76 – Rouen Cimetière Saint Server

Lancaster LL732 JI-H2 514 Sqn
Date : 02 mai 1944
Mission : Bombardement d’installations ferroviaires de Chambly (60)
Décollage : Waterbeach à 22:47
Causes de la perte : Abattu par la chasse de nuit
Lieu de la perte : “Cote de la Vignette” à Reilly (60)
Royaume-Uni Fg Off Harold Cherberd BRYANT AG RAFVR 143598 KIA Distinguished-Flying-Cross
Royaume-Uni FS Robert Samuel COLE WOP AG RAFVR 1387235 KIA
Royaume-Uni Flt Lt Robert Julian CURTIS Pil RAFVR 120090 KIA Distinguished-Flying-Medal
Royaume-Uni FS Bryan George GREEN AB RAFVR 1450549 KIA
Royaume-Uni WO Raymond Frank Jospeh HALL AG RAFVR 976457 KIA
Royaume-Uni Fg Off William Liewelyn Wynn JONES Nav RAFVR 135670 KIA
Royaume-Uni Sgt Stanley Frank MARTIN FE RAFVR 1032632 KIA
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flying Officer Harold Cherberd BRYANT (143598),Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 514 Squadron
This officer was the Mid-upper gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack Frankfurt one’ night in March, 1944. Whilst on the bombing run the windscreen on the starboard side of his turret was shattered. An article of stores was seen to be on fire close to an ammunition tank. The danger was averted by Flying Officer Bryant, however, who acted with great promptitude and ejected the burning article through the broken windscreen. Although his turret could not be rotated mechanically, while the windscreen was shattered, Flying Officer Bryant insisted on manning the position and remained alert to the possibility of fighter interference. His oxygen tube had been severed by flying splinters but he resourcefully maintained his supply by holding the severed ends together. This officer displayed great courage, fortitude and devotion to duty.
Fourth Supplement of The London Gazette of tuesday, the 18st of APRIL, 1944