Honors & Awards
F - J (26)
FERRIS, WO1 (now P/O) Cyril (R79732/J92660) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 136) - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born in 1922 at Raymore, Saskatchewan; home there. Enlisted in Regina, 15 November 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 4 May 1941), No.7 EFTS (graduated 21 June 1941) and No.6 SFTS (graduated 13 September 1941).
This Warrant Officer has displayed courage and coolness of the highest order. On one occasion in November 1944 his aircraft was detailed to attack Oberhausen. Anti-aircraft opposition was encountered during the approach to the target area. The wireless operator was killed and the bomb aimer, flight engineer and navigator were wounded. Despite these harassing circumstances Warrant Officer Ferris, as pilot and captain of aircraft, pressed home the attack and successfully completed the mission. His great tenacity and indomitable spirit have won the admiration of all.
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FISHER, FS John William (R218578) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.434 Squadron (crew 80) - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 22 May 1945 and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. Born at Cuthbert Plain, Manitoba, 1925; home in The Pas, Manitoba; enlisted in The Pas, 11 February 1943. Student. Trained at No.9 BGS (graduated 29 October 1943). DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 17 January 1945 when he had flown 37 sorties (177 hours five minutes), 16 March to 19 September 1944. The sortie list mentions several adventures. On 22 March 1944 (mining in Kiel Bay) there was hot predicted flak and fighter attacks which holed the aircraft. On 25 March 1944 (Aulnoye) they lost one engine plus power in another; the flight engineer was wounded.
The Kiel Bay incident mentioned in citation was 18 April 1944; the recommendation reads: "On a mining operation in Kiel Bay on 18th April, 1944, FS Fisher's oxygen equipment to his turret was u/s, and he flew for five hours at 18,000 feet on a 40-minute supply from emergency bottles, steadfastly refusing to leave his post while the aircraft was in danger of night fighter attacks.". They mined the Frisians on 7 May 1944 with two 2,000 pound mines. One hung-up and bounced through the bomb doors on touchdown! They had two fighter attacks on 28 July 1944 (Hamburg) and one gunner was wounded on 12 September 1944 (Dortmund).
Flight Sergeant Fisher has recently completed a tour of operational duty including attacks against such targets as Dortmund, Hamburg, Kiel and Bremen. Throughout he has proved himself to be an extremely skilful and fearless air gunner. On more than one occasion his alertness and concise directions to his pilot have been responsible for the safe return of his aircraft and crew. Whilst on a minelaying mission to Kiel Bay in April 1944, Flight Sergeant Fisher's oxygen equipment was rendered unserviceable. In spite of this the airman refused to leave his post while the aircraft was in danger of attacks from enemy fighters and he flew for a very long period at a considerable height with only a very small oxygen supply. At all times he has displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty.
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FLEWELLING, F/L Murray Franklin (J18927) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 23 /) - Award effective 1 August 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2052/44 dated 22 September 1944. Born in Calgary, 1919; home there; clerk. Enlisted in Calgary, 1 August 1942. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 24 April 1942), No.6 EFTS (graduated 31 July 1942) and No.10 SFTS (graduated 20 November 1942). Commissioned 1943. DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 20 June 1944 when he had flown 29 sorties (162 hours five minutes), 12 August 1943 to 10 June 1944.
This officer has participated in very many sorties, most of them against heavily defended targets. He is a highly skilled member of aircraft crew whose fearlessness and determination have greatly inspired his crew. He has set an excellent example.
NOTE: The recommendation to this award is very detailed and it is clear the published citation does not do justice to his service. For the record, the recommendation read as follows:
This officer has been with the squadron since its formation, and has completed a total of twenty-nine sorties. Twelve of these operations have been against heavily defended targets in Germany. While over the target on one of his attacks on Berlin [28 January 1944], his aircraft was attacked by a fighter and the fuel tanks punctured. He successfully carried out his mission and displayed exceptional skill, fearlessness and dogged determination in extricating his aircraft from a perilous situation. He completed a hazardous and perilous return journey, safely bringing his aircraft over home soil. With the petrol supply completely exhausted he was unable to reach an airport. With complete disregard for his personal safety he kept his aircraft aloft until his crew had safely baled out, then abandoned it by parachute. His crew undoubtedly owe their lives to the outstanding fortitude and skill of this officer. This officer's efficiency, zealous devotion to duty, exceptional fearlessness and magnificent leadership are an inspiration and praiseworthy example of the highest order.
