RAF OVER MALTA: Lord Gort Takes Over Malta Governorship

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Misc: Edgar Wilson Dorsey; William J. Culver; (AUS.406375) Cedric Alfred White - bombed in cinema; (42135) Allan Gilchrist McAdam

August 2, 1940

HMS Argus

Operation Hurry - 11 pilots

(740630) Sgt. Frederick Neal 'Jock' Robertson - DFM 261 Sqn.
(115301) Sgt. Reginald Jack Hyde - 66/261 Sqns.
+(740193) Sgt. Roy O'Donnell - 261 Sqn. KIA Aug. 15, 40
+(741212) Sgt. Dennis Kenneth Ashton - 32 Sqn/418 Flt./261 Sqn. KIA Nov. 26, 40
(33154) F/L Duncan Whiteley Balden - 418 Flt.
(37322) F/L Robert Nugent Lambert 418 Flt.
(37137) F/L Anthony John 'Tony' Trumble 418 Flt./ 261 Sqn.
F/L John Greenhalgh 418 Flt.
Sgt. James 'Jim' Pickering - 418 Flt/261 Sqn. - 80/145 Sqns. DAF
(740209) Sgt. William John Timms 418 Flt./261 Sqn. - died Jan. 11, 41
(741557) Sgt. Eric Norman Kelsey 418 Flt./261 Sqn. - killed 1941
Sgt. Oswald R. 'Drac' Bowerman 418 Flt. killed 1942

F/O Harry Bradbury spare Skua
Sgt. Harry W. Ayre spare Skua 418 Flt.

November 16, 1940

HMS Argus

First Flight

(39639) James Archibald (Archie) Findlay MacLachlan - 145/73/261 Sqns. Bar to DFC - Feb. 16, 41 lost arm in combat - died in 1943
(129717) Sgt. John King 'Jock' Norwell 41/261 Sqns. arrived
+(745513) Sgt. Richard Alfred Speyer ran out of fuel - 261 Sqn.
+(740754) F/S William George Cunnington - 261 Sqn. ditched/drowned
+(90964) Claud Eric Hamilton - 234/261/185 Sqns. - KIA May 14, 41
(42490) P/O Hugh William Eliot - 261/185 Sqns. - KIA March 4, 1945

Second Flight

+(42554) P/O Robert John Boret - 41/261 Sqns.
+(41500) James Richard Walker - 41/261 Sqns. (Cdn.)
+(42098) P/O Eric George Bidgood - 261 Sqn.
+(42128) F/O Patrick Wilmot Horton - 261 Sqn.
+(70849) F/O Raymond Walter Clarke - 261 Sqn.
+(85268) P/O James Michael Horrox - 261 Sqn.

January 29, 1941

Six Hurricanes 261 Squadron

F/O Charles Derek Whittingham
(42601) P/O Derek John Hammond - 253/261/272 Sqns.
+(85239) P/O Philip James 'Pip' Kearsey - 213/261 Sqns. KIA Feb. 26, 41
+(43705) P/O Charles Edward 'Titch' Langdon (NZ) - 145/261 Sqns. KIA Feb. 26, 41
(43291) P/O John Francis Pain
(85273) P/O David John Thacker - 145/261 Sqns. HMS Furious Jan. 9
(521323 - 49756) Sgt. Albert Henry 'Harry' Deacon - 85/111/261 Sqns. HMS Furious Jan. 9
(754668 - 116806) Sgt. Claude Gordon Hodson - 229/261/185 Sqns.
+(811002) Sgt. Charles White MacDougal - KIA March 5, 41

January 30 Sunderland from Egypt (HMS Furious): (40747) Spencer Ritchie Peacock-Edwards - 253/261 Sqns.; (808429 - 143088) Leonard 'Len' Davies - 151/261 Sqn.

April 3, 1941 - Operation Winch

HMS Ark Royal

12 Hurricanes
+(33414) S/L Peter William Olber 'Boy' Mould DFC & Bar - 185 Sqn. KIA Oct. 1, 41
+(41815) P/O Henri Ferdinand Auger - 1/261 Sqns. KIA April 23, 1941, from Montreal
F/O Innes Bentall Westmacott - 56/261/185 Sqns./1435 Flt. led flight of 6 Hurricanes
+(82685) Peter Kennett - 17/261 Sqns. KIA April 11, 1941
(113499) Sgt. George Arthur Walker - 232/261 Sqns.
Sgt. B.J. Vardy - 185 Sqn.
(740815) Sgt. Joseph Kenneth Pollard? - KIFA 55 OTU Dec. 12, 41
(83286) P/O John Victor Marshall
+(745800) Sgt. Peter Harry Waghorn - KIA April 11, 1941 261 Sqn. with Kennett
+(742987) Sgt. Ernest Robert Jessop - 242/261 Sqns. killed Nov. 15, 41
(745169 - 139038) Geoffrey Lockwood - 261 Sqn. 127 Sqn. DAF
+(754910) Sgt. Henry Horace Jennings - 261 Sqn. KIA May 7, 1941

April 27. 1941 - Operation Dunlop

May 21, 1941 - Operation Splice

48 Hurricanes

Furious - 6 Hurricanes

HMS Ark Royal - 21 Hurricanes
(79168) W/C Thomas Francis Neil - 249 Sqn. led 1st group
(37664) Squadron Leader Robert Alexander 'Butch' Barton DFC - 249 Sqn. -led 2nd group
(73023) Hugh John Sherard Beazley - 249 Sqn.
Anthony Robert Fletcher Thompson - 249 Sqn.
(64891) George Charles Calder Palliser - 249 Sqn.
(141736) Sgt. George Alfred Stroud - 504/32/249 Sqn.
Sgt. Ronald Rist - 249 Sqn.
(936560) Sgt. Dennis Charles Harvey Rex - 249 Sqn.
+(61250) Roich Hamish McKenzie Munro - 249 Sqn. KIA June 11, 41
(64890) P/O Jack Percival Mills - 249/1435 Sqns.
+(61248) P/O Robert Henry Matthews - 249 Sqn. KIA Dec. 22, 1941
(999002) Sgt. Colin Alexander MacVean - 249 Sqn. - KIA 80 Sqn., Dec. 9, 41

F/O Patrick Hardy Vesey 'Pat' Wells, South Africa

P/O James Terence 'Jimmy' Crossey, South Africa

(40507) F/O Ernest 'Ernie' Cassidy

(84965) P/O Anthony Robert Fletcher 'Tommy' Thompson 249 Sqn. - 73 Sqn. DAF

F/S Fred Etchells - 249 Sqn.

Sgt. James 'Jimmy' Parker - 249 Sqn.

June 6, 1941 - Operation Rocket

Embarked on Argus transferred to HMS Ark Royal at Gibraltar. 46 Squadron renumbered to 126 Squadron

(37209) Alexander Coultate 'Sandy' Rabagliati - 46/126 Sqns.
(87449) Henry Patrick Lardner-Burke - 126 Sqn.
(740705/109985) Alexander Noel MacGregor
(118420) William Edwin 'Ted' Copp - 46/126 Sqns., Toronto - KIFA Nov. 4, 42
(70101) Norman Whitmore Burnett - 46 Sqn. - KIA June 11, 41 - his brother was allso killed serving with the RAF.
+(967109) Thomas Hackston - 126 Sqn. - KIA July 4, 41
(42191) John Michael Vowles 'Chips' Carpenter - 46/126 Sqns.

P/O Jack Kininmonth Kay - 46/126 Sqns.

(40719) Peter William 'Pip' Lefevre - 46/126 Sqns. - KIA 1944

June 30, 1941 - Operation Railway II

HMS Ark Royal 24 Hurricanes - two gaggles of 12
Pilot Officer Percival Graham Leggett - 249 Sqn.
(740388 - 81051) Cecil Clement Hood Davis - 249/126 Sqns. KIA 260 Sqn. DAF Nov. 20, 42

Furious 16 Hurricanes
P/O Alan G. Cairns - 249 Sqn.

