Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

No. 144 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 31st, 1940

"This airman was the wireless operator and air gunner of an aircraft engaged in an attack on a target at Gladbach-Rheydt on a night in May, 1940. The aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire, which stopped one engine and shot away the rudder controls, but Corporal Jolly maintained wireless communication and obtained positions to assist the pilot and navigator. On reaching friendly territory after a flight of over 100 miles, the pilot gave an order to abandon the aircraft, and Corporal Jolly then destroyed the aircraft's papers, locked the wireless telegraph key, and leaving the transmitter switched on, jumped from the aircraft at a very low altitude. His coolness and efficiency throughout materially assisted in preventing the aircraft from falling in the hands of the enemy."