Chennell, Lionel Albert

Date of death:: 1997
Service number:: 1375552 (NCO)/125429 (Officer)
Nationality:: British

Biography

Before the war Lionel Chennell was an accountant at High Holborn.
He joined the RAF in August, 1940.
Chennell spent much of the war flying twin engined Whitley bombers, initially with 51 Squadron based at Dishforth, and then with Coastal Command from R.A.F. St Eval. Latterly he moved to 193 (Jamaica) Squadron (Pathfinders) flying Mosquitos.
Chennell participated in the last Bomber Command operation of WWII, when Mosquitos from 139 and 608 squadrons bombed Kiel harbour in anticipation of an attempted German break out in the direction of Norway.
After the war he became a member of the Civil Aviation Authority and worked for the Air Traffic Control before he retired in 1974.
His wife had predeceased him when he died in 1997.

Promotions:
? Flight Sergeant
1 May, 1942: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
1 November, 1942: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
1 May, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Awarded on:: August 27th, 1943

Citation:
"This officer has completed many sorties and has displayed great skill and determination to achieve success. On one occasion, after bombing Rostock, his aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire but, by a skilful and determined effort, Flying Officer Chennell flew it safely to base. More recently, this officer has completed numerous antisubmarine patrols and air/sea rescue sorties during which his keenness and devotion to duty have been outstanding."