Lewis, William John

Service number:: 184716
Nationality:: British

Biography

Lewis, he was from Caterham, joined the army at a young age (Royal West Kent Regiment) and then re-mustered for aircrew duties. He joined the RAF in 1943 and was Commissioned in August 1944. He joined as an air gunner, and after training was posted to 10 Squadron who were flying the Handley Page Halifax.
He completed 38 sorties with the Squadron as a rear gunner, His first sortie was on the 19th May 1944 to Boulogne. He was involved in a number of sorties to help soften up targets on the coast, including gun batteries and communications sites, prior to D-Day.

Promotions:
? Sergeant
19 August, 1944: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
19 February, 1945: Flying Officer (war sub)
19 June, 1950: commission relinquished on enlistment in the Territorial Army

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: July 20th, 1945

Citation:
“He has taken part in numerous operational sorties against such heavily defended targets at Stuttgart, Keil and Bittrop, as well as numerous others in enemy occupied territory. He has consistently proved himself to be an outstanding air gunner whose courage, skill and enthusiasm has won him the complete confidence of his crew. In June 1944, shortly after leaving the target at Juvisy, his aircraft was attacked by an Me 109. this officer coolly and accurately advised his captain as to evasive action, brought his guns to bear upon the attacker and opened fire. The enemy fighter burst into flames and crashed to the ground. His Vigilance and coolness on this occasion have been typical of that displayed throughout his tour.”