62 – Achiet-le-Petit

Lancaster LL836 BQ-E 550 Sqn
Date :  11 avril 1944 Mission :  Bombardement d’installation ferroviaires à Aulnoye (62)
    Décollage :
North Killingholme à 23:25
    Causes de la perte :
Abattu par un chasseur de nuit
    Lieu de la perte :  “Bois de Logeast” à Achiet le Petit (62)
Plt Off William ESSARA AG RCAF J/90741 KIA
Royaume-Uni Sgt Thomas Henry GUEST FE RAFVR 1801227 KIA  
Royaume-Uni Fg Off John James LOGAN Nav RAFVR 135108 KIA Distinguished-Flying-Cross
Royaume-Uni Flt Lt Richard William PICTON Pil RAFVR 129769 KIA Distinguished-Flying-Cross
Fg Off John Foster POTTER AB RCAF J/23136 KIA  
Royaume-Uni Flt Lt William Hugh WAYCOTT AG RAFVR 145708 KIA Distinguished-Flying-Medal
Royaume-Uni Sgt Kenneth Percy Charles WILLIAMS WOP AG RAFVR 908406 KIA Distinguished-Flying-Medal
Distinguished Flying Medal
908406 Sergeant Kenneth Percy Charles WILLIAMS, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 550 Squadron.

One night in March, 1944, this airman was the wireless operator (air) of an aircraft which attacked Berlin. Soon after the bombs had been released the aircraft was attacked by fighters and sustained much damage. After the enemy aircraft bad been evaded it was discovered that the Mid-upper and rear gunners bad been wounded. Displaying great promptitude, Sergeant Williams extricated the rear gunner from his turret. He was unconscious and his oxygen mask was damaged. Without regard for his own welfare, sergeant Williams removed his own mask and fitted it to the face of his injured comrade. He then attended to the needs of the other gunner to whom he rendered efficient first aid. But for his prompt aid it is doubtful whether his injured comrades would have survived the long flight home.· Throughout the sortie, Sergeant Williams displayed great co-operation and devotion to duty.
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT to THE LONDON GAZETTE of FRIDAY, the 28th of APRIL, 1944.