Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Aircraftman, 1st Class

Unit:

Crash Tender, RAF Llandwrog, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1944

Received for actions during an aircraft carsh.
The crash was recorded by No.9 (O)AFU, with the following entries in their Operations Record Book:
May 15th 1943, Llandwrog, “Accident: A Wellington aircraft BK139 crashed whilst making a forced landing on the airfield at this Station. The aircraft burst into flames and was completely destroyed. The crew were rescued from the burning aircraft by 644448 Sgt Grimshaw R., 1077076 Sgt Herd S.J., 1298702 Cpl Mills A.E., 1408016 AC Williams J.E. and 640879 LAC Boyd G., who, without waiting to protect themselves with foam or for the fire tender to get fully into operation, showed conspicuous bravery in attacking the aircraft despite the fact that both ammunition was exploding and all petrol tanks burst on crashing. It was not known whether the aircraft was carrying bombs. The Pilot was able to extricate himself with a little assistance but the other six members of the crew were trapped. All members suffered varying degree of injury, the pilot afterwards dying. The aircraft belonged to No.30 OTU.”