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Aviation History
1945
1945 - 0874.PDF
486 F LIG H MAY 3RD, 1945 R.A.F. RETURNS : A Spitfire coming in to land on the island of Crete where bases have been re-established. Germans are still holding out in the north-western area. SERVICE AVIATION About 10,000 Royal Air Force and Fleet Air A Announcements Awards THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the following awards in recognitionof gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations: — Distinguished Service'Order Wing Cdr. C. F. C. WRIGHT, D.F.C., R.A.F.O.,No. 547 Sqn.—This officer has completed much operational flying and throughout has displayedhigh qualities of skill and devotion to duty. Be- fore joining his present squadron Wing Cdr.WTright participated in several attacks on enemy shipping and harbour installations. During theseoperations at least eight vessels were sunk and others were damaged. Much of the successachieved can be attributed to Wing Cdr. Wright's skilful leadership. Recently this officer flew withgreat distinction in an attack on enemy shipping, in Baltic waters. Wing Cdr. Wright has in-variably displayed a high degree of courage a.nd resolution and set an example which has im-pressed all. Act. Wing Cdr. F. D. HUGHES, D.F.C.,R.A.F.V.R., No. 604 Sqn.—Wing Cdr. Hughes has displayed the highest standard of devotion to dutythroughout a, long period of operational flying. His outstanding keenness, great skill and unsur-passed determination have been well reflected in the success of the squa.dron which, under hisbrilliant leadership, has been responsible for the destruction of a good number of enemy aircraft.Among his own personal successes. Wing Cdr. .Hughes has destroyed 18 enemy aircraft. Lt. Col. J. M. FATJBE, D.F.C..S.A.A.F.—This officer has com- pleted numerous sorties on histhird tour of operational duty. In these operations he has led largeformations of aircraft in attacks against a variety of targets. Muchof the success achieved can be attributed to this officer's ou'standing ability, personal courage and unswerving devotion to duty.In addition to his gallant work in the air, Lt. Col. Faure has showna high standard of organising ability and great drive, qualitieswhich have contributed materially 'o the efficiency of the formationshe commands. Act. Fit. Lt. M. G. BACHE.R.A.A.F.. No. 467 (R.A.A.F.i Hqn.—This officer has completedmany operational missions and has displayed high qualities of skill,courage and determination. In January. 1945, Fit. Lt. Bachepiloted an aircraft in an attack against the Dortmund-Ems Canal.When nearing the target the air- craft was hit in one of the wingsfind in the bomb bay by shrannel. In spite of this, Fit. Lt. Bachc-went on to execute a good bomb ing run. Shortly afterwards theaircraft was again hit. The port inner engine caught fire and thepropeller had to be feathered. The port outer engine also wasdamaged. One of .the petrol tanks was punctured and its contentsdrained away. Olher damage which affected the control of theaircraft was also sustained. Height was lost rapidly and Fit. Xt.Bache experienced the greatest difficulty in retaining controlNevertheless, he was determined, if possible, to reach the Alliedlines. To ease the strain of fly ing with full rudder applied. Fit.Lt. - Bache instructed another member of the crew to fasten acable to the rudder pedal. The damaged port engine now failedcompletely. Still this resolute pilot held on. As he passed pverthe Rhine defences at a low alti- tude his aircraft came under con-siderable light anti-aircraft fire and was hit in many places.Nevertheless, Fit. Lt. Bache reached the Allied lines beforeordering his crew to abandon air- craft. Not until they were cleardid he himself jump. He was then so low that, as he got clear of the crashing aircraft he struckt he top of a tree almost as hia parachute opened. This officer displayed exemplary conduct in theface of gteat danger, and the ultimate safety of his crew was undoubtedly due tohis skill, bravery and resolution. '• Act. W7ing Cdr. D. L. CART-RIDGE, D.F.C., R.A.F.O., No. 254 Sqn.—Within recent monthsthis officer has participated in numerous attacks on enemy ship-ping and throughout has set a fine example of gallantry and de-votion U> duty. In January, 1945, he led a force of aircraft in anattack on shipping in the harbour at Den Helder. Intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered and several aircraft were hit. Never-theless, the attack MMIS pressed home, with good reJRlts. Muchof the success obtained can be attributed to Wjfg Cdr. Cart-ridge's skilful kpclership. This officer has diwTajed outstandingkeenness, andr his determination to obtain tly best results has wongreat praia Fit. Lt,*. C. DAYMOND. D.F.C.,R.A.A.Fjf No. 240 Sqn.—Within a Badge of No 600 (Citv of short BPriod this officer has com-T r>«3««\ <;.-.,,-,,)..„„ A A tr pleted/several operational flights. London, Squadron. 4U&J^^,jaec^jMt^t\ntr the highest standardPr^fiter*S"e'SCentOS." °» «#""!', "Jfc'WlWeiance and resource tiVftre than Six Hundred.) ™f £n TtSvXg^ Tom \ ond's outstanding ability,•ing and resolution. lie example oi the highest Badge of No. 69 Squadron, R.A.F. "With Vigilance we Serve." Act. Wing Cdr., J. E. DENNANT,D.F.C., R.A.F.O., No. 109 Sqn.— This officer's operational record isoutstanding. He has completed more than a hundred missions,many of which have been against heavily defended' targets in Ger-many. Throughout, he has set an enample of a very high orderUndeterred by the heaviest of anti aircraft fire or fighter interference,Wing Cdr. Dennant has always pressed home his attacks with thegreatest resolution. In December 1944, he piloted an aircraft in anattack on Dusseldorf. At the com- mencement of the bombing run hisaircraft came under fire from the anti-aircraft batteries and washit. Shortly afterwards it was illuminated in a cone of search-lights. Nevertheless, Wing Cdr. Dennant pressed home his attack.His bombing run was perfect. Th *~ officer has shown outstanding jmcer has shown outstanding I reat bravery and unswervm _votion to duty. In addition to ... work in the air, Wing C'dr. Dennant has displayeda high standard of organising ability and great drive and his services have been of immense value. Act. Sqn. Ldr P. F. CLAYTON, D.F.CR.A.F.V.R., No. 156 Sqn.—This officer has com- pleted a very large number of sorties, involvingattacks on a wide range of well-defended targets. He has displayed exceptional skill and throughouthis devotion to duty has been unfpiling. One night in January, 1945, Sqn. Ldr. Clayton took part inan attack on Magdeburg. In spite of considerable fire from the ground defences Sqn. Ldr Claytonpressed home his attack with great skill. His determination to obtain the best results on thisoccasion was typical of that which he has shown throughout his tftur of operational duly. Hissplendid example has earned him the respect of the wherie squadron. Bar to Distinguished Flying CrossAct. Wing Cdr. M. E. PICKFORD, D.F.C., R.A.F.. No. 149 Sqn.—In November, 1944, thisofficer was pilot and captain in an aircraft detailed to attack Homberg. When Hearing the target theaircraft was badlv hit. Half the starbosrd elevator was smashed. The nose rose sharply and the air- ^craft started to climb steeply. Nevertheless, Wine , Cdr. Pickford regained control. Despite extreiw:^/difficulty in maintaining level flight, this resolute (, pilot completed a good bombing run and after-wards flew the damaged aircraft to base, where he effected a safe landing. His superb skill »»undoubtedly largely responsible for the »»'e return of the aircraft.Fit. Lt. D. C. BtTNCn, D.F C . R A.F.V.R.. No. 157 Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Bunch has completed a very largenumber of sorties and continues to render most
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