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Aviation History
1944
1944 - 1770.PDF
2l6 FLIGHT AUGUST 24TH, i944 SERVICE AVIATION high degree of skill, courage and devotion to duty. Act. Skin, T^,. 8. L. SMART, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 149 Sqn.—Since being awarded the D.F.C., thia officer has participated in several sorties, and has Continued to display the highest standard of liilll, bravery and devotion to duty. During a recent operation his aircraft came under consider able light antiaircraft fire, and was struck in the nose and in one of the engines; the rear turret was put out of action and other damage was sustained. In spite of great difficulty, Sqn. l.dr. Smart flew the damaged aircraft to base. His achievement was roost commendable. This officer is a most inspiring leader, whose great zeal and fine fighting qualities have contributed in a large way to the success of the squadron. Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. M. DENNIS, D.F.C., R.A.F.O., No. 7 Sqn.—One night in May, 1944, this officer captained one of a formation of aircraft detailed to attack the railway junction at Chambly. In the operation, Sqn. l.dr. Dennis displayed notable skill and, regardless of the enemy's defences, pressed home his attack with great accuracy. His brilliant work was a prominent factor in the great success achieved. This officer has taken part in a very large number of sortieg and has set a rare example of skill, courage and devotion to duty. Fit. Lt. W. E. M. EDDY, R.A.F.V.R., No. 103 Sqn.—In air operations this officer has displayed skill, courage and fortitude 'with the highest tradi tions of the Royal Air Force. Act. Fit. Lt. C. S. CIMTTEN, R.A.F.V.R., No. 97 Sqn.—One night in May, 1944, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Brunswick. On the outward flight the aircraft was intercepted by a fighter but it was cleverly evaded. When nearing the target area, however, another fighter was encountered. As a result the bomber was severely damaged. The nose part was smashed. The air pressure thus caused blew out the win dows at the side and most of the windscreen around the pilot's cupola. The navigational equip ment, the wireless apparatus and the mid-upper turret were rendered useless, whilst two members of the crew were wounded. The cold was in tense. Nevertheless, Fit. Lt. Chatten was deter mined to complete the task for which he had flown ,so far. In the face of much anti-aircraft fire and an attack by yet another fighter he executed a successful bombing run ami afterwards flew the damaged aircraft back to this country. This officer displayed skill, gallantry and devotion to duty of tile highest order. F/O. P. G. WEST, R.A.F.V.R., No. 164 Sqn.— This officer was the pilot of one of a. small forma tion of aircraft detailed to attack a ground target one morning in May, 1944. His objective was the destruction of a light gun position which menaced the success of the operation as a whole. In the execution of his task, F/O. West displayed such precision and resolution that the enemy gunners were unable to fire a single shell in defence of their position. His main task was accomplished but seeing the guns of another emplacement further west, F/O. West pressed home an attack on this position on which he expended the re mainder of his ammunition. As he turned for home hiB aircraft was hit by a shell. F/O. West was severely wounded in the arm and leg, botii iimbs being rendered useless. His radio/telephone was put out of action. Nevertheless, this gallaut pilot displayed the greatest coolneBs. With his good arm he lifted his maimed one above his head in an effort to decrease the • flow o! blood and set course for home. In this position he flew the air craft to this country. Soon after crossing the coast he successfully effected a crash-landing in a field near the main road. This officer displayed courage, endurance and devotion to duty beyond praise. Act. Fit. Lt. W. M. STEPHEN, R.C.A.F., 427 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—One night in May, 1944, this officer captained an aircraft detailed to attack Aachen. When crossing the enemy coast, the air-, craft was hit by fire from the ground defences. The starboard rudder and the elevator controls were so badly damaged that the aircraft became un manageable. Undaunted. Fit. Lt. Stephen went on to the target and bombed it. He afterwards flew the damaged aircraft to this country. Although the tailwheel had been shot away and the brake pressure was nil, Fit. Lt. Stephen effected a safe landing. His perseverance iu thr face of great odds, together with his exceptional skill and resource, set an example of a high order. Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. E. MOEPHETT, D.F.C., R.A.A.F., No. 355 Sqn.—This officer has taken part in many sorties and has set the highest example of skill, gallantry and devotion to duty, finalities which were amply demonstrated on a recent occasion. After attacking his target one engine of his airoratt failed, but he flew on tn reach friendly territory. Trouble then de veloped in the three remaining engines, and Sqn. Ldr, Morphett realised he would not be able to reach base. He therefore requested his crew to leave by parachute. With complete disregard for his own welfare, ^ he remained at the controls until he was satisfied that his comrades were clear. By now the aircraft was too low for a successful parachute descent, and Sqn. Ldr. Mor phea attempted to effect a landing in the dark ness. All the engines ceased to function, how ever, and as the bomber crashed, this gallaut captain was seriously injured. Nevertheless, by his sacrifice and devotion to duty, he was un doubtedly responsible tor the ultimate safety of his crew. Ait Sqn Ldr. W. X. WKAITOKD, D.F.C, R.A.F.V.R., No. 619 Sqn.—One night in May, 1944, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack a target at Salbris. Before reaching the objective the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft tiro an 1 one engine was rendeied useless. This did not deter Sqn. Ldr. Whamond from continuing his mission and he went on to execute his attack. Since being awarded the D.F.C., this officer has participated in many sorties and has successfully attacked such targets as Berlin, Stuttgart and Brunswick. He has set a fine example of skill and gallantry throughout. Act. Fit. Lt. J. A. HOWARD, D.F.C., R.A F.V.11.. No. 619 Sqn.—One night in May, 1944, this officer and airman were rear and mid-upper gunners respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack a target at Salbris. At the commencement of the bombing run, Fit. Sgt. Birch sighted a fighter coming in to attack. He promptly warned his co-gunner, Fit. Lt. Howard, who opened fire at long range to prevent the enemy aircraft from pressing home its attack until the target had been bombed. Afterwards, these gunners directed their pilot in the necessary combat manoeuvres and the engagement was successfully terminated with the destruction of the attacker. This officer and air man displayed great skill, coolness and co-opera tion. Since being awarded the D.F.C., Fit. Lt. Howard has completed very many sorties and has invariably displayed praiseworthy gallantry and devotion to duty. Fit. Sgt. Birch, who has taken part in many missions, has also proved him self to be a courageous and dependable member of aircraft crew. F/O. P. KELLY, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 617 San.—Since being awarded the D.F.C., this, officer has completed very many sorties against dangerous and difficult targets. Throughout he has dis played navigational ability of the highest stan dard which has contributed in a large measure to the success obtained. On a recent occasion F/O. Kelly was the navigator of an aircraft which attacked Munich. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and much searchlight activity, F/O. Kelly coolly and skilfully directed his captain to the precise target which was successfully attacked. This officer has invariably displayed a high degree of courage and his record is worthy ol the greatest praJMj. Fit. Lt. R. W. BRAY, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 105 Sqn.