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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 1973.PDF
AUGUST 5TH, 1943 8ml attacks on shipping. In February, 1943, he took Part in a successful attack on a large tanker.n n two subsequent occasions it was due to hisefforts that enemy convoys were attacked. Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) W/0. H. VERTICAN, NO. 462 Sqn.—This captainof aircraft has taken part in operational missions against targets, in Greece, Crete, Sicily and NorthAfrica. While engaged on a sortie in May, 1943, the starboard inner engine of his aircraft failed,and W/O. Vertican turned his aircraft and flew out to sea where the bombs were jettisoned. Soonthe port inner engine failed, and as the aircraft vv;^ gradually losing height all equipment possible,VU.N thrown overboard. Deficient of power and IJHLIling against strong winds the bomber was soonjorred down to a height of 1,000 feet when a Lhirii engine failed. W/O. Vertican was now facedwiili a perilous situation, but skilfully he brought the aircraft safely down on to a rough sea causingno injury to any of his crew, all of whom success- fully embarked in the dinghy. After ten and a-halfdays the dinghy had drifted to shore. During all this time W/O, Vertican,. organised the consump-tion of the meagre rations, and did all he could to maintain the spirit of his companions at ahigh level, which contributed much to the sur- vival of them all. Fit. Sgt. N, F. WILLIAMS, D.F.M., R.A.A.F.,Iso. 35 Sqn.—On a night in June, 1943, tliis jiirman was the rear gunner of an aircraft de-tailed to attack Dusseldorf. During the opera- tion the bomber was intercepted by two enemyfighters. In the first encounter Fit. Sgt. Wil- liajns' turret was rendered unserviceable, whilehej sustained several bullet wounds in the legs jvtfr ~bo<ly. Nevertheless, when the second fighterSacked, Fit. Sgt. Williams skilfully gave his captain directions which enabled the fighter tobe evaded. Fit. Sgt. Williams then delivered an accurate burst of fire wireh caused the enemyaircraft to explode in the air. The first fighter resumed the attack, but, although in considerablepain, with both legs partially paralysed, Fit. Sgt. Williams, with a well-placed burst of fire fromclose range, shot the enemy aircraft down. Making light of. his injuries he remained in hisdamaged turret until a landing was effected, when his turret had to be cut away before hecould be extricated. Distinguished Flying Medal Fit. Sgt. A. E. FULLER and Fit. S&rt. R. M.GOODE, B.A.A.F., both of No. 461 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—For citation see Fit. Lt. Walker, D S.O.Sgt. II. L MCBEAT^J, R.C.A.F.. No. 7 Sqn.— For citation see F/O. Carter, D.F.C. Sgt. C. D. CURNOW, R.A.A.F.. and Sgt. ,J. R.GORDON, NO. 462 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—For citation see F/0. TEMPEST, D.F.C. Sgt. M. A. T. DAVIES, NO. 76 Sqn. Sgt. W. R. LAWS, NO. 102 Sqn. Sgt. D. V. SMITH, R C.A.F., No 7 8qn. Sgt. M. B. STRANGE, NO. 76 Sqn.Sgt. D. BRESLIN, NO. 106 Sqn.—This airman has taken part it! many operational sorties, which haveincluded missions to Duisburg, Berlin, Munich, MDd various Italian targets. One night in April,1943, whilst over Duisburg, his aircraft was attacked by a fighter. Two very determined attackswere made, but the steady and accurate fire main- tained by Sgt. Breslin damaged the assailantand caused it to break off the engagement. Sgt. (Now P/O.) J. W. CARNEY, NO. 467(R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—This airman has taken part in attacks against the most heavily defended targetsin Germany and enemy-occupied territory, includ- ing four attacks on Berlin and four on Essen,On his last sortie to Berlin, hi? was prevented, hv ad¥ftfS6 weather from gaining the necessary heightover the target, but this in no way deterred him from bombing the objective successfully. Sgt. H. J. CARTER, NO. 115 Sqn.