Airmen of the 103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Lancaster DV 221)
103 Squadron detailed 18 aircraft for this attack on the German city of Hannover. |
The crew completed 27 ops with another early return during their first tour.
13 of these were on Halifaxes and 14 ops on Lancasters. |
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| John Edward Griffiths Aston |
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Flight Sergeant (Flight Engineer)
1127674
Distinguished Flying Medal
27 September 1943
103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
8. C. 14-15. Coll. Grave
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Sgt Aston was posted to this squadron on the 18th July 1942 and since that date has carried out 11 sorties in Halifax and 7 sorties in Lancaster aircraft. Throughout his tour of operations he has proved himself to be a most efficient, conscientious and trustworthy Flight Engineer. One occasion when flying as Flight Engineer in a Halifax aircraft to carry out an operational sorties at night on Bremen, the aircraft was badly damaged by an enemy night fighter. The port petrol tanks were holed and both port engines cut. However Sgt Aston by skilful manipulation and the petrol cocks managed to get them working again, thus enabling the target to be reached and attacked successfully. While returning to base more trouble was experienced with the port engines and also the starboard inner engine. However this NCO's presence of mind and knowledge of his duties enabled him to keep at least two engines running throughout the return flight. It is considered that this NCO's skill and coolness were mainly responsible for extracting the aircraft from a most precarious situation thereby saving the lives of the crew and much valuable equipment. He is recommended for the award of the DFM. |
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| Alan Davidson |
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Sergeant (Air Gunner)
1355496
abt. 1920
27 September 1943
23
103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
8. C. 14-15. Coll. Grave
Son of James and Katherine Davidson,
of South Shields, Co. Durham,
husband of Gladys Davidson,
of South Shields. |
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| Ronald Norman Faulkner |
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Flying Officer (Air Bomber)
136885
abt. 1921
27 September 1943
22
103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
8. C. 14-15. Coll. Grave
Son of Norman William and
Ivy Florence Faulkner,
husband of Doreen Edith Faulkner,
of Southgate, Middlesex. |
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| Arthur Harrison |
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Pilot Officer (Air Gunner)
J/18007
Distinguished Flying Medal
abt. 1924
27 September 1943
19
103 (R.A.F.) Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
8. C. 14-15. Coll. Grave
Son of Richard and Jane Ann Harrison,
of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. |
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| John Herbert Kennard |
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Squadron Leader (Pilot)
40715
Distinguished Flying Cross
abt. 1919, Ipswich
27 September 1943
103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
8. C. 14-15. Coll. Grave
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Citation Distinguished Flying Cross
Kennard was awarded the DFC which was an immediate award resulting from a very demanding operation to Bremen on the 14th September 1942. |
Acting Flight Lieutenant John Herbert KENNARD (40715) Reserve of Air Force Officers No. 103 Squadron.
One night in September, 1942, Flight Lieutenant Kennard was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Bremen. When about 15 miles from the target the bomber was attacked by an enemy fighter, the fire from which stunned the rear gunner and caused the bomber's aileron controls to jam. Displaying commendable courage and flying skill, Flight Lieutenant Kennard eventually evaded his attacker and flew on to his target which he bombed and photographed. While in the target area his aircraft was hit by fire from the ground defences which caused damage to the port fuel tanks. A serious amount of petrol was lost but despite this and the difficulty of controlling the aircraft, due to the jammed aileron, Flight Lieutenant Kennard reached this country and made a safe landing. His courage and determination to complete his allotted task were worthy of the highest praise. |
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| Thomas Coulton Latham |
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Flying Officer (Wireless Op./Air Gunner)
51721
Distinguished Flying Medal
26 September 1919,
Brighton, Bayside City, Victoria, Australia
27 September 1943
22
103 Sqdn. Royal Air Force
8. C. 14-15. Coll. Grave
Son of Mrs. J. Latham,
of Runcorn, Cheshire,
husband of G. M. Latham,
of Bolby, Yorkshire. |
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| Stanley Allan Morey |
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Flying Officer
401074
Distinguished Flying Cross
abt. 1919
27 September 1943
24
Royal Australian Air Force
8. C. 14-15. Coll. Grave
Son of Harry Wilfred and Elizabeth Morey,
of Bendeigh, Victoria, Australia. |
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