Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 489 (RNZAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

June 16th, 1944

Citation:
"As pilot and navigator of aircraft respectively these airmen have participated in numerous attacks on enemy shipping and have set a fine example of skill and dash. In May 1944, they took part in an attack on a heavily armed convoy and obtained a hit on one of the vessels. Flight Sergeant LANGLEY also used his machine guns to good effect on 2 minesweepers. Some days later these airmen were again in action against enemy shipping. At the outset of the fight Flight Sergeant LANGLEY was wounded in the throat, arms and thigh. In spite of this he pressed home his attack and afterwards flew the aircraft to base. He displayed courage and fortitude of the highest order. Flight Sergeant PARISH also proved himself to be a cool and resolute member of the aircraft crew. On the return flight he tended to his wounded pilot and did everything in his power to assist him in his endeavours to reach this country. He proved a tower of strength."

The CGM was awarded to Flight Sergeant Langley
.
Although Flight Sergeant Parish guided the Bristol Beaufighter towards home he was incapable of landing it but Flight Sergeant Langley came to in time to make such a good, night-time landing that the ambulance crew who attended came to Parish's position first thinking that he was the injured party. In fact he had a small wound to his hand.
Parish went on to fly in DH Mosquitos.