(62649) P/O Frederick Charles Hill - 249 Sqn. - KIFA 1943
P/O Percival Graham Leggett - 249 Sqn.
P/O Harold Albert 'Harry' Moon - 249 Sqn.
P/O G.V. Smith
+(64928) P/O James Robert Alexander Stuart - KIFA Feb. 9, 42

Sgt. Alf T. Branch - 249 Sqn.
Sgt. Alan G. Cairns - 249 Sqn.
Sgt. R.L. Davies RAAF - 249 Sqn.
Edwards
+(1052260) Sgt. Hugh John McDowall - KIA Feb. 8, 42
+(1165329) Sgt. James Cecil Kimberley - KIA 4/9/41 249 Sqn.
Sgt. David Owen - 249 Sqn.
(128969) Sgt. Henry William Edward Packham - 249 Sqn. - KIFA June 8, 42 73 Sqn. DAF
(969283 - 116829) Sgt. Donald Charles Skeet-Smith - 249 Sqn.

November 12, 1941 - Operational Perpetual

HMS Argus and HMS Ark Royal
35 Hurricanes

185 Squadron

+(110128) Oliver Ogle 'Sonny' Ormrod – 242/185 Sqns. KIA April 22, 1942
(110129) Phillip Wigley
(110130) Ronald Frank Noble
(110131) John Guido Samuel Beckett
(400147) Howard Charles Lester - (1 SF)
Howell
Peter Low
Robin Wilson NZ
+(J/15319 - R67514) P/O John William Spencer Fletcher RCAF Windsor KIA April 28, 42 Hurricane Z2698
+(404548) John Livingstone Boyd - 135/242/126/185 Sqns.
+(1375372) Donald Thomas Kneale - 242 Sqn. KIA Jan. 22, 42
+(65586) Thady Brian McNamara - 242 Sqn. died bombing Feb. 24, 42
+(102054) James Dinsmore Tew - 242 Sqn. - KIA March 1, 42
(67701) P/O Clifford Elmer Sluggett - 242 Sqn. (Cdn.)
+(1375617) Sgt. George Frank Robert Mulloy - 242/126 Sqns. KIA March 18, 42
(934257 - 102541) P/O Colin Richard Morrison-Jones - 242 Sqn. - KIA 238 Sqn. DAF July 24, 42
Merton Blanchard - 615/242 Sqns. (Co. 22 10 SF)
Wellington Hay

HMS Argus - 605 Squadron

James (Ian) ‘Skip’ McKay RCAF(Co. 22 6 SF)
(R/74045) David Josef Howe 457/605/112 Sqns.(Co. 24 6 SF), Pembroke, Ont.
+(65576) P/O George Allen - KIA Feb. 12, 42
Sidney Ernest Andrews DFM - O.C. 605 Sqn.
(403989) Sgt. James Douglas Robb RNZAF (Co. 24 6 SF) - later KIA 80 Sqn.

February 1942

February 16: Sunderland arrives with pilots

(NZ.401295) Jeffery George West DFM - 616/249 Sqns.

F/L P.B. 'Laddie' Lucas

S/L Stan Turner - 249 Sqn.

P/O 'Buck' McNair - 249 Sqn.

F/O Raoul Daddo-Langlois

(60080) F/O George Andrew Forsyth 'Buck' Buchanan Rhodesia - 41/249 Sqns.

(402500) Sgt. Adrian Philip 'Tim' Goldsmith - DFM/DFC 249/126 Sqns.

February 21: (C1159) William Charles 'Bud' Connell - arrived by Sunderland from Gibraltar

February 22: (AUS404269) Gordon Russell Tweedale - 43 Sqn. arrives by Sunderland

Robert H. 'Bob' Sergeant - 249 Sqn.

Keith Lawrence - 185 Sqn.

March 1942 Sunderland: (121529) Charles Ernest 'Ernie' Broad - 185 Sqn.

March 7, 1942 - Operation Spotter

15 Spitfires - Yarra U/S

HMS Eagle

(33417) S/L Stanley Bernard Grant - 249 Sqn.
+(86689) F/L Norman Carter Macqueen DFC - 249 Sqn. - KIA May 4, 1942
(86370) F/L Philip (Whaley) Ellis 'Nip' Heppell - 249/1435/229 Sqns.
(404692) Sgt. Virgil Paul Brennan RAAF (Co. 26 1 SF)
+(998452) F/S Ian Maxwell Cormack 249 Sqn. - KIA March 17, 1942
F/S David Lake Ferraby - 185 Sqn.
+(403136) P/O James Joseph Guerin - 501/249 Sqns. - KIA March 21, 1942 (Co. 28 11 SF)
(NZ404362) Sgt. Raymond Brown Hesselyn NZ 234/249 Sqns.
F/O Norman William Lee - 249 Sqn.
+(777652 - 80356) P/O Douglas Cecil Leggo 249 Sqn. - KIA March 20, 1942
+(400152) P/O Kenric Newton Lathrop Murray - 249 Sqn. KIA March 10, 1942 (Co. 14 1 SF)
(80227) P/O Ioannis Agorastos 'Johnny' Plagis
(NZ403995) Sgt. Robert James Sim - 249/185 Sqns.
(1380093 - 125738) Sgt. John Lovett 'Junior' Tayleur (AB324) - BCATP 66/249 Sqn.
+(113759) P/O Peter Alfred Nash (AB264) RAF 249 Sqn. - KIA May 17, 1942

March 21, 1942 - Operation Pickett I

HMS Eagle - 9 Spitfires

(29090) S/L Edward John 'Jumbo' Gracie - KIA 1944

11649393 Sgt Walter Harry Leonard Milner - 126 Sqn.
(88723) F/L Hugh Anthony Stephen Johnston - 133/126 Sqns.
Patrick Alfred Schade - 126 Squadron
P/O Bill Bailey
F/S G.S. Bolton - 126 Sqn.
(RAAF 402720) P/O John Henry Eric Bisley - 122/126/452 Sqns.
(R/68710) Eric Ambrose Crist - 403/126/416/402 Sqns., (Co. 18 6 SF)
(69475) P/O Michael Adrian Graves - 126 Sqn.
+(116904) P/O Frank James Jemett - KIA 601 Sqn. April 22, 1942
+(R/54095 - J/15144) P/O Winston Francis McCarthy - 126 Sqn. KIA April 2, 42 (4 SF)
P/O Donald McLeod
(N.Z.402208) F/S William Lister 'Dusty' Miller - 132/611/126 Sqns.
P/O James E. Peck
+(J/15260) George Albert Jack Ryckman - 126 Sqn. KIA April 26, 1942 (Co. 18 6 SF)
+ 402823 John William Yarra RAAF 249/185 AB333 (Co. 28 11 SF)

C.F. Bush and McCarthy flown in

April 20, 1942 - Operation Calendar

USS Wasp

47 Spitfires launched - 46 arrive

S/L ‘Jumbo’Gracie
(76573) John Derek Bisdee
Denis Alfred Barnham - 601 Sqn.
(104423)Michael Henry 'Pancho' Le Bas 601 Sqn. (Co. 27 2 SF)
+(112442)Kenneth William Pawson - 601 Sqn. - KIFA April 25, 42
John Curry
+(107452) Stanley Frederick Brooker - 601 Sqn. - KIA April 21, 42, Regina, Sask.
+(777674)Frank Stanley Howard - 601/126 Sqns.
(89399) Hugh Lawrence Parry – 601 Sqn.
(NZ402190) Mervyn Robert Bruce Ingram - 601/232/243 Sqns. DFC
(R/79550) Ernest George Shea - 601 Sqn., Moose Jaw (Co. 27 10 SF)

603 Squadron

(119016) John George Mejor - 132/603 Sqns. - DFC 112 Sqn. 1944
+(J/7232)Gordon Murray - 603 Sqn. - KIA April 22, 1942
+(121463) John Hurst - 603 Sqn.
(NZ402896)John Donald 'Jack' Rae 485/603/249 Sqns.
(R/70731 - J/15205) Oscar Mahaffy 'Ozzie' Linton - (Co. 23 2 SF) 603/249 Sqns. - 421 Sqn.
(117728) Leslie William Watts - 603/249 Sqns.
(61226) F/L Lester Vincent Sanders - 603/229 Sqns.
(754766 - 83245) Anthony Clive William 'Tony' Holland - 603 Sqn.

