| Lancaster NE130 6O-T |
582 Sqn | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date : | 17 janvier 1945 | Mission : | Zeitz (All.) | ||||||||||||||||
| Décollage : | Little Staughton à 18:35 |
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| Causes de la perte : |
Abattu par la Flak |
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| Lieu de la perte : | Sud de Laon (02) | ||||||||||||||||||
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FS | James Montgomery | CARROLL | WOP | RAAF | 428491 | IND |  |
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FS | Jack Alfred | DENTON | Nav | RAFVR | 1231184 | IND | ||||||||||||
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Sgt | James Antony | FALLON | FE | RAFVR | 1572092 | IND | ||||||||||||
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Sgt | Nicholas | McNAMARA | AG | RAFVR | 179869 | KIA | ||||||||||||
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Fg Off | Patrick John | McVERRY | Pil | RNZAF | 417081 | IND |  |
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Sgt | Trevor | MYATT | AG | RAFVR | 1817083 | IND | |
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Fg Off | Warwick George | THORBY | Nav | RAFVR | 157350 | IND | |
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Distinguished Flying Medal.
Aus.428491 Flight Sergeant James Montgomery CARROLL, R.’A.A.F., 582 Sqn.
1817083 Sergeant Trevor MYATT, R.A.F.V.R., 582 Sqn.
Flying Officer Thorby, Flight Sergeant Carroll and Sergeant Myatt were navigator, wireless operator arid Mid-rapper gunner respectively in an aircraft piloted by Flying Officer McVerry hi an attack on the oil refinery at Zeitz one night in January, 1945. Although two engines became troublesome soon after leaving base. Flying Officer McVerry used them most skilfully and was able to reach the target on time. During the bombing run, the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground defences whilst illuminated in the searchlights. Nevertheless, Flying Officer McVerry held to a steady run until the bombs were released. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft was attacked by a fighter. Serious damage was sustained. The elevator controls were rendered useless and the bomber went into a step dive. Flying Officer McVerry succeeded in levelling out but, for the remainder of the flight he was faced with the greatest difficulty in retaining even a measure of control. The position was most alarming but, with great coolness, Flying Officer Thorby worked out a new course and the aircraft was headed towards allied territory. Meantime, Flight Sergeant Carroll and Sergeant Myatt had gone to the assistance of the rear gunner who lay wounded and trapped in his gun turret. In total darkness, and lacking oxygen, all but one of the supply bottles having been broken, they worked heroically. Although badly hindered by the manoeuvres of the aircraft which was constantly diving and climbing, they succeeded in freeing their comrade. At this point. Flight Sergeant Carroll collapsed. He revived, however, after being given oxygen by Flying Officer Thorby who had carried him forward. When allied territory was reached, Flying Officer McVerry gave the order to abandon aircraft. Before jumping themselves, these crewmembers prepared their injured comrade for the parachute descent and released him first. Afterwards all came down safely. In circumstances of great peril, these members of aircraft crew displayed the highest standard of bravery, coolness and resolution.
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE Of FRIDAY, the 9th of MARCH, 1945