Wg.-Cdr. K. J. Lawson, D.F.C Kenneth John Lawson 82728 P/O - 759231 LAC Kenneth John LAWSON (82728).28th July 1940 F/L 28th July 1942. S/L 7th Sept. 1943 Distinguished Flying Cross. 18th April, 1941 Pilot Officer Kenneth John LAWSON (82721), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 149 Squadron. This officer has completed 26 major operational night flights as navigator and observer, involving a total of 168 hours flying. He has shown outstanding devotion to duty, even to the extent of spending many hours of "stand-down" periods in perfecting his standard of astro-navigation, an accomplishment which has enabled him to locate targets when other aircraft have failed. His skill in navigation was particularly evident when on the night of 11th/12th February, during appalling weather and in spite of wireless failure soon after the take-of, his target was successfully located, accurately bombed and the aircraft safely navigated back to a base in England. Distinguished Service Order 9th July, 1943 Acting Squadron Leader Kenneth John LAWSON, D.F.C. (82728), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 156 Squadron. This officer is on his second operational tour and has taken part in a large number of attacks on well-defended and distant enemy targets such as Berlin, Spezia, and Cologne. Although Squadron Leader Lawson is a specialist navigation officer, he has shown the greatest determination to fly on every possible occasion. He has invariably completed his missions with high courage and devotion to duty. Bar to Distinguished Service Order. 18th September, 1945 Wing Commander Kenneth John LAWSON, D.S.O., D.F.C. (82728), R.A.F.V.R., 405 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn., with effect from ist January, 1945 (since deceased). Wing Commader Lawson has a long record of operational flying. Since his last award he has participated in numerous attacks against heavily defended targets. This officer has proved himself an outstanding leader with a high sense of devotion to duty and a fearlessness which has inspired confidence in his less experienced subordinates. Both in the air and on the ground Wing Commander Lawson has displayed great zeal and efficiency. 156 Squadron RAF Name: LAWSON, KENNETH JOHN Initials: K J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Wing Commander (Pilot) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Unit Text: 405 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn. Age: 31 Date of Death: 02/01/1945 Service No: 82728 Awards: D S O and Bar, D F C Additional information: Son of Frederic John and Beatrice Mary Lawson, of Ealing, Middlesex. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 8. C. 1. Cemetery: DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY Lancaster PB477 405 Squadron. Mission to Nuremburg T/O 1554 from Gransden Lodge. Crashed at Rohrau, 3 km ENE from the small town of Nufringen. W/C Lawson had participated in at least 92 operational sorties, while F/L Duke had served in India with 31 Sqdn, details of his DFM were Gazetted 21 Nov 1941. W/C K J Lawson DSO & Bar DFC Sgt S Rhodes PoW P/O S H Fitzhenry RAAF S/L N Crawford DFC RCAF F/L E C Duke DFM F/O G E Geeves DFC RCAF W/O1 D G Plyley RCAF PoW
S/L HA Almond DFC Three references in Mosquito Thunder: Page 167: December 23, 1944, Koln's Gremberg marshalling yards was the target in an attempt to stem the enemy's ability to re-supply its forces in the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge). Twenty-seven Lancs and three Oboe-equipped Mossies involved, one for each wave. Leading the second wave was a 35 Sqn Oboe-equipped Lanc supported by Mossie B.XVI ML981 "D-Bar" flown by S/L HA Almond DFC and F/O CRA Challis DFC. On the outbound leg, the Lanc in the third wave, F/L RE Jordan and F/L RW Plunkett witnessed two Lancs touch wings and spin in. Of the 14 crew, there were no survivors. Several chutes were spotted but sadly these men died from exposure before a launch could find them. Flak was heavy for the entire Oboe run and the lead Lanc of the first wave, S/L Robert Anthony Maurice "Bob" Palmer DFC and Bar, was on fire for a long time before spinning in. Palmer was awarded the VC, this was his 110th op (!!!!). Had he dropped his bombs, the rest of the formation would have done the same and missed the target. Enemy fighters that had been looking for USAAF aircraft reportedly in the area took their toll, the lead Mossie also going down with the loss of both crew. The second wave, Almond's wave suffered as well. All aircraft had broken formation and were dive-bombing the target. The lead Lanc had three engines hit (S/L GW Harding DFC with S/L LW Millett DFC on the Oboe) but bombed the target. Their back up Mosquito(Almond's aircraft) also suffered flak damage to the hydraulics and as a result the bomb doors would not open and so the bombs stayed on board. Page 169: S/L Geoffrey WA Parker, the third wave Mossie, landed back at RAF Bourn. When he was preparing to exit, he saw that S/L Almond had managed to land his Mosquito. It had come in with a full complement of bombs still on board, on one engine, and without the use of an undercarriage....was ploughing its way relentlessly along the grassy part at the side of the runway and, to Parker's horror, was heading straight for him. Miraculously, they avoided collision and the bombs did not detonate as the aircraft skidded along on its belly to a halt. The crew then emerged safely, somewhat shaken but mercifully still intact, but their aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Page 175: DSO awarded to S/L HA Almond DFC.
