Marks, Russell "Spike"

Date of birth:: December 8th, 1918 (Toowoomba/Queensland, Australia)
Date of death:: 2001
Service number:: Aus.404283
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

Russell Marks was educated at Brisbane Grammar School and became a sales clerk and a farm hand. He served nine months in the artillery before before joining the RAAF on July 17, 1940. He trained in Australia and reached Brtain in February 1942.. Her served with no's 99, 100, 166 and 460 Squadron.
In 1942 he was court martialed for flying low during which his aircraft was damaged by hitting a tree and was reduced in rank.
After the war, following a gap of four years, Spike returned to military flying, as a Flight Officer in the RAF VR. In 1952 he joins the No.1 Overseas Ferry Unit, flying De Havilland Vampire jets to the Far East, and in 1953 joins No. 22 Maintenance Unit at Silloth, flying as a test pilot until 1956.

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 166 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: December 10th, 1943

Recommendation drafted when he had flown on at least 49 bombing operations.
Citation:
"Sergeant Marks had successfully completed many bombing and mining sorties. An excellent captain of aircraft, he has shown great skill and determination in extricating his aircraft from more than one hazardous position.
In July, 1943, the generator of his aircraft became unserviceable, putting out of action all electrical services. By skillful airmanship, Sgt. Marks successfully completed his mission and brought the bomber safely home on the small amount of current available from the spare batteries left.

Invested at Buckingham Palace on 15/5/1945 by King George VI.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 460 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: December 10th, 1943

Citation:
“Throughout two tours of operational duty, Flight Lieutenant Marks has displayed exceptional qualities of leadership and fine fighting spirit, pressing home his attacks with coolness and determination. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal this officer has attacked many of the enemys (sic.) most heavily defenced targets.”

Invested at Buckingham Palace on 15/5/1945 by King George VI.