Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Warrant Officer

Unit:

No. 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

January 25th, 1944

Citation:
"One night in January 1944, Flight Lieutenant Sladen, Flying Officer Starr and Warrant Officer Abbey were pilot, navigator and wireless operator/air gunner, respectively, of an aircraft which attacked a fully surfaced U-Boat. In the face of considerable anti-aircraft fire, Flight Lieutenant Sladen pressed home his attack from a low level and straddled the vessel with his depth charges. In the operation, which was executed with great skill and accuracy, Flying Officer Starr and Warrant Officer Abbey co-operated excellently with their pilot. Three nights later this crew attacked another U-Boat which was straddled with depth charges from a low level. Flight Lieutenant Sladen, who has completed an extremely large number of sorties, has invariably displayed great skill, courage and leadership of a high order. Flying Officer Starr and Warrant Officer Abbey have also completed very many sorties and have rendered most valuable service. They are highly efficient and have set a fine example of determination and devotion to duty."

Presented 1 April 1949