Wg.-Cdr. A. G. S. Cousens, D.S.O., D.F.0 Alan George Seymour Cousens 44076 P/O - 564836 Sergeant Alan George Seymour COUSENS (44076). 4th July 1940. F/O 22nd Apr. 1941 F/L 23rd Nov. 1941 S/L 30th Oct. 1942 http://www.airforce.ca/canraf/CANRAF.A-D.html COUSENS, Alan George Seymour, Acting S/L, DFC (44076) - Czech Military Cross 1939 - 14 April 1942.. Distinguished Service Order 6th November, 1942 Acting Wing Commander Alan George Seymour COUSENS, D.F.C. (44076), No. 115 Squadron. By his untiring efforts as navigator and his terrific keenness to press home the attack, this officer has contributed in a large measure to the success achieved by his squad ron. He is a fine squadron commander, who has raided many of the highly important industrial targets in enemy territory. Name: COUSENS, ALAN GEORGE SEYMOUR Initials: A G S Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Wing Commander (Nav.) Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Unit Text: 635 Sqdn. Age: 30 Date of Death: 22/04/1944 Service No: 44076 Awards: D S O, D F C Additional information: Military Cross (Czechoslovakia). Son of Gordon Bryce Seymour Cousens and Dorothy Cousens; husband of Nan Phyllis Cousens, of Kensington, London. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 2. Row AB. Grave 10. Cemetery: ROYE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY Lancaster ND508 635 Squadron. Mission to Laon 22/23 April 1944 T/O 2123 from Downham Market carrying one of the assigned Master Bombers, W/C Cousens. No details on cause of loss. P/O D H Courtney Evd (captured 5 June 1944) Sgt J Belton killed F/Sgt R Holmes killed W/C A G S Cousens DSO DFC MC (Czech) killed F/Sgt R D Casajuana killed F/Sgt WHewitt killed Sgt J G Morris killed Sgt W Lee killed
Wg.-Cdr. E. H. Bagnold, D.F.C Eric Harold Bagnald 85020 P/O - 742963 LAC Eric Harold BAGNALD (85020) 8th Sept. 1940. F/O 8th Sept. 1941 F/L 17th May 1942 S/L 20th June 1944 Commission relinquished. Squadron Leader E. H. BAGNALD, D.F.C. (85020) (on appointment to the Royal Canadian Air Force). 2nd Nov. 1954. Distinguished Flying Cross. 25th July, 1941 Pilot Officer Eric Harold BAGNALD (85020), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 10 Squadron. One night in June, 1941, this officer was the navigator of an aircraft which carried out an attack on Bremen. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and searchlight activity in the target area, Pilot Officer Bagnald, although the cockpit in which he was operating was penetrated by shell splinters, executed his duties as bomb aimer for some 25 minutes in the most difficult circumstances. On the return journey, Pilot Officer Bagnald was wounded in the left arm and although in great pain, he continued his navigational duties under severe difficulties and ensured the safe return of his aircraft. Throughout the operation this officer showed great courage and devotion to duty. Picture: Search Results
It appeared in Flypast about 18 months ago, titled "We Lead, Others Follow". The squadron motto. I don't have a PDF of it unfortunately. Cheers Owen
Sqn.-Ldr. L. R. Hastings, D.F.C Leslie Reginald Hastings 124562 P/O - 1377848 LAC Leslie Reginald HASTINGS (124562) 20th June 1942 F/O 20th Dec. 1942 F/L 3rd April 1944 Ooops eep: Cashiered by sentence of General Court-Martial F/L. L. R. HASTINGS, D.F.C. (124562). 26th Feb. 1946 Distinguished Flying Cross. 7 September 1943 Flying Officer Leslie Reginald HASTINGS (124562) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 49 Squadron. Mentioned in Despatches 1st January, 1945 Acting Squadron Leader L. R. HASTINGS, D.F.C. (124562), RA.F.V.R. Mentioned in Despatches 8 June 1945 Acting Squadron Leader L. R. HASTINGS, D.F.C. (124562), R.A.F.V.R
Ah, yes, I've seen mention of it in the FlyPast review of Down to Earth. I'll ask a mate who used to work for Key Publishing as assistant editor-type.