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FRANCIS, P/O James Earle (J15758) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.12 Squadron - Award effective 2 November 1942 as per London Gazette dated 6 November 1942 and AFRO 272/43 dated 19 February 1943. Born 10 February 1919 Windsor, Ontario; home there. Enlisted Windsor 16 December 1940. Commissioned July 1942. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 16 May 1941), No.10 EFTS (graduated 3 July 1941), and No.14 SFTS (graduated 24 September 1941).
This captain of aircraft has pressed home his attack on the enemy letting neither anti-aircraft defences, adverse weather conditions, nor minor technical defects deter him from his objective. On one occasion when returning from a sortie the hydraulics of his aircraft failed but, displaying resourcefulness and ingenuity, this officer succeeded in getting enough coffee from thermos flasks into the hydraulic system to lower the flaps, thereby reducing the risk of damage to a valuable aircraft. Pilot Officer Francis is a most gallant and successful operational captain who, by his personal example, holds the complete confidence of his crew.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9604 has recommendation dated 19 September 1942 when he had flown 28 sorties (155 hours 45 minutes); the sortie list is interesting but equally so is the evolution of the citation, which went through at least two drafts before reaching Air Ministry Honours and Awards Committee:
23 Apr 42 Rostock (7.10) 25 Jul 42 Duisburg (4.45)
24 Apr 42 Rostock (6.35) 29 Jul 42 Saarbrucken (6.00)
28 Apr 42 Kiel (6.25) 31 Jul 42 Dusseldorf (4.30)
5 May 42 Stuttgart (3.10, DNCO, 6 Aug 42 Duisburg (4.25)
engine unserviceable) 9 Aug 42 Osnabruck (4.25)
30 May 42 Cologne (5.00) 10 Aug 42 GARDENING, Samso
5 June 42 NICKELING, France (4.20) 12 Aug 42 Mainz (7.30)
(7.00, DNCO, bad weather) 24 Aug 42 Frankfurt (6.20)
18 Jun 42 GARDENING, Emms (4.30) 27 Aug 42 Kassel (5.50)
20 Jun 42 Emden (4.55) 2 Sept 42 Karlsruhe (6.40)
22 Jun 42 Emden (4.50) 4 Sept 42 Bremen (5.25)
25 Jun 42 Bremen (5.20) 16 Sep 42 Essen (5.30)
2 July 42 Bremen (5.00) 18 Sep 42 GARDENING, La Pallice (7.40)
11 Jul 42 GARDENING, Frisians 23 Sep 42 GARDENING (7.05)
(5.45, DNCO, bad weather)
13 Jul 42 Duisburg (4.25)
21 Jul 42 Duisburg (5.15)
Since April 1942, Pilot Officer Francis has carried out 28 offensive sorties over enemy territory.
He has pressed home these attacks with the utmost determination. His courage, skill and determination in action, often in the face of strong enemy opposition, have been an inspiration to his crew.
Under a calm and quiet manner he has a fine offensive spirit in action which inspires confidence in his crew, and has helped in maintaining the squadron morale at a very high level.
His bombing height was consistently below the average, and having a keen and intelligent appreciation of enemy defences he bombed targets such as Mainz, on the 12th/13th August 1942, from as low a height as 6,500 feet.
The Commanding Officer of RAF Station Binbrook added his comments on 21 September 1942; they are unusually detailed for observations at this level:
This young Canadian officer has proved to be a most gallant and successful operational captain, whom I hold in the highest regard. He has a fine spirit of aggressiveness and determination and a calm and imperturbable manner. Neither enemy defences, foul weather, nor minor technical troubles deter him from his objective.
His balanced judgement and the certainty he will get to the target makes him an immediate choice for the special report now required after bombing attacks.
He is a most skilful and resourceful pilot, who maintains a high standard of crew discipline and holds the complete confidence of his crew.
In [On ?] 2 July 1942 on return from a raid on Bremen his hydraulics failed, but by his resourcefulness and ingenuity he succeeded in getting enough coffee from Thermos flasks into the hydraulics system to lower the flaps, thus reducing the risk of damage to a valuable aircraft. For this he received a special commendation from the Air Officer Commanding No.1 Group. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
No. 434 Squadron (crew 127) - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 July 1945 and AFRO 1507/45 dated 28 September 1945. DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 24 March 1945 when he had flown 20 sorties (124 hours), 10 September 1944 to 27 February 1945.