126 Squadron

Peck
McLeod
Reade Tilley
Fred Almos - 603/249 Sqns.
Douglas “Tiger” Booth
Sgt. Arthur Cleaveland
Sgt. Salvador Walcott

May 9, 1942 - Operation Bowery

Wasp and Eagle
64 Spitfires launched - 60 arrive
47 Spitfires U.S.S. Wasp and HMS Eagle 17

Sgt. Edwin Moye
Flt. Sgt. John Vaughan Rounsefell Jr. - 54 Sqn. (10 SF Co. 27)
+(R/67609) Donald George Reid - 152/412/616/601/19/185 Sqns. (Co. 27 9 SF)
R.O. Jones
Rounsefell was killed before reaching Malta when his Spitfire was shot down during an engagement with a Fiat floatplane.

USS Wasp
(33417) S/L Stanley Bernard Grant - 249 Sqn.
+(402260) Raymond Harold Charles Sly - KIFA landing (Co. 14 1 SF)
Merriwell Vineyard - 185 Sqn./1435 Flt.
+(R/85769) Robert Donald Sherrington - 81 Sqn. crashed on takeoff - left prop in course pitch. (Co. 34 6 SF)
(R/80807) Thurne 'Tommy' Parks (Co. 30 6 SF)
(J/5343) Frederick (John) Sherlock - (Co. 22 1 SF), Calgary
+(778336) Leslie George Barlow 266/603 Sqns. - KIA June 8, 1942
Barnfather
(J/15088) Geoffrey Wilson Northcott - 603 Squadron (Co. 17 - 1 SFTS)
+Jerrold Alpine 'Jerry' Smith - 152/601/126 Sqns. Killed Aug. 10, 42 (Co. 27 9 SF)
(NZ391843) P/O Herbert Robert 'Bert' Mitchell - 41/603 Sqns. killed May 12, 1942
(80256) P/O Eric Sidney Dicks-Sherwood - 603/229 Sqns.
(J/15976) Gordon Henry Taylor Farquharson DFC - 54/126 Sqns., (32 SF) Corbyville, Ont.
(J/15095) Norman Ralph Fowlow (Co. 19 2 SF) - 131/611/601 Sqns.
+(R/77267 - J/15737) James Emmett McNamara 416 Sqn.- 185 Sqn. 1435 Flt. Malta - KIFA 421 Sqn. 1943 (Co. 29 9 SF)

(906212 - 127785) Sgt. John Carlton Gilbert - 118
(J/15604) John William Williams - 132/603/249 Sqns. DFC

HMS Eagle - 14 611 Sqn. pilots
(114161) Acting Flt Lt John Philip Winfield - 126 Sqn. died Oct. 25, 42
(403392) P/O Alan Scholes Yates - 611/249 Sqns. (Co. 31 2 SF)
Plt Off R H Turlington
(115410) P/O William John Johnson - 611/126 Sqns.
P/O R O Jones - 126 Sqn.
(J/7771) P/O Joseph Aldard Walter 'Al' Gunn (Co. 33 9 SF) 255 Sqn.
(102091) Plt Of Eric Lawson Hetherington - 249 Sqn.
Flt Sgt D A Bye
Flt Sgt A R Boyle
+(1282139) F/S Haydn Haggas - 603/185 Sqns. - KIA July 7, 42
Sgt Donald Edward Llewellyn
(1281043) Sgt Charles Alan McCall Barbour - 130/611/603/229/168 Sqns.
+(1267255) Sgt. Charles Edward Graysmark - 601 Sqn. KIA May 12, 1942 (Co. 10 31 SF)
(Aus.402518) Sgt. Frederick Raymond Johnson - 122/611/64/603/229 Sqns. (2SF Wagga)(NZ.402226) Lawrence Anthony 'Lawrie' Verrall - 66/249 Sqns.

May 18, 1942 - Operation LB

June 3, 1942 - Operation Style

HMS Eagle
31 Spitfires launched
27 arrive

S/L Barton

F/L Jimmy Peck
F/O Johnny Plagis
Henry Wallace 'Wally' McLeod - 485/602/411/603/1435 Sqns. (1 SF Co. 18)
(J/5044) Guy Andre Levy-Despas (alias Carlet) - 603 Squadron (1 SF Co. 20)
(400735) Leonard Stanley 'Len' Reid - 504/130/185 Sqn. (Co. 24 1 SF with Boyd)
(R/85860) James Hamilton Ballantyne (DFM) - 222/229/603 Sqns. - later KIA 403 Sqn. (Co. 27 2 SF)
(407256) David Hamilton Smith - 126 Sqn.
(J/15958) Robert George Middlemiss - 145/41/403/249 Sqns. (Co. 20 9 SF)
+(J/15606) W/O Charles Benn Ramsay - 249 Sqn. (1 SF - Co. 18)
Robert MacDermid - 616 Sqn.?
John Harvey Curry - 610 to 601 Squadron
(998543 - 115232) Arthur Allan 'Pinkie' Glen 41/603 Sqns.
(J/15327) P/O Frank Everett Jones - 249 Sqn. (6SF Co. 28)
+(R/77305 - J/16584) Philip Marcel Charron 93/126 Sqn. - KIA 412 Sqn. 1944 (Co. 35 9 SF)

Four shot down enroute to Malta:

(R/76677) F/Sgt. Hugh Douglas Kingsley MacPherson - (10 SF Co. 29) 416 Sqn. Spitfire BR 308; (J/15348) P/O David Rouleau - 131 Sqn.; (516439) F/Sgt. Thomas Francis 'Tom' Beaumont RAF; (62689) F/O James Howard 'Jim' Menary

