Loveitt, Raymond Herbert

Nationality:: British

Biography

Servicenumber 741310/156488, Royal air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Promotions:
23rd September 1943: acting Pilot Officer on probation (emergency);
25th November 1943: Pilot Officer on probation (emergency);
18th May 1944: Pilot Officer on probation (confirmation);
18th May 1944: Flying Officer (war subs.).

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Sergeant
Unit:: No. 42 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: June 24th, 1941

Citation:
"One night in June, 1941, this airman was the pilot of one of a formation of nine Beauforts which carried out a torpedo attack against a pocket battleship, screened by five destroyers, sailing off the south-west coast of Norway. After maintaining close formation for over two hours in most difficult conditions, Flight Sergeant Loveitt came out of low rain cloud near the enemy force. He skilfully manoeuvred his aircraft and dropped his torpedo from inside the destroyer screen, scoring a direct hit on the battleship. The execution of this brilliant attack was so sudden that the enemy was taken completely by surprise.
On another occasion, whilst on convoy escort, this airman destroyed an enemy aircraft. He has shown the greatest courage and efficiency."

Sources

- Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 19th November 1943, Issue 36258, dated 23rd November 1943
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 14th December 1943, Issue 36289, dated 17th December 1943
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 5th September 1944, Issue 36691, dated 8th September 1944