FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1945
1945 - 0305.PDF
FEBRUARY 8TH, 1945 FLIGHT 161 SERVICE AVIATION craft crew, whose exceptional navigational abilityhas been an important factor in the successes obtained. His services have been of immensevalue. Capt. E. N. CATHERINE, S.A.A.F., No. 142 Sqn.—This officer has taken part in many hazardous sorties, always displaying exceptional courage,coolneBS and presence of mind, in the face .of danger. In August, 1944, he was detailed tobomb an oil refinery at Ploesti. The attack was successfully completed, but, over the target areaand on the return flight, fighter opposition was enconntered. Severe damage w»s done to thebomber by a burst of cannon and machine gun nre. Both engines stopped and a fire broke outin the fuselage which ignited the ammunition. The intereominunicatien and lighting systems -wererendered useless. Capt. Catherine was severely wounded in the left leg, head and right arm. Theaircraft dived out <5f control for about 4,000 feet. but by a supreme effort he succeeded in regainingsufficient control to enable his crew to abandon it. Capt. Catherine remained in his seat till allhad gone and, only with great difficulty, suc- ceeded in escaping himself by the front hatch.His great presence of mind and courage saved the lives of his crew on this occasion. Through-out his tour, Capt. Catherine has encountered many dangers, in the shape of adverse weatherand enemy opposition. On another occasion his aircraft was wrecked by striking an electric cable.By his coolness, he enabled his crew to escape on this occasion also. His courage and determina-tion have always been an inspiration to all in squadron. Sqn. Ldr. .1. TEKLOOT, R.A.A.F., No. 249|8qn. Ldr. Tekloot has commanded No. 249 lince June, 1844, during which time threeaircraft have been destroyed in the air and 13 on the ground, in addition to a large numberof mechanical vehicles, locomotives and other transport. This officer has led a large numberof the sorties, during which these outstanding results have been attained. He is not only apilot of great distinction, but by his leadership and example the squadron ha-a maintained a highlevel of morale and efficiency. Act. Wing Cdr. M. J. A. SHAW. R.A.F.O.. No.69 Sqn—This officer is at present engaged upon his third operational tour. During his first andsecond tours of duty he completed numerous sorties .from the United Kingdom and Malta,taking p^rt in torpedo bombing and sea mining operations, often in the face of severe opposition.With hia present squadron, firstly as flight com- mander and latterly as squadron commander, hehas completed his new duties ot reconnaissance by night -with the utmost enthusiasm and skill.His wide experience of night operations has been invaluable. He has set a fine example and obtainedoutstanding results. Act. Sqn Ldr. C. F. BRADLEY, R.A.F.V.R.. No.127 Sqn.—This officer has served continuously in operational squadrons since July, 1941, exceptfor two short breaks. He has participated in opera- tions from the United Kingdom, including theDieppe combined operation, the Middle East and. since May, 1944, over north-west Europe. Dur-ing this time he has destroyed at least one enemy aircraft and has also attacked large numbers of" E " boats, trains and ground installations. Squ. Ldr. Bradley has proved himself a very finesquadron commander. He has taken part in many power dive attacks, sorties against groundtargets, and long-range escorts to bombers. His outstanding leadership has been reflected in ihehigh standard attained by his squadron, both in k,Uie air and on the ground. " Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross Fit. Lt P. H. CUTOHEY, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 7Sqn., (with effect from October 5th. 1944).