Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 219 (Mysore) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 24th, 1940

Citation:
"Sergeant Dupee and Sergeant Banister were the pilot and air gunner respectively, in an aircraft which attacked a Heinkel 111K. Shortly after commencing the attack the return fire from the enemy aircraft ceased, but as Sergeant Dupee was about to continue his attack at short range the Heinkel's dorsal gun again opened fire severely wounding him in the arm and causing damage to his aircraft. Sergeant Banister thereupon crawled forward, assisted Sergeant Dupee from his seat and took control of the aircraft. Despite failing strength, through loss of blood, Sergeant Dupee gave directions to Sergeant Banister who, although untrained as a pilot, was enabled to fly the aircraft until compelled to force land. This was carried out on a strange aerodrome with the undercarriage retracted and only slight damage was caused to the aircraft."