56 – Guidel

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Halifax DT701 NP-T
 158 Sqn
Date : 07 février 1943
 Mission : Lorient (56)
Décollage : Rufforth à 19:01
Causes de la perte :  
Lieu de la perte :
 Manebos à Lanester (56)
Royaume Uni Plt Off Peter Leslie BEESLEY Pil RAFVR 47763 KIA
Royaume Uni Sgt Kenneth BOWLEY AG RAFVR 968910 KIA
Royaume Uni Sgt Eric BRINDLE Nav RAFVR 657693 KIA
Royaume Uni Sgt Leonard BYGRAVE Nav RAFVR 933155 KIA
Royaume Uni Sgt Frederick George CARR WOP RAFVR 933802 KIA
Royaume Uni Sgt Edwin Francis COWPER AG RAFVR 1271839 KIA
Royaume Uni Sgt Ralph LEWIS FE RAF 540757 KIA Medaille - Distinguished-Flying-Medal.png
Royaume Uni Sgt Goerge William WHILES Pil RAFVR 1249500 KIA
Distinguished Flying Cross
Squadron Leader William FLETCHER, D F M (44063), No 158 Squadron.
Distinguished Flying Medal
540757 Sergeant Ralph LEWIS, No 158 Squadron
1375551 Sergeant Harry KAY, No 158 Squadron
In December, 1942, Squadron Leader Fletcher and Sergeants Lewis and Kay were captain, flight engineer and navigator of a heavy bomber detailed to attack Turin While over the target area one of the starboard engines failed Shortly after the bombs had been released all blind flying instruments faùed and the airerait stalled and fell mto a spm Squadron Leader Fletcher skilfully regained control, but it was found impossible to climb over the Alps. Despite bad weather and poor visibility Sergeant Kay navigated the aircraft on another course round the Alps. Sergeant Lewis’s cool and skilful mampulation of the petrol consumption completed the team work which re­sulted in the safe return, of the aicraft, after flying some 900 miles with I of its engines disabled These members of aircraft crew set a grand example of grim determmation to triumph over tremendous difliculties.
SECOND SUPPLEMENT to THE LONDON GAZETTE of FRIDAY, the 8th of JANUARY, 1943.