Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 622 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 27th, 1944

Citation:
"In August, 1944, Warrant Officer Farquharson and Flight Sergeant Cole were navigator and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Stettin.
On the return flight the aircraft was intercepted and severely damaged by an enemy fighter. Although seriously wounded and in great pain, Warrant Officer Farquharson continued his navigational duties but was finally persuaded to be removed to a rest bed where he was given an injection of morphia. Meantime, Flight Sergeant Cole although injured in the thigh by a piece of shrapnel, concealed the seriousness of his wound and took over the task of navigating the aircraft back to base. The English coast was eventually crossed and a landing was made at the first available airfield.
Weak from loss of blood Flight Sergeant Cole was on the verge of collapse and was removed to hospital. These airmen have completed many sorties and their gallantry and devotion to duty have been of a very high order."