June 9, 1942 - Operation Salient

HMS Eagle
32 Spitfires launched and arrive

(42442) F/L Alan Carthew Rowe NZ 616/126 Sqns.
P/O Reade Tilley RCAF - 601/126 Sqns.
(42351) F/L Peter Wilson Lovell - 234/603/229 Sqns.
(112709) F/O Kenneth Langley Charney - 91/185 Sqns., Argentina
+(60108) F/O John Smith - 249 Sqn.
P/O G.P.B. Davies - 126 Sqn.
+(J/15262) P/O Joseph Hubert Roger Paradis (Co. 28 6 SF) - 249 Sqn.
(NZ403964) P/O Charles Henry Lattimer - 249 Sqn.
P/O R.G. Smith - 603 Sqn.
(740876) F/S Louis George Charles de l'Ara - 65/249 Sqns. DFM
F/S R.A. Stevenson - 126 Sqn.
+(R/85596) F/S Bernard Walter Reynolds, Lake Lenore, Sask. - 416/126 Sqns.
F/S John Anthony Hurst Pinney RAF - 1435 Sqn.
F/S (NZ402896) John Donald 'Jack' Rae 485/603/249 Sqns.
F/S Donald Frank Hubbard - 126 Sqn.
+(1169709) F/S Maurice Ernest Tomkins - 249 Sqn. KIA June 25, 42
Sgt. A. Ernest Budd
(R/88664) Sgt. Norman Marshall (Co. 32 1 SF) - 234/118/126 Sqn. - KIA March 3, 44 401 Sqn.
+(R/68649) Sgt. Rupert Henry Davey - 126 Sqn., Ft. William
Sgt. A. Richardson RAAF - 126 Sqn.
Sgt. Erle Thomas Brough RNZAF - 132/603/229 Sqns.
(NZ412780) Sgt. Colin Lethbridge Wood - 164/1435 Sqns.
+(R/74315 - J/15739) F/S Basil Wilfred Andrews 607/185 Sqns. - KIFA 53 OTU (Co. 27 9 SF)
P/O E. Spradley RCAF 66/249 Sqns.
H. Kelly RAFVR - 249 Sqn.
Calvin Percival James Taylor - 152/601/127 Sqns. (1 SF Co. 34)
(J/7230) John Frederick McElroy - 249 Sqn. (9 SF Co. 31)
F/S Colin Henry Parkinson RAAF - 603/229 Sqns.
(R/70978) Flight Sergeant Ian Roy MacLennan, R.C.A.F. - 610/401 Sqns. 1435 Flt. (10 SF Co. 25)
Beurling - 403/41/249 Sqns.
(NZ402494) Gray Stenborg - 485/111/185 Sqns. (32 SF)
(AUS400771) Sgt. Colin James Baxter 610/616/249 Sqns. - 1435 Flt.
(R/78682) WO II Charles Edward 'Rip' Mutch (Co. 32 1 SF) 504/249 Sqns.

July 16, 1942 - Operation Pinpoint

HMS Eagle
32 Spitfires
31 arrive

(115410) F/L William John Johnson - 611/126 Sqns.
(117728) F/L Leslie William Watts - 603/249 Sqns.
P/O Joe L. Lowrey RAFVR - 249 Sqn.
Sgt. Vasseure Wynn RCAF - 249 Sqn.
(R/83374) Sgt. Claude Weaver RCAF - 412/ 185 Sqns.
+(R/82872) Joseph Edward Otis RCAF - 504/126 Sqn.
(J/4561) Roderick Illingworth Alpine Smith - 412/126 Sqns.
(113414) P/O Kenneth Charles (Michael) Giddings - 249 Sqn.
(J/15362) P/O Vincent Kenneth Moody - 249 Sqn. (Co. 26 11 SF)
+(NZ41360) P/O Reginald Pearson Round - 249 Sqn., Aug. 25, 42
+(J/16103) Stanley Joseph Shewell - 249 Sqn. - KIA 610 Sqn., Owen Sound (Co. 39 13 SF)
+(R/95351) F/S George Alexander Hogarth - 416/249 Sqns., October 4, 1942 (Co. 34 11 SF)
(R/87382) Sgt. Hugh (Gwyn) 'Red' Bryden RCAF - 249 Sqn. (Co. 34 11 SF)
+(1190047) Sgt. Murray Irving Gass - 249 Sqn.
(R/84577) David Fraser Ritchie - 411/126 Sqns. (Co. 30 6 SF)
+(NZ39559) Clarence Lloyd Kelly - 167 Sqn./1435 Flight Malta (6 SF Co. 36)
+(NZ411916) Matthew Leonard McLeod - 185 Sqn. - KIA Aug. 2, 42
(J/9465) Hugh Gordon Reynolds - (Co. 39 13 SF) 603/229 Sqns. later KIFA 58 OTU - two other brothers also killed
(404984) Sgt. Noel Lang Pashen RAAF - 603 Sqn.
Sgt. G. Philip RNZAF 1435 Sqn.
+(NZ412727) Sgt. Nigel Manfred Park DFM - KIA Oct. 25, 42 126 Sqn. Nephew of AVM Keith Park
+(41960) Sgt. John Harold Tanner RNZAF 126 Sqn KIA Aug. 13, 42
Sgt. H. Roberts RNZAF 126 Sqn.
+(R/70719) Sgt. Daniel James Hartney (Co. 27 9 SF) - 417/411/185 Sqn. Malta, Drinkwater, Sask
Sgt. J.G. Livingstone RCAF 185 Sqn.
(1333201 - 139319) Sgt. Frederick James 'Jim' Gunstone 185 Sqn. accidently killed in 1945 while serving with 155 Sqn. his brother Peter was killed in 1940
Sgt. J.L. Sidey 229 Sqn.
(R/70978) Flight Sergeant Ian Roy MacLennan, R.C.A.F. - 610/401 Sqns. 1435 Flt. (10 SF Co. 25)
+(120153) P/O James William Guthrie 185 Sqn. killed Aug. 2, 42
(81637) F/L Alfred Henry Basil Friendship DFM 126 Sqn.

August 11, 1942 Operations Bellows

HMS Furious
38 launched
37 arrived

+G/C Walter Myers Churchill DSO DFC C.O. Takali KIA Aug. 26, 42

(34150) W/C Arthur Hay Donaldson DFC AFC wounded October 15, 1942

No. 126 Squadron
(NZ412259) Sgt. James Edward Mortimer wounded Oct. 15, 42
(116492) P/O William Thomas Edward Rolls DFM - DFC
Sgt. N.D. Sintetos RCAF

No. 185 Squadron
+(625196) Sgt. Reginald Charles Bolland - KIA 1944 504 Sqn.
Sgt. L.P. Garvey RNZAF (Co. 36 6 SF)
Sgt. L.R. Gore
+(GB.1208683) Sgt. Daniel Geoffrey Guy - KIA Dec. 7, 42
(NZ413543) Sgt. John Arthur Houlton 485/185 Sqn.
Lt. Keith Cowie Kuhlmann SAAF
+(83982) F/O Alec Ian Lindsay - KIA Oct. 23, 42 possible friendly fire Bofors guns.
+(117995) P/O Anthony Richard Hutton Maynard KIA Nov. 22, 42
(1369523 - 116764) P/O Patrick Aloysius Joseph 'Paddy' O’Brien RAF
+(404981) P/O Robert Bruce Park - KIA Nov. 19, 42
+(1268639) Sgt. Lawrence Harold Swain - KIFA Sept. 13, 42
+(136224) Sgt. James Tarbuck - died from injuries in 1943
F/O P. A. Woodger RAF - 185 Sqn.;

+(655947) Sgt. John Douglas Vinall - 185 Sqn. KIA Oct. 12, 42;

No. 229 Squadron
+(72054) F/L Ernest Pendleton Francis L. T. Magruder - KIA Aug. 28, 42
+(1291208) Sgt. Clifford Harry Cornish - KIA Aug, 26, 42
Sgt. E. H. Francis
P/O Leo S. Nomis RAFVR - 601/229 Sqns.
P/O Arthur Ford Roscoe RAFVR
+(R/78147 - J/15510) John Roy Mowbray - 411/229 Sqn. Malta, Brooklin (arr. Gib Aug. 28)

No. 249 Squadron
(60119) F/L Eric Norman ‘Timber’ Woods DFC - C.O.
+(AUS.404677) F/S Edwin Tytler Hiskens - 249 Sqn. (Co. 26 1 SF) KIA Oct. 15, 42
F/S John Gordon 'Jock' Sanderson RAAF
(106646) P/O Robert Seed - 249 Sqn. DFC
+(411996) Sgt. Allan Bennetto Stead RNZAF KIA Jan. 6, 45

1435 Squadron
Sgt. Reginald Thomas Dion Kebbell RNZAF
+(111261) P/O Dennis Patrick Pollock - KIA Aug. 29, 42
+(NZ.412270) Sgt. Ronald John 'Tim' Roe - KIA Oct. 14, 42
Sgt. W. R. Whitmore - 1435 Sqn.

