50 – Cherbourg

 

Boston BZ279 RH-G
88 Sqn
Date:15 février 1944
Mission:Attaque d’installations de V1 à Flottemanville-Hague (50)
Décollage:Hartford Bridge à 11:10
Causes de la perte
:
Abattu par la Flak
Lieu de la perte
:
entre Hainneville et Querqueville (50)
Royaume UniFlt LtAlfred GeorgeDICKENSON
NavRAF45209KIA
Royaume UniPlt OffGeorge WilliamGOULT
WOPRAFVR173014KIA
Distinguished Flying Medal
New ZelandFSGifford HumphriesREID
AGRNZAF413716KIA
CanadaWg CdrArthur BrianWHEELER
PilRCAFJ/4813KIA
Distinguished Flying Cross

Distinguished Flying Cross
Acting Flight Lieutenant Arthur Brian WHEELER (CAN/J.4813), Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 226 Squadron.
In April, 1942, Flight Lieutenant Wheeler was the leader of the second section of a formation of Boston aircraft detailed to attack the docks at Le Havre. Despite very intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire; by which his aircraft was repeatedly hit, Flight-Lieutenant Wheeler pressed home his attack. Immediately after releasing his bombs, the port engine failed, through damage by antiaircraft fire, and he was forced to leave the formation and follow behind. Steadily losing height, Flight Lieutenant Wheeler skilfully flew his damaged aircraft back to base. His skill and perseverance contributed largely to the safe return of a valuable aircraft and crew. In September, 1941, at low level and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he attacked and sank a Flak ship of between 800 and 1,000 tons, which was escorting a convoy. Flight Lieutenant Wheeler has displayed courage, keer.ness and devotion to, duty which have contributed largely to the successes achieved. He has set a fine example.
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO The LONDON GAZETTE Of 19th TUESDAY, the of MAY, 1942