Douglas Jackson Turner DFC RIP

Kyt · Jul 24, 2008

Tributes paid to former pilot (From Western Telegraph)

Friends have paid tribute to the outstanding bravery and good humour of a former RAF pilot from Solva who died recently.

Douglas Jackson Turner DFC, known as Doug to his wide circle of friends, died last month just a few weeks before his 91st birthday.

He learned to fly in America, and on returning to the UK joined No. 235 Beaufighter Squadron where he met his navigator and lifelong friend, Des Curtis DFC. They flew 72 operations together during the Second World War.

The squadron flew anti-shipping strikes at very low altitudes off the Norwegian coast. Then, in April 1943 Doug and Curtis were posted as founder members of 618 Squadron to RAF Skitten.

The squadron carried out low level attacks in daylight, and would fly mosquito aircraft carrying two bouncing bombs, code named Highball, a smaller version of those used by the Dambuster squadron.

Turner and Curtis were later posted to Cornwall to set up No. 618 squadron, special detachment, at RAF Predannack on the Lizard peninsular.

Uniquely equipped with a variant of the Mosquito called Tse-tse, armed with the Moulin’s 57mm six pounder artillery piece, their task was to catch U-boats as they were leaving or entering their bases on the French Atlantic coast.

The accuracy of Doug’s firing sank several enemy U-boats, tankers, trawlers and destroyers as he led a flight of six aircraft.

He and Curtis also played the game of delaying lift-off from the runway as long as possible so that the running, scattering labourers earned their danger money.

After the war Doug continued to fly from St Davids, and he later became landlord of the Cambrian Hotel in Solva. He was also an active member of the West Wales Aircrew Association.

Association member Frank Aimes said: “Towards the end of his life and despite increasing ill health, he remained amazingly good humoured and was wonderful company.

“Doug has now slipped the surly bonds but he has left behind the memories of a truly good, very brave man, greatly missed by his family and friends.”
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Kyt · Jul 24, 2008

Distinguished Flying Cross 21 APRIL, 1944

Flying Officer Douglas Jackson TURNER (124818), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 248 Squadron.

In attacks on enemy shipping this officer has displayed leadership, skill and courage' of a high order. In March, 1944, he led a formation of aircraft which attacked a convoy of 4 ships. Four days later he flew the leading aircraft of a formation which attacked an escorted U-boat and two days afterwards he participated in an attack on a convoy consisting of two U-boats and several ships. In all these attacks, Flying Officer Turner displayed outstanding determination, setting a splendid example

Pathfinder · Jul 25, 2008

Sounds like he had an interesting war.

RIP Doug

Ferhilt · Jul 25, 2008

Indeed. RIP

Antipodean Andy · Aug 12, 2008

Busy boys. RIP.

Antipodean Andy · Jan 7, 2009

Have come across several comments regarding these two in Martin Bowman's latest Mossie book so will find the time to post about some of their Tsetse trips.

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Douglas Jackson Turner DFC RIP

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