Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 7th, 1944

Citation:
"These airmen were flight engineer, pilot and wireless operator (air) of an aircraft detailed to attack Bourg Leopold one night in May, 1944. When nearing the enemy coast, on the homeward flight, the aircraft was attacked by a fighter and sustained considerable damage. Two engines were put out of action and extensive fires started in the fuselage. The bomber temporarily went out of control. At this moment it was struck by bullets from another enemy aircraft. Sergeant Dew was badly wounded in the foot, the thigh and arm; Sergeant Browne also sustained severe wounds in the arm and thigh. The situation was critical but although Sergeant Long ordered his crew to prepare to abandon aircraft, he attempted to regain control. He succeeded in so doing.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Dew, in spite of considerable suffering and weakness through loss of blood, fought the fires and his efforts were successful; he also succeeded in restarting one of the damaged engines. By now he was unable to move about.
Nevertheless, throughout the remainder of the homeward flight he directed other of his comrades in the necessary engineering tasks. Sergeant Browne also proved himself to be a devoted member of aircraft crew for, injured as he was and suffering acutely, he insisted on remaining by his wireless apparatus to assist his pilot on his course. Eventually, Flight Sergeant Long reached an airfield in this country and made a safe landing. In the face of a trying ordeal, these airmen displayed high courage, great skill and endurance. Their example ranks high."

Joint citation with Sergeant Dew and Flight Sergeant Long