Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 180 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

January 23rd, 1945

Citation:
"In December, 1944, this airman was the wireless operator in an aircraft detailed to attack a target in the Stralen area. During the sortie the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and sustained damage. The navigator and the pilot were wounded, the latter severely. Some Verey cartridges near the pilot were set alight. The cockpit became filled with smoke which obscured most of the flying instruments. A small fire started amidships. Flight Sergeant Tomkins saw that the navigator was dealing successfully with the fire so he promptly crawled over the bomb bay to assist the injured pilot who, by now, was in a state bordering on collapse. He rallied when succoured by Sergeant Tomkins who afterwards took over the controls and flew the aircraft to an airfield in friendly territory. Here, under the instructions of his wounded pilot, he brought the aircraft down safely. In the face of most trying circumstances, Sergeant Tomkins displayed courage, coolness and resource of a high order.