Watts, Jack Vincent
- Date of birth:
- 1920 (Hamilton/Ontario, Canada)
- Date of death:
- 2019
- Service number:
- Can/J4688
- Nationality:
- Canadian
Biography
Flew 26 trips with No.10 Squadron; posted to No.462 Squadron (Middle East); then to No.109 Squadron (second tour) and No.105 Squadron (third tour). In the Middle East, 11 November 1942, he was shot down five miles offshore from Tobruk; swam ashore and spent three days watching Germans. On fourth day, hungry and thirsty, he broke into a stores hut and barely escaped being captured.
Career:
July 2nd, 1940: Royal Canadian Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- August 4th, 1942
"Flight Lieutenant Watts is a courageous and highly skilled navigator who has done much to ensure the success of many of the sorties in which he has participated. One night in April 1942 he was the navigator of an aircraft detailed to attack the naval base at Trondheim. On arrival at the target area the aircraft was intercepted by an enemy fighter but Flight Lieutenant Watts coolly and skilfully guided his captain down through an intense barrage and the fighter was unable to follow. The objective was then attacked from an extremely low level. The following night when attacking the same objective, Flight Lieutenant Watts distinguished himself by his brilliant navigation."
LG 35654/3410.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 109 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 13th, 1944
"This officer is a very capable and conscientious officer. He has completed a large number of sorties on Mosquito aircraft since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross which have necessitated a high degree of navigational skill, and excellent results have frequently been achieved. His skill and determination have always been of a very high order."
LG 36745/4694.
Second DFC awarded in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 105 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 27th, 1945
"This officer has completed more than 100 sorties. He has at all time's displayed the greatest keenness and devotion to duty and his example has impressed all. Squadron Leader Watts is a navigator of high merit and the successes obtained on the many sorties in which he has taken part are a fine tribute to his outstanding skill. This officer
has proved of the greatest value to the squadron."
LG 37054/2243.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (1939-1947)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded with overseas service clasp and "BOMBER COMMAND" clasp (latter clasp presented on September 15th, 2013).
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Second CD awarded in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first CD.
Third CD awarded in the form of a second bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first CD.
Sources
- Photo 1: Royal Canadian Air Force
- - The London Gazette Issue 35654, Page 3410: DFC.
- The London Gazette Issue 36745, Page 4694: DFC (2).
- The London Gazette Issue 37054, Page 2243: DSO.
- Royal Canadian Air Force
- Original Decorations
Photo
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