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Aviation History
1945
1945 - 1525.PDF
FLIGHT AUGUST 2ND, 1945 SERVICE AVIATION has participated in a large number oi operationalmissions. He has consistently shown a high degree oi skill and courage, qualities which havebees reflected in the fighting spirit of the squad- ron he commands. In March, 1945, Wing Cdr.Fox led the squadron in an attack against enemy shipping. A cargo vessel and a second ship werehit by bombs and several smaller vessels were effec- tively machine-gunned. In April, 1945, thisofficer led his formation in an attack against two enemy vessels, one of them being heavily armed.Despite much opposing fire the attack was pressed home to a successful conclusion. Wing Cdr. Fox'sskilful leadership contributed materially to the success achieved. Act. Wing Cdr. J. L. BERLANDINA, D.F.C.,R.A.F.O.—Since being awarded a bar to the D.F.C., Wing Cdr. Berlandina has participated inmany sorties. Throughout these operations he has continued to display the highest qualities ofskill and courage and has set a flue example to all. Towards the end of the fighting in the Italiantheatre, Wing Cdr. Berlandina led formations of aircraft in attacks against various targets withgreat success. On one occasion the target was the pontoon bridge at Polcsella. The objective wasattacked with great determination and resulted in the destruction of the approaches to the bridgeand to transport of certain ferry terminals near- by. Two days later this officer led an attack onPo river crossings in the Polesella-Guarda Veneta area. By his skilful leadership and exceptionaldetermination, he played a good part in the suc- cesses obtained. He has set a magnificent exampleto all. Major D. LiDDELL, D.F.C., S.A.A.F., So. 24(S.A.A.F.) Sqn.—Throughout a large number of operational sorties, this officer h&6 displayed out-standing courage, skill and devotion to duty. On one occasion he led a successful attack againstKastelli Pediada airfield in Crete. Shortly after leaving the target the formation was attacked bya namber of Messerschmitt 109s, which broke through the outnumbered fighter escort. MajorLiddell's cool and skilful leadership was such that, although, some of our aircraft were damaged, nonewas lost, and his gunner was able to destroy one of the enemy fighters. This is only one incidentin many, during which, under this officer's bril- liant leadership, his squadron has been enabled torender outstanding service both in the Middle East and Italian theatres of war. Act. Sqn. Ldr. W. T. KLEKSY, D.P.C., R.C.A.F.,No. 401 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—Throughout two tours ol operational duty, Sqn. Ldr. Klersy has dis-played outstanding leadership, courage and devo- tion to duty. Since the award of a Bar to theD.F.C. he has destroyed or damaged a, further 90 enemy vehicles, 8 locomotives and 8 goods trucks.He has also destroyed three more enemy aircraft, bringing his total to at least 10 enemy aircraftdestroyed. This officer has moulded his squadron into a powerful operational unit that, by main-taining a consistently high standard in every phase of ground or air activity, has set a magnificentexample to the rest of the Wing. Major T. R. J. TAYLOR, D.F.C., S.A.A.F., No.93 Sqn.—This officer has completed many sorties on his third tour of operational duty. On threeoccasions he led the squadron in harassing attacks on a variety of the targets in the battle area. Inthese well planned and resolutely executed sorties much damage was inflicted on the enemy. Theresults obtained reflect the greatest credit on the gallant efforts of Major Taylor, whose skill andleadership were of a high order. Since the com- mencement of the final offensive in the Italiantheatre in April, 1945, the squadron commanded by Major Taylor was responsible for the destruc-tion of a large number of mechanical vehicles, numerous barges and tanks. Many buildings occu-pied by the enemy, a good number of gun positions and various road and rail bridges were most effec-tively attacked. This officer set an example which has inspired all. Wing Cdr. E. P. W. HTJTTON, D.F.C., A.F.C.,R.A.F.—Wing Odr. Hufcion has completed a very large number of sortie* involving many attacks onenemy shipping. He has consistently displayed out- standing devotion to duty and throughout hasshown courage and enthusiasm of a high standard. His efficiency was amply demonstrated in May,1945, when he led a successful low level attack against enemy shipping in the Baltic, much damagebeing inflicted on the enemy. Wing Cdr. Hiitton has set a fine example of keenness, determinationand gallantry. Sqn. Ldr. A. G. DECK, D.F.C., R.A.F.V,U., No.143 Sqn—Sqn. Ldr. Deck has completed a large number of sorties, including many attacks onenemy shipping. He is a highly skilled and courageous pilot and has set a fine example inpressing home hie attacks. His excellent work has contributed materially to the successes obtained.On three occasions in the early part of May, 1945, Sqn. Ldr. Deck participated in sorties againstvarious types of enemy ships. One of the targets was a heavily armed enemy vessel. This officerled his formation in to the attack with great skill. Many hits with rocket projectiles andcannon fire were obtained and the vessel's guns were effectively silenced. He later attacked and seton fire a vessel of the coastal type. This officer has invariably displayed the highest standard of devo-tion to duty. Act. Sqn. Ldr. P. S. BLOMFIELD, D.F.C., U.A.F.,No. 260 Sqn.