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has continued to show fearlessness and devotion to duty which has been an inspiration to all. His skill and gallantry as deputy flight commander have gained him the admiration of the whole squadron. He has always pressed home his attacks with the utmost gallantry and resolution, even in the face of the heaviest opposition.
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FRITH, P/O Hubert Daniel Fraser (J85330) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 75) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born in Vancouver, 1915; home there (chemist). Enlisted in Vancouver, 22 September 1941. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 27 March 1942), No.19 EFTS (graduated 3 July 1942) and No.12 SFTS (graduated 23 October 1942). Commissioned March 1944. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 18 August 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties (189 hours 30 minutes), 18 November 1943 to 20 July 1944.
This officer has completed a total of thirty-six operations. He has at all times displayed the highest degree of courage as captain of his crew and has been an inspiring example to all other crews on the squadron. He determined and quiet confidence has been most outstanding.
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G
GEDDES, Sgt James / DFM 26 Oct. 43 (spare)
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GLIDDEN, F/O Wilfred James (J27226) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 75) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born in Elkhorn, Manitoba; home in The Pas (ledger keeper, teller). Enlisted in Winnipeg, 22 January 1942. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 31 July 1942), No.19 EFTS (ceased training 23 October 1942) and No.2 AOS (graduated 11 June 1943). Commissioned 1943. Member of F/O Trick's crew. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 18 August 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties (182 hours ten minutes), 18 November 1943 to 28 July 1944 (108 "points").
This officer has completed a tour of thirty-six operations, several of which have been to heavily defended German targets. He has at all times displayed the highest degree of courage and his dogged determination and devotion to duty have been an example to all ranks. His skill as a bomb aimer has contributed greatly to the successes of his crew.
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GOODMAN, F/L Gilbert Murrney (C18336) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 1) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 13 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born in Bancroft, Ontario, 1916; home in Wellington, Ontario (smelter worker, former sea cadet). Enlisted in North Bay, 6 September 1940. Commissioned 1943. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 2 July 1944 when he had flown 28 1/2 sorties (188 hours 30 minutes), 2 January 1943 to 9 June 1944. An odd tour with long pauses (including no sorties between 5 September and 25 November 1943 and again none between 25 November 1943 and 24 April 1944). Many hazardous sorties; on 8 March 1943 (Hamburg) airborne ten hours; returned on three engines and port outer developed coolant leaks which forced feathering; severe icing for ten minutes. Aircraft badly shot up by fighters over Duisburg, 12 May 1943; hit by flak on 11 June 1943 and 5 September 1943.
This officer has been with the squadron since its formation and has flown a total of twenty-eight and one-half operations, sixteen of which have been to heavily defended German targets. He has always possessed coolness and displayed exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger. This courage, outstanding determination and devotion to duty are an example to the entire squadron.
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GOULET, P/O Narcisse Alban (J85351) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 61) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born in 1918, Chandler, Quebec; home in Dalhousie, New Brunswick. Served in army; enlisted in RCAF at Moncton, 22 October 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 8 May 1942), No.17 EFTS (graduated 14 August 1942) and No.8 SFTS (graduated 4 December 1942). Commissioned 1944. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 22 July 1944 when he had flown 37 sorties (188 hours five minutes), 16 November 1943 to 20 July 1944 (108 "points").
This officer has completed a total of thirty-seven operations. He is a keen and aggressive operational pilot. His outstanding fearlessness in carrying out his sorties, his quiet manner and offensive spirit, have been an inspiration to his crew and an example to the entire squadron.
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GRAY, F/O Duncan / DFC 08 Dec. 1944 (crew 81)
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H
HALCRO, F/L George Herbert Alexander (J16599) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 121) - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 22 May 1945 and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. Born in Montreal, 1920; home in Ottawa (labourer). Enlisted in Ottawa, 10 October 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 14 January 1941), No.4 EFTS (graduated 7 March 1941) and No.8 SFTS (graduated 3 July 1941). Commissioned 1942. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 15 January 1945 when he had flown 46 sorties (262 hours 30 minutes). First tour was 25 March to 11 July 1942 (24 sorties); second tour was 25 August to 6 December 1944 (22 sorties) with rear gunner killed on 11 September 1944 (Castrop-Rauxel). Died in Ottawa, 17 May 1994, age 74.