—Since being awarded the D.F.C., this officer has completed very many sorties and has continued to display the highest standard of skill and resolution. One night in May, 1944, he piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Leverkusen. When approaching the target the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, causing damage to the port wing and engine nacelle. Considerable vibration ensued but, in spite of this, Fit. Lt. Bray executed an accurate attack. The vibration became so pro nounced that, it became necessary to put the affected engine out of action. Height was being gradually lost and the aircraft became extremely difficult to control, but Fit. Lt. Bras flew on to reach this country. His tenacity wa%' typical of that he had shown throughout the many sorties in which he has taken part. Distinguished Flying Cross Act Sqn. Ldr. S. L. COCKBAIN, R.A.F.V.R., No. 44 Sqn. F/O. R. S. MALLETT R.A. F/O. L. J. SUMPTER, 617 Sqn. P/O. A. G. EDGAR Fit. Lt. K. .T. NEW Act. Wing C/r. 425 IR.C./TF.) Act, Fit. Jft. F. WART Act. Fit. Lt. C. G. FORD, R.C.A.F No (K.C.A.F.) Sqn Act. Fit. Lt. R. H. V. HUNT, RAF V.R . \ (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. Act, Fit. Lt. R. A. WESTELL, R.C.A.F (R.C.A.F.] Sqn. F O. B. D. ARDIS, 428 o. 429 428 • _ R.C.A.F., No. 427 (R.C.A F I Sqn. F/O. H. S. F/O. F. C. F/O, W. H. Fit. Lt. C. Sqn. F/O. D A. DERBY. R.A.F.V.R., So. 39 Sqn. F/O. M. C. SHERWOOD, R.C.A.F., No. (R.C.A.F.4 Sqn. F/O. G. L. SPACEMAN, R.C.A.F.. No. 424 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. F/O. H. S. REID, R.A.F.V.R., No. 144 Sqn. P/O. L. D. COOPER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 144 Sqn Lt. V. J. AKNOLD, S.A.A.F., No. 12 (S.A.A FI Sqn. GRAY, R.C.A.F., No. 158 Sqn. LOGAN, R.C.A.F.. No 432 (R.C.A.F 1 BOARDMAN. R.A.F.V.R., No. 153 Son BONE, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 169 Sqn. ' MILLER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 169 Sqn C. CUNNINGHAM, R.C.A.F., No. 162 424 LAPIERRE, R.C.A.F., No. 408 429 P/O. R. A. P/O. E. A. Sqn. W/O. J. J. B. G. (R.C.A.F. j Sqn. Act. Sqn. Ldr. E. SPRAWSON, R.A.F.O., No. 106 Sqn. Fit. Lt. G. F. LAMBERT, R.A.F., No. 35 Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. T. RAWLINSON, R.A.F.V.R., No. (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. F/O. W. G. BRASNETT, R.C.A.F., No. (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. F/O. T. H. PARNELE, R.A.F.V.R., No. (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. F/O. G. B. ELLIS, R.A.F.V.R., No. 76 Sqn. P/O. S. E. CAMPBELL, R.C.A.F., No. (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. P/O. F. W. COLE, R.A.F.V.R., No. 76 Sqn. P/O. J. O STIRLING, R.A.F.V.R., No. 145 Sqn. P/O. G. G. WHITEHEAD, R.A.F.V.R., No. 76 Sqn. Act. Sqn. Ldr. J. D. THIRLWELL, R.A.F., No. 194 Sqn. Fit. Lt. G. A. CHURCH. R.A.F.V.R., No. 228 Son. Act. Fit. Lt. D. R. ALEXANDER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 35 Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. D. H. REID. R.A.F.V.R., No. 57 Sqn. ~ K. FRANCIS. R.A.F.V.R., NO. 14 Sqn. W. DARLING. NO. 35 Sqn. 415 408 W. R. DODWELL, R.A.F.V.R., No. 357 MURPHY, R.A.A.F., No. 14 Sqn. L, VEIRA, R.C.A.F., No. 12 Sqn. JAMIESON. R.N.Z.A.F., No. 35 Bqn. RHODES, S.A.A.F., No. 24 (S.A.A.F.) P/O. R. W/O. G. W/O. J. Sqn. F/O. E. S. F/O. B. V, P/O, H. A Maj. W. R, Sqn. Capt. A. E. SHUTTLE-WORTH, S.A.A.F., No. 24 (S.A.A.F.) Sqn. Lt. I. A. SCOTT, S.A.A.F., No. 24 (S.A.A.F.) Sqn. Wing Cdr. D. O. F. LUMSDEN, R.A.F., 144 Son. Aft Fit. Lt. D. H. PHILLIPS, R.A.F.V.R., No. 102 Sqn. F/O. T. T. SMART, R.A F.V.R., No. 207 Sqn. P/O. .1. H. BOLES, R.N.Z.A.F.. No. 166 Sqn. P/O R. A. POTTS, R.A.A.F.. No. 75 (N.Z.) Sqn. P/O. R. E. WALKER, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 57 Sqn. F/O. H. F. E. SMITH. R.C.A.F., No. 4J9 (R.C.A.F.) " THIRTY YEARS AFTER : Marshal of the R.A.F., Lord Trenchard, talking to pilots of an Australian fighter squadron who had just returned from an attack on enemy motfc transport.
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