—Fit. Lt. Cutchey has completed many successful sortiessince the award of the D.F.C. He has continued to display outstanding enthusiasm and determina-tion as a bomb aimer. His reliability, courage and devotion to duty have always inspired con-fidence in his crew. Act. Fit. Lt. H. G. E. HEMSWORTH D.F.C.,R.A.A.F., No. 582 Sqn.—This officer has completed a very large number of operational missions.Among his recent assignments. Fit. Lt. Hemsworth has attacked such heavily defended targets as Duis-burg, Wilhelmshaven, Stuttgart and Bochum. In October. 1944, this officer captained an aircraftdetailed to attack Cologne. When approaching the target considerable anti-aircraft fire was en-countered. Nevertheless, Fit. Lt. Hemsworth maintained a long straight bombing run to attackthe target with accuracy. His aircraft sustained damage but he flew it to base. This officer hasinvariably displayed a high degree of skill and courage and his appreciation of the responsibilitiesentrusted to him has set a, very fine example. F/O. J. A. L. LYMBUENER, D.F.C.. R.C.A.F.—F/O. Lymburner and Fit. Lt. McLaren, aa observer and pilot respectively, were detailed fora reconnaissance far over enemy territory. The complete success achieved on this difficult assign-ment reflects the greatest credit on the skill, courage and determination displayed by thesemembers cf aircraft crew. Act. 8qn. Ldr. A. T. LEASING. D.F.C.,R.A.F.V.R., No. 540 Sqn.—Since the award of the D.F.C. this officer has completed numerous recon-naissances. These include flights tn Trondhjem, Posen. Berlin, Dresden and Munich. On one occa-sion in April, 1944. he flew to Italy photograph- ing targets in the Leipzig, Dresden and Regena- burg areas. The following day he completed areconnaissance of Belgrade Sofia' and other targets and. on the next day he flew back to the UnitedKingdom obtaining photographs of targets in France en route. During July. 1944, Sqn. Ldr.Leaning flew on Borne important reconnaissances of railway targets in France. This entailed flyiMat low altitudes in the face of heavy anti-aircralt fire. Despite this and adverse weather, all hismissions were successfully accomplished. This officer has consistently displayed outstandingdetermination and fine airmanship while as a flight commander, he has formed his flight into ahighly efficient operational unit Distinguished Flying Cross Act Sqn. Ldr. A. L. LAW. R.A.F., No. 680 Sqn. Act. Sqn. Ldr. A. A. MELVILLE-JACKSON, R.A:F.V.R., No. 205 Sqn.Act. Sqn. Ldr. C. A. II. U. Ofiitw*r-H..A.F.V.It., No. 47 Squ.Fit. Lt. \V. A. Dowi- Fit. Lt. P. H. <;AM(TTT; K.A.F.V.JFit. Lt. M. J. J^,Act. Fit. Lt.,jg. GARDEN, R.A.F., No. 126 Sqn'. Act. Fit. UT W. N. JUDD, E.A.F.V.R., No. 159Sqn. Y F/O. W. St. G. CHANDLER, R.A.F.V.R., No. 68QSqn. UUSON, R.A.F.V.R... No. 38ITTT, R.A.F.ViR... No. 113 Sqnl .OWE, R.A.F.. No. 680 Sqn. HLBNETI, R.A.F.V.R., No. 7il i'usust 24th. 1944)i H A F V,-n Ne V* A *±- 1-7 0. F/O V O. jte. Air Marshal Sir Guy Gairod, O.B.E.,M.C., D.F.C., who is now Allied Air C.