—Sgt. Carterhas taken part in many operational missions, several against the heavily defended targets in Ger-many, such as Duisburg, Essen, Hamburg and Berlin. He has also completed many mine-layingsorties. Sgt. S. M. CHADWICK, NO. 166 Sqn.—This air-man took part as wireless operator/air gunner in the " 1.000 bomber" raids on Cologne and theRuhr, in addition to manv other attacks on heavily defended targets. During these missionsdifficulties were frequently encountered, and on lour occasions his aircraft sustained severe damage.Sgt. A. W. CONNOR, R.A.A.F.. No. 50 Sqn.—This »irman has taken part in attacks on many of themost heavily defended targets in Germany. He also took part in the daylight raid on Le Creusot.In October, 1942, during a daylight attack in Milan, the aircraft in which Sgt. Connor was flyingwas severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Sgt. D. CKAVEN, NO. IS Sqn.—This airman hascompleted a very large number of operational sorties, invariably displaying great ability andskill as a wireless operator. His keenness has at all times been of a high order, and hisexemplary conduct worthy of the highest praise. Sgt. H. E. MCALLISTER, NO. 148 San.-Thisairman has 'successfully completed many opera- tional missions. Despite several hazardous ex-periences, his zeal for operational duties has re- mained unabated, whilst his courage, resourceful-ness and enduranre have been an inspiration to his comrades. Sgt. A. A. SKINNEK. NO. 7 Sqn.—Tn May. 1943,Sjgt. Skinner was the rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack a heavily defended enemytarget. When nearing the objective the bomber •was attacked by an enemy night fighter. Althoughpainfully wounded about the head, face and left arm, Sgt. Skinner fought back repeated attacks,directing such accurate and telling fire that the enemy aircraft broke oft the combat and appearedto fall out of control. Sgt. R. 11. WILLIS, NO. 7 Sqn.—During an opera- FLIGHT tional sortie one night in May, 1943, this airman's aircraft was engaged by an enemy fighter. Repeated attacks were made, during whijfli Sgt.Willis and three members of his creiv wounded and the aircraft was severely jgDespite his wounds, Sgt. Willis kept control the bomber and after skilfully evading tnr anfniyfighter set course for home. He had no service- able navigational instruments and steered a roughcourse by the stars. By skilful airmanship he successfully flew his damaged aircraft to thiscountry, where he made a safe landing, and not until-then did he report his wounds. Fit. Sgt. E. J. HANN and Fit. Sgt. B. A.REYNOLDS, both of No. 254 Sqn.—As pilot and navigator respectively, Fit. Sgt. Hann and Rey-nolds have completed many sorties, including reconnaissances and attacks on enemy shipping. Fit. Sgt. R. L. W. SMITH, NO. 408 (R.C.A.F.)Sqn.—As wireless operator/air gunner, Fit. Sgt. Smith has taken part in a large number ofsorties, including attacks on some of the most heavily defended targets in Germany.*Sgt. S. GAUNT, R.C.A.F., No. 426 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—One night in May, 1943, this airman v/as thecaptain of an aircraft detailed to attack Dort- mund. During the operation, the bomber wasrepeatedly hit by anti-aircraft fire whilst illumin- ated by searchlights. The hydraulic and inter-communication systems were rendered unservice- able, whilst a fire broke out in the front turretand the cockpit filled with smoke. The flames were extinguished, however, and Sgt. Gaunt after-wards, flew the damaged aircraft to this country. Sgt. B. J. I. WALKER, NO. 77 Sqn.