Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 22nd, 1940

"This officer has completed 24 missions over enemy territory. Seven completely successful ones were as second pilot to Group Captain W.E. Staton, DSO, MC, DFC. Since then he has completed the following nine successful missions as Captain of aircraft.

30th June The marshalling yard at Hamm was successfully attacked from a height of 6,000 feet. Bursts were observed within the target area. Heavy flak was encountered and searchlight activity was intense.

13th July The aluminum works at Monheim were successfully attacked and bombs were observed to burst on a corner of the target; they could not be accurately pinpointed on account of the weather conditions. Anti-aircraft fire was moderate, but active searchlight opposition was encountered.

20th July The target on this occasion was an aircraft factory at Wenzendorf. Four attacks were made, all of which were successful. Many fires were seen to be burning when this aircraft left the target area. Heavy flak was experienced and the aircraft was slightly damaged, without, however, any casualties being caused. On the homeward journey a severe electrical storm was encountered, and the wireless aerial was fused when running through this.

22nd July The aircraft factory at Bremen was successfully attacked. Three runs were made, and a large number of fires were seen to break out after this attack. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered, but without any casualties being sustained.

2nd August The objective on this occasion was the oil plant at Salzbergen. This was successfully attacked from a height of 9,000 feet, and fires were seen to immediately break out. Anti-aircraft fire and searchlight activity were experienced, but the aircraft returned safely to base.

5th August The task on this occasion was the bombing of the aircraft factory at Weismar. Three attacks were made and these were immediately followed by large explosions and many fires. Very heavy anti-aircraft fire was experienced, and the aircraft was damaged by shrapnel in the front turret, but no member of the crew was injured.

13th August The Fiat Works at Turin were successfully attacked. On this occasion the captain was flying with a strange crew, but despite this handicap he attacked his objective and large explosions and many fires were the result. Anti-aircraft fire was experienced, but this did not prove accurate enough to be disturbing.

16th August The objective was the Zeiss Works at Zena. These were successfully attacked in three runs, and fires were observed to break out in the works immediately after these attacks. Anti-aircraft fire and searchlights were encountered.

18th August An aerodrome at Hasheim was chosen as an alternative target, and this was successfully attacked. Several buildings were struck by the bombs, and three fires were started.

This officer is a reliable and experienced member of the squadron. He has done consistently good work and displayed considerable keenness, determination and operational ability.

On 22 August 1940 the Commanding Officer, RAF Station Leeming, added his remarks:

This officer is doing consistently good and successful work. He displays great skill in the handling of his aircraft, particularly as to its actual flying and its navigation. His integrity and devotion to duty is an example to the younger members of the squadron. I strongly recommend this award.

On 29 August 1940 a Group Captain (name illegible) at Headquarters, No.4 Group, Bomber Command, added the following minute:

This pilot has on a great number of occasions, both as second pilot and Captain of aircraft, carried out most valuable work during operations over enemy country. His determination to do his best has been most praiseworthy and a fine example to other members of his squadron. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The above were all boiled down into a citation submitted to Air Ministry Awards Section which read as follows:

This officer has completed 24 flights over enemy territory both as second pilot and as captain of aircraft. These include raids on the marshalling yards at Hamm, the aluminum works at Monheim, aircraft factories at Wenzendorf, Bremen and Weismar, the oil plant at Salzbergen, the Fiat works at Turin, the Zeiss works at Zena, and an aerodrome at Hasheim. All of these raids were successful, causing fires and explosions. Flying Officer Prior has maintained a high standard of work and by his conscientiousness, keenness and ability has set a fine example to his squadron."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)