Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 408 (Goose) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

August 6th, 1943

"This officer and airman were pilot and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Gelsenkirchen. Whilst over the target area the bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Some stores caught fire and burned furiously. Coolly and resourcefully, Flying Officer Bennett, dived his aircraft and the force of the wind put out the flames on the burning fabric. Meantime, acting with great promptitude, Sergeant Rodgers fought the flames inside the bomber with the extinguishers. By these means he succeeded in subduing the fire sufficiently so that he and two other members of the crew were able to stamp out the fire with their feet Although much equipment including the hydraulic systems were rendered unserviceable, Flying Officer Bennett flew the damaged bomber to an airfield in this country and landed it safely. His skill and resource were worthy of high praise, while Sergeant Rodgers displayed commendable promptitude and initiative."