Corder, Charles Clayton

Date of birth:: July 29th, 1917 (West Thurrock/Essex)
Date of death:: May 31st, 2005
Service number:: 1161447 (NCO)/141015 (Officer)
Nationality:: British

Biography

Charles Corder was educated at Palmer's Grammar School before joining Lloyds Bank. In May 1940 he enlisted in the RAF, but poor eyesight prevented him from training as a pilot. Instead he became a navigator and was posted to No 248 Squadron, where he teamed up with the French pilot Max Guedj, a partnership that would last for almost two years. In fact, the pilot mentioned in the CGM citation is Guedj and for his actions he was awarded the first DSO of the war to a French airman.
In the second stage of the war Corder served with No. 404 Squadron completing many more anti-shipping patrols.
After being discharged from the RAF the next year, Corder returned to Lloyds Bank in London with responsibilities for the bank's premises, and qualified as a chartered surveyor.

Promotions:
? Flight Sergeant
30 January, 1943: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
30 July, 1943: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
30 January, 1945: F;ight Lieutenant (war sub)

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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CMG - Flying)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Sergeant
Unit:: No. 248 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: April 13th, 1943

Ciation:
"This airman has participated in 71 operational missions, including sorties off the Norwegian coast, over the Mediterranean and over the Bay of Biscay. He has displayed great navigational skill and perfect teamwork which have made him a valuable member of aircraft crew. On one occasion, in August 1942, he skilfully located a dinghy adrift in the Mediterranean and the crew were later rescued. In March, 1943, he was the navigator of one of a section of Beaufighters trolling over the Bay of Biscay. During the operation his aircraft sustained severe damage in an encounter with a Junkers 88, which was shot down. The situation appeared hopeless but, as the intercommunication system was unserviceable, Flight Sergeant Corder crawled through to the cockpit where he gave his pilot a course for base. Returning to his seat he attempted to signal their plight to other aircraft of the formation but his efforts were unavailing. In the meantime, the pilot was having considerable difficulty in controlling the aircraft so Flight Sergeant Corder once more crawled to the cockpit to assist. The port engine failed and the possibility of flying to this country seemed remote. Nevertheless, Flight Sergeant Corder calmly continued his duties, repairing the intercommunication, obtaining bearings and doing everything within his power to assist his pilot. The aircraft, which was extremely difficult to control, was now being flown almost at sea level. When nearing the English coast the second engine caught fire while some oil in the cockpit also caught alight. Just as the pilot had decided that the damaged aircraft should be abandoned the English coast was sighted, so he struggled on. Meanwhile, Flight Sergeant Corder coolly sent out distress signals and fired Verey cartridges intermittently to attract the attention of people on shore. He guided the pilot to the lowest part of a cliff which was crossed safely and a crashlanding effected on an airfield. On impact the aircraft burst into flames but both Flight Sergeant Corder and his pilot were able to jump clear. In the face of an appalling situation, this airman displayed skill and courage in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force."