Sloan, Stuart Nimmo

Date of birth:: 1922 (Whitecraigs/East Lothian, Great Britain)
Date of death:: 1994
Service number:: 1550966 (NCO)/146605 (Officer)
Nationality:: British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Post war flew seven return sorties during the Berlin Airlift and he served with the King's Flight. He joined Vickers Armstrong as a test pilot in 1951, flying various types and displaying at the 1953 Farnborough airshow.

The King was renowned for his deep interest and knowledge of medals and awards and also for his superb memory. At a Balmoral reception for his staff on august 26, 1949, he noticed Sloan was wearing the ribbon of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, an extremely rare award. He engaged him in conversation and remarked that he did not recall presenting the medal to him. Sloan replied that he had still not received the medal and the conversation passed to other matters. Within a few weeks the King had arranged to present the gallantry medal to Sloan.

? Sergeant
24 May, 1943: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
24 November, 1943: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
24 May, 1945: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
1 September, 1945: Appointment to commission as Flying Officer (permanent)
24 November, 1946: Flight Lieutenant
17 Augustus, 1951: retirement at his own request
28 October, 1957: appointment as Flying officer (four years) in the RAFVR - Training Branch
28 October, 1965: appointment extended by four years
28 October, 1969: appointment extended by one year
28 October, 1970: appointment extended by four years
27 October. 1975: appoinment until this date

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 431 (Iroquois) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: June 11th, 1943

Citation:
One night in May, 1943,One night in May, 1943, Flying Officer Bailey and Sergeants Sloan and Parslow were members of the crew of an aircraft detailed to attack Dortmund. Shortly after its bombs had been released, the aircraft was badly damaged by antiaircraft fire whilst held by the searchlights. Evasive action was taken by putting the aircraft into a steep dive but this proved ineffective and the bomber was subjected to heavy fire whilst still illuminated. The situation became critical but Sergeant Sloan, displaying superb skill and determination eventually flew clear of the defences and headed for this country. A hatch was open and could not be closed, the rear turret door was also open and wind of great force blew through the length of the aircraft. All the lights in the navigator's cabin were extinguished but in the face of extreme difficulty, Sergeant Parslow plotted a course. On the return flight, he and Flying Officer Bailey assisted Sergeant Sloan in every way within their power and eventually this gallant airman flew the badly damaged bomber to an airfield and effected a good landing. In appalling circumstances these members of aircraft crew displayed courage, determination and fortitude of the highest order."

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 158 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: November 6th, 1945

".....An officer of proven courage, he has shown the greatest possible determination to press home the attack upon the enemy and he has faced the severst enemy defences with coolness which has been a constant source of inspiration to the men of his crew. It is strongly recommended that this pilot's record of skill, courage and devotion to duty throughout an excellent tour be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."