Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 3rd, 1943

Citation:
"One night in November, 1943. Flight Sergeant Mowatt and Sergeants Bisby and Bridge were midupper gunner, wireless operator and flight engineer respectively in an aircraft piloted by Flight Lieutenant Trobe and detailed to attack Dusseldorf. During the operation the aircraft was subjected to a series of attacks by 4 fighters. In the actions the bomber was repeatedly hit. The rear turret, the hydraulic gear, the inter-communication system, the wireless apparatus and other important equipment were rendered unserviceable. Flight Sergeant Mowatt and Sergeants Bisby and Bridge were wounded. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Trobe succeeded in flying clear.
Two of the bomber's engines had failed but Sergeant Bridge succeeded in re-starting one of them. He afterwards extinguished a fire which had started near one of the turrets and later assisted Flight Sergeant Mowatt to quell another fire which had commenced in the fuselage. Meanwhile, Sergeant Bisby, although in considerable pain, had remained at his post throughout the encounters, and worked unremittingly to effect a temporary repair to his wireless apparatus. He succeeded in obtaining a fix which proved of material help in enabling his pilot to set course for home. Later on, his wireless apparatus again failed but, although on the point of collapse Sergeant Bisby continued his task of repairing it. By a superb effort, Flight Lieutenant Trobe succeeded in reaching base and, in difficult circumstances, effected a masterly landing.
In the face of a perilous situation this officer displayed outstanding skill and courage and his valiant efforts were well supported by his comrades, whose courage, fortitude and devotion to duty were of a high order."

Joint citation with Acting Flight Lieutenant Trobe, Sergeant Thomas Ernest Bisby and Flight Sergeant William Mowatt