Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 418 (City of Edmonton) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

September 18th, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Jubilee

"This airman was the wireless operator air gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack a selected target for a landing by our combined forces at Dieppe. The bombing task was successfully accomplished but on the return flight, whilst some three miles out to sea from Dieppe, the aircraft was attacked by a Focke Wulfe 190. A burst of enemy fire raked the fuselage and set the starboard engine on fire. Sergeant Scott's gunseat was shot from under him but he fired a short burst at the attacker although he was unable to observe the effect. The pilot's cockpit became filled with smoke and fumes, and the pilot himself was unable to see as he could not jettison the cockpit hood. The aircraft was forced down, and on impact with the water it broke into two by the rear gunner's compartment. Sergeant Scott was thrown into the water without his dinghy. The front portion of the bomber turned over and sank. The pilot and observer were still inside but eventually both came to the surface in an unconscious condition. Sergeant Scott immediately swam to the assistance of the pilot, inflated his safety jacket, removed his dinghy inflated, and got the unconscious pilot safely aboard. Some 15 yards away the observer was struggling with the shroud of his parachute which was around his neckband dragging his head under the water. Sergeant Scott swam to his aid, freed him, but was unable to inflate his dinghy as the fabric was torn. He therefore swam with the observer to the pilot's dinghy and managed to get him aboard. The dinghy was not large enough to hold three occupants but with complete disregard for his own safety Sergeant Scott commenced swimming towards Dieppe. Fortunately, soon afterwards, a friendly aircraft flew overhead. Anticipating that help would be forthcoming. he swam around and about fifty minutes later both he and his comrades were rescued by a launch of the rescue service. In the face of extreme danger this gallant airman displayed conspicuous courage and determination in his resolve to save his comrades, both of whom were injured and in great distress. Sergeant Scott sustained a sprained ankle and a deep cut over the right eye."