine trouble developed. Despite th;s, P/O. Plumcontinued his flight to the target, which he bombed successfully, afterwards flying the air-craft safelv to base. F/O. C. B. ANDEEEON, R.A A.F., No. 460(R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—One night in April, 1943, F/O. Anderson and Sgt. Fubrman were navigator andpilot respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Stettin. Whilst over the Baltic sea, the aircraft wasrepeatedly hit by fire from an armed ship. One engine was put out of action, the tail unit wasdamaged, restricting practically all rudder move- ments, while a shell penetrated the bomb bay,exploding amongst the incendiaries. F/O. Ander- son was wounded in the thigh and buttock by splinters of shrapnel which entered his cabinThe situation was perilous but Sgt. Funtmau de cided to attempt to flv the damaged bomt» ihome. Displaying superb airmanship and ttiea! endurance he eventually accomplished his put poso,flying the damaged bomber to an airfield in this coofiiKt.^ where he effected a masterly landing..Tore coTBJjsing at the controls. liming the return flight, ByO. Anderson, despite his iujuiies.refused to leave Viis* post and continued his navi- gational^shlties, tendering gieat assistance to his M. A IT. PiEKRE, R.A.F.V.R., No. 158qn.-*n air oiciatijns, this officer displayed Lcourag\and fortitude in keeping with the highest^-.ditioVs of thl R.A.F. f/O. T. ARfmiBALD, R.A.A.F., No. 77 Sqn.—Jne night in/April, 1943, this officer captained an aircraft jfthich attacked Essen. Whilst oveithe target/area the aircraft was repeatedly hit by fire irem the ground defences, and one engine 1MB put out of action. It was then dis covejO that one bomb had failed to release.u. Archibald made a second run over the tar- (fet and released the bomb successfully. His airi raft sustained much damage, bnt he flew it back to base witn one engine unserviceable. F/O. J. t>. WRIGHT, R.C.A.F.. No. 112 Sqn-This officer has taken part in a laige number of sorties, including numerous fighter bomber at-tacks against enemy airfields and mechanised transport. In air combat he has destroyed atleast three enemy aircraft. Act. Sqn. Ldr. F MURPBV, R.N.Z.A.F.. No.486 (N.Z.) Sqn.—This officer is a skilful pilot. He has taken part in many determined attackson shipping, while, in air combat, he has des troyed four enemy aircraft.Fit. Lt. A V. DUFFILL, R.A.F.V.R., and F/O. F. J. STAR'KIE, R.A.F.V.R., both of No. IB?(N.Z.) Sqn.—Early in May, 1943, Fit. Lt. Duffill, F/O. Starkie, and 8gts. Turnbull andNeill were pilot, navigator, wireless operator/air gunner and air gunner respectively of one of Kformation of aircraft detailed to attack a target in Holland. Whilst crossing the enemy coast,the formation was intercepted by a large force of enemy fighters. In the combats which followed.Sgt. Turnbull coolly gave a commentary on the attackers' movements and later manned a posi-tion until he was seriously wounded. Sgt. Neill used his guns effectively, but was wounded in thelegs by the enemy's fire, which also caused a fire to break out in the rear of the fuselage. F/O.Starkie. acting with great promptitude qniekly extinguished the flames. This accomplished, hetended his wounded comrade, Sgt. Turnbull, and rendered efficient first aid after carrying himacross a gaping hole, which had been torn in the fuselage. Meanwhile. Fit. Lt. Dnfflll was takingskilful evading action, while Sgt. Neill. despite his Injuries, continued to engage the enemy untilall attacks ceased. Fit. Lt Dufflll, displaying superb airmanship, eventually flew the badlvdamaged bomber to base Shipping Attacks Act Wing Cdr. G. H. B. HuTCIIINSON, R.A.F O.,No 235 Sqn—This officer has commanded the squadron since July, 1942, and since then hehas led a number of sorties against enemy ship- ping. In January, 1943, he fed the escort fora striking force which sank a. motor vessel off the Norwegian coast. On another occasion, whileon a similar mission, one engine became un serviceable while the aircraft waB flying almostat sea level. With great determination and skill. Wing Cdr. Hutcbinson flew the aircraft safelyto ba se. Sqn. Ldr. P. M. J. EVANS, NO. 89 Sqn.—Thisofficer has completed 16 sorties from Malta, during which he has destroyed one enemy air-craft and attacked enemy shipping, airfields and transport. One night in January, 1943, he madea highly successful intruder patrol in Tripoli, bombing lorries and attacking road transportwith cannon and machine-gun fire and causing numerous fires. Light antiaircraft fire damagedthe aircraft, severing the hydraulics pipe and severely wounding the observer. Despite this.Sqn. Ldr. Evans landed his aircraft, entiling negligible damage. This landing waa made atnight and off the runway, thus ensuring eoD tinuous operations from base. Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. N. DAVENPORT, R.A.A.F., No.455 (R.A.A.F.) 8qn—This officer has participated in attacks on some of the enemy's most heavilydefended targets, including Hamburg, Essen and Dortmund; he has alBo taken part in minetayingoperations. Early in September, 1942, he was captain of an aircraft which flew to a NorthRussian base and (participated in a patrol over the Barents Sea. Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. T. FREEMAN. NO. 608 Sqn -This officer has participated in a large number of shipping strikes along the Danish and Nor-wegian coasts and also in a successful low level raid on Christiansand Harbour. Since November,1942, Sqn. Ldr. Freeman has displayed great courage and determination daring anti-submarinepatrols in the Mediterranean. Act. Sqn. Ldr. A. W. MCCANDLISH, NO. 225Sqn.—This officer has participated with success in a large number of tactical reconnaissance andbombing sorties during the campaign in North West Africa. His reconnaissance work has beenextremely thorough and has produced valuable results.Capt. P. A. HATSWELL. S.A.A.F., No. 21 (S.A.A.F.) Sqn.—As leading observer Capt. Hatswell has completed a tour of operational duty in. the Middle East. Throughout he displayed nnvarying devotion to duty and a high standard of "ca'pt^D LIDDELL, S.A.A.F., No. 24 (8.A.A.F.ISqn.—Capt Liddell has flown on a very large num- ber of operational sorties Always cool and un-
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