Flight Lieutenant Halcro has completed a second tour of operations making a total of forty-six sorties, many of which were attacks against heavily defended targets. Throughout both tours, Flight Lieutenant Halcro has always displayed keenness, devotion to duty, coupled with a fine offensive spirit. The success of his crew was due in no small measure to his fine captaincy and determined spirit.
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HALLET, F/O A.W. / DFC 26 Oct. 1945, (crew 153)
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HAMMOND, S/L James Walter (J10645) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 64) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. American in the RCAF; born in Independence, Missouri, 1916; home in Tulsa, Oklahoma (civil engineer). Enlisted in Winnipeg, 10 July 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 20 Septemberr 1941), No.19 EFTS (graduated 21 November 1941) and No.2 SFTS (graduated 16 March 1942. Commissioned 1942. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation for an American Distinguished Flying Cross dated 1 August 1944 when he had flown 30 sorties (176 hours 50 minutes), 23 September 1943 to 25 July 1944 (crash landing 20 January 1944 on return from Berlin).
This officer has completed a total of thirty operations. He has at all times displayed the highest degree of courage and determination regardless of the fierceness of enemy opposition. His skill, determined devotion to duty and fine offensive spirit have been an inspiration to all crews on the squadron.
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HARRIS, W/C Charles Edwin, DFC (C89525) - Mention in Despatches - (crew 1) Down Ampney (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas") - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 322/46 dated 29 March 1946. Former CAN/RAF. Born in Nova Scotia (Antiogonish ?), 1911; educated at Halifax, Windsor, and Dalhousie University. Joined RAF, 1936. Injured in a crash, November 1940. Mentioned in Despatches, 1 January 1943. He flew on operations with No.405 Squadron (early 1943), No.419 Squadron (6 May-15 June 1943) and No.434 Squadron (CO, 15 June 1943 to 7 February 1944). Awarded DFC 23 May 1944 (CAN/RAF) with general citation. Transferred to RCAF 19 December 1944. Died at Chester, Nova Scotia, August 1973.
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HARRIS, F/O David Edmund (J17400) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 127) - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 23 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. Born in Owen Sound, 1923; home in Collingwood, Ontario. Waiter prior to enlistment. Enlisted in Toronto, 9 July 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 21 November 1941), No.8 AOS (graduated 2 March 1942), No.9 BGS (graduated 11 April 1942) and No.2 ANS (graduated 11 May 1942). Commissioned 1943. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation (undated) when he had flown 47 sorties (245 hours 25 minutes). First tour had ben 7 February 1943 to 29 May 1944 (25 sorties) with many adventures; attack on Mannheim, 16 April 1943 (six hours), described as "Photo 400 yards from aiming point. Low level attack - shot up one train and station, one factory." Next sortie was 21 April 1943 (Rostock, seven hours 35 minutes) - "Low level attack - shot up by fighter - mid-upper gunner hit". Second tour was 7 March to 25 October 1944.
Flying Officer Harris has completed his second tour of operations totalling forty-seven operational sorties, twenty-eight of which were attacks against heavily defended major German targets [such] as Berlin, Dusseldorf, Nuremburg, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. This officer's skill, courage and devotion to duty as a Navigator has set an example to all members of the squadron. His navigation has always been accurate and painstaking and he has set a high example of efficiency while on the ground and in the air.
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HART, F/O Frederick Charles (J90792) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 112) - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born in Montreal, 1924; home there (lithographer); enlisted there 13 July 1942. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 1 January 1943), No.4 EFTS (graduated 16 April 1943) and No.1 SFTS (graduated 20 August 1943). Commissioned October 1944. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 18 March 1945 when he had flown 36 sorties (210 hours 55 minutes), 28 July 1944 to 23 February 1945. Sortie list notes that he baled out once (Cologne, 28 October 1944) and reported "bags of fighters" on his last trip (Pforzheim).
Flying Officer Hart has completed a tour of operations totalling thirty-six sorties. The majority of these were against heavily defended targets including Stuttgart, Munich and Dresden. He has at all times displayed courage, devotion to duty and a keen offensive spirit. On one occasion returning from a raid on Cologne he encountered engine failure and resultant fire. Despite being at very low altitude, Flying Officer Hart displayed coolness and excellent airmanship by carrying out a successful abandoning of the aircraft by the whole crew.