—In air opera-tions, Sgt. Walker displayed courage, skill and fortitude in keeping with the highest traditionsof the R.A.F. Fit. Sgt. D. T. BASN4RI, R.A.A.F., No. 459(R.A.A.I.) Sqii.—This aim an captained an air- craft which attacked and sunk a U-boat in June,1943. Although his aircraft was badly damaged by blast, he flew it sa > ly to base.Fit. Sgt. G. H. WARD, No 89 Sqn.—As observer, this airman has participated in manysorties in operations exter ding from Egypt to Tunisia. He has displayed great skili andcourage throughout and has rendered fine service. Sgt. J. E. BINNIE, R A.A.F., No. 467 R.A.A.F.) Sqn. (since reported missing).—On a night in June, 1943, this airman captained anaircraft detailed tc attack Bochum. On the out- ward flight the bomber was twice attacked byfighters, but, displaying great skill, Sgt. Binnie succeeded in frustrating them on each occasion.Although the rear turret was rendered unservice- able and damage was sustained to the fuselage,the wings and the tailplane, Sgt. Binnie flew on to the target and bombed it successfully, after-wards completing the return journey and effecting a sale landing in spite of a punctured tyre on theport wheel. Sgt. L. G. COLLINS, R.C.A.F., No. 432(R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This airman was the navigator of an aircraft wTiich attacked Dortmund on anight in May, 1943. Whilst over the target area. Sgt. Collins Was wounded in the heed and sus-tained a fracture of the skull. Although weakened by the loss of blood, he refrained frominforming his captain of his injury until the target had been bombed and the aircraft waswell clear of the area. Displaying outstanding fortitude, Sgt. Collins calmly executed his dutiesand plotted courses for the homeward flight. He did not desist until a safe landing had beeneffected, when he collapsed and was removed to hospital in a semi-comatose condition. Sgt. A. N. STOCKDALE, NO. 70 Sqn.—This air-man has completed a large number of sorties and has displayed praiseworthy skill and tenacitythroughout. This was amply demonstrated on one occasion when attacking a heavily defendedconcentratinn of vehicles in the vicinity of Miireth. In spite of considerable anti-aircraftfire and searchlight activity, Sgt. Stockdale exe- cuted his bombing from a low level, causing muchdestruction. His fine fighting spirit and courageous example have been a source ofinspiration. ' ' THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the following award in recognition ofgallant conduct: — Military Medal Set. T. E. HEWITT, R.A.A.F.. No. 150 Sqn.—After his aircraft had been disabled during a vigorous attack from 3,000 feet, Sgt. Hewitt wasordered to escape by parachute. Alighting in " no man's land " this airman sustained a pain-ful injury to his ankle. He was unaware of his position and was fired at when he moved. Thenext day he saw his crashed aircraft about a mile away. In great pain and crawling mostlyat night, he reached the aircraft four days later, having evaded several enemy patrols. After at-tempting to destroy everything possible in the aircraft, Sgt. Hewitt then managed to reach somehuts from where he was rescued by our patrols six and a half days after abandoning his aircraft. Sgt. (now P/O') G. C. W. O'NEIL, R-.A.A.F.No. 450 (R.A.A.F.). Sqn.—This airman effected a forced landing near Namman on July 25th.1942. owing to engine failure, but succeeded in making his way back to the British lines.After making a low-level attack on the enemy near Churgia on January 13th. 1943, he wascompelled to land many miles behind the enemy's lines. Despite machine-pun fire, hepenetrated those lines and reached our forces jour days later. Roll of Honour Can'inllii Comminuqni ft'o. 261. THE Air Ministry regrets to announce thefollowing casualties on various d.ates. The nextof kin have been informed. Casualties " m Fit. Lt. H. C. Gcdefroy, R.C.A.F., awarded the D.F.C. He has two enemy aircraft to his credit. action " are due to flying operations against theenemy; "on active service" includes grounJ casualties due to enemy action, non-operationalflying casualties, fatal accidents and natural deaths.Of the names in this list 83 are second entries giving iater information of casualties publishedin earlier lists. Royal Air Force KILLED IN ACTION.—F/O. M. B. Collings; F/O.F. W. Gates, D.S.O.; Sgt. H. C. Hooper; Fit. Sgt. G. Hough; P/O. J. P. Newton. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED IN ACTION, NOW PRESUMED KILLED INACTION.—Set. H. W. Crock: Sgt. R. H. Fuller; Sat E. A. Hall; P/O. H. Kelly; Sgt. J. F. Oakley. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING, NOW PRE- SUMED KILLED IN ACTION.—Sgt. A. A. Brace;Fit. Sgt. J. E. Bacon; Sgt. J. F. Baxter; Fit. Sgt. S. L. Beamont, D.F.M.; Sqn. Ldr. L. G. Belchem;Fit. Sgt. L. Blashill; Set. P. Bray; Sgt. F. V. Bretherton; Fit. Lt. E. H. Brown; Sgt. W. Bul-man; P/O. E. E. T. Cattermull; Fit. Lt. W. A. If. Chapman; Sgt. C. W. Cooke; Sqn. Ldr. W. D.Corr, D.F.C.; Sgt. L. C. Craig, Sgt. E. V, Davey; Sgt. A. H. T. Davies; Sgt. T. P. W. Davies; Sgt.H. R. H. de Laspee; Sgt. R. J. Delve; P/O. I. P. Duxbury; Sgt. G. M. Edwards; Sgt. O. G. Ed-wards; Sqn. Ldr. F. C. C Freeman; P/O. P. (J. Frith; Sgt. W. E. Furness; P/O. L R. Goad;Fit. Sgt. R. C. Graham; P/O. K. F. Harding; Sgt. S. H. Hughes; P/O. R. M. Lee; P/O. R. W.Medus; P/O. C. R. Morrison-Jones; P/O. H. R. Nash; Sgt. W. R. Norley; Sgt. R. T. Plant; Sgt.S. V. Price; Sgt. A. Riding; Sgt. T. S. Ross; Sgt. C. H. Stewart; Sgt. L. J. Symoods; Fit. Sgt,J. N, Tew; P/O. J. R. Tregea; Sgt. V. G. K. Walklin; Sgt. R Wigham; Fit. Sgt. E. S. <'Williams; Fit. Sgt. G. J. A. Willis. ^ PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING, BELIEVED KILLED IN ACTION. NOW REPORTED KILLED INACTION.—Sgt. S. R. M. Pugh. WOUNDED OR INJURED IN ACTION.—F/O. S. N.Beason; Sgt. P. O. Neale; Sgt. P. A. Ratcliffe. DIED OF WOUNDS OR INJURIES RECEIVED IN ACTION— P/O. R. G. Barham. MISSING. BELIEVED KILLED IN ACTION—8gt. cAskham; Sgt. J. H. Body; Sgt. 8. Brown; F/O. F. A. Clark; P/O. G. H. Dane; P/O. P. J. Duo-fjer; Sgt. .T. G W. Fowles; Sgt. L. Jakes; Sgt. D. N. Law; Sgt. J. T. Murray; 8gt. W. A.Paaqual. MissiNfi.—Fit. Sgt. E. W. Banks; Sgt. G. Batty;Sgt. T. E. Baxter; Fit. Sgt. H. Bell; Sgt. 11. A. j. Berry; F/O. D. V. Bishop; Sgt. R. C. Boardman;Sgt. J. Booth; Sgt. J. W. Bousfield; Sgt. F. R. Bradbury; Sgt. A. T C Bromwich; Sgt. A.Brown; Sgt. C. E. Bryant; Sgt. R A. Buck: Sgt, J. Burns; Sgt. A. S.' Bushill; Sgt, J. £.Butt; Sgt. O. Cave; P/O. C. A. Cheese; F/O. J. Cookson; F/O. R. J. Coombes; Sgt. W. C.Digby; Sgt. E. R. Dixey; Sgt. M. L. S. Drabble; Sgt. A. L. Eastwick; Sgt. J. L. Edwards; F/O.K. A. Embery; Sgt, E. Esau; Sat. N. H. Frank: Sgt. P. A. J. Gardner; P/O. F. Giles. D.F.M.;Sgt. F. L. R. Gilliver; Sgt. S. Godfrey; Sgt, A. F. Halsted; Sgt. K. C. Harrison: Sgt. V. II.Hatchard; P/O. J. B. M. Haye; Sgt, A. K. Havnes; Sgt. E. Hazelden-French; Sgt. K. G.Hoad; Sgt G. J. Holt; Sgt. D. T. Horsf.-.ll; Sgt. II. W E. Hyett; Sgt. W. Ibbotson; F/O. F. A.James; P/O. H. F. Jolley; Sgt. J. Jones; Sgt. T, W Jones; Sgt. S. Jones: Sgt. W. G. Kirbv;Set. A. F. Lane; Sgt. W. T. Lee; Sgt, .1. Leed- ham; Sgt. J. F. B. Lester; Act, Fit. Lt. T. Luke;P/O J R McCall; Sgt C. L. McCarthy; P/O. F D L Mclntyre; Sgt, A. G. McManus; Sgt..1 11 Mahony; P/O. W. A. Marsden; Sgt. A. J. Marshall; F/O. L C* Martin: Sgt. R. C. Miiei;Ssrt. .1. D. Minion; Set. J. D. Muir; Sgt. N. K. N'evch.inv Sgt, C Newman: Sgt. L W Nichol=:Sgt G. F Parris; Sgt. D. Parry; Sgt. D. A. F
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