(42925) F/L Geoffrey Harry Augustus Wellum - 145 Sqn.;

Sgt. John Francis Pym 'Jack' Yeatman RNZAF (Co. 36 6 SF)

P/O Len Cheek
(400579) Frederick William Clewley, Melbourne shock (Co. 27 10 SF) HMS Furious August 11, 1942 along with Patrick O'Brien. Soon after his arrival in Malta, his Spitfire crashed into a wall and his jaw was broken.
F/O H.F. Gedge

Operation Baritone August 17, 1942 - HMS Furious

32 Spitfires

1 lost on takeoff - (1118705) Sgt. William Joseph Alexander Fleming
2 lost enroute

F/L J.R.S. Halford
F/O J.F. McElroy
(125320) P/O Kenneth William Samuel Evans
F/S Colin Henry Parkinson RAAF - 603/229 Sqns.

(NZ413071) Reynolds Bruce Hendry - 485/126/72 Sqns.
+(J/16584) Philip Marcel Charron RCAF - 126 Sqn. - KIA 412 Sqn. 1944
Sgt. J.S. Jarrett - 1435 Sqn.
+(R/92540) Alexander Owen MacLeod - 185 Sqn - KIA Oct. 13, 42 (Co. 35 10 SF) brother John killed in Italy 1943
Sgt. Frederick Gardner Stewart - 229 Sqn. Wasp?
P/O Ian Fraser Preston
+(NZ411996) Sgt. Allan Bennetto Stead - 249 Sqn. KIA Jan. 6, 45
Sgt. J.C. Sullivan - 1435 Sqn.
Sgt. D.G. Fuller - 1435 Squadron
Sgt. R. Miller 229 Sqn.
(1177131 - 139274) John 'Maxwell' Wauchope Lloyd - 229 Sqn.
Sgt. P.A. Dixon
+(969293) Thomas Wallace - 229 Sqn. - missing Nov. 23, 42
+(1332534) Raymond Harold Saunders - 185 Sqn. - KIA Oct. 24, 42
L.J. Farrell RCAF 229 Sqn.
+(NZ422493) David Derek MacLean - 126 Sqn.
P/O H.T. Nash
+(1284019) Bernard Charles 'Pete' Peters - 249 Sqn. KIA Sept. 15, 42
(1376627 - 147195) Douglas Charles Eva - 1435 Flt. - DFC 165 Sqn. 1945 Australian
+(J/15280) John Richard Scott - 402/229 Sqns. - KIA Sept. 15, 42 (Co. 28 1 SF)
Calvin ? Taylor RCAF
+(J/15340) James Douglas Stevenson - KIA Oct. 18, 42 (Co. 18 1 SF), Winnipeg
(139278) Maurice William Frith - 129 Sqn. Dieppe - 229 Sqn. Malta- KIA 602 Sqn. 1944

September 9, 1944 Malta's Triumph - By Mollie Simeon-Asphar

The siege of Malta is one of the epics of world history. She alone, in the dark days when Rommel's shadow was heavy across Europe, and his eyes were turned in certainty to Egypt, stood as she stood years ago as Christianity's bulwark against the marauding Turks in the path of Germany's Juggernaut. In the chequered centuries that have passed over the island three qualities have emerged which today are synonymous with the Maltese name and character: Faith, Loyalty and Courage.

In England people moved away from the bombed areas. They had nights and days of fitful sleep, but they slept. Malta of necessity stayed to take her medicine. She burrowed into the rock beneath her feet, she tunnelled her age-old bastions, and while she worked a new religion was born in Malta .. . the religion of laughter.

When the might of Rome, Mussolini's vaunted Regia Aeronautics, dashed across from Sicily and darkened the empty skies above Malta with their great numbers, Malta scanned her resources. She had three fighter aircraft to meet them. It was sublimely ridiculous, and someone standing by christened them "Faith." "Hope" and "Charity."

While Malta dug her shelters and burrowed into her caves, six young Sunderland pilots, flying boat personnel used to a type of aircraft with a maximum speed of 150 miles an hour, flung their three crazy crates into the empty lonely skies above her, and, protected only by four antiquated machine guns apiece, and the thoughts and prayers of the Maltese, shot it out with the Italians.

They came from all parts of the Empire - one from Canada, one from South Africa, and four from Britain; and their names are forever written in Maltese hearts. They were:. George Burges, Peter G. Keeble, William Joseph 'Timber' Woods, John Lawrence Waters, Peter W. Hartley. Alan C. 'Jock' Martin.

It was in Malta that the army, scanning the sky, and the growing desolation and despair around it,'on one of the blackest days of Malta's seige, defeated Kesselring's Luftwaffe. Kesselring yawned one morning and scanning the map of Malta decided Ta Kali aerodrome was to be wiped off. It would deal a death blow to the morale of the island, and eliminate the chief worry of his particular section of the Luftwaffe.

He issued a few brief orders and the fury of the Luftwaffe
descended on Ta Kali. They launched three attacks using 400 bombers with a large fighter escort. They came in on a blue morning from all angles. Ta Kali simply vanished from sight in a cloud of white dust.

The gunners on the Bofors around the airstrip slammed their
stuff ceaselessly into the sky and took heavy toll of the low flying machines. The air force knew they were almost whipped. The officer commanding Ta Kali pronounced it out of commission for weeks. perhaps months. Malta heard the news and her face was sad and hopeless.

Passing the aerodrome the local brigadier saw the ruins, and the disconsolate groups of airmen standing around. Leaving his car he Studied Kesselrng's havoc. Then he laughed briefly, and the air force looked up surprised. The brigadier stalked off to the GOC who in turn went to General Dobbie.

"There's nothing there to be despondent about" they said. "We
can put Ta Kali together again."

"Impossible,"said the air experts. Ta Kali was out of commission for weeks or months."

The army smiled and called upon its members - grinning Cockneys understood the joke they were called upon to create. They moved in, and helped by the Maltese worked in the hot sun and through the still luminous night, swearing as their hands blistered, and their backs all but, broke; but with the sunrise of the second day Ta Kali was complete again.

Within 36 hours, the time taken by Kesselring to blast Ta Kali out of existence--Ta Kali was in full operation. The Cockneys grinned and thumbed their fingers at the empty sky. The army had defeated the Luftwaffe who had lost scores of fighters and number, of precious bombs on Ta Kali.

Out of Malta's agony had grown a comradeship of laughter and her jokes were big ones in keeping with the big deeds done daily by her every-day heroes.

Towards the end of her agony when the "target days" marked by Lord Gort as the days when the island's food supply would fail,
were nearly upon her, Malta put on her greatest bluff. It was staged by the army. Supplies were needed in Malta to enable her to survive. The nearest ports of supply were Gibraltar and Alexandria - both 1,000 unprotected sea miles away. Britain had no naval convoy to protect the merchant ships on their way. Malta herself was desperately low in the aircraft needed to form an air umbrella over the ships unloading in the Grand Harbour to protect them and their precious stores from the Luftwaffe. Germany guessed that the guns and people in Malta were both hungry.

Fighters were Malta's one chance, and they had to be flown to the lsland. This necessitated an aircraft carrier, and America on a request from Mr. Churchill provided The Wasp. The Germans saw her coming and Kesselring decided, to wait until her precious burden offighters were landed, and then write them and the aerodrome off together.

He guessed rightly that the fighters were to be flown in unarmed, then guns having preceded them. He rubbed his hands and calculated to the exact minute almost, the time
needed by the RAP ground crews to get the machines into the air. His sense of showmanship was in ecstasy.

The army, still grinning over its defeat of the Luftwaffe,
followed him, step by mental step and gleefully rubbed their hands. For months necessity had drawn the army into taking lessons in how to service aircraft. Now it was word perfect. The, GOC called the men together and gave them the general idea of things. Cockney humour supplied sotto voce punctuation to the dialogue. The army stripped and' waited. It was intensely hot.
May is summer time in Malta.