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HARVIE, F/O Murdoch (J24818) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 107) - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 22 May 1945 and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. Born in Montreal, 1920. Home in Westmount. Formerly in COTC. Enlisted in Montreal 30 June 1942. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 6 June 1942), No.11 EFTS (graduated 20 November 1942) and No.13 SFTS (graduated 19 Mar 43). Commisioned 1943. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 15 January 1945 when he had flown 33 sorties (180 hours 35 minutes), 1 July to 27 November 1944.
Flying Officer Harvie has successfully completed a tour of operations, the majority of which were sorties against heavily defended German targets. He has always pressed home his attacks with grim determination despite harassing circumstances, displaying high skill, courage and devotion to duty at all times. His fine offensive spirit has been an example to all other crews in the squadron.
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HAWLEY, F/O Howard Joseph (J85775) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 68) - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 13 April 1945 and AFRO 824/45 dated 18 May 1945. Born 1922 in Semans, Saskatchewan; home in Regina (clerk). Enlisted Regina, 10 November 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 23 May 1942), No.19 EFTS (graduated 28 August 1942) and No.12 SFTS (graduated 18 December 1942). Commisioned April 1924. DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 10 December 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties (180 hours 25 minutes), 29 November 1943 to 2 November 1944. The sortie list describes an adventurous tour. On his first sortie as captain (Leipzig, 19 February 1944) his aircraft was attacked four times by Ju.88s. His starboard outer engine went unserviceable while bombing Le Mans (7 March 1944). On 12 June 1944, attacking Arras, he reported flak and searchlights; his rear gunner shot down a Ju.88 and both starboard motors were unserviceable as he reached base.
Flying Officer Hawley has completed a tour of operations which has included attacks against many well defended targets. On one occasion during a sortie against Arras his aircraft was illumination by searchlights and then attacked by enemy fighters. Damage was sustained and two engines of his aircraft were rendered unserviceable. Despite these hazardous circumstances Flying Officer Hawley's fine airmanship and excellent tactics enabled his gunners to fire at the enemy aircraft, one of which was destroyed. He then flew his aircraft safely back to this country. A keen and determined pilot and captain of aircraft, this officer has always shown great courage.
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HEGSETH, P/O Arne Hilmar (J85353) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 69) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1920; home in Kenora, Ontario. Trained at No.4 ITS, No.15 EFTS and No.7 SFTS. Commissioned 1944. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 20 August 1944 when he had flown 40 sorties (205 hours 40 minutes), 29 December 1943 to 14 August 1944 (described as 108 "points").
This officer has completed a total of forty operational sorties, several of which were against major German targets. He has invariably displayed a high degree of courage and skill and his example has been worthy of emulation. His cool determination, gift and quality of leadership have contributed in no small measure to his many successful operations throughout his tour.
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HENRY, F/L Robert James (J14688) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 129 /) - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. Born 1921 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan; home in Saskatoon. Enlisted Saskatoon, 3 September 1941. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 11 April 1942), No.16 EFTS (graduated 20 June 1942) and No.15 SFTS (graduated 9 October 1942). Commissioned October 1943. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 17 April 1945 when he had flown 36 sorties (230 hours five minutes), 15 September 1944 to 24 March 1945.
Flight Lieutenant Henry flew thirty-six sorties completing his first tour against the enemy. Among the targets attacked were many heavily defended German cities such as Essen, Cologne, Hanover and Stuttgart. During all these raids Flight Lieutenant Henry proved himself to be an ideal bomber pilot and crew captain by displaying a fine offensive spirit, keenness, courage and devotion to duty.
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HUDSON, S/L John, DFC (J15661) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 165) - Award effective 18 October 1945 as per London Gazette dated 26 October 1945 and AFRO 133/46 dated 8 February 1946.
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross Squadron Leader Hudson has attacked some of the enemy's most strongly defended targets. As a flight commander he has always set an inspiring example by his courage and determination. This officer's brilliant leadership both in the air and on the ground has been reflected in the high standard of operational efficiency attained by his flight.
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HUNTLEY, F/O F.J. / DFC 15 Sept. 1944, (crew 43)
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HUTCHEON, F/O Donald Robert (J21893) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 23) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born in Davidson, Saskatchewan, 1922; home there. Enlisted in Regina, 31 October 1941. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 22 May 1942) and No.2 AOS (graduated 11 September 1942). Commissioned 1942.
