Martin, Harold Brownlow Morgan
- Date of birth:
- February 27th, 1918 (Edgecliff/New South Wales, Australia)
- Date of death:
- November 3rd, 1988 (London, Great Britain)
- Buried on:
- Commonwealth War Graves Gunnersbury Cemetery
- Service number:
- 68795
- Nationality:
- Australian
Biography
Harold Martin was sent to England by his parents in order to gain life experience and to study medicine at Edinburgh University. At the outbreak of the war however, he joined the RAF voluntarily and was accepted in August 1940.
Martin became an expert in low level flight and this caused Guy Gibson to select him to join 617 Squadron and take part in the Dambuster Raid. After that operation he remained with the squadron for a while.
At the end of 1943, the beginning of 1944 he was employed as a Staff Officer at the headquarters of 5 Squadron and 100 Group for a while before serving with 515 Squadron.
After the war he remained in the RAF and retired in 1974. He was employed by Hawker Siddeley as an advisor. 1986 he became president of the Bomber Command Association.
Harold Brownlow Martin was buried at Gunnersbury Cemetery in London.
Post-war decorations:
January 1st, 1949: Air Force Cross
June 8th, 1968: CB
January 1st , 1971: KCB
Wartime promotions:
Juni 17th, 1941: Pilot Officer
Juni 17th, 1942: Flying Officer (war sub)
Juni 17th, 1943: Flight Lieutenant
Post war promotions:
February 11th, 1947: Flight Lieutenant
August 1st , 1947: Squadron Leader
July 1st ,1954: Wing Commander
March 23rd , 1959: Acting Group Captain
July 1st , 1959: Group Captain
October 15th ,1962: Acting Air Commodore
January 1st , 1963: Air Commodore
December 18th ,1965: Acting Air Vice-Marshal
January1 1st ,i 1966: Air Vice-Marshal
July 1st , 1970: Air Marshal
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- November 6th, 1942
"These two officers have flown together as captain and observer respectively of an outstandingly success ful and efficient crew, who have consistently bombed the targets from a low altitude, returning with excellent photographs. On one occasion in August they spent 30 minutes locating the target in the face of intense opposition.
The aircraft was hit in many places, and one engine caught fire; nevertheless, the attack was pressed home in the most resolute and determined manner.
Again in August they were detailed for a mission calling for a high standard of navigation and crew co-operation, which was accomplished in a highly successful manner."
Awarded simultaneously to Jack Leggo.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- May 28th, 1943
- Awarded for:
- Operation Chastise
"On the night of 16th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- November 12th, 1943
"In September, 1943,Sqn. Ldr. Martin was detailed to participate in a low-level operation at night. Early in the engagement the leader of the formation was shot down, nevertheless, despite appalling weather, Sqn.
Ldr. Martin with grim determination persisted in his effort to locate the target. The search lasted for 84 minutes in the target area, but Sqn. Ldr. Martin persisted until able lo make an attack."
Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- March 31st, 1944
"Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has completed numerous sorties and has continued to set the highest example of courage and devotion to duty. He is a brilliant and fearless leader, whose iron determination in the face of the fiercest opposition has won great praise. One night in February 1944, Squadron Leader Martin captained an aircraft detailed to attack a target in Southern France. During the run up to the target his aircraft was repeatedly hit. One member of the crew was killed and another one was wounded. Squadron Leader Martin pressed home his attack, however, and afterwards flew the damaged bomber to an airfield where he effected a masterly landing in difficult circumstances. He displayed great skill and resolution throughout."
Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 515 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- November 14th, 1944
"During bis operational tour, Sqn. Ldr. Martin has destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged a third. In May, 1944,his aircraft was detailed to attack a target on Kiel Canal. The operation was completed with great success. Again, in June, 1944, Sqn. Ldr. Martin participated in the complete destruction of four enemy vehicles by cannon fire close to the invasion area. On other occasions he has attacked enemy airfields despite severe opposition. As Flight Commander, the sterling and audacious operational work achieved by this officer, combined with his ardent fighting spirit, is worthy of the highest praise."
Third DFC awarded as second bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- Photo: Aeropedia
- - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35773 published on the 3 November 1942
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36030 published on the 25 May 1943
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36245 published on the 9 November 1943
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36448 published on the 28 March 1944
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36793 published on the 10 November 1944
- Flight GLobal - Archive
- Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
- Dambusters.org.uk
- The RAF Museum Hendon
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