As one man Malta watched a Martin Maryland vanish into the blue and saw it lead back the in coming fighters. Across the blue seas Kesselring took up his telephone. He laughed briefly as he gave his orders. He knew nothing of the army "beavers." With
a rush of wings came' the Spitfires and Malta rose in a universal cheer.

As each machine touched the white air strip, its pilot, acting on strange orders, peered ahead till with a puzzled grin he found
and followed an army dispatch rider with a large number on his back corresponding to the number given him before he took off from the Wasp. Through diverging strips the air craft followed their leaders till at the end of each runway they entered a three-cornered Malta stone pen.

Here a swarm of brown bodies and bare, arms fell on the aircraft, men acting as human jacks when needed to save the precious seconds, and everywhere flashed army glasses, watching the sky. The army mechanics worked silently.

Then the last spanner was dropped, the last hood fitted and for a second time that day a cheer went up in Malta. Presently, came the Luftwaffe in all their proud arrogance - and the
army flung their caps into the air and watched their air fleet swarm out to meet them and batter them into the sea.

With the help of the Wasp, the army and the RAF had defeated Kesselring in the second round. He did not come for more. These are but some of the everyday incidents that make up the splendid saga of Malta's siege.

Operation Train October 24, 1942 - HMS Furious

31 launched
29 Spitfires arrived

Gerald Billing 185 Sqn.

(J/15511) Wallace (Bruce) Randall: "We flew Spits off the aircraft carrier Furious. Our runway on the carrier was 550 feet, but it wasn't as dangerous as you think. For months before we arrived the Huns were coming over in large numbers every day.

"The Med. wasn't ours in those days, and convoys had a tough time getting through. Some of them even had to turn back, and tough the blitz stopped at the end of October, no convoys got through until the end of the year.

Malta's civilians, what with bombs and a food shortage, "certainly took a beating. Though they were begging for food, they had absolutely no idea of giving up.

The armed forces did better ' "but all the same the food situation was pretty tough. We called beef extract marmalade. We had marmalade soup, marmalade sandwiches, marmalade everything."

October 31, 1942

Liberator AL 516 overshot eastern end of runway at Gibraltar and crashed into the sea at 0923 hours. Crew and passengers including two children totalled (9?). 40 on board 17 rescued

Passengers - time expired Malta pilots

+(R/74858 - J/15604) P/O John William Williams DFC - 249 Sqn., Chilliwack, B.C.

+F/O Edward Herbert Glazebrook - 229 Sqn., Outremont, Que.

+(R/78682) F/S Charles Edward 'Rip" Mutch - 249 Sqn., Clinton, Ontario

+(R/68649) WOII Rupert Henry Davey - 126 Sqn., Ft. William

+(102091) F/L E.L. Hetherington

* (J/15976) Gordon Henry Taylor Farquharson DFC - 54/126 Sqns., Corbyville, Ont.

*P/O Beurling fracture right leg

*(108530) F/L Arthur Ford Roscoe - 229 Sqn. immersion

*W/C Arthur Hay Donaldson

*(RAAF 33231) Flt. Sgt. Eric Livingstone Mahar - 185 Sqn., fractured right leg. USS Wasp May 9, 1942

*(404928) Flt. Sgt. Kenneth Robert Mitchell, Brisbane (Co. 28 11 SF) abrasions face and ankle. USS Wasp May 9, 1942

(402518) Frederick Raymond Johnson, Waverley, N.S.W. shock

(400735) Leonard Stanley Reid, Melbourne - 185 Sqn. minor abrasions on thigh. HMS Eagle June 3, 42 Operation Style (Co. 24 1 SF with Boyd)

(400579) Frederick William Clewley, Melbourne shock (Co. 27 10 SF) HMS Furious August 11, 1942 along with Patrick O'Brien. Soon after his arrival in Malta, his Spitfire crashed into a wall and his jaw was broken.

Newcamp sick quarters

(403392) P/O Alan Scholes Yates - 611/249 Sqns. (Co. 31 2 SF) mouth injuries

(129145) F/S John Anthony Hurst Pinney RAF - 1435 Sqn. head injuries

S/L Woodhall

"Ghost Pilot" Scared Germans In Malta Air Battle

A "ghost pilot" helped to save Malta in the spring of 1942 when the air defence of the island was reduced almost to nil and the Luftwaffe was making an average of three raids a day with 170 bombers. The story was told in "The Air Battle of Malta," the official account of the RAF's defence of the George Cross island. The pilot was "PO Humgafery," child of the imagination of Group-Capt A B Woodhall. He was produced at a critical moment when every air craft on the island was grounded for repairs.

Group Capt. Woodhall says: "Hun bombers came over in force with a large fighter escort. It hap pened that there were several fighter pilots in the operations room, one of whom was a Canadian with an unmistakeable voice. I put him at the microphone of the stand-by radio set and proceeded to give dummy orders to him. He replied as if he were flying his fighter. This caused a cry "Achtung! Spitfeuer!" from the German radio. Two ME 109's shot down each other without any British
aircraft being airborne. We claimed that 'PO Humgafery'
shot down two Huns."

No. 39 Squadron

(R/66150) Flight Sergeant Hubert Fortescue WATLINGTON
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "This airman has displayed exceptional ability and his courage has been an example to his fellow pilots. In September 1942, he was the pilot of an aircraft in the leading flight of a force detailed to attack an enemy convoy with a formidable escort of destroyers and fighter aircraft. Despite this opposition, Flight Sergeant Watlington pressed home his attack from short range and although both of his air gunners were wounded during attacks by fighters, this airman succeeded in evading the attackers and flew his aircraft back to base safely."

Billy McFadden - No. 69 Squadron

Citation of Award of Distinguished Flying Medal: Aus/404360 Flight Sergeant Billy MCFADDEN, Royal Australian Air Force, No. 69 Squadron. Flight Sergeant McFadden has taken part in many sorties over the Mediterranean Sea. He is highly efficient, while his determination to achieve success has been outstanding. One night in November, 1942, he successfully attacked an enemy merchant ship in the face of heavy opposing fire from its escorting destroyer. Flight Sergeant McFadden has played a good part in attacks on the enemy's supply line between Italy and North Africa.

No. 69 Squadron

Acting Squadron Leader Adrian Warburton, D.S.O., D.F.C.
Second Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "Since August, 1942, this officer has completed numerous operational photographic sorties, many of them at low altitudes and often in the face of opposition from enemy fighters. His work has been of the utmost value. In October, 1942, his gallantry was well illustrated when he directed an enemy destroyer to a dinghy in which were the crew of one of our aircraft, which had been shot down. Although he was fired upon by the destroyer and engaged by Italian aircraft he remained over the area until he observed that the drifting crew were picked up by the destroyer."

Pilot Officer John Aldridge Reynolds
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "While operating from Malta, Pilot Officer Reynolds has displayed outstanding ability in searches for enemy shipping proceeding to North African ports. In January 1943 his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire from an enemy destroyer. Though one of the crew was injured and the hydraulic gear put out of action, Pilot Officer Reynolds successfully flew the aircraft to base where he made a skilful crash landing without using the flare path. His ability and resource in completing the landing without obstructing the flare path enabled operations to continue uninterrupted. This officer's keenness and efficiency are outstanding and he has invariably exhibited great courage and determination."

Pilot Officer Harry Woodward Donkersley
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: This officer has recently achieved much success against enemy shipping. One day in October 1942, he attacked a tanker, inflicting severe damage. A few nights later he located and attacked a convoy of four merchant ships escorted by several destroyers. After making his attack he returned to base, rearmed and made a second attack. Early next morning reconnaissance aircraft carried [out] a search over a wide area in the vicinity of the attack and observed that three of the enemy ships were missing. Some nights later Pilot Officer Donkersley attacked one of two ships escorted by destroyers, setting the vessel on fire. Later it was learned that the ship had sunk. The success which attended his efforts deprived the enemy of much fuel so vital for the battle in Africa.