This officer has participated in many sorties, the majority of which have been against heavily defended German targets. On one occasion his aircraft was attacked by an enemy night fighter and the petrol tanks holed, causing a serious shortage of petrol. Flying Officer Hutcheon worked out a shorter course back for the return flight which enabled the crew to leave the aircraft by parachute over this country. Throughout his tour this officer has maintained a high standard of courage, cheerful confidence and devotion to duty.
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ILLINGWORTH, P/O A.F. / DFC 15 Sept. 1944, (crew 80)
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IMRIE, S/L Brainard Shield (J4425) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 93) - Award effective 17 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1/45 dated 5 January 1945. Born in Toronto, 1913; home in Renfrew, Ontario. Enlisted in Sudbury, 20 July 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 3 November 1940), No.7 EFTS (graduated 23 December 1940) and No.6 SFTS (graduated 5 March 1941). Commissioned 1941.
This officer has completed numerous sorties against the enemy, including attacks on such heavily defended targets as Emden, Brunswick, Stuttgart and Arras. In September 1944, when he was attacking Castrop Rauxel, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire before and during the bombing run, resulting in the cessation of oil to the starboard outer engine and damage to the main fuel supply to the starboard inner engine. Both engines ceased to function. The aircraft lost height and was repeatedly hit by anti-aircraft fire. Nevertheless, Squadron Leader Imrie maintained complete control of his aircraft and his task was successfully completed. Leaving the target area the aircraft was again hit and the elevator control rod was partly severed. Shortly afterward the starboard inner engine became serviceable and height was regained. Squadron Leader Imrie reached base safely, where on inspection forty-two holes were found in the aircraft. Squadron Leader Imrie has shown outstanding courage and leadership and a fine fighting spirit, pressing home his attacks against the enemy whatever the opposition.
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ISENBERG, F/O Melville (J87286) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 114) - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November 1945. Home in Toronto; enlisted there 12 March 1942. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 21 November 1942), No.9 EFTS (graduated 20 February 1943) and No.5 SFTS (graduated 25 June 1943). DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.9 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 17 April 1945 when he had completed 33 sorties (203 hours 30 minutes), 7 August 1944 to 31 March 1945. The incident involving damage at Gelsenkirchen was 5 November 1944 when they came home on three engines. Sortie list says they were holed on 11 September 1944 and encountered fighters on 5, 7, and 31 March 1945 (fighter claimed damaged on last sortie).
Flying Officer Isenberg has completed numerous sorties including attacks against Hamburg, Chemnitz and Karlsruhe. On one occasion during an attack on Gelsenkirchen one engine of his aircraft was rendered unserviceable by heavy anti-aircraft fire. Undaunted, this officer completed his attack and brought his aircraft safely back to base. At all times he has displayed devotion to duty, gallantry and courage of a high order.
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JAMES, F/O Raymond Henry (J22093) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 22) - Award effective 21 July 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2052/44 dated 22 September 1944. Born 1922 in Vancouver; home there; enlisted there 13 June 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 6 June 1942), No.5 BGS (graduated 6 November 1942) and No.5 AOS (graduated 18 December 1942). Incident described was during an air test (not a sortie) with Pilot Officer Pollard.
This officer is a first-class bomb aimer whose good work in attacks on a wide range of targets has won high praise. He is a devoted and gallant member of aircraft crew and his example has been worthy of emulation. On one occasion when returning from a sortie his pilot was temporarily blinded by particles of glass when the windscreen was shattered. Flying Officer James immediately took over the controls and, although without any previous flying instruction, he succeeded in safely landing the aircraft at an airfield at the third attempt, saving a valuable aircraft and its crew.
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JOHNSTON, F/O William Henry (J24724) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (spare) - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1923, Toronto; home there; enlisted there 31 March 1942. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 23 October 1942) and No.1 AOS (graduated 19 March 1943). Commissioned 1943. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation (undated) when he had flown 37 sorties (167 hours ten minutes), 24 April to 11 September 1944. Did part of tour with F/O J.G. Stinson.
This navigator has completed a tour of operations totalling thirty-seven sorties, several of which were against heavily defended targets in Germany and France. Although many of these attacks were made under harassing circumstances, Flying Officer Johnston has at all times displayed courage, zeal and devotion to duty. His navigational skill and keenness has been a source of inspiration to his fellow navigators.