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Aviation History
1944
1944 - 1245.PDF
JUNE 15TH, 1944 FLIGHT e>49 C '• r*f z /*^ I FULL GALLOP: A section of four T.A.F. Mustang Ill's off on an offensive sweep. SERVICE AVIATION Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm News and Announcements Appointments AIR COMDRE. S. C. STRAFFORD, C.B.E., D.F.C-, to be Chief of Operations and Plans, Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Air Force, and 10 be Air Vice-Marshal, Air Vice-Marshal Straf ford has been on Air Staff Planning duties at H.Q.A.E.A.F. since November, 1943. He was pre viously Director of Plans Royal Air Force Dele gation, Washington, and later on the Air Staff tit the Air Ministry. Air Comdre. O. E. GARTER, A.F. C., to be Director General of Aircraft Supply. Government of .India, and to be Air Vice-Marshal. Air Vice-Marshal Carter has been Chief Maintenance Offi cer at Headquarters, Air Command. Soutli-East Asia. He was previously Principal Deputy Direc tor of Servicing and Maintenance at *the Air Ministry. Promotions GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH. Air Vice-Marshal (temp.) (Act. Air Marshal) Sir R. S. SOBLEY, K.CtB., O.B.E., D.S.C., D.F.C.. k granted the rank of Air Vice-Marshal (war subs.) April 20th, 1944. Air Comdre. (temp.) (Act. Air Vice-Marshal) .T. D. BREAKEV, C.B., D.F.C., is granted the rank of Air Commodore (war subs.) April 20th, 1944. Awards .Sf'ilE KING has been graciously pleased to A approve the following awards in recognition oi gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations: — Distinguished Service Order F/O. N. J. MATICH, D.F.M., R.N.Z.A.F.. No. 35 Sqn.—In air operations this officer has displayed -kill and courage of the highest standard. Fit. Lt. H. F. KERRIGAN. D.F.C.. R.C.A.F., No. 120 Sqn.—In March, 1944. these officers were pilot and navigator respectively of an aircraft which successfully attacked two U-boats. In the fight against the first of these vessels intense and accu rate anti-aircraft Are was encountered. The air craft was hit and one engine was set on fire. Despite this, Fit. Lt. Kerrigan pressed home his attack, and the explosions of his depth charges completely enveloped the submarine. Almost im mediately the second submarine was sighted. Al though the starboard engine was still burning, Fit. Lt. Kerrigan promptly prepared to attack. anil made his run in the face of withering fire. The aircraft was repeatedly hit, and sustained extensive damage. F/O. Raekham was wounded in the head, body and legs, but bravely remained at. his post to continue his navigational duties. •I'hroughout the long flight home the aircraft was difficult to control, but Fit. Lt. Kerrigan flew it safely to this country. This officer displayed out standing skill, courage and determination in his hght against the enemy's underwater craft. F/O. Eackham also proved a gallant and resolute mem ber of aircraft crew. Although suffering acutely, he did everything in his power to assist his pilot to reach home. Act. Sqn, Ldr. R. L. C. BLYTH. D.F.C.. h.A.F V.R., No. 544 Sqn.—This officer lias taken I'Wt in a large number of sorties, and is now on M* third operational tour. Throughout. Sqn. Ldr. n»:t)i has set a magnificent example by his skill and cheerful acceptance of difficult and hazardous tasks. He was awarded the D.F.C. in October, 1942. Group Capt. R. W. P. COLLINGS, A.F.C.. No. 156 Sqn.—This officer has commanded the squadron during a period in wdnch a series of heavy attacks on targets important to the enemy's war effort have been made. He has displayed great skill, excellent judgment and unswerving devotion to duty, qualities which have been reflected in the high standard of morale and operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. He is a most in spiring leader, whose keenness and determination have been outstanding. Act. Group Capt. H. E. BUFTON, D.F.C.. A.F.C.. R.A.F., No. 109 Sqn.