Dennis, Kevin John

Date of birth:: September 5th, 1924 (Ceduna/South Australia, Australia)
Service number:: Aus 437121
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

Dennis was working as a bank clerk when he enlisted at Adelaide in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on 7 November 1942. After qualifying as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner (WAG) Dennis was posted to 462 Squadron RAAF in England, operating Halifax aircraft as part of Bomber Command.

Following the ordeal as described in the CGM citation Dennis was hospitalized and had extensive rehabilitation after which he returned to Australia with his English wife, Olive, who he had married in December 1945. He was discharged on 7 June 1946.

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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Warrant Officer
Unit:: No. 462 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: July 13th, 1945

Citation:
"WO Dennis was the Wireless Operator in a heavy bomber detailed to attack Frankfurt on the night of 13 March 1945. Shortly after leaving the target, the aircraft was hit and damaged by flak, killing another member of the crew and wounding WO Dennis. Although most of one foot was severed and his other leg also wounded, the WOP [wireless operator] refused to leave his seat until the aircraft landed. He was bleeding profusely and even with first aid applied the bleeding could not be stopped. He carried on with his duties, and correctly received all messages passed to the aircraft, obtaining a weather report from a diversionary airfield in France to which the aircraft was being flown. The courage displayed by WO Dennis was of the highest order when he must have been experiencing extreme agony."

Only ten Conspicuous Gallantry Medals (Flying) were awarded to members of the RAAF during the Second World War.