Franklin, Charles Ernest

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: November 22nd, 1915 (London, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: January 25th, 1975 (Birgmingham, United Kingdom)
Service number:: 1165320
Nationality:: British

Biography

Charles Ernest Franklin, born in West Ham, London, on November 12, 1915, was one of seven children.

He joined the RAF in 1940, qualifying as an observer and posting to 49 Squadron in April 1942, flying 28 operations. He was recommended for the DFM before completing his first tour.

In March 1943, Franklin transferred to 617 Squadron. During the raid, he faced difficulty at the Ennepe Dam due to the rotating mine's violent shudder, requiring three dummy runs before successfully dropping the Upkeep at 03:37, though the dam was not breached. For his efforts, he was awarded a rare Bar to his DFM—one of only 60 granted in the war and the only one given to a 617 Squadron airman. He received it at Buckingham Palace.

The Dams Raid was Franklin’s only mission with 617 Squadron. He became an instructor in mid-1943, receiving a commission. Returning to operations in July 1944 with 83 Squadron, he flew briefly before illness ended his tour.

Post-war, Franklin ran a catering business in Birmingham.

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 49 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 18th, 1943

"This N.C.O. has completed 26 sorties of 161.30 hours operational flying as an Air Bomber. His work on the ground and in the air has consistently been of the highest standard, and his great skill and determination in searching for and locating his target has resulted in a very high proportion of most successful sorties. Often hampered by bad weather and menaced by fighters and enemy defences, this N.C.O. has displayed a marked singleness of purpose in his determination only to bomb the correct target, involving as it frequently has done several runs to identify it positively before releasing his bombs. By his quiet efficiency he has gained the complete confidence of his crew and set an example to all, and I most strongly recommend the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."

Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 28th, 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Chastise

"Flight Sergeant Townsend was Captain, Pilot Officer Howard Navigator and Sergeant Franklin Air Bomber of an aircraft detailed to attack the Ennepe Dam. By displaying a very high degree of skill and judgement, Flight Sergeant Townsend brought his aircraft to a position from which Sergeant Franklin could hardly miss. On the way from the target much opposition was encountered, but by the display of great determination on the part of Pilot Officer Howard, their aircraft returned safely to base. I strongly recommend that this outstanding achievement of this crew be recognized by the immediate award of the C.G.M. to Flight Sergeant Townsend, the D.F.C. to Pilot Officer Howard and the first Bar to the D.F.M. to Sergeant Franklin."

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.