—Sqn. Ldr. Blomfield is a highly skilled and efficient pilot. He has completed avery large number of sorties against a variety of targets, and his ability, coupled with greatenthusiasm, has contributed materially to the successes obtained. During the Italian cam-paign this officer led his squadron in attacks against gun positions, armoured vehicles andenemy occupied headquarters with a high degree of success. Much damage was inflicted on theenemy. Sqn. Ldr. Blomfield is a fine leader whose example has been well reflected in theoperational efficiency of his squadron. Act. Wing Cdr. J. N. STACEY, D.F.C., R.A.F.O.,No. 160 Sqn.—These members of aircraft crew have taken part in many operational missions.One night they were detailed to participate in a mine-laying mission in enemy waters. The opera-tion called for a high degree of courage and reso- lution, and the success achieved reflects the crediton their efforts. On reaching base at the com- pletion of the sortie they had been in the airfor some 21 hours on a flight covering more than 3,000 miles to take up his'post as of Occiioati THE NEW CHIEF arriving at Buckeburj las, K.C.B., M.C., D.F.C.,,C.-in-C. British Air Forces (Left) Badge of No. 779 Squadron, Naval Air,(The fieldroundel In chiefissuant pr< wise, wan Finis Coronat Opus'work). On a and black, aite and green. :nts of a towerhstse a Tiey fesse- gold. (Right)Badge of No. 846 Squadron, Naval Air Arm. <r Semper Instans."(Always ready). On a blue field, out of water barry wavy in base whiteand blue, a man proper, helmeted red, holding in his sinister hand asword, gold, and riding on a Pegasus, white, attacking a sea serpent proper. Sqn. Ldr. C. D. HAEBIS-ST. JOHN, D.F.C.,R.A.F.V.R., No. 4 Sqn.—Sqn. Ldr. Harris- St. John has completed a long series of difficultoperational missions with conspicuous success, throughout which he has consistently displayedcourage, skill and devotion to duty of a high order. In December, 1944, he planned and leda photographic operation which involved flying straight and level for five miles over one of themost heavily defended areas of Holland. The photographs' obtained were excellent, and pro-duced information of the utmost value to the army. Under this officer's brilliant and inspiringleadership, his squadron has produced results woich have been of vital importance to the 1stCanadian Army, and without which the last great battles and the subsequent rapid advance couldscarcely have been planned. Act. Sqn. Ldr. G. A. BUTLER, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R.,No. 11 Sqn.—Sqn. Ldr. Butler has a long record of operational flying, and is now on his thirdtour of duty. He has, throughout, displayed a fine fighting spirit and outstanding courage anddevotion to duty. Under his brilliant leadership the squadron has flown on many long distancesorties, penetrating deeply into enemy territory. These missions have been completed withoutfighter cover in aircraft which are virtually de- fenceless against Japanese fighters, amd, duringthe period of this officer's command, no pilot has been lost through enemy action. In addition,Sqn. Ldr. Butler has participated in numerous operations in close support of the 14th Armywith excellent results. Act. Wing Cdr. R. G. KNOTT, D.F.C., R.A.F.O.,No. 524 Sqn.—This officer has commanded the squadron with outstanding success for manymonths. During the period he has participated in numerous attacks on enemy shipping. Inthese operations he has displayed the hi standard of skill, "courage and leadership, qwhich have contributed in good measure to tt* successes obtained. His devotion to duty ovt tlong period of operational flying has been un- failing. • Second Bar to Distinguished FlyingCross lit. Lt. K. R TRIGGS, D.F.C., R.A.F.V R., No.692 Sqn. Sqn. Ldr. D. C. FAIRBANKS, D.F.C, R.C.A.F.,No. 274 Sqn. Fit. Lt. K F. THIELE, D SO., D.F.C., R.N.Z.A.F., No, 3 Sqn Bar to Distinguished Flying CrossFit Lt. G. R. 1. PARKER, D.F.C., D.8.M., R.A.F.. No. 219 Sqn.Fit Lt A J HISCOCK, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 156 Sqn.Kit Lf T. J. LONG, D.F.C., R.A F.V.R., No. 608 Sqn.Fit Lt. K. H. NEVILLE, D.F.C.. R.A.F. V.R., No. 109 Sqn.Fit. Lt W. G. O'TOOLE, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 78 Sqn.Act. Sqn. Ldr. K. A MATHESON, D.F.C., R.C.A.F., No. 83 Sqn.Fit. Lt M J. BELANGEE, D.F.C., R.C.A.F., No. 425 (R.P A.F.) Sqn.Fit. Lt. D. A. MACFADYEN, D.F.C., R.C.A.F., No 406 (R.r.A.F.) Sqn.F/O R W TAYLOR, D.F.C., R.C.A.F., No. 161 Sqn.Sqn. Ldr. D. C. GORDON, R.C.A.F., No. 402 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.Sqn. Ldr. H. E. WALMSLEY, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 350 Sqn.Sqn. Ldr. P. A. WOMERSLEY, DF.C, A.A.F., N°- 18 Sqn.
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