Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 57 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 2nd, 1941

Citation:
"In July, 1941, large-scale attacks were made on Gferman warships at Brest and La Pallice (including the "Gneisenau", "Scharnhorst" and "Prinz Eugen"). A smaller attack was made on Cherbourg. The operations were carried out in daylight and extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition were encountered by all aircraft when approaching the targets, which at Brest was protected by a balloon barrage. The air crews engaged succeeded, nevertheless, in securing direct hits on their objectives and in inflicting very severe damage in the target area. During the combats with enemy fighters 21 hostile aircraft were destroyed and others were severely damaged. The precise timing of attack by the various formations of aircraft and their correct approach to and accurate bombing of the objectives in the face of such powerful opposition; demanded great skill and high courage. The great success of these operations was largely due to the bravery, determination and resource displayed by this officer, who participated member of the aircraft crew."

Published in The London Gazette, dated September 2nd, 1941.