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Aviation History
1947
1947 - 0968.PDF
562 FLIGHT JUNE 12TH, 1947 COMING ROUND THE MOUNTAIN : A Sikorsky R-6 (Hoverfly II) helicopter leaves the base camp during an R.A.F. mountain rescue exercise in the Rhyader district of Wales. Three Mountain Rescue Units took part in the location of a " crash '' and in a search for missing personnel. AwardsT HE KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards: Distinguished Flying Cross. F/L. John Edward Perkins, R.A.F.V.R., No. 168 Squadron, 2nd T.A.F. F/O. Charles Rene George Ryan, R.A.F.V.R., No. 405 (R.C.A.F.) Squad- ron. British Empire Medal. A/C.2 Andrew Miners, R.A.F.V.R.,R.A.F. Station, Gibraltar, Coastal Com- mand. F/L. Perkins was engaged on photo-graphic and tactical reconnaissance of the French coast, in the course of whichhe flew a considerable number of sorties, photographing, among other targets, theV.i bases, German anti-invasion devices on the beaches and radar equipment onthe cliffs, in August, 1944. while on a reconnaissance of the Seine bridges, hediscovered a concentration of some 3,000 German vehicles. This officer, adds thecitation, was one of the outstanding pilots of his squadron, highly reliableand courageous. F/O. Ryan was the flight engineer ofa Halifax in a daylight attack on Leipzig on April 10th, 1945, when it was severelydamaged by an enemy fighter. He assisted the pilot to regain control, andduring the return flight the aircraft was kept under control only because heanticipated its reactions to turbulent weather with exceptional skill andaccuracy. Without his assistance it would have been impossible to fly theaircraft home, and he knew that a crash- landing was the only means of saving thelife of a wounded gunner. A/C.2 Miners, with a complete dis- Royal Air Force and Naval Aviation News and Announcements regard of his personal safety, rescued a member of the crew of an American fly- ing boat which caught fire whilst moored in Gibraltar Harbour. Heavy VisitorsB Y the time this is read a squadronof Boeing B-29 Superfortresses, visiting this country as the guests ofthe Royal Air Force, should have made their first flight over London andSouthern England, having arrived, at Marham last Monday. Led by Colonel Charles L. Sommers,Chief of Staff of the 15th Air Force, the squadron is part of the historic 97thBombardment Group which made the first American attacks on Germany.Before leaving Andrews Field, Maryland, the crews were inspected by GeneralCarl Spaatz, Commanding General, U.S.A.A.F., and Air Marshal Sir GuyGarrod, head of the Royal Air Force mission to America, accompanied by Mr.Balfour, the British minister. Opposite number to our own AvroLincoln heavy bomber, the B-29 has a span of 141ft 3in, and flies at a weightof about 135,000 lb. The armament be- ing for the most part remotely controlled,and the barbettes in consequence being small, the fuselage is comparativelyclean, and this, in conjunction with an efficient wing section, permits a maxi-mum speed of about 350 m.p.h. The engines are Wright R-3350-23 eighteen- cylinder radials, fitted with GeneralElectric exhaust-driven turbo super- chargers, and driving Hamilton standardconstant-speed, full-feathering airscrews. Although a maximum bomb load of20,000 ib can be carried on the standard aircraft, it was necessary to modify theB-29 appreciably to permit a 22,000 1b Grand Slam " to be slung semi*internally. On the occasion of his birthday onThursday, June 12th, His Majesty the King has invited 150 officers and menfrom the crews of the Superfortresses to be present in the forecourt of Bucking-ham Palace, when, accompanied by Prin- cess Elizabeth, he rides out to attend thetraditional ceremony, the Trooping of the Colour, on the Horseguards Parade.A luncheon will be given in their honour by the Air Council, and on their way tovisit Bomber Command Headquarters o Friday morning they will also visWindsor Castle. No. 144 School Presentation ON Sunday, June 8th, twelve A.T.C.cadets comprising Course 21 of No. 144 Gliding School, Heston, receivedtheir Royal Aero Club "A" certificates from W/C. R. C. Keary, No. 65 LondonReserve Group. It had been intended that each cadet should make an " A"certificate flight, but owing to inclement weather this arrangement was cancelled. R.A.F. at Bisley IN fierce heat, on June 3rd, membersof the R.A.F, Small Arms Associa- tion opened their 2rst meeting, attendedby Marshal of the R.A.F. Lord Tedder, Patron of the Association. The Longcroft Tyro Challenge Cup
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