FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1943
1943 - 2072.PDF
F LtG HT AUGUST igra, 1943 Act. FH. Lt. C. \V BEADLEV, R.C.A.F., No. 423Bqn.-In March, 1943, FH Lt. Bradley was in- strumental in saving a tanker which wasthreatened by & submarine. In April, 1943, be delivered a most skilful attack OB » U-ooat whichw&a attempting to intercept a. Ehip h« was eacort- ing, Thi» attack achieved complete surprise, andre»u!teii ia serious damage to ot .cUiEtrnetion of the submarine. Despite severe weather and enginetrouble Fit. Lt. Bradley has several times flown his aircraft safely to base in harassing eircuin-stances. Act Fit. Lt. R. (J. CAMPBELL, E.C.A.F., No.218 Sqn.—FH. Lt. Campbell has successfully com- pleted a large nnmbeT of sorties against theenemy, many of which have been attacks on the most heavily defended targets in Germany. Whenreturning from a sortie on Mannheim lately, this officer's aircraft was engaged by searchlights anddamaged by anti-aircraft fire. His gunners re- turned the fire from a low level, silencing someof the enemy's guns. In spite of severe damage to the aircraft. Fit. Lt. Campbell was able tolly home safely. Act. Fit. Lt. W. I. COVISGTON, R.A.F.V.R., No.97 Sqn.—Fit. Et. Covington has completed a large number of operational sorties, includingseveral successful attacks on Berlin, Essen and Milan. Despite the heavy opposition usually en-countered over such targets, this officer has con- tinued to participate in operations with on-minished ardour. Aet. Fit. U. D. L. DASIEL, D.F.M., R.A.F.V.R.,No. 207 Sqn.—An outstanding captain of aircraft,. Fit Lt. Daniel, now on his second tour of opera-tional duty, has completed a very large number of operational sorties. On one occasion in Janu-ary, 1913, thig officer's aircraft -was attacked by an enemy fighter. By his skill he was suc-cessful in avoiding damage to his aircraft and in enabling his rear gunners to shoot the enemydown in names. Act. Fit. Lt. G. C. DAY, NO. 103 Sqn.—Thisofficer, since being posted to his present squad- ron for his second tour of operational duty, hascompleted a number of sorties, most of which have been attack* on the more heavily defendedtargets in Germany. Act. Fit. Lt. A. E. EDMUNDS. R.A.1W.R., No106 Sqn.— Many of the sorties completed by this officer have been attacks on the vital and heavilydefended targets in the Ruhr. Two of these have been on Easen and three against Duisburg. Onone of the Essen raids, despite fierce opposition, Fit. Lt. Edmunds made two runs over the targetto ensure accurate bombing. A few nights later he fought off two determined fighter attacks whilebombing Duisburg. Other of his missions have been against naval objectives in France and Italy.Fit. Lt. Emundg has always displayed great determination in attack and in securing pnotc-graphs. Act. Fit. Lt. F. B. GASCOIGNE, R.A.A.F., No.461 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Gascoigne was navi- gator of an aircraft which was sighted and at-tackeii-tiwwwmy submarines on successive days. O»irot the U-boS<s was destroyed. Fit. Lt. Gaa-oigne has also assisted in air/sea rescue opera- tions, and recently wVs navigator of a crew whichsuccessfully fought oil six .enemy aircraft. Fit. Lt. P. NAHAKRIS, R.A.F.V.H., No.F(R.G.A.F.) Sqn.—In May, 1943, Fit. Lt. arris was pilot of an aircraft- detailed to attack SERVICE AVIATION Act. FH. Lt. T. A. JULIAN, R C.A.F., No. 100Scju.—.Tliii officer haa conmlr-tfd fiUBSetOBS opera- tional sorties. On one occasion he flew his air-craft jsafely back from a mission to the Ruhr under very difficult circumstances. Many of hisflights have been attacks on the most heavily defended targets in Germany, including Essen,Kiel, Hamburg and Dnisburg. 'Act. Fit. Lt. G. C. KEIS, R.A.A.F., No. 460(R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Keys has been employed for some time as captain of an air crew whichhas completed a number of successful raids on enemy objectives. His tour of duty has includedno fewer than six attacks on Essen, two on Berlin, and many others on the most heavily de-fended targets in enemy territory. During one of his missions to Berlin one engine ceased tofunction while still 30 miles from the target. Despite this handicap, Fit. Lt. Keys continuedand completed the sortie effectively. Act. Fit. Lt. E. W. MITCHELL, R.A.PW.R., No.61 Sqn.