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: In sorties against enemy shipping this officer has achieved much success. One night in November 1942 he captained an aircraft detailed to drop flares over Italian naval units and accomplished his task successfully. Several nights later he attacked and sank a small merchant vessel. On another night in December 1942, he participated in an operation against an important enemy convoy in the Mediterranean. As a result, other air and surface forces were enabled to strike successfully. Two merchant vessels were sunk and one badly damaged. Pilot Officer Donkersley is a courageous leader who has displayed great initiative in the face of the enemy.

No. 69 (GR) Squadron Personnel

+(J/9494) Francis Gerald James (Co. 39 - No. 9 SFTS); +(J/10144) Francis Charles Martineau Jemmett (Co. 41 - No. 2 SFTS) Nov. 15, 1942; Donkersley 7 SF

November 10, 1942
HF883
+(J8424) F/O William Hooker Mathews - DFC (Pilot)
+(J/8104) Verdun Blake Ray, Toronto (Pilot)
+(J/7497) Allison Burnett Burgess
+(J/9520) F/O Bernard Joy Moffatt, Vancouver, B.C.;
+(J/9494) P/O Frances Gerald James (WAG) Dryden, Ont.
J.M. Watt?

HX559
+(R/79185) W/O Burt Chester McNall Jr. (Pilot)
+(R/85440) F/S Hugh Frances Locke (Nav.) Riverhurst, Sask.
+(R/68754) Sgt. Frank Levi Olsen, Dryden, Ont. (AG)
+(R/76216) Sgt. Byard Fisher (WAG) Stewiake, Nova Scotia
+(986418) F/S Frank Lewsley, Hull
+(903331) Sgt. Ralph Miller Bland, Southampton

No. 126 Squadron

Acting Squadron Leader Anthony Richard Henry Barton, D.F.C.
Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "Whilst operating from Malta, Squadron Leader Barton has destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft, 2 of which he destroyed in one combat. He has at all times displayed the greatest determination to inflict loss on the enemy."

(Aus.402720) Pilot Officer John Henry Eric Bisley, R.A.A.F.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer is a courageous and determined pilot. One day in April, during an engagement with a superior number of enemy aircraft he destroyed 2 bombers. Although he himself was severely wounded during the combat, he succeeded in landing at base. Pilot Officer Bisley has destroyed 5 hostile aircraft."

(Aus.402500) Sergeant Adrian Philip Goldsmith
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "This pilot has destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft. On one occasion he dived through a strong enemy fighter screen to destroy a bomber. When engaged by the fighters he shot one of them down."

(Aus.402500) Pilot Officer Adrian Philip Goldsmith, D.F.M., R.A.A.F.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "In June 1942, during an attack on a convoy 130 miles from his base, he shot down 2 enemy aircraft. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, Pilot Officer Goldsmith has destroyed 6 enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to 11."

(69475) Pilot Officer Michael Adrian Graves R.A.F.V.R.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "Pilot Officer Graves is a skilful pilot and a fine leader. In May 1942, he led the squadron in an attack on an enemy bombing force. Although the bombers were heavily escorted by fighters, Pilot Officer Graves squadron destroyed 5 Italian bombers. This officer has personally destroyed at least 3 hostile aircraft."

Acting Flight Lieutenant Hugh Anthony Stephen Johnston
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "One day in April, 1942, Flight Lieutenant Johnston showed great courage and initiative when, after a prolonged fight against a numerically superior force and having expended all his ammunition, he carried out a series of successful feint attacks on Messerschmitt 109's to allow his squadron colleagues to land safely. Flight Lieutenant Johnston has destroyed at least 3 hostile aircraft and damaged several more."

Pilot Officer Reade Franklin Tilley R.C.A.F. (U.S. Volunteer)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer is a most determined pilot who has destroyed at least 4 enemy aircraft. On 3 occasions, by making feint attacks after having expended all his ammunition, he has successfully driven off enemy fighters which attempted to machine gun our aircraft as they landed. He has displayed great gallantry."

Pilot Officer James Elvidge Peck, R.A.F.V.R. (U.S. Volunteer)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer is a courageous and resourceful leader who always presses home his attacks with the greatest determination. He has destroyed at least 3 and damaged many more hostile aircraft."

785018 Flight Sergeant Patrick Alfred Schade, R.A.F.V.R.
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "This airman has always shown the greatest keenness to engage the enemy. He has destroyed at least 11 hostile aircraft. On three occasions he destroyed two aircraft in one sortie. By his zeal and courage he has set a magnificent example to the squadron."

(87449) Henry Patrick Lardner-Burke
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "In November 1941, this officer was the pilot of one of 4 aircraft which engaged a force of 18 hostile aircraft over Malta and destroyed 3 and seriously damaged 2 of the enemy's aircraft. During the combat Pilot Officer Lardner-Burke, who destroyed 1 of the enemy's aircraft, was wounded in the chest and his aircraft was badly damaged. Despite this, he skillfully evaded his opponents and made a safe landing on the aerodrome; he then collapsed. Throughout the engagement,
this officer displayed leadership and courage of a high order. He has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft over Malta."

(116492) Pilot Officer William Thomas Edward Rolls DFM
Distinguished Flying Cross

(115410) Acting Flight Lieutenant William John Johnson
Distinguished Flying Cross

(101518) Acting Flight Lieutenant John William Slade
Distinguished Flying Cross

(42281) John Ronald Urwin-Mann
Distinguished Service Order
Citation: "Within the past six months whilst operating from Malta,this officer has completed a large number of sorties, involving attacks on factories, warehouses, port installations, power stations and airfields in Sicily and nearby enemy islands. On one occasion he led a formation which attacked an airfield and destroyed many aircraft on the ground. Squadron-Leader Urwin-Mann also obtained a hit on a petrol installation, causing a violent explosion and a large fire. Another of his successes was the destruction of a portion of the main railway line during a sortie at Gela in January 1943. During the same operations Squadron Leader Urwin-Mann engaged a Messerschmitt 210, shooting away its starboard engine. By great skill and inspiring leadership this officer has raised his squadron to a high pitch of fighting efficiency."

(J/4561) Flight Lieutenant Roderick Illingworth Alpine Smith Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "Flight Lieutenant Smith has been responsible for [the] destruction of six enemy aircraft since his arrival in Malta. One day in October 1942 he led his flight in a determined attack on nine hostile bombers with a large fighter escort, and in spite of intense opposition by the fighters, Flight Lieutenant Smith personally destroyed a Junkers 88, while one Macchi 202 was destroyed by other pilots of his flight. This officer has always displayed the greatest determination and courage and during the recent hard fighting has been an inspiration to all."

(AUS.404269)Flight Sergeant Gordon Russell Tweedale
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: Flight Sergeant Tweedale has always shown courage and desire to engage enemy. One occasion pursued JU88 to within 10 miles of Sicilian Coast shot it down, thereafter having fend off attacking aircraft when completely out of ammunition. Another occasion destroyed JU87 over Calafnan Bay in spite entense enemy fighter opposition. His fighting spirit has all occasions been outstanding.

