Malley, James Young 'Zulu Jim'
- Date of birth:
- July 24th, 1918
- Date of death:
- June 5th, 2000
- Nationality:
- British (1801-present, Kingdom)
Biography
Service number 88695.
Jim Malley, the son of an Aughnacloy farmer and merchant, was the eldest of three brothers to fly with Bomber Command. All of which would survive the war.
His service with the RAF during the Second World War as a navigator-bomb aimer extended to 127 operations over enemy territory, including more than 30 raids over Berlin.
After the war Malley achieved distinction a second time as private secretary to the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Terrence O'Neill. He oversaw the delicate negotiations which preceded the meeting between O'Neill and Sean Lemass at Stormont in January 1965.
After the resignation of O'Neill, Malley served as Registrar-General of Northern Ireland for nearly ten years, retiring in 1978. He was also actively concerned with the welfare of ex-servicemen and women.
Promotions:
December 1st, 1940: Pilot Officer (probation)
December 8th, 1941: Flying Officer (war sub)
December 8th, 1942: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
? : Acting Squadron Leader
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Pilot Officer
- Unit:
- No. 149 (East India) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- November 21st, 1941
"P/O Malley has been employed as an Observer in this Squadron for the last six months. His ability as a navigator cannot be disputed, as he has successfully attacked the primary target on the majority of his raids, and some of the best night photographs taken by this Squadron during the past six months are due to his outstanding ability and the perfection of his training of the crew. On several occasions this Officer and his Captain have spent up to two hours trying to locate the primary target and then being unable to locate the primary target have flown at a very low altitude to find a railway and then followed it until an important junction has been reached when systematic bombing has been carried out.
His determination to attack the primary target or, under conditions of adverse weather, a target of major importance, is an example to the other observers in the Squadron. The standard he has set is the perfection peak to be aimed at, and by his example he has assisted considerably our war effort."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 178 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- July 23rd, 1943
"F/Lt., Malley has now completed 487 hours operational flying in the European and Middle East theatre of war. His work in this Squadron both on the ground as Navigation Officer and in the air has been most praiseworthy. His cool determination in attacking the target in adverse weather conditions and in the face of heavy opposition has made his work outstanding and an excellent example for his fellow squadron members. On the 6th Aug. 42 he was Navigator (B) in the leading aircraft of a formation which attacked shipping in Tobruk harbour in daylight. Despite intense anti-aircraft he achieved excellent results."
Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 139 (Jamaica) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 26th, 1945
"Since being awarded a First Bar to the D.F.C. after completing 74 heavy bomber sorties, this Officer has completed a further 53 operational sorties on Mosquito aircraft, making a total of 127. Many sorties carried out on this tour have been against the most heavily defended targets in Germany, including Berlin, which he has attacked on 27 occasions. All his sorties on this tour have been in the important role of primary blind marker.
Throughout this lengthy period he has had many arduous experiences and many times has his aircraft been hit by flak. Invariably his courage, coolness and accurate navigation under the most difficult circumstances have largely contributed to the successful completion of his task, and safe return to base. In spite of his long operational career, and numerous harrowing experiences he has never tired, and his keenness to operate and his courage and tenacity at all times have been a shining example and a source of confidence and pride to the whole Squadron.
I strongly recommend the non-immediate award of the D.S.O."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35353 published on the 18 November 1941
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36104 published on the 20 July 1943
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37324 published on the 23 October 1945
- Spink
- RAF Upwood
Photo
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