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Chalk, William Robert "Bob"

    Date of birth:
    1913 (Porthcawl/Glamorgan, United Kingdom)
    Date of death:
    1993
    Service number:
    47910
    Nationality:
    British

    Biography

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    January 1st, 1942
    Mentioned in Dispatches
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Flying Officer
    Unit:
    No. 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    June 15th, 1943
    Citation:
    "This officer's operations have included attacks on the heavily defended targets in the Ruhr and Berlin. In addition, he participated in the daylight attacks on Le Crensot and Milan. On one occasion F/O. Chalk's fine commentary enabled his pilot to manoeuvre the aircraft and thus destroy an enemy night fighter."

    Recommendation dated 27 April 1943:
    "This Officer has set the highest possible standard by his ability and efficiency throughout an operational tour of 23 sorties. His conduct throughout has been outstanding and all gunners in the Squadron have been influenced by his fine example. His operations have included two attacks on Berlin and many against other heavily defended targets in the Ruhr. He also took part in the famous daylight attacks on Le Creusot and Milan.
    On his second operational sortie his accurate fire commentary enabled his pilot to manoeuvre the aircraft and thus allow this Officer to destroy an enemy night fighter. On every one of his sorties he has shown the same high degree of skill and co-operation with the rest of his crew. He is strongly recommended for the award of the D.F.C."
    Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Flight Lieutenant
    Unit:
    No. 299 Squadron, Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    June 10th, 1949
    Awarded for:
    Operation Market Garden
    Bronzen Kruis (BK)
    Citation:
    "Flight Lieutenant Chalk participated in 40 operational sorties a large number of which were in support of resistance movements. In September 1944, he was the rear gunner of the leading aircraft engaged in Airborne operations at Arnhem. Whilst participating in a re-supply mission his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire and set on fire. Despite this Flight Lieutenant Chalk continued to man his gun until ordered to abandon the aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Chalk landed amongst the enemy and was unable to evade capture."

    Recommendation dated 2 November 1945:
    "Whilst on this Squadron F/Lt. Chalk proved himself a brilliant leader, and welded his gunners into a highly efficient team. He took part in a number of sorties in support of resistance movements. In September, 1944, he flew as gunner on the leading aircraft engaged in the Airborne Operations at Arnhem. His persistence and courage in the face of fierce enemy opposition set a fine example to his comrades in the Squadron. Whilst engaged in a re-supply mission to Arnhem, his aircraft was severely damaged by flak and set on fire. In spite of this, F/Lt. Chalk continued firing on the enemy ground positions until finally ordered to abandon aircraft by his captain. He landed amongst the enemy and was taken prisoner. For his high example of courage and determination in the face of the enemy F/Lt. Chalk well merits the award of the Bronze Cross."

    Royal decree no.21
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    "France and Germany" clasp
    Air Crew Europe Star

    Sources

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