27 – Le Fidelaire

 

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)  
Royaume-Uni Flt Lt Henry Dixie CHURCHILL Pil RAFVR 124782 KIA
Royaume-Uni Fg Off John Douglas FOSTER Nav RAFVR 143467 KIA
Royaume-Uni Sgt Donald Frederick HAYWARD AG RAFVR 1332324 EVA
Royaume-Uni Fg Off Peter Vaughan JONES AB RAFVR 151230 EVA
Royaume-Uni Sgt Ronald MAILE WOP AG RAFVR 1493596 EVA  
Royaume-Uni FS George Maurice Gordon MEER FE RAFVR 1094376 EVA
Fg Off Earle Freeman WARREN AG RCAF J/17093 KIA  Inhumé à Breteville sur Laize (14)
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