Date of birth:

June 17th, 1918 (Adelaide/South Australia, Australia)

Service number:

Aus. 401206

Nationality:

Australian (1901-present, Federal Monarchy)

George Downton joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an Airman in January 1941. Qualifying as a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner and advanced to Sergeant in April 1942, he commenced his operational career with No. 1437 Strategical Reconnaissance Flight in the Middle East in July 1942. Operating in Baltimore aircraft, the unit flew numerous road and railway reconnaissance sorties over such locations as Bardia, Barram, Benghazi, Castel Verde, Gambut, Heliopolis, Sollum, Tobruk and Tripoli, Downton completing 29 such trips prior to his C.G.M.-winning exploits on 21 April 1943.

On that date his Baltimore aircraft was detailed to fly a reconnaissance over the Cap Bon area, taking off from El Djem airfield in the late afternoon. Subsequently engaged by 10 109s over a 20 minute period, damage and casualties quickly mounted. In the event, following a crash landing on the Bon Peninsula, just Downton and a South African Army Officer, who was travelling as a passenger, managed to escape the burning wreckage. Taken P.O.W. by the Italians following his gallant lifesaving exploits, Downton was latterly interned in Germany. He was finally liberated in May 1945 and was discharged as a Warrant Officer on his return home in October of the same year.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 1437 Strategic Reconnaissance Flight, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 23rd, 1943

Recommendation:
"Sergeant Downton was the Wireless Operator / Air Gunner of an aircraft which, during a flight near Cap Bon, was engaged by 10 enemy fighters. In the ensuing combat, Sergeant Downton was wounded three times, while his gun became unserviceable. Despite this, he coolly directed his Pilot in taking necessary evading action until the aircraft could no longer be flown, and was landed on fire in enemy territory. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Downton, who escaped serious injury in the crash, entered the blazing wreckage and assisted in extricating a member of the crew who was badly burned. He then tried valiantly to re-enter the rear of the aircraft to rescue a trapped comrade, but was finally beaten back by the intense heat of the conflagration. His courageous efforts in spite of wounds were worthy of the highest praise."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: Sue Hobbs
• - Page 3326 | Supplement 36104, 20 July 1943 | London Gazette | The Gazette
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