Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 209 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1945

Recommendation:
˜Flight Sergeant Thorpe was manning the front turret in a Sunderland S/209 when two enemy luggers were encountered in position 10''26'' North 98''28'' East at 00.41Z hours on 9th August 1945. An immediate attack was carried out at low level in the face of stiff enemy opposition from both luggers. Flight Sergeant Thorpe brought accurate fire to bear, starting a fire on one of the vessels. A series of attacks were then pressed home during which intense and accurate light flak was encountered which caused considerable damage to the aircraft. Due largely to this Senior NCO's accurate shooting, both luggers were set on fire and their guns silenced. The incendiary bullets eventually caused a violent explosion which destroyed one of the vessels. The other burning fiercely, was run onto rocks and abandoned by the crew. An immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal to Flight Sergeant Thorpe is recommended.''

For the same action Flight Lieutenant McKendrick was awarded the DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With Cyprus clasp.