2362 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 28 MAY, 1943

Acting Flight Lieutenant David John SHANNON, approaching the target his aircraft was raked by D.F.C. (Aus. 407729), Royal Australian Air Force, cannon fire from an enemy fighter. Wing Com- No. 617 Squadron. mander Crooks skilfully evaded the attacker but Pilot Officer Leslie Gordon KNIGHT (Aus-4Oi449), his aircraft had sustained much damage. Royal Australian -Air Force, No. 617 Squadron. Although one aileron and half the port tail plane had been shot away, while the hydraulic and Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross. electrical systems were rendered inoperative, Wing Acting Flight Lieutenant Robert Claude HAY, D.F.C. Commander Crooks flew the bomber back to this (Aus.407071), Royal Australian Air Force, No. 617 country. Unfortunately, it was impossible to Squadron. effect a safe landing but, when the crew were Acting Flight Lieutenant Robert Edward George forced to abandon aircraft, all descended safely. HUTCHISON, D.F.C. (120854), Royal Air Force In the face of heavy odds, Wing Commander Volunteer Reserve, No. 617 Squadron. Crooks set an example worthy of high praise. Acting Flight Lieutenant Jack Frederick LEGGO, D.F.C. (Aus.402367), Royal Australian Air Force, Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross. No. 617 Squadron. Acting Squadron Leader Keith Frederick THIELE, Flying Officer Daniel Revil WALKER, D.F.C. D.S.O., D.F.C. (N.Z.404966), Royal New Zealand (Can/J. 15336), Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 617 Air Force, No. 467 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron. Squadron. One night in May, 1943, this officer captained an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg. When Distinguished Flying Cross. nearing the target area, the aircraft was subjected Acting Flight Lieutenant Richard Dacre TREVOR- to anti-aircraft fire and severely damaged when a ROPER, D.F.M. (47354), No. 617 Squadron. shell burst underneath the fuselage. Despite this. Flying Officer Jack BUCKLEY (129460), Royal Air Squadron Leader Thiele flew on to the target. Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 617 Squadron. Whilst making his bombing run, the aircraft was Flying Officer Leonard CHAMBERS (N.7.403758), illuminated by the searchlights but this captain Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 617 Squadron. maintained a straight course in order to ensure Flying Officer Harold Sydney HOBDAY (119219), accurate bombing. Just as the bomb aimer had Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 617 completed his work, the aircraft was repeatedly Squadron. hit by fragments from bursting shells. One burst Flying Officer Edward Cuthbert JOHNSON (119126), destroyed i of the engines, whilst shortly after- Royal Air' Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 617 wards a second engine was disabled. The wind- Squadron. screens on the starboard side of the pilot's and Pilot Officer George Andrew DEERING (Can/J. 17245), the bomb aimer's cabins were shattered. Although Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 617 Squadron. he was dazed by a blow from a shell splinter, Pilot Officer John FORT (49575), No. 617 Squadron. which struck him on the side of the head. Pilot Officer Cecil Lancelot HOWARD (Aus-4o6248), Squadron Leader Thiele skilfully extricated the Royal Australian Air Force, No. 617 Squadron. damaged bomber from a perilous situation and Pilot Officer Frederick Michael SPAFFORD, D.F.M. endeavoured to fly it to base. Shortly after (Aus.407380), Royal Australian Air Force, No. crossing the English coast he was unable to main- 617 Squadron. tain height but, displaying superb airmanship he Pilot Officer Harlo Torger TAERUM (Can/J. 16688), struggled on and succeeded in effecting a crash- Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 617 Squadron. landing at an airfield. In most hazardous circum- stances, Squadron Leader Thiele displayed Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying). courage, skill and determination of a high order. Can/R. 94567 Flight Sergeant Kenneth William BROWN, Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 617 Distinguished Flying Cross. Squadron. Acting Wing Commander William Donovan FERRIS 656738 Flight Sergeant William Clifford TOWNSEND, (Can/C. 1351), Royal Canadian Air Force, D.F.M., No. 617 Squadron. No. 408 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron. This officer has undertaken numerous sorties, Bar to Distinguished Flying Medal. including attacks on such heavily defended areas 1165320 Sergeant Charles Ernest FRANKLIN, D.F.M., as Emden, Berlin, Essen, Cologne and others. No. 617 Squadron. He has displayed fine leadership great courage and skill, setting a most inspiring example. On i Distinguished Flying Medal. occasion with Stetten as the objective, locomotives 552201 Flight Sergeant George Alexander CHALMERS, and searchlight positions were machine-gunned in No. 617 Squadron. the course of the flight. On 2 occasions his air- Can/R.i 12723 Flight Sergeant Donald Arthur craft has been illuminated by searchlights whilst MACLEAN, Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 617 over the target but, in spite of this, Wing Com- Squadron. mander Ferris executed successful attacks. Aus. 4080 76 Flight Sergeant Thomas Dray ton SIMPSON, Royal Australian Air Force, No. 617 Bar to Distinguislied Flying Medal. Squadron. 908781 Sergeant David Lionel PERRY, D.F.M., 655673 Flight Sergeant Leonard Joseph SUMPTER, No. 35 Squadron. No. 617 Squadron. In air operations, Sergeant Perry has displayed 919764 Sergeant Dudley Percy HEAL, No. 617 conduct' in keeping with the highest traditions of Squadron. the Royal Air Force. 1199696 Sergeant George Leonard JOHNSON, No. 617 Squadron. 1144183 Sergeant Vivian NICHOLSON, No. 617 Squadron. Air Ministry, 28th May, 1943. Can/R.i 14949 Sergeant Stefan OANCIA, Royal ROYAL AIR FORCE. Canadian Air Force, No. 617 Squadron. 652403 Sergeant John PULFORD, No. 617 Squadron. The KING has been graciously pleased to 1383334 Sergeant Edward WEBB, No. 617 Squadron. approve the following award in recognition of brave 1517241 Sergeant Raymond WILKINSON, No. 617 conduct: — Squadron. Military Medal. 1459700 Aircraftman ist Class Leonard George Air Ministry, z8th May, 1943. BULLEN, Royal Air Force Regiment. In November, 1942, this airman with his flight, ROYAL AIR FORCE. was on the coastal road proceeding in the direction The KING has been graciously pleased to of Sollum. When the convoy had reached a point approve the following awards in recognition of at which the road was crowded with transport gallantry displayed in flying operations against the vehicles, an enemy bomber approached, dropping enemy: — bombs which caused casualties. Aircraftman Bullen, with great presence of mind and coolness, Distinguished Service Order. manned his gun which was mounted on a lorry Acting Wing Commander Leslie CROOKS, D.F.C. and successfully shot down the intruder before (44054), No. 426 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron. further damage was done. By his prompt action, This officer is an ideal leader, whose ability and Aircraftman Bullen undoubtedly saved many lives untiring efforts have been reflected in the high and much material from destruction. In December, standard of efficiency of his squadron. His 1942,. he repeated this feat, destroying an enemy courage and skill were admirably demonstrated aircraft which was making a low level attack on during a recent attack on Duisburg. When dispersed aircraft.