TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Castagnola, James "Cass"

Service number:
169585
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 57 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
November 17th, 1944
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
March 16th, 1945
Awarded for:
Operation Catechism
"As captain of aircraft this officer has completed a large number of sorties and throughout has displayed the greatest keenness. He has invariably pressed home his attacks with skill and resolution and his Successes have been well proved by the good photographs he has secured. Flying Officer Castagnola took part in the final attack on the German battleship Tirpitz; he also flew with distinction in an attack against the Kemibs Barrage."

Second DFC received as bar.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 26th, 1945
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Citation:
"F/O. Castagnola has taken part in a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been against major and heavily defended targets, including Berlin. He has throughout displayed exceptional anility and outstanding courage and determination. This officer participated in ail three attacks which culminated in the destruction of the German battleship Tirpilz. In April. 1945, he was a member of the force which successfully attacked the battleship Lutzow and pressed home his attack in the face of very intense opposition. In the face of danger F/O. Castagnola's cool courage has inspired the members of his crew with confidence."

Sources

Photo