Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 178 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

January 30th, 1945

"As air gunner, Flight Sergeant Yeardsley has participated in very many operational missions and has proved' himself to be a highly skilled and valiant member of aircraft crew. On a recent occasion he was the rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack a railway siding in enemy territory. During the outward flight, enemy fighters were encountered but the timely warnings given by this gunner enabled his pilot to evade the enemy aircraft. The target was reached and bombed but, soon afterwards, the aircraft was hit by a stream of bullets from a fighter. Flight Sergeant Yeardsley was wounded in the thigh and leg. His turret was rendered unserviceable. In spite of the severity of his iniuries, Flight Sergeant Yeardsley displaying a fine fighting spirit crawled to the beam position and attempted to man the gun there but collapsed through loss of blood. In trying circumstances he displayed high qualities of courage and set an example which greatly inspired his crew members."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)