-in-C, S.E. Asia. He succeeds thelate Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory. P/O. M. B. .MLUI'UY, IS.A.A.I''.. No. 159 Sqn Act. Sqn. Ldr. (!. II. BAYLY, K.C.A.I ., NO. 413 (R.C.A.F.) Sqii. Act, Sqn. Ldr. J. It. GOWA'NS, R.C.A.F., No. 413 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. Fit. Lt. D. E. FORSVTH, R.C.A.F., No. 418(R.C.A.F.) Sqn. Fit. Lt. J. D. HOPKINS, R.C.A.F.. No. 113 Sqn.F/O. D. N. MclNTOSil, R.C.A.F., No. 418 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. Fit Lt. F. L. I.OMAS, R.A.A.F.. No. 680 Sqn Fit. Lt. L. S. MEI.LOR. R.A.A.F., No. 680 Sqn. Act. Fit. it. K. P. ALCORN, R.A.A.F., No. 159 Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. \V. S. QuiNN, R.A.A.F., No. 159 Sqn. F/O. D. McC. ANDERSON, R.A.A.F., No. 177 Sqn. F/O. R. S. HORWOOD, R.A.A.F., No. 177 San. F/O. J. D. SANDILANDS, R.A.A.F., No. 159 Sqn. Fit Lt. B. C. DAYMOND, R.A.A.F., No. 628 Sqn. Fit. Lt. 3. S FIFIELD. R.A.F.V.R.. No. 169 Sqn. Fit. Lt. J. A. M. HADDON, R.A.F.V.R., No. 604 Sqn.F/ O. R. E. .1. FlTZCEttALD, R.C.A.F., No. 408 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.F/O. S. P.8EID, R.C.A.F., No. 418 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. F/O. J. B. F. BRETHERTON, R.N.Z.A.F., No. 644Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. T. A. BARKER, R.A.F.V.R , No. 76 F/O^E. G. FiLLIiOBE. R.A.F.V R. No. 115 Sqn. F/O. A. M. HAUVE. RC.A.F., NO. 514 Sqn. F/O. E. E. WILLIAMS. R.A.A.F.. No. 514 Sqn. Act F/O. C. I). ANORLWARTHA, R.A.F., No. 115Sqn. Act. F/O- O. L nowi.iNO H.A.A.F. No 76 Sqn. Act. F/O. G E. WILLIAMSON, K.A.A.F., No. 18SSan. I'/O. W. I.. MIODLKTON, R.A.F.V.R.. No 578 Skin Fit. Lt. P. F. MALLENDM, R.A.F.V.R, No. 627Sqn. Fit. Lt. D. R. MOWARH. RAF V It.. No. 239 Sqn. F/O. F. A. \V. CLAY. R.A.F.V.R., No 239 -Squ. F/O. A. J. OWEN, D.F.M. R A F.V.R , No 85Sqn. F/O. .1. S. V. McALHSTF.n. D.F.M R.A IV R..No. 85 Sqn. F/O. .1. S. REKII. R.A.FV.R.. No 1.56 Sqn. Act. F/O. 11 L. MERRKTT. It A.I' V II , No. 514Sqn. P/O. M. A. I'HILl.ws, 1! \ \ 1' No. 78 Squ P/O. H. T. WIOLKV, if.VV'.Y I!.. No. 138 Sqn.Fit. Lt. R. 1). MCLAREN. K.A.I' Y.R.— For citation sw F O. Lymbmner, D.F.C.. R.C.A.F. F-O. K. V. LIMBERT. H.A.F.V.R., No. 514 Sqn. f O. II. L. HALLAM, R.A.V.V.H., No. 514 Sqn. JwO. L. W. LOWTHER. R.A.F.V.R I/O. R. B. BIHCHMORE. R.A.F.V.R.F/O. E. C. OWEN, R.A.A.F., No. 460 (R.A.A F) Sqn. W/O. L. W. WOODS, R.A.A.E., No. 460 (RiA.A.F.) Sqn. l;70. E. P. WALLACE. R.A.F.V.R., No. 126 Sqn.Ac*. Fit. Lt. S. H. MiNHiNNK-K R.C.A.K. No. _ (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.O. D. BELL, R.C.A.F.. No. 429 (R.C.A.F.l Sqn. /O. R. L. BLUNSDON. R.A.F.V.R., No. 9 .Sqnot. P/O. A. F. JoNi-ft, R.A.A.F., No. 9 SIJII MJ. A. J. WALKER. lt.A.F.V.R. No. 617 Sqn. t.-^'O. .1. it. ,i. M. DESMAKAI'S. R.C.A 1'.. No.425 W.O.A.F.) SUM. Act, l'\V>. p. if. l.Eciri.-r, ISC\K. No. 425(R.CAIF.I Squ. Act. F'Q. .1. 1, .\. i. JUcnnn: I? OAF., No.425 (RJC.A.F.) S.|ii. Act. F/f>. <:. ,J. OfixuMi It (' \ F No. 4SI(R.C.*F.| Sun P/O. N/ Kv.\N«. 