14 – Bayeux War Cemetery

 

Ventura ?? EG-P 487 Sqn
Date : 12 juin 1943
Mission : Attaque de l’aérodrome de Caen (14)
Décollage : Methwold à 18:00
Causes de la perte
:
Abattu par la Flak
Lieu de la perte
:
vers Caen (14)
New Zeland Fg Off Gordon William BREWER Pil RNZAF 412196 KIA Distinguished-Flying-Cross
New Zeland FS Robert Ferguson EDMONDS AG RNZAF 413254 KIA
New Zeland WO Ronald William SECORD AG RNZAF 404098 KIA
Royaume Uni FS John Frederick SMITH Nav RAFVR 1161856 KIA

Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officer Gordon William BREWER (N.Z.412196), Royal New Zealand Air’Force, No.107 Squadron.
In June, 1942, Pildt Officer; Brewer, who was engaged on his first operational flight was the pilot of one of 6 Boston aircraft detailed to attack shipping and the docks at Dunkirk. On approaching the French coast, the formation was subjected to extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire. Pilot Officer Brewer’s aircraft was hit in numerous  places and the hydraulic system was rendered useless. Pilot Officer Brewer received a shrapnel  wound in the thigh which rendered his leg useless. Despite the pain and the loss of much blood he bombed his objective successfully and maintained formation during the return flight to base. Knowing that he was without brakes, he brought his aircraft in to land and avoided crashing by running it to a standstill through a dispersal area. Pilot Officer Brewer there by saved his crew from injury. He displayed , high, courage and devotion to duty and set an excellent example.
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE of FRIDAY, the 26th of JUNE, 1942.