Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 467 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

April 24th, 1945

One night in February, 1945, this airman was the wireless operator in an aircraft detailed to attack a tanget at Politz. During the bombing run the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. A piece of shrapnel severed the oil pipe lines to the rear turret and a fierce fire started. Disregarding a warning to be (prepared to abandon aircraft, Flight Sergeant Sayer promptly devoted his energies towards quelling the' flames. Small arms ammunition was exploding all around. With complete disregard for his own safety, this airman worked heroically. When the last extinguisher was used the fire was still well alight so Flight Sergeant Sayer ripped a hole in the floor, seized the severed ends of the pipe line from, which oil was oozing and feeding the fire, and forced them through the aperture. Thereafter the flames began to subside and Flight Sergeant Sayer extinguished them completely just before he was overcome by the heat and fumes. He soon recovered on receiving attention. This airman displayed great courage, determination and resource and his efforts contributed in a large way to the safe return of the aircraft."