Hillier, George Albert

Service number:: 2221367
Nationality:: British

Biography

Sergeant George Albert Hillier a native of Bristol, serviced as an Air Cadet before volunteering for aircrew in 1943. After training he was posted to 17 OTU and undertook a 'Nickel' leaflet dropping operation to Denmark on the 24th April 1944. He was posted to 57 Squadron as mid upper gunner operating the Lancaster Bomber and flew his first op to Brunswick on the 12th August 1944.
His last operation number 31 was on the 1st February 1945 to Siegen. Serving the war he was posted to Iraq on the 13th July 1946 and served in ground duties. He was discharged on the 12th February 1947

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 57 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: February 20th, 1945

Recommendation:
"This Air Gunner has completed 18 sorties with 57 Squadron. Included in these sorties are attacks on highly defended targets in Germany and enemy occupied territory. He has shown great keenness and courage on all occasions. On the night of 2nd/3rd November 1944, he was mid-upper gunner of a crew detailed to attack Dusseldorf in a Lancaster aircraft. Shortly after he left the target on the return flight, the aircraft was attacked by an ME.109. The enemy's first attack was coming in to port and slightly below and cannon fire put the rear gunner's turret out of action and severely wounded the gunner. The fighter made further attacks but Sergeant Hillier by vigourous offensive action, eventually drove him off. During the action, the mid-upper turret was damaged and in the latter part of the engagement, Sergeant Hillier fired his guns manually. The situation was exacerbated by the elevator and starboard rudder being damaged to such an extent that the only tactical manoeuvre that the pilot found possible to make was a slight diving turn. Sergeant Hillier's running commentary to the pilot was exceptional and he was undoubtedly responsible for the safe return of the crew and aircraft to this country. Sergeant Hillier has always displayed great coolness and courage in the face of danger. He has been keen to operate on every possible occasion and has been a fine example to the other gunners in the Squadron. He is strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying"