Allen, Michael Seamer
- Date of birth:
- March 15th, 1925 (Croydon/Surrey, Great Britain)
- Date of death:
- June 6th, 2001
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Service number 120723.
Prior to the war, Mike Allen was an aeronautical engineer with Fairey Aviation. Allen joined the RAF in June 1941, became a navigator/radar operator and two months later was paired with pilot Harry White. They remained together until November 1945, shooting down at least 12 German aircraft. During the war they would fly the Beaufighter, the Boston Havoc night fighter and in the latter half of the year the Mosquito with which they would deter enemy night fighters who were targeting Lancasters and Wellingtons.
After the war he worked for Avro, Pye Telecommunications, BTR and Rank Hovis McDougall. In 1966, he moved to South Africa, where he became chairman of the Pretoria branch of the South African Air Force Association. He returned to Britain in 1982 and worked for the Officers' Association.
In 1999 he published 'Pursuit through Darkened Skies'.
Promotions:
April 17th, 1942: Pilot Officer (probation/emergency)
October 17th, 1942: Flying Officer (probation/war sub)
April 17th, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 141 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- November 5th, 1943
"As observer, Flying Officer Allen has undertaken very many sorties at night and has assisted in the destruction of 3 enemy aircraft. This officer has displayed exceptional keenness, skill and determination."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 141 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 14th, 1944
"As observer and pilot respectively these officers have completed many sorties since being awarded ths Distinguished Flying Cross. They have set a fine example of keenness and devotion to duty throughout and have now destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft at night. Their achievements have been worthy of much praise."
Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Awarded simultaneously to the pilot, Flying Officer Harold Edward White.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 141 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 13th, 1944
"By his exceptional skill and co-operation, Flt.Lt. Allen has enabled his captain to deiiroy three enemy aircraft since the award of the bar to the D.F.C. This officer has always shown the greatest courage and resourcefulness, and has set a high standard of skill and devotion to duty under adverse conditions."
Third DFC awarded as second bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Awarded simultaneously to the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Harold Edward White.
Sources
- - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36235 published on the 2 November 1943
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36468 published on the 11 April 1944
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36745 published on the 10 October 1944
- Flight Global - Archive
- The Telegraph - Obituaries
Photo
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