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Falconer, Sidney Godfrey

    Date of death:
    May 8th, 1944 (Whitchurch/Shropshire, Great Britain)
    Nationality:
    British (1801-present, Kingdom)

    Biography

    Service number: 129233.

    Sidney Falconer died in a landing accident with a glider on 8th May 1944(Horsa LH496). Both pilots and the passengers, F/Lt Austin RAF (Pilot) and F/O Falconer (Pilot) were killed.

    Promotions:
    24th June 1942: Sergeant

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Sergeant
    Unit:
    No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    July 17th, 1942
    Citation:
    "One night in-June, 1942, this airman was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Bremen. In the light of' the full moon, shortly after crossing the
    Dutch coast, the aircraft was intercepted by 3 enemy fighters whose pilots made simultaneous attacks from the port quarter, starboard and dead astern positions. Sergeant Falconer took violent evasive action but, in spite of this, his aircraft sustained severe damage. Just when it seemed that he had eluded his attackers, another enemy fighter appeared, firing a burst which raked the bomber from front to rear. The complete combat, lasting for 20 minutes, was fought from 15,000 feet, down to sea level. With 2 of his crew wounded, the aircraft's turrets useless, the astrodome, blind-flying panel and oxygen system shot
    away, as well as other damage sustained, Sergeant Falconer set course for this country. Although subjected to strong concentrations of light antiaircraft fire near the enemy's coast, he flew the aircraft safely back to base. Throughout, this airman displayed great courage, skilful captaincy and devotion to duty."

    Published in The London Gazette dated 17th July 1942.
    Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Acting Flight Lieutenant Volunteer Reserve
    Unit:
    No. 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    October 15th, 1943
    Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
    Citation:
    "A first class operational pilot and captain of aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Falconer has successfully completed many operational sortie of a varied nature. He has set a high example of keenness and courage in his squadron and been unfailing in his devotion to duty."

    Published in The London Gazette dated 15th October 1943.
    Citation in Air Ministry Bulletin 11720.

    Sources

    • - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of Tuesday 14th July 1942, Issue 35634, Tuesday Friday 17th July 1942
      - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 2nd October 1942, Issue 35731, Tuesday 6th October 1942
      - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of Tuesday 12th October 1943, Issue 36211, Friday 15th October 1943

    Photo