Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

April 18th, 1941

Recommendation:
"Prior to being posted from this unit this Wireless Operator / Air Gunner had completed a total of 31 operational missions. Of these missions, 26 were successfully completed and eight were carried out in the capacity of 1st Wireless Operator. Details of the successful missions are give here under [by way of example]:
23.9.1940. Captain of aircraft - P./O. Bridson. Invasion barges and shipping at Boulogne were successfully attacked on this occasion. Bursts were seen in the No. 3 basin and fires broke out. Heavy and accurate flak from A.A. guns was experienced and the aircraft was hit several times but no casualties were sustained. Searchlights were operating in fair numbers.’
29.10.1940. Captain of aircraft - P./O. Peers. A successful attack was made on the docks and shipping at Wilhelmshaven. All bombs were dropped in one stick from 10,000 feet and bursts were seen in the target area. Intense opposition from A.A. guns and searchlights was encountered but no damage or casualties were sustained. On returning to base, the aircraft circled the aerodrome, received permission to land but flew on and finally crashed at Slaggyford. The aircraft was completely wrecked but the crew escaped with superficial injuries.’
This N.C.O., though a slow starter, eventually achieved a high degree of efficiency as a 1st Wireless Operator. He possesses a quiet personality and has proved himself sound and completely reliable. His conduct on all operations has been in accordance with the highest traditions of the Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 7th, 1944

Citation:
"These airmen were flight engineer, pilot and wireless operator (air) of an aircraft detailed to attack Bourg Leopold one night in May, 1944. When nearing the enemy coast, on the homeward flight, the aircraft was attacked by a fighter and sustained considerable damage. Two engines were put out of action and extensive fires started in the fuselage. The bomber temporarily went out of control. At this moment it was struck by bullets from another enemy aircraft. Sergeant Dew was badly wounded in the foot, the thigh and arm; Sergeant Browne also sustained severe wounds in the arm and thigh. The situation was critical but although Sergeant Long ordered his crew to prepare to abandon aircraft, he attempted to regain control. He succeeded in so doing.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Dew, in spite of considerable suffering and weakness through loss of blood, fought the fires and his efforts were successful; he also succeeded in restarting one of the damaged engines. By now he was unable to move about.
Nevertheless, throughout the remainder of the homeward flight he directed other of his comrades in the necessary engineering tasks. Sergeant Browne also proved himself to be a devoted member of aircraft crew for, injured as he was and suffering acutely, he insisted on remaining by his wireless apparatus to assist his pilot on his course. Eventually, Flight Sergeant Long reached an airfield in this country and made a safe landing. In the face of a trying ordeal, these airmen displayed high courage, great skill and endurance. Their example ranks high."

Joint citation with Flight Sergeant Long and Sergeant Brown

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)