| Lancaster ND449 GT-M | 156 Sqn | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date : | 07 mai 1944 | Mission : | Bombardement d’installations ferroviaires à Mantes la Jolie (78) | ||||||||||||||||
| Décollage : | Upwood à 00:48 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Causes de la perte : | Abattu par des FW 190 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lieu de la perte : | Le Fidelaire (27) | ||||||||||||||||||
 | Flt Lt | Henry Dixie | CHURCHILL | Pil | RAFVR | 124782 | KIA |  Inhumé à Le Fidelaire (27) | |||||||||||
| Fg Off | John Douglas | FOSTER | Nav | RAFVR | 143467 | KIA |  Inhumé à Le Fidelaire (27) | |||||||||||
| Sgt | Donald Frederick | HAYWARD | AG | RAFVR | 1332324 | EVA |  | |||||||||||
| Fg Off | Peter Vaughan | JONES | Nav | RAFVR | 151230 | EVA | | |||||||||||
| Sgt | Ronald | MAILE | WOP AG | RAF | EVA | |||||||||||||
| FS | George Maurice Gordon | MEER | FE | RAFVR | 1094376 | EVA | | |||||||||||
 | Fg Off | Earle Freeman | WARREN | AG | RCAF | J/17093 | KIA | | |||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Distinguished Flying Cross. Acting Flight Lieutenant Henry Dixie CHURCHILL (124782), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 103 Squadron. “One night in January, 1944, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Brunswick. When crossing the enemy coast on the outward journey, the aircraft was subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences. One of the engines was hit by shrapnel and it caught fire. The flames were extinguished but the engine was useless. Although some height was lost, Flight Lieutenant Churchill went on to the target and pressed home a vigorous and accurate bombing attack. This officer had cpmpleted many sorties against important and well defended targets and has invariably displayed great skill, courage and resolution.” Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of tuesday, the 1st of FEBRUARY, 1944 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross. Acting Flight Lieutenant Henry Dixie CHURCHILL, D.F.C. (124782), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, n° 156 Squadron Distinguished Flying Medal. 1094376 Flight Sergeant George MEER Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve n° 156 Squadron. “This officier and airman were pilot and flight engineer respectively of an aircraft which attacked Karlsruhe one night in April 1944. Soon after the bombs had been released the aircraft sustained damage to both wings, the flaps and one of the petrol tanks from which a considerable amount of the contents was lost and a fire started close to the rear turret. Flight Lieutenant Churchill had great difficulty in maintaining control of the aircraft. Nevertheless, he continued to give directions for fighting the fire, a task which Flight Sergeant Meer gallantly attempted. The flames increased in intensity but, although distressed by petrol fumes and deprived of the full use of oxygen, Flight Sergeant Meer worked unremittingly and finally succeeded in putting out fire. After a hazardous flight, Flight Lieutenant Churchill eventually landed the badly damaged bomber at an airfield in England. He displayed skill, determination and devotion to duty beyond praise. Flight Sergeant Meer also proved himself to be a most dependable memeber of aircraft crew. His coolness and bravery in a trying situation a fine example” Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of tuesday, the 23rd of MAY 1944 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 31 mai 2020 : Ajout du prénom du Sgt MAILE | |||||||||||||||||||