11 V r.V.R., No. 017 SonP /. J. W.MtD. lt.C.A.F.. No. 408 (ItCAF.) r. I, J. HA7.BLL. R.A.F.V.!!., No. 617 Sqn. ,. W/O. J C. BAILEY,-R.A.F.V.R. No K44 Hqn. It. Lt. D. C. HENHICKSON, R.C.A.F., No. 429(R.C.A.F.) Sqn. Fit Lt. T. H. J. PLAYPORW, R.A.F.V.R,, No 61TSqn. Act Fit. Lt. ,1. K. II. GoURDEAi! R.C.A.F., No. 425 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn. Act. Fit. Lt. W. K. HAMILTON, D.F.M., R.A.P.V.R., No. 425 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.Fit. Lt. R. D. K. HEMnilLL, R.CA.F., No 42S (R.O.A.F.) Squ.Act. Sqn. l.rir. A. S. WioKINS. RAF., No. 16 IS.A.A.F.) s<in. (with effect from September 9.1944). Act. Sqn. Ldr. R. K. WILLIAMS. R.A.F., No. 521 F/OHlR. W. DEAN, R.A.F.V.R., No. 524 8qn. F/O. L. W. EDDY, R.A.F.V.R.. No. 251 Sqn. F/O. L. R. ORNELLAS. R.A.F.V.R.. No. 254 Sqn. F/O. A. THOMPSON, R.A.F.V.R.. No 236 Sqn. W/O. S. B. HARBTHON, R.A.F., No 210 Sqn.Fit. Lt. N. M. BuRKiKt.n, R A.A.F., No. 544 Snn. W/O. G. G. CASEY, it.A.A.K, No. 10 (R.A.A.F.jSqn. lit. T.t I. .TOHNSSON, R.C.A F. No. iO4(RCA F.) Sqn. Fit Lt. It- G. KEEPER. R.C.A.F.. No. 540 Sqn. F/O. II E. UALLATT, RC.A.F., No. 404(R.C.A.F.) Sqn. F/O. J. HEBERT, R.C.A.F., No. 404 (R.C.A.F.)Sqn. F/O. I?.. A. WALLACE, R.C.A.F, No. 404(R.C.A.F.l Sqn. P/O. A 1) GLASGOW R.O.A.F., No. 404(R.C.A.F.l Sqn. P/O. .1. .1. TEMPLE, R.C.A.F.. No. 404 Sqn. Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) Fit. Sgt. S. W. WALTERS. R.A.F.y.R., No. 44Sqn.—This airmiin lias j>itrtii-iprtt,ed in a number ill sorties, including attacks on Karlsruhe, Nurem-Imri? and Munchon Gladbac.h. In November, 1944. lie was air bomber in HO aircraft detailed to at-lac.k Homberg. la the vicinity of the target the aircraft came under heavy fire and was struck bvhigh explosive shells. The cockpit was shattered. The pilot «'(> killed and the flight, engineer wa«badly wounded. Fit. Sgt. Walters promptly assisted another member of the crew tfl removehis dead comrade from the nilot's seat and then took over the controls. The aircraft had sn«-tained severe damage. One engine had been put out of action, whilst the second and B third werereduced in power and vibrating badly. The hydraulic system was damaged and the flaps hadedged down. Despite this, Fit. Sgt. Wallers, though lesser experienced than a regular pilot,brought the aircraft to an even keel and headed for home. Although only one engine was givingfull power he reached an airfield near the English coast. The aircraft was too badly' damaged forFit. Sgt. Walters to attempt to bring it down safety. He gave-orders to the crew to releasotheir dead captain by parachutfl and then to aban- don the aircraft themselves. Not until hi« com-rades were all clear nnd he was satisfied that the aircraft was headed out. to sea did this gallantair bomber leave himself. Win cool courage, oot- stamlinR resource and determination iet «nexample of the highest order.. Fit. Sgt. J. C. COOKE, R.C.A.F, No 103 Sqn.—One night in Octnber, 1944, this airman was cap- tain and pilot of an aircraft detailed to attackCologne. Whilst over the target considerable anti- aircraft fire was encountered. Just as the bomoiwere released the aircraft was struck by high ex- plosive shells. Much damage was sustained. Thestarboard rudder controls were severed. Thft petrol tanks were badly pierced and the contentsstreamed out. Within ten minutes tho petrol supply became practically exhausted. Bv Vnow.Fit. Sgt. Cooke had reached friendly territory. II« thereupon instructed the aircrew to leave itii» air-craft by parachute. As he prepared to leave himself Fit. Sgt. Cooke saw that one of hii com-rades still remained in the aircraft, having acci- dentally released his parachute inside the fn»p-laee. Height was being rapidly lost. Neirerthelesi Fit. Sgt. Oooke was deternuoad n-t to leave nilcrew member and promptly returned to the con«
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
