| Lancaster NE136 PM-L | 103 Sqn | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date | : | 15 juillet 1944 | Mission | : | Bombardement d’installation ferroviaires à Revigny-sur-Ornain (55) | ||||||||||||||
| Décollage | : | Elmsham Wolds à 21:02 | |||||||||||||||||
| Causes de la perte | : | Abattu par un chasseur de nuit (Ofw Reinhard Kollak du 8./NJG4) | |||||||||||||||||
| Lieu de la perte | : | Biencourt-sur-Orge (55) | |||||||||||||||||
 | Sgt | Francis Thomas | ARMSTRONG | AG | RAFVR | 2204557 | KIA | ||||||||||||
| FS | Kenneth Arba | BROOKE | WOP | RAFVR | 1486403 | KIA | ||||||||||||
| Plt Off | Frank | FARNHAM | AG | RAFVR | 172990 | KIA |  | |||||||||||
| Plt Off | George Clarke | MITCHELL | AB | RAFVR | 189118 | KIA | ||||||||||||
| Plt Off | Cecil Harold | OGDEN | Pil | RAF | 54597 | KIA |  | |||||||||||
 | WO2 | Oliver John Lancaster | PRATLETT | Nav | RCAF | R/167080 | KIA | ||||||||||||
| Sgt | Ernest | THOMASON | FE | RAF | 542295 | KIA | ||||||||||||
Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officer Cecil Harold OGDEN (54597), Royal Air Force, No. 103 Squadron.
This officer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Karlsruhe one night in April, 1944. When nearing the target the aircraft was attacked by a fighter. The engagement ended with the destruction of the enemy aircraft but the bomber had sustained severe damage. Despite this, Pilot Officer Ogden completed his bombing run. The aircraft became very difficult to control but course was set for home. Eventually the enemy coast was crossed but, when a few miles from the English, shore the odds became too heavy and Pilot Officer Ogden was compelled to bring the aircraft down on to the sea. All the engines had ceased to function but he accomplished the task successfully, and some time later all the crew were rescued. In the most trying circumstances this officer displayed superb captaincy, exceptional gallantry and unswerving devotion to duty.
THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE of TUESDAY, the 6th of JUNE 1944.
STÈLE à MONTIERS-SUR-SAULX (55)
