14 – Saint Désir War Cemetery

Typhoon JP427 XM-

182 Sqn

Date :  18 août 1944 Mission :  Attaque d’objectifs au sol dans le secteur de Falaise (14)
Décollage :  ALG B6 à Coulombs (14)
Causes de la perte :  Abattu par la Flak
Lieu de la perte :  Orbec (61)
Flt Lt Alastair James HAY RAFVR 67093 KIA
Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officer Alastair James HAY (67093), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Pilot Officer Hay was pilot of the Hurricane on board a ship fitted with a catapult. On the approach of enemy aircraft he was catapulted off and immediately proceeded to attack and drive off a formation of six Heinkel .Ill’s and HII5’s which were preparing to deliver a torpedo attack on the port bow of the convoy; not only did this prevent synchronisation with an attack which developed from the starboard bow, but he destroyed one Heinkel in and slightly damaged another. Pilot Officer Hay was himself wounded and he then baled out and was picked up by one of His Majesty’s ships of the convoy escort. He showed great gallantry and his spirited attack was a great encouragement to all the convoy and escorts, and cannot but have been a great discomfort and surprise to the enemy.
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE of FRIDAY, the 19th of JUNE, 1942.