Trotman, Percival John Povey

Service number:: 143229
Nationality:: British

Biography

Promotions:
? Flight Sergeant;
November 19th, 1942: Pilot Officer (probtion/emergency);
May 19th, 1943: Flying Officer (probation/war sub);
November 19th, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub).

Promotions:
November 1940: Pilot training;
June 24th, 1942: No. 150 Squadron;
?: No. 81 Operaitonal Training Unit;
?: No. 83 Operational Training Unit;
?: No. 1655 Mosquito Training Unit;
October 1944: No. 692 Squadron.

On December 5th, 1944 he was flying on Ludwigshaven when engine failure occurred, compelling his navigator Flying Officer ‘Tubby’ Tubbs to bale out over Lille. Trotman safely landed the defective Mosquito XVI also at Lille.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 692 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: February 13th, 1945

Citation:
"One night in December, 1944, Flying Officer Trotman was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Ludwigshaven. Shortly after leaving the target area, the starboard engine failed and soon after the port engine became defective and lost power. Considerable height was lost and it seemed as though the aircraft would have to be abandoned. The defective port engine suddenly resumed full power, however, and Flying Officer Trotman flew the aircraft to an airfield in France where he executed a safe landing with the undercarriage retracted. This officer has displayed commendable gallantry and outstanding skill and has at all times proved himself a cool and resolute captain."

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 692 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: October 26th, 1945

Citation:
"Flight Lieutenant Trotman has participated in numerous sorties since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He has completed a second tour of operations against heavily defended targets in Germany including 19 attacks against Berlin. At all times he has set an inspiring example and as captain of aircraft, his skill and determination have been most marked."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on 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)

Defence Medal 1939-1945

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

War Medal 1939-1945

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Sources

Photo 1: Frank Phillipson
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36937 published on the 9 February 1945
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37324 published on the 23 October 1945
- Dix Noonan Webb
- Aircraft Accidents in Yorkshire