Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 156 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 18th, 1945

Recommendation:
"On 24 March 1945, Flight Sergeant Mann was Rear-Gunner in a Lancaster detailed to carry out a daylight bombing attack on Harpenerweg. Whilst approaching the target, the aircraft encountered accurate predicted flak. The aircraft received a direct hit in the bomb bay. The pilot's cabin filled with smoke and he was informed that the aircraft was on fire. He ordered the crew to abandon but, at 13,000 feet, he was able to control the crippled aircrapt. Flight Sergeant Mann was half out when he observed the aircraft was more or less under control and, sensing the damage which may have caused the direct hit, he realised he might be of assistance. With the bomb bay shattered, the Mid-Upper Gunner had presumably fallen trhough a lage hore in the fuselage as his parachute wa still in the aircraft. Flight Sergeant Mann proceeded precariously through the wreckage alongside the fuselage, gripping at what support he could find with the fuselage filled with fumes and smoke. He found the Navigator and Wireless Operator had already baled out. He was directed by the pilot to carry the wounded Engineer to the flight deck beside the pilot as the Set Operator was unable to manage alone, being almost exhausted from his previous efforts in the nose of the aircraft. Flight Sergeant Mann then assisted to dress the Engineer's wounds and gave other assistance in the damaged aircraft under the directions of the pilot. This N.C.O. then assisted the pilot and the Set Operator in landing the crippled aircraft at Manston. Flight Sergenat Mann showed keenness and grit throughout a period of hazard and danger and was always ready to perform any duty for which his pilot ordered him regardless of the risk involved. This N.C.O. has now completed 32 operational sorties, 13 of which have been with the Path Finder Force. He showed courage and determination and tenacity of a high order. I recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."
Go2War2.nl


All other crew members were decorated after this hazardous flight. See:
- Sergeant Bowers
- Acting Flying Officer Hampson
- Flight Sergeant Reynolds

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)