Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 51 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1948

Awarded for:

Operation Vittles

"Flight Lieutenant Maule was a captain of aircraft in June 1948 with approximately 200 hours on York aircraft when he joined the Berlin air lift at its commencement. He later returned to the United Kingdom for an instrument rating test when he obtained a Green Card rating. Flight Lieutenant Maule has flown continuously on the Berlin air lift and has at all times displayed a most praiseworthy keenness and devotion to duty, coupled with flying skill of the highest order and beyond the average. On one occasion he was approaching to land at Wunsdorf in poor weather on the Beam Approach Beacon System when a failure occurred in the aileron control arm. This caused the port side aileron to come fully “Up” leaving 20̊ down on the starboard. Flight Lieutenant Maule, by the exercise of his full flying skill, controlled the aircraft and effected a safe emergency landing. This alarming accident in no way shook his confidence and he continued flying with all his previous enthusiasm. His performance has instilled the greatest confidence in his own crew and has given a magnificent lead to the other York crews which has inspired and encouraged them to emulate his example. He commands his crew well and they work together in the complete harmony required for maximum reliability in all weathers. His accuracy on radar approach has been 100 percent. Flight Lieutenant Maule has shown a very high devotion to duty throughout and his cheerfulness, keenness for flying and good airman ship have been an example to all."