Webb, Alfred Denys

Date of birth:: (Chester)
Nationality:: British

Biography

Service number 43463.

Alfred Webb joined the Royal Air Force in 1936 and was commissioned in 1940. Previously he served some years in the Merchant Navy aboard S.S. Northumberland when that ship rendered great service in demolition and rescue work during the great earthquake in New Zealand. In January 1941 he was specially selected to take part in Operation ‘Colossus’ as Air Gunner in one of eight Whitley aircraft detailed to drop a force of 38 British paratroops to attack the Tragino Viaduct in southern Italy.

Promotions:
April 7th, 1941: Flying Officer (war sub)
April 7th, 1942: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
May 30th, 1946: appointed as Flight Lieutenant (extended service)
November 1st, 1947: Squadron Leader
April 7th, 1949: transferred to the Secretarial Branche
February 21st, 1962: retirement

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: August 22nd, 1941

Recommendation:
"F/O Webb has completed 26 sorties, including the Colossus operation. Throughout this period he has shown an outstanding desire to come to grips with the enemy by his keenness and willingness to take part in operations on every possible occasion. His skill as an airgunner and his example and leadership to his fellow air gunners have been of the utmost value."

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 77 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: January 16th, 1945

Recommendation:
"Since being awarded the D.F.C. for meritorious service carried out over Italy on 10 February 1941 during the course of his first operational tour, Squadron Leader Webb has continued to operate in his second tour with unremitting zeal and enthusiasm. His first tour consisted of 25 sorties (168 hours) which were carried out in Whitley aircraft and he has completed 16 sorties, with a total of 70.21 flying hours, in his second tour. Although not the member of a crew, he has shown great eagerness to fly as Air Gunner and on several occasions has occupied the mid-under turret during trials with the modified gun installation."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for onn the ribbon of the first DFC.

1939-1945 Star

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Air Crew Europe Star

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.

Africa Star

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Defence Medal 1939-1945

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

War Medal 1939-1945

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Sources

- The London Gazette Issue 35254 published on the 22 August 1941
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36894 published on the 12 January 1945
- Dix Noonan Webb