—This officer is $t present employed' as squadron navigation officer, and by his excep-tional skill on all his sorties has set a mag- nificent example to the rest" of the squadron.He has completed numerous operational flights, including attacks on Berlin and the heavily de-fended targets in the Ruhr such as Essen, which he has attacked six times. Outstanding Captain Act. Fit. Lt. D. C. LOWE. R.A.F.V.R., No. 75(N.Z.) Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Lowe has proved to be an outstanding captain of aircraft throughout manyoperational missions over such heavily defended targets as Hamburg, Essen and Berlin. Fromthese sorties he has frequently brought back photographs of the target area. On more thanone occasion he has successfully evaded attacks by enemy night fighters. He has also broughthis aircraft back to base when almost disabled by anti-aircraft fire. Act. Fit Lt. J. M. HOWE, NO. 158 Sqn.—Thisofficer has displayed a spirit of real enthusiasm for navigational -work. He has completed a largenumber of operational missions, many of them over strongly defended targets such as Berlin,Essen, Cologne and Duisburg. Act. Fit. Lt. H. A. SCHOALES, H.C.A.F., No.404 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—This officer has taken part in a large number of operational sorties. InApril, 1943, Fit. U. Schoales acted as leader of a formation of aircraft detailed to escort fourtorpedo-carrying Beauflgiters on a shipping strike. The complete success of this operationwas largely due to the skill and determination with which this officer led the formation, enablingthe torpedo-carriyng aircraft to sink one enemy merchant vessel without themselves being hit. Act. Fit. Lt. L. J. SIMPSON, R.A.A.F., No. 460(R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Act. Fit. Lt. Simpson has par- ticipated most commendably in no less than sixattacks on Essen and three on Berlin. On one mission to Duisburg, while still 60 miles from thetarget, the port outer engine and hydraulic power to the rear turret of his aircraft failed. In spiteof this, the mission was 'ontinued and success- fully completed. This officer has constantly dis-played a fine spirit in tbe face of danger and has achieved an outstanding record of gallantry. Act. Fit. Lt. N. SMITH, R.C.A.F., No. 158 Sqn.—This captain of aircraft lias displayed skill, courage and determination to a marked degree.His operational record, which includes missions to such strongly defended centres as Hamburg, Essenand Berlin, constitutes a fine example to others. Act. Fit. Lt. K. W. SWANN, No. 12 Sqn.—Fit. Islands. The convoyvessel attacked, despite -aircraft fire. One shipher occasions he has y shipping. ON, R.C.A.F., No. 425Hudson has taken part , missions over such tar-e. Mannheim and Turin, nvox off the Frisighted and a larg tense and accurate andestroyed. On eked and sunk eneAct. Fit Lt. J. Hu (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Lnumerous operation ts as Hamburg, Colisplaying through leadership, gallan exceptional qualitiesd devotion to duty. r General Montgomery inspecting a guaTd of honour, drawn from the R.A.F. Regiment, during his visit to Fighter Command headquarters. On the left is Air Marshal / Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, A.O.C. in C. Fighter Command. Lt. Swann has completed many operationalsorties during his service with this squadron. These operations have included attacks on Berlin,Essen, Hamburg Munich and Stettin. .Act. Fit. Lt. W. M. THEOBALD, R.A.F.Y.R.. tNo. 7 Sqn.—This officer has completed a large 'J namber of operational sorties. His operational 'record has been characterised by cool courage and accurate navigation in the fate of rnemy OPDOS1tion. Act. Fit. Lt. J. A. WAKEFORD, R A.F.V.R.,No. 9 Sqn.—This officer has completed a large number of bombing raids against enemy targets.As captain of aircraft, he bas displayed a high degree of courage and tenacity in attackingheavily defended targets in enemy territory, which nave included such heavily defended centres asBremen, Duiaburg, Essen, and a number of mine- laying sorties.Act. Fit. Lt. P. B. WHITE, R.C.A.F., No. 77 Sqn.—This officer has displayed initiative andcourage in the completion of his duties in the course of many operational missions. These haveincluded sorties against Berlin, Duisburg and Rostock, as well as a- number of anti-submarinepatrols. F/O. H. BECKETT, R.C.A.F., No. 115 Sqn.