Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 49 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 18th, 1941

Recommendation:
"Sergeant Merralls has attacked a wide variety of targets such as Berlin (twice) Hamburg (4 times), Kiel (twice), Mannheim, Frankfurt, Magdeburg, the Channel ports and targets in the Ruhr. In addition, he took part in the experimental fighter patrols by Hampden aircraft and has undertaken a number of successful mining operations. During his period as a Navigator, he was engaged in two outstanding flights. On 19th November 1940, he was Navigator of one of the only two aircraft from this station, which reached and attacked the Skoda Works at Pilsen. Another outstanding navigational trip was the celebrated attack on Munich on 8th November, 1940. Sergeant Merralls has been one of the most successful Captains of aircraft in the squadron. On the night of 30th March, 1941, he was Captain of an aircraft detailed to lay a mine in the Goulet de Brest which is a very heavily defended locality. In spite of intense opposition from the ground defences, Sergeant Merralls spent over half an hour in the vicinity of the Goulet (during which time his aircraft received several hits from the ground defences to make sure of the actual dropping point before finally laying the mine. On the night of 9th April, 1941, whilst attacking a target in Berlin, Sergeant Merralls' aircraft was caught and held by a concentration of searchlights and intense anti aircraft fire was experienced. In spite of this, Sergeant Merralls acted with the greatest coolness and, although he was forced down to 2,000 feet over the centre of Berlin owing to the violent evasive action necessary to get clear, he brought his aircraft safely to base although it has sustained nine serious hits from the ground defences. All his operations have been characterised by competence, courage, determination and an intense desire to strike at the enemy hard and accurately.".

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Warrant Officer

Unit:

No. 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1942

"On his second tour of opperations this warrant officer continued to display the greatest courage and initiative in his work. During the period he participated in attacks on Lubeck, Rostock, Warnemunde, Essen and Bremen. In July 1942, whilst over Duisburg his aircraft was severely damaged by heavy anti-aircraft fire but Warrant Officer Merralls coolly continued his bombing run and successfully completed his attack. He flew his damaged aircraft safely back to base with one engine out of action. Later, in July 1942, whilst return ing from a daylight raid, his aircraft was attacked by two enemy fighters. By skilfully manoeuvring his aircraft he enabled his gunners to shoot down one fighter and seriously damage the other ( Focke Wolfe 190)..."

Posthumously awarded and presented by King George VI at Buckingham Pallace to Merralls father.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)