Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 23rd, 1941

Recommendation (dafted on 26th July 1941 when he had flown 32 Sorties, with 198.55 Flying Hours as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner):

“Sergeant Day has served for eight months in his squadron as a First Wireless Operator/Air Gunner throughout this period.
During the winter months in the most severe weather conditions, the crew of which Sergeant Day was a member successfully completed many operational flights.
The success of these flights were due in no small measure to the courage and skilful devotion to duty of this Wireless Operator.
He has always displayed the greatest zeal and courage and endurance in the performance of every aspect of his duties.
On one occasion in October, 1940, he was a member of the crew of an aircraft which carried out a successful attack on the docks of Hamburg.

Soon after leaving the target, one engine failed. Although Sergeant Day was well aware of the difficulties being experienced by the Captain of the aircraft in flying it with one engine out of action in bad weather conditions, he continued to work his wireless set which subsequently failed to function.
Nevertheless, he proceeded to endeavour to rectify the fault despite the fact that he knew that the aircraft was over the North Sea and losing height.
The Captain decided that the aircraft must be lightened to the maximum possible extent in order to maintain flight on one engine and he gave orders accordingly.
Sergeant Day thereupon proceeded to jettison his guns, ammunition and other equipment.
Because of this splendid co-operation of the whole crew in these difficult conditions, the aircraft successfully reached this country and the pilot succeeded in making a forced-landing.
The Captain of the aircraft subsequently reported that the conduct of Sergeant Day throughout was of the highest order.
Notwithstanding his experiences on this trip, Sergeant Day remained entirely unperturbed and continued his enthusiasm to do his duty as a member of an aircraft.
It is considered that he has set a fine example to members of aircrew by his courage and devotion to duty and his services are worthy of recognition.”