-Asnavigator, this officer has completed numerous sorties over enemy territory. These have includedflights to such heavily defended objectives as Ham- burg, Berlin and Essen, and several long-distancemisbions to such places at Spezia and Turin. F/O. A. J. W. BIKOH, R.A.F.V.R., No. 58 Sqn.• —This officer has participated in a large number of operational sorties. In April, 1943, F/O. Birchsuccessfully attacked a U-boat. In May he made another excellent attack on a U-boat which wasprobably de&troyed. F/O. G. BOND. B.A.F.V.R., No. «1 Sqn —Thw, -\1officer has displayed great keenness and abiliijT as a navigator both on anti-submarine sweeps araSgy-,bombing raids. On one occasion, when his ailS^*-^ craft had to be ditched owing to engine failure.F/O. Bond spent several hours in a. dinghy. He has also been involved in eeveral air crashes.Despite these harassing occurrences, his courage and determination have renrainert unahakeu. F/O. G. 8. BOWERS, R.A.F.V R., No. 464(R.A.A.F'.) Sqn.—This officer has displayed steadi- ness, ability and efficiency on a. number of opera-tional sorties which have included numerous day- light, flights. On one occasion F/O. Bowers navi-gated his aircraft safely back to base after it had sustained severe damage in an encounter withan enemy fighter, during which the wireless oper- ator was wounded and the rear gunner killed. F/O. A. A. CREAMER, R.A.F V.R., No. 49 Sqn.—This officer's aircraft has been navigated to the target accurately and brought back to base salelyon all occasions, even when violent enemy opposi- tion has been encountered. F/O. Creamer hasoperated against Be'ilis. Spezia, Ihiisourg, M-unich. and many other difficult and distant targets, in-variably displaying high gallantry and 'devotion to duty. F/O. T. R. DANBV. R.A.F.V.R., No. 101 Sqn.—This officer has now completed a most successful tour of operations. He has proved himself to bea worthy member of a very gallant crew, which has attained outstanding success over many well-defended targets in Germany, such as Cologne, E;sen and Berlin, F/O. A. R. DAWES, R.A.F.V.R., No. lc SqnThis officer has participated in numerous ai_ submarine patrols in the Bay of Biscay, and alsoin bombing attacks on targets such as Berlin. Stettin, Essen and Duisburg. On several occa-sions his aircraft has been damaged and he ha* been forced to make crash landings. These haras-sing experiences have not in any way diminished his enthusiasm lor operational flying. F/O. D. J. DRAKE, D.F.M., No. 156 Sqn.-Inthe course of two outstanding tours of duty, F/O. Drake has bombed most of the important enemytargets, including Berlin, Bremen, Cologne and Spezia. exhibiting outstanding gallantry and devo-tion to duty throughout. Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) W/0. D. C. C. BUSBY, NO. 156 Sqn.-W/O.Busby, now on his second tour of operational duty, has taken part in a large number of operationalsorties against targets in Germany, Italy and enemy-occupied territory. He has secured someexcellent photographs. Fit. Sgt. F. E. MA*EBS. R.A.A.F., No. 77Sqn.—One night in June, 1945, Sgts. French and Spedie were the wireless operator/air gunner andrear gunner respectively of an aircraft piloted by Fit. Sgt. Mathers which attacked Mnlheim.Whilst over the target area, the bomber was sub- jected to heavy fire from the ground defences andwas repeatedly hit. Two engines were rendered unserviceable in quid, succession, while the star-board aileron control was shot away and* three petrol tanks were pierced, all of which leakedrapidly. In spite of this, Fit. Sgt. Mathers flew dear of the defences and set course for thiscountry. On the return flight the bomber gradu- ally lost height and all rnoveable equipment, in-cluding the guns of the mid-uppet turret and some ammunition, were jettisoned. Shortly after cross-ing the enemy coast the disabled aircraft was inter- cepted by an enemy fighter. In the ensuing en-gagement, Sgt. Spedie skilfully used his guns and, eventually with a devastating bnrst from closerange, he shot the attacker down into the sea. The bomber was down to 500 feet, but, displayingsuperb airmanship. Fit. Sgt. Mathers, receiving much assistance from Sgt. French who diligentlyworked his. wireless apparatus to obtain direction fixes, struggled on to reach an airfield near thecoast. Although the undercarriage could not be lowered, this pilot successfully effected a i:rash-landin*?.
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
