THE GAZETTE, 30 AUGUST, 1940 5289 the centre of the factory and, in spite of trusted with an important message from intense opposition, he decided not to bomb England to France and successfully com- but to make a fresh attack. This was made pleted this mission, which required great from 2,000 feet and direct hits by all bombs coolness and presence of mind. He has at were made on the main buildings which all times shown great devotion to duty. immediately commenced to burn furiously. Flying Officer John Bernard William Following aircraft were thereby enabled to HUMPHERSON (39317). locate and bomb the target. This officer dis- This officer has led his section, and on played gallantry of a high order. occasions his flight, with great skill. During Acting Flight Lieutenant Edward Brian operations in France he destroyed two enemy Bretherton SMITH (90340), Auxiliary Air aircraft and possibly another three. Since Force. returning to England he has destroyed a This officer has led his flight with great further four enemy aircraft. He has dis- success; twenty-five enemy aircraft have been played courage and initiative and has proved destroyed since June, 1940. One day in an excellent leader. August he led the flight almost to the French coast to attack two enemy aircraft flying over Flying Officer Richard Maxwell MILNE (40129). the Channel. Despite strong opposition an Flying Officer Milne has personally destroyed seven enemy aircraft, and seriously enemy seaplane was damaged and, whilst on damaged a number of others. He has led the return journey, another aircraft was his section throughout with skill and courage, attacked and damaged. Flight Lieutenant and has set an example to other members Smith was the only member of his section to of the squadron. return from these engagements. The next day, he was involved in an attack by twelve Flying Officer Rupert Frederick SMYTHE or more Messerschmitt 109*3. His aircraft (40436). was hit by two shells, damage being inflicted In July, 1940, this officer, whilst leading near the cockpit and. petrol tanks. His air- his section, broke up a formation of six craft eventually caught fire and, although he Messerschmitt 109*5 near Folkestone, and himself was enveloped in flames, he success- succeeded in destroying one. Flying Officer fully abandoned his aircraft and was rescued Smythe has destroyed six enemy aircraft. about eight miles out to sea. Flight He has displayed great courage and set an Lieutenant Smith has now destroyed six excellent example to all. enemy aircraft. He has displayed great courage and leadership. Pilot Officer Peter Melvill GARDNER (40527). Acting Flight Lieutenant John Terrance During a short time in France this officer WEBSTER (37436). succeeded in destroying four enemy aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Webster has led his flight Since returning to this country he has in innumerable offensive patrols during the destroyed a further five enemy aircraft and latter part of the Dunkirk operations and possibly several others. He has displayed during the intensive air fighting over the great keenness and courage. English Channel and Dover area in pro- Pilot Officer John Albert Axel GIBSON (40969). tection of shipping. With great skill and In August, whilst on an offensive patrol gallantry he has personally destroyed seven over Dover this officer engaged and enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruc- destroyed a Junkers 87 and was afterwards tion of two others. One day in August, 1940, shot down himself. Although his aircraft he and another pilot of his section engaged was in flames he steered it away from the considerably superior numbers of enemy town of Folkestone and did not abandon the fighters. Three were destroyed by this officer. aircraft until it had descended to 1,000 feet. Not content with this, he also attacked an Pilot Officer Gibson has destroyed eight enemy motor torpedo boat with considerable enemy aircraft, and has displayed great success. His faculty for seeking out and courage and presence of mind. engaging the enemy has been outstanding. Flying Officer Carl Raymond DAVIS (90131), Pilot Officer James Eric STORRAR (41881). Auxiliary Air Force. This officer took part in the intensive fight- Flying officer Davis has been engaged on ing over Dunkirk last May, and has since operational flying since 3rd September, 1939. been engaged in numerous successful actions. He has taken part in nearly all patrols and His squadron was responsible for the de- interceptions carried out by his squadron. struction of twenty-one enemy aircraft in He has been a section leader for the last two one day; he personally destroyed two of months, and on several occasions has led his these. Pilot Officer Storrar has displayed flight. Flying Officer Davis has personally an unfailing desire to engage the enemy at destroyed six 'enemy aircraft, and severely all times and has shot down eight enemy damaged several others. He has shown aircraft. great keenness and courage. Pilot Officer Archibald Nigel Charles WEIR (Flying Officer Anthony EYRE (90406), (73593), Volunteer Reserve. Auxiliary Air Force. This officer took part in the intensive • This officer has shot down seven enemy fighting over Dunkirk last May, and has aircraft, and inflicted damage on several since played a highly successful part in others. Whilst on service in France, he numerous engagements over the Channel. showed eagerness to fly on all occasions and Pilot Officer Weir has shown an intense during the winter his flying times exceeded desire to engage the enemy and has destroyed fifty hours monthly. During the evacuation at least five enemy aircraft, three of these in from France, Flying Officer Eyre was en- the course of a single day.