Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

October 20th, 1944

"In July, 1944, two Typhoon aircraft and a petrol dump were set on fire during an enemy air attack against an airfield. Fire tenders were brought into action and, under the supervision of Wing Commander Carroll, the fire in one aircraft was extinguished quickly. A second aircraft loaded with cannon shells arid also carrying rocket projectiles, was burning furiously. Ammunition, petrol tanks .and rockets were exploding in all directions. Two rockets, which were pointing towards other aircraft and a dispersal area, remained in the starboard wing. Realising that it was impossible to extinguish the fire, Wing Commander Carroll and Flight Lieutenant Turner donned asbestos gloves and endeavoured to remove the rockets. This necessitated crawling under the wing and, had the starboard oleo leg collapsed, both officers would probably have been crushed to death. Undaunted by the intense heat and grave danger, these officers succeeded in removing the rockets. Wing Commander Carroll also assisted to roll away two 500-lb. bombs which were near the fire. Throughout the whole operation Wing Commander Carroll and Flight Lieutenant Turner displayed courage and determination of a very high standard and set an excellent example. By their action they nullified a very great potential danger to personnel and aircraft in the vicinity."