Sqn.-Ldr. W. J. R. Shepherd William James Reardon Shepherd 84799 ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH P/O 9th Sept. 1940 F/O 30th June 1941. F/L 1st Jan. 1943 S/L (confirmed) 5th Apr. 1945 Mentioned in Despatches 5 June 1942 Flight Lieutenant W. J. R. SHEPHERD (84799) (Acting), R.A.F.V.R. Mentioned in Despatches 29 December 1942 S/L W. J. R. SHEPHERD (84799), R.A.F.V.R. Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) 1st Jan 1945` Acting Wing Commander William James Reardon Shepherd (84799), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Wg.-Cdr. C. F. Sarsby Charles Frederick SARSBY (34112) 6th Bn. W. York R 2nd Lt. 28th May 1930 6th Bn. W. York. S.— Lt. C. F. Sarsby resigns his commn. on appt. to R.A.F. 22nd Sept. 1933. Acting P/O 22nd Sept. 1933 P/O 22nd Sept. 1934. F/O 22nd March 1936 F/L 22nd Mar. 1938. F/L 22nd Sept. 1939. (not sure why he was gazetted twice for this rank) S/L 2 January 1940 Wing Commanders (temporary) 9 September 1941 10 July 1942 Sqn. Ldr. C. F. SARSBY (34112) (since promoted) is transfd. to the Tech. Br. 24th Apr. 1940. W/C 19th Dec. 1944 Mentioned in Despatches 11th June, 1942 Wing Commander C. F. SARSBY (34112). Retirement Wing Commander (war subs.) C. F. SARSBY (34112) retaining the rank of Group Captain. 18th Nov. 1946 1950s - Chief Engineer of Bennett's Fairflight Ltd Died, after long illness 7th Nov 1983;
Sqn.-Ldr. W. Rathbone William RATHBONE (90544). Transferred to the Administrative and Special Duties Branch 29th Aug. 1939, as Pilot Officer F/O 2nd May 1940 Transferred to the Technical Branch 24th Apr. 1940 S/L (temp) 1st June 1942 F/L 1st Apr. 1943 S/L 23rd Feb. 1945. Mentioned in Despatches 1st Jan 1945 Acting Wing Commander W. RATHBONE (90544),
Wg.-Cdr. G. W. Adams George William Adams 73057 P/O (probation) 25th April 1939 F/O 23rd July 1939 Transferred to the Technical Branch 24th Apr. 1940 F/L 19th Nov. 1940 S/L 26th Aug. 1942 Mentioned in Despaches 1st June 1944 Acting Wing Commander G. W. ADAMS (73057), R.A.F.V.R. OBE 1st Jan 1945 Acting Wing Commander George William Adams (73057), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Wg.-Cdr. E. L. T. Barton, Edward Leslie Thomas Barton 85191 ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS. Offr. Cadet Edward Leslie Thomas Barton,from Sheffield Univ. Contgt., Sen. Div., O.T.C., to be 2nd Lt. 20th Nov. 1929 ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS. 2nd Lt. E. L. T. Barton to be Lt. 20th Nov. 1932. ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS. War Subs. Capt. E. L. T. Barton (44501), relinquishes his commn. on appt. to a commn. in the R.A.F. V.R. 18th Sept. 1940. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH P/O 18th Sept. 1940 TECHNICAL BRANCH. F/O (probation)18th Mar. 1941 F/O (confirmed) 18th Sept. 1941 F/L 3rd Nov. 1942 S/L 12th July 1944 S/L 1st Feb. 1951 Mentioned in Despatches 1st Jan 1945 Acting Wing Commander Edward Leslie Thomas BARTON (85191), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Mentioned in Despatches 1st Jan 1946 Acting Wing Commander Edward Leslie Thomas BARTON (85191), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. OBE 13 June 1946 Acting Wing Commander Edward Leslie Thomas BARTON (85191), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Appointed to command No. 3700 (County of London) Radar Reporting Unit. 1st Jan. 1955 The undermentioned relinquish command of the following Squadrons and Units upon their disbandment. 