Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 100 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1943

Citation:
One night in October, 1943, Warrant Officer White and Sergeant Dowdell were pilot and navigator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Leipzig. Soon after leaving the airfield, the intercommunication system became unserviceable, and later after crossing the enemy coast, one of the bomber's engines became defective. Before the propeller could be feathered, the engine burst into names. An extinguisher failed to put out the fire completely and it burned sufficiently bright to illuminate the fuselage and tailplane. In spite of this, Warrant Officer White flew on to the target and bombed it. On the homeward flight, Sergeant Dowdell displayed exceptional skill and resource and, in spite of great difficulties, unerringly guided his pilot to base. The defective engine was still alight when the airfield was reached but Warrant Officer White effected a masterly landing. As the bomber touched down the flames from the engine shot upwards and threatened to envelop the bomber but Warrant Officer White coolly ensured that his crew safely disembarked whilst he attended to the switches and petrol cocks. In serious circumstances, this gallant pilot displayed skill, coolness and tenacity which inspired all, while Sergeant Dowdell proved a valuable member of aircraft crew and supported his captain valiantly."