| 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) | |||||||||||||||||
 | Fg Off | Gordon William | BREWER | Pil | RNZAF | 412196 | KIA |  | |||||||||||
| FS | Robert Ferguson | EDMONDS | AG | RNZAF | 413254 | KIA | ||||||||||||
| WO | Ronald William | SECORD | AG | RNZAF | 404098 | KIA | ||||||||||||
 | 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.