11th Mar. 1957: Squadron Leader E. L. T. BARTON, O.B.E. (85191), No. 3700 (County of London) Radar Reporting Unit. Transfer to Reserve 11th Mar. 1957 Squadron Leader E. L. T. BARTON, O.B.E. (85191). CBE 1st Jan 1968 Wg Cdr E. L. T. Barton, Chief of Telecommunications (Civil Aviation), Board of Trade
Sqn.-Ldr. N. I. B. Harrison Neville Isaac Berthold HARRISON (81125) ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH P/O (probation) 21st June 1940 Transferred to the Technical Branch Pilot Officer on probation Neville Isaac Berthold HARRISON (81125) (since promoted). 17th Feb. 1941 F/O 21st June 1941 F/L (temp) 1st July 1943 F/L 1st June 1944. Mentioned in Despatches 1st Jan 1945 Flight Lieutenant N. I. B. HARRISON (81125), R.A.F.V.R. Mentioned in Despatches 1st January, 1946 Squadron Leader N. I. B. HARRISON (81125), R.A.F.V.R.
Sqn.-Ldr. H. W. Lees Two posibilites, of which the second doesn't seem likely. However, can't find first names. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH F/O 1st Oct. 1942 F/L 1st July 1944 Mentioned in Despatches 1st Jan 1946 Acting Squadron Leader H. W. LEES (115558), R.A.F.V.R. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH. P/O H. W. LEES (107057). 14th Jan. 1942 (Howard William LEES)
Wg.-Cdr. A. W. G. Martin Aubrey William GRAHAM MARTIN (18221) 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Second Lieutenant Aubrey W. G. Martin resigns his commission on account of ill-health. Dated 12th June, 1915. (NOTE - don't know if this is the same man) Lanark. 2nd Lieut. Aubrey W. G. Martin is restored to the establishment. 26th Mar. 1916. The undermentioned offrs. relinquish their commns., 30th Sept. 1921, under A.O. 166/21, as amended by A.O. 332/21, and retain their rank except where otherwise stated: Lanark. Lfc. A. W. G. Martin. 2lst November, 1921 GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH. P/O (probation)15th Sept. 1924 F/O 15th Oct. 1925 The undermentioned Flying Officer is transferred to the Reserve: — Aubrey William Graham MARTIN CLASS A. Aubrey William Graham MARTIN. 31st Dec. 1928. The undermentioned Flying Officer relinquishes his commission on completion of service:— Aubrey William Graham MARTIN. 31st Dec. 1932. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH The undermentioned are granted commissions in the ranks stated with effect from 1st Sept. 1939 and with seniority of the dates stated Flying Officer Aubrey William GRAHAM MARTIN (18221). 1st Sept. 1939 S/L (temp) 16 December 1941
Wg.-Cdr. W. E. Carr William Edgar CARR (37074). P/O 19th Feb. 1935 (possibly 56 Squadron?) F/O 19th Oct. 1936. F/L 19th Oct 1938 S/L (temporary). 7 June 1940 W/C (temporary) 1st Dec. 1941 S/L (confirmed) 1st March 1942. Wg. Cdr. (temp.) W. E. CARR (37074). 25th Oct. 1945. Commission resigned. Wing Commander W. E. CARR (37074), retaining the rank of Group Captain, 5th Aug. 1946.
