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Aviation History
1945
1945 - 1024.PDF
566 FLIGHT MAY 24TH, 1945 Thunderbolts of the U.S. Tenth Army Air Force silhouetted against the mountainous country of northern Burma. SERVICE AVIATION Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm Neivs and Announcements Awards THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the executionof air operations ; — Distinguished Service Order Major J. E. GASSON, D.F.C., S.A.A.F., 92 Sqn.—Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has participated in a large num-ber ot varied sorties. On several occasions to- wards the end of 1944 he led formations of air-craft in attacks against enemy strong points with excellent results. On one occasion in December,1944. Major Gasson came down to a very low level, alone, to locate an enemy gun position.Although considerable fire was directed at his air- crait, he rejoined his flight, which he led intothe attack, and all three guns were destroyed. On two other occasions, Major Gasson led his flightwith great skill in close support of operations by our ground forces. This officer has displayed ex-ceptional gallantry and determination in the execution of his attacks on the enemy. Much ofthe success of the squadron can be attributed to his undoubted ability. Fit Lt. D. A. OXBY, D.F.C., D.F.M., R.A.F.V.R.,219 San.—As observer, this officer has displayed skill of the highest order. He has taken part ina very large number of sorties and has assisted in the destruction of 21 enemy aircraft. Thesesuccesses are an outstanding tribute to his great ability, praiseworthy courage and iron deter-mination. Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross Major VV, WKLGKMOKD, D.F.C.. S.A.A.F., No 40(S.A.A.F.) Sqn.—This officer* work has been out- standing at all times. Since the award of theD.F.C. be has completed a large number ol sorties and, as a Sight commander, has provedan invaluable asset to his squadron. In April, 1944, while flying on reconnaissance near Anzio,his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters. Severe damage was sustained before the engage-ment was broken off. During the battle for the Gothic Line. Major Welgemoed on several occa-•ions flew through heavy defences at a very low altitude to locate his targets, on one occasion,sustaining severe damage to bis aircraft before successfully completing his mission. His excep-tional keenness and efficiency as a leader have always been an inspiration to his pilotsFit. Lt. R. G. PaiCE, DJ.C, E.A.F., No. 248 Sqn.—Since being awarded the Distinguished Fly-ing Cross this officer has participated in numerous attacks c-n enemy, shipping. All these operationshave demanded the highest standard of skill. The successes obtained reflect the greatest credit onthe ability shown by Flight Lieutenant Price, whose navigation in difficult circumstances hasbeen faultless. This officer has proved himself to be a most valuable and courageous member cfaircraft crew. Fit. Lt. F. J. RUSH, D.F.C., R.C.A.F., andF/O. 3. P. LUCY, D.F.C., R.A.A.F., tioth of No. 502 Sqn.—As pilot and navigator respectively, theseofficers have displayed tbe highest standard of skill and determination in attacks on enemy ship-ping. One night in February, 1945, they success- fully attacked a large merchantman sailing inconvoy. In spite of fierce anti-aircraft fire from a number of enemy ships, a perfect bombing runwas executed. Several hits were obtained on the target, which soon became enveloped in flames.These officers displayed great skill and courage, and set a splendid example throughout. Fit Lt. P. G K. WILLIAMSON, D.F.C.R.A.F.V.R., No. 219 Sqn.—As pilot and observer of aircraft respectively, these officers have takenpart in very many sorties, some of them in most adverse weather. Tb?y have shown a high degreeof skill and courage during these operations, and have destroyed four enemy aircraft. These BUO-cesses have brought Flight Lieutenant WilUam- «on's total victories to nine.Sqn. Ldr. M. G. BROWN, D.F.C., R.C.A.F., No. 400 (R.C.A.F.) Sqa-Since the award ot the Dis-tinguished Flying Cross, Sqn. isdi. Brown has con tinned to display courage and devotion to dutyof a high order. His work heis set. an outstanding example to all the pilots in the jquae'ron.Act. Sqn Ldr. J. M. BAILEy, D.F.C., R.N.Z.A.F., No. 75 (N.Z.) Sqn.—Since being awarded theD.F.C., Sqn. Ldr. Bailey nas participated in many sorties ajjajnst some of the most heavily defendedtargets ii enemy territory He has consistently displayed e. high standard of courage and skill,qualities whicn were well evident en a recent . occasion in February, ] 945, when he 1r 1 thesquadron in an attack on an oil refinery at Osier- feld. Whilst over the1 target the aircraft i^a? hit in several places. The starboard inner engine wasrendered unserviceable and the propetler had to be feathered. In spite of this, Sqn. Ldr. Baileyexecnted a successful attack. Act. Sqn. Ldr. K. J. FOSTER, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R.,No. 97 Sqn. (since deceased).—This officer has taken part in numerous operational missions,which have included most of the recent major operations against German targets. On threeoccasions he has rendered valuable aid to the squadron by acting as captain of inexperiencedcrews. He is a very keen captain of aircraft and a skilled and experienced navigator whos*'initiative and resource have been highly com- mendable.Act. Sqn. Ldr. R. A. MCKINNA, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 97 Sqn. (since deceased).—Asair gunner and gunnery leader, this officer has taken part in numerous operational missioBsagainst the enemy, in the course of which, lie has invariably displayed the utmost c-.ourage, for-titude and devotion to duty. Fit. Lt. G. R. CEAKANTHOBP, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R.,No. 542 Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Crakanthorp is an opera- tional pilot of exceptional skill and ability who,during two strenuous tours of duty, has always displayed the greatest keenness. Since the awardof the Distinguished Flying Cross he has parti- cipated in photographic reconnaissance sorties toall the major German targets. In November, 1944, he completed a particularly outstandingmission to Munich, which involved flying his air- craft a very great distance in thick cloud. Despitethis all the principal objectives were successfully covered, the final target, a very heavily defendedarea, being photographed from a low altitude beneath the cloud.F/O. G. CRIBBS, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 16 Bqn.—Since the award ot the Distinguished FlyingCross. F/O. Cribbs has completed many hazardous -7 missions in an extremely able manner, invariablyreturning with exceltent photographs. In January, 1945. he was detailed to take photographs in tnrvicinity of Rotterdam, tow clouds made ifnecis sary ior him to fly at a low level over strong'?defended areas to attain his objective. Despite this, the sortie was successfully completed.Throughout his tour F/O. Cribbs has display™ outstanding skill and devotion to duty.Fit. Lt W. .1. BANKS. D.F.C., R.C.A.F.. >' 412 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.-Since being awarded <MDistinguished Flying Cross this officer has t«K">
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