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Aviation History
1945
1945 - 1078.PDF
592 FLIGHT MAY 31ST, 1945 Air Vice-Marshal C. E. W. Lockyer, C.B., taking the salute at a march-past of glider pilots at a recent passing-out parade. SERVICE AVIATION Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm News and Announcements Appointments THE Air Ministry announces the following R.A.F.appointments : —Brigadier JAMES THOM DURRANT, D.F.C., B.AAF to be Air Officer Commanding a GroupAir Command, South East Asia, with the rank of Sfeo.mmodore AMREW MCKEE. CB1D.SO.,DFC AFC to be Air Officer Commanding No. 205'Group, Mediterranean Allied Air ForceBrigadier J. T. Durrant has been A.O.C. of No. 205 Group since 1944. He was South Africa syoungest brigadier, having only recently celebrated his 32nd birthday.He joined the S.A.A.F. Reserve when he was 19. and was a cadet in the permanent Air Force in1933. After serving as a flying instructor he passed a special course at the R.A.F. PhotographicSchool at Famborough, returning to the Union where he did aerial survey work.He took part in the Abyssinian campaign, in which he gained the D.F.C , and in 1941 he com-manded a squadron which was part, of the De&ert Air Force. Awards THE KING has been graciously pleased toapprove the following awards in recognitionof gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations : — Bar to Distinguished Service Order Act Group Capt. A F. ANDERSON. D.S.O.,DF C H.A.F. (Capt. the Royal Warwickshire Regt )'—As commanding officer of several aquad-rons Group Capt. Anderson has displayed the highest standard of efficiency, great drive and out-standing devotion to duty. Much of the great success of the squadrons under his commandcan be attributed to this officer's brilliant leader- ship and tactical ability. Since being awardedthe Distinguished Service Order, Group tapt Anderson has participated in very many sorties,during which much I06S has. been inuicteu on the enemy Throughout he has continued to displaya, high degree of bravery, setting an example which has inspired all.Act Wing Cdr. S. BAKER, n.S.O., D.F.C . R.A.F.V.R., No. 635 Sqn.—Wing Cdr. Baker hascompleted one hundred sorties, all of them against strongly defended enemy targets. He has displayed the highest qualities of skill and bravery, and throughout his devotion to duty has beenunfailing. Undeterred by the heaviest opposi- tion Wing Cdr. Baker has invariably pressed homehis attacks with the greatest resolution. His achievements have won high praise Distinguished Service Order Act Wing Cdr. T. BALMFOBTH, D.F.C., R.A.F.O.—Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has participated in a large num-ber of sorties and has displayed the highest quali- ties of skill and leadership. By his great tacticalknowledge, perseverance and enthusiasm he has done much to raise the operational efficiency ofall under his command to the highest standard He has set a magnificent example.Act. Wing Cdr. W. W. J. LOUD, D.F.C., R A.F.V.R.—This officer has led large formationsof aircraft on various sorties, during which oper- ations great loss has been inflicted on the enemy,including the destruction of 46 aircraft, some 290 mechanical vehicles, numerous locomotives,and much rolling stock; very many barges and several steamers have also been most effectivelyattacked. The success achieved is an excellent testimony to the exceptional skill, brilliant leader-ship and great bravery shown by Wing Cdr. Loud, whose example has inspired all.Wing Cdr C. V. J. PRATT, ?Jo. 38 Sqn. (since deceased).—Wing Cdr. Pratt took part in a largenumber of operational sorties. His personal cour- age, enthusiasm and devotion to duty were a continuar source of inspiration to his squadron. In Julv 1942 he made an attack on a large enemytanker escorted by two destroyers After shadow- ing the vessel for some while, he attacked atdose range, following this with a second attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. Thetanker was probably destroyed. This officer's fine leadership was largely responsible for the manysuccesses achieved by his squadron. His tireless efforts in the development and improvement ofni"ht torpedo tactics were of inestimable value Act WTing Cdr. R. BAKER, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R.,No. 97 Sqn.—This officer has participated in more than sixty bombing missions, during which hehas attacked a wide range of enemy targets. He has displayed skill and courage of a high orderand his determination to attack his targets witb the greatest accuracy has set a very fine example.The successes he has achieved are a fine tribute to his sterling qualities.Art Sqn. Ldr. R. W. TURKINGTON, D.F.C. !,' A.F.V.R.. No. 601 Sqn.—Since the award of aBar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has completed many more operational sorties Hehas a distinguished record as a close support leader Many times he has destroyed his targetthrough sheer dogged persistence, machine gun- ning repeatedly until his ammunition was ex liausted. On one occasion in December, 1944,Sqn. Ldr. Turkington led a formation of aircraft against an enemy etrongpoint, and, despite heavyfire from the defences, made no fewer than six attacks until the target was reduced to burningwreckage. On another occasion this officer's air- craft was very severely damaged by anti-aircraftfire, but, although it was impossible to maintain control, he succeeded in flying safely back to base,where he made a masterly landing. An oat- standing squadron commander, Sqn. Ldr. Turking-ton has always displayed great courage, brilliant leadership and unswerving devotion to duty.Act. Fit. Lt. G. M. BLTJMEB, R.A.A.F., No. 450 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.—This officer has completed a verylarge number of sorties against a wide range ol enemy targets. He has displayed skill -*•'courage of a high order and throughout his < mination has been unbeatable. In March,in an attack on several enemy barges, Fit.'/.' Blumer's aircraft was hit and damaged. He him-self was wounded, suffering a broken leg. Although in much physical distress, this brave pilot fie*back to a landing ground and brought his aircraft safely down with the undercarriage retracted.He displayed outstanding fortitude and resolu- tion arid his conduct impressed all. Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross Act. Wing Cur. W. E. ROBERTS, D.F.O..R.A.A.F., No. 460 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.-Sincc tbe award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, WingCdr. Roberts has completed a second tour of operational duty. He has attacked such heavilydefended targets as Essen, Duisburg and Russel- lieim, as well as precision targets in France. Hehas also flown in close support of the Army. Throughout, he has displayed great skill u"1courage. As captain of aircraft, his fine airman- ship and coolness in -the face of the enemy ,n«set an inspiring example to all. On one occasion, during an attack on Le Havre, his aircraft washit by fire from the enemy's defences, the naviga- tor being badly wounded and many flying instr!!'ments destroyed. Despite this, with great SKU • he flew the aircraft safely back to this country.Sqn. T_tlr. F. W BOYLE, D.F.C.. R.A.A.F... «» ther operations, including attacks against sueimportant targets as Munich, the Dortmnnd-tm" Canal and Stuttgart. He has continued to opera'"with outstanding navigational skill and deterrni"» tinn Throughout his tour he has gt«n *"]utinuft assistance to his pilots, and by n's ,„„. courage in the face of danger and unfailing av
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