—Since being awardetl the D.F.C. this officer has taken part in many sorties, and has continued to diSDlay the highest standard of skill and gallantry. He commanded the squad ron during its activities in the Battle of the Ruhr, and his great skill, boundless energy and careful planning contributed in a large measure to the successes obtained. Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross Act. Fit. Lt. C. C. SCHERF, D.F.C., R.A.A.F., No. 418 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—Since being awarded the D.F.C., this officer has taken part in numerous sorties and has continued to display the highest qualities of gallantry and skill. Towards the end of February, 1944. he flew the leading air craft of two detailed for a sortie far in enemy occupied territory. During the operation Sqn. Ldr. C. R. Macdonald, D.F.C., who has been awarded the D.S.O. enemy aircraft were shot down, and three others damaged on the ground. During another sortie over Northern France in April, 1944, Fit. Lt Scherf destroyed two enemy aircraft in the air and damaged three others on the ground at an airfield. These two sorties were a fitting climax to an outstanding tour. This officer has destroyed at least nine enemy aircraft, successes which pay an excellent tribute to his great fighting quali ties and resolution. Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. C. MCCARTHY, D.S.O., D.F.C.. R.C.A.F., No. 617 Sqn.—Since being awarded ton D.S.O. this officer lias completed numerous sorties as captain of aircraft, n which he has taken part in difficult and hazardous operations at low level. Sqn. Ldr. McCarthy has displayed exemplary skill and courage, which, combined with his unfailing devotion to duty, have contributed much to the success achieved. F/O. J. R. HUGHES, D.F.C.. R.C.A.F., No. 254 Sqn.—These officers have flown together as pilot and navigator respectively for more than a year. Both have displayed great skill and determination in their operational missions. One night recently these officers attacked a large and heavily escorted convoy. One of the ships was seen to explode and catch fire. The aircraft jtffts hit by opposing fire, and one of the enguiP failed, but tliese officers skilfully flew ba^jKo base, where a sue cessful emtrgcnejj^plmg was made. hed Flying Cross ;KHAM, R.C.A.F.. No. 120 Sqn.— Fit. Lt. Kerrigan, D.S.O., MBWORTII. R.A.F.V.H.. No. Z54 Sqn.-For citation/see F/O. ilughes. D.F.C., and Bar. r. I '""P'O. I' f 1. MAUN I: A.F.V.It.. No. 61 Sqn / Hhr . ee Sgt. Chapman. C.G.M. "Sqii. l.dr. ,l A. VtESTLANT), R.C.A.F., No. 424 (R.C.A.Prf SOJT Fit, Lt. R. Iyfiy. R.A.F.V.R . No. 143 Sqn. Fit. ht.Ji^Tj. NAISII. R.A.F.. No. '236 Sqn. Act^JFTtT Lt. .T. ATKINS, R.C.A.F.. No. 429 —-flLC.A.F.) Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. 0. W. WOLTON. R.C.A.F.. No. 433 (R.C.A.F.) Ban. F O. A. J. P. BVFORD. R.C.A.F., No. 419 (R.C.A.F.I Sqn. Ft). S. W. DEMPSEV, R.C.A.F., No. 408 (R.C.A.F.) Son. F/O. I,. If J. GEORGE. R A.F V.R NO. 15 Sqn. F <). F. F. HAMILTON'. D.F.M.. R.C.A.F., No. 424 (R.C.A.F.j Sqn. F O D. M MANSEL PLEVDELL, R.A.F.V.R., No. 15 Sqn. P O. J. I) HARVEY, R.C.A.F , No. 408 (R.C.A.F | Sqn. P'O. W. G. PHILMI'8. R.C.A.F.' No 408 IRC.A.F.I Sqn. 1' O. G. M. Sc'ADE, R.A.FV.R., No 419 (R.C.A.F.i Sqn. P/O. 1. ROBERTSON. R.A.F.V.R.. No. 77 Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. N. MCPHAIL, D.F.M.. R A.A.F.. No. 102 Bon. P O. V." F. M ( AKR. R.A.A.F.. No. 102 Sqn. P/O. C G. ROBERTSON, R.A.A.F., No. 102 Sqn. WO. K A I.AN't:. K A.F.V.R. No. 83 Sqn. P/O. I). T. COOK, R.C.A.F.. No. 419 (R.C.A.F.I Sao. P O. K. II. JARMAN, RC'.A.F., NO. 42G (R.C.A.F.I S»n. I'.'O. 6. K. H. PECK R.C.A.F., No. 419 (R.C.A.F.I Sqn. Act. Rqn J.di. G. B. JOHNSON, R.A F V.R . No. 51 Sqn. F O. D PAUL, RAF.V.R, No. 61 Sqn. 1 \ ~~ £\
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