No. 126 Squadron

HMS Eagle - March 29, 1942
(785018/147354) Patrick Alfred Schade DFM

USS Wasp - May 9, 1942
(J/15976) Gordon Henry Taylor Farquharson DFC
(R/80807) Thurne 'Tommy' Parks (Co. 30 6 SF)

HMS Eagle - June 9, 1942
+(J/5044) Guy Andre Levy-Despas - 1 SF, 504/603/126 Sqns., KIA July 9, 42

HMS Eagle June 23, 1942
+(R/71657 - J/5798) F/O Edward Wilson Wallace - KIA October 16, 1942 (Co. 25 10 SF)

HMS Eagle - July 15, 1942
(R/84577) David Fraser Ritchie (6 SF)

+(R/68649) Rupert Henry Davey - KIFA Gibraltar October 31, 1942 Liberator AL516

No. 126 Squadron Pilots

(C1159) William Charles 'Bud' Connell - arrived by Sunderland from Gibraltar February 21, 1942 A Flight Commander. Later posted to 249 Squadron; (42281) John Ronald Urwin-Mann DSO DFC; Charles Alpe 46/126 Sqns.; Peter S. Simpson 46/126 Sqns. PoW; +(89400) F/L Cecil Harman Baker and +(66559) P/O William Cardy (Hollis) Hallett killed in hotel bombing March 21, 1942; Ian Fraser Preston - KIA; +(J/15340) James Douglas Stevenson - KIA Oct. 18, 42 (Co. 18 1 SF), Winnipeg; +(62287) P/O John Kingsley Russell - KIA Jan. 25, 42; A.N. MacGregor; (40561) W/C Stanley Charles Norris; +(1165274) Sgt. John Francis Edgar Maltby - KIA Aug. 26, 41; +(109894) Basil William Main - 46/126 Sqns. KIA Feb. 4, 42 (Cdn.); C. Taylor RCAF; (125320) Kenneth William Samuel Evans DFC; +(145680) Alastair James Tiddy - KIA 14 Feb. 44 258 Sqn.; +(NZ41960) John Harold Tanner - KIA Aug. 13, 42; +(NZ412727) Nigel Manfred Park DFM - KIA Oct. 25, 42; +(NZ412269) Henry Roberts - KIA Nov. 19, 42; Philip Marcel Charron RCAF; R.B. Hendry RNZAF; +(NZ422493) David Derek MacLean; (AUS404269) Gordon Russell Tweedale - to 185 Sqn.; (AUS402054) Allan Henry Haley - 43/126 Sqns.; 11649393 Sgt Walter Harry Leonard Milner - 126 Sqn.; +(119185) John Longton Hicks - KIA July 9, 42; (RAAF407256) Donald Hamilton Smith - June - Aug. 42; +(R64796 - J15069) John Herbert Long - 411/400/421/126 Sqn. Malta, St. John, N.B. (KIA Jan. 28, 43); (42191) John Michael Vowles 'Chips' Carpenter - DFC

No. 185 Squadron

Acting Flight Lieutenant Ioannis Agorastos 'John' Plagis D.F.C.
Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer has displayed, exceptional skill and gallantry in combat. He has destroyed at least 10 enemy aircraft, 2 of which he destroyed in one engagement. Undeterred by superior numbers of attacking aircraft, he presses home his attacks with great determination."

(404548) Pilot Officer John Livingstone Boyd, RAAF
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "Sergeant Boyd is a courageous and skillful leader. He has shown the greatest keenness to attack the enemy at all times regardless of the odds against him. Sergeant Boyd has destroyed 3, probably destroyed a further 4 and damaged 5 enemy aircraft."

(AUS.400735) Pilot Officer Leonard Stanley Reid
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "One day in October led his flight against a big formation of enemy bombers and fighters and although heavily outnumbered shot down a Ju.88 and forced the enemy to jettison their bombs."

(R/67906) Donald George Reid
No. 185 Squadron
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "This airman has displayed skill and courage and determination in the face of the enemy. On two occasions recently he has been detailed to attack enemy fighters escorting bombers and although greatly outnumbered, he destroyed one fighter on each occasion. In June 1942 he encountered a force of Italian bombers which were heavily escorted by fighter aircraft. Diving through the fighters he attacked one of the bombers and set it on fire and then destroyed one of the fighters which had attacked him. Flight Sergeant Reid has destroyed at least five enemy aircraft in a period of seven weeks."

Arrived on Malta May 9, 1942. Killed in action July 22, 1942

(110128) Oliver Ogle 'Sonny' Ormrod
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: This officer is a most determined pilot. Whatever the odds, he endeavours to press home his attacks to the utmost. He has destroyed two, probably destroyed three and damaged a large number of enemy aircraft. His courageous leadership has set an admirable example.

Arrived on Malta November 12, 1941. Killed in action April 22, 1942

(61052) David Usher Barnwell
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: This officer has displayed outstanding courage and determination when attacking hostile aircraft of which he has destroyed at least four by night. He Has in every way set an excellent example.

No. 185 Squadron Pilots

HMS Eagle - May 18, 1942
HMS Furious - October 29, 1942
(33231) Eric Livingston Mahar DFM

(33200) S/L James Maitland Nicholson Pike; (NZ411457) Eric James Shaw - (Co. 36 6 SF) 485 Sqn. Dieppe; +(J/15967) Pilot Officer Hugh Robert Russel - July 20, 1942 (Co. 32 - 6 SFTS), +Warrant Officer II Cornelius John Carmody - February 8, 1943 (Co. 32 - 6 SFTS), Wilbert George Dodd (Co. 31 - 10 SFTS/HMS Eagle March 29, 1942); P/O J.W. Guthrie; +(J/7465) Andrew Albert McNaughton - June 1, 1941 (Co. 32 1 SF); +(R/78911) James Lowry - July 2, 1943 (Co. 38 - 6 SFTS), James Ian 'Skip' McKay, Owen Sound; (AUS.400147) Howard Charles Lester (Co. 14 - 1 SFTS) Ark Royal March 1941; (R72099 - J15321) Garth Edward Horricks (Co. 20 1 SFTS) December 1941 - April 1942; (R/77493) F/S Robert Mehew Zobell, Raymond, Alberta (HMS Furious October 29, 1942); +(110128) Oliver Ogle Ormrod; (110129) Phillip Wigley; +(1288189) Colin Vernon Finlay - KIA May 14, 42 (Co. 10 31 SF); +(402260) Raymond Harold Charles Sly - (Co. 16 1 SF); S/L Keith Lawrence; J.R.R. Alderson; +(1280366 - 68154) Philip McLauchlin Allardice - KIA March 22, 1942; +(1007456) Alfred James Forth - December 29, 1941; +(903314) Ernest Victor Wynne - KIA May 15, 41; +(1257673) Peter Clifford Terry - KIA July 7, 42; +(993840) Archibald Cooper Steele - died March 31, 42; +(1332534) Raymond Harold Saunders - died Oct. 24, 42; +(60088) Peter John Bryan Veitch - KIA Oct. 4, 41; +(1332534) Raymond Harold Saunders - 185 Sqn. - KIA Oct. 24, 42; (60099) Anthony John Reeves - 261/185 Sqns.; Sgt. J. Ream; William Frank Nurse - 504/185 Sqns.; (41946) P/O Leonard Charles Murch - died 1943; +(NZ411916) Matthew Leonard McLeod - KIA Aug. 2, 42; (J/15507) Esli Gordon Lapp - (11 SF); John Matthew 'Matt' Reid, Winnipeg 411 Sqn. Dieppe; +(NZ411916) Matthew Leonard McLeod - 185 Sqn. - KIA Aug. 2, 42; +(AUS404269) Gordon Russell Tweedale - KIA May 9, 42; J.E. MacNamara - 185/1435 Sqns.; (R/58697 - J/15344) Albert Fremont Eckert - 131 Sqn. Dieppe, Sandpoint, Idaho; (61052) David Usher Barnwell - KIA MNFU Oct. 14, 41; (121529) Charles Ernest 'Ernie' Broad; (J/7238) Joseph Wilfrid (Paul) Baril (Co. 31 9 SF); (R/69392 - J/17915) Raymond Alexandre Georges Nadon (14 SF) 122/ 185/403 Sqns.; (J15322 - R56175) Douglas Edward Eastman (Co. 14 6 SF) 417 Sqn.

Ron Noble

Squadron Leader Ron Noble was among the fighter pilots who reinforced the beleaguered island of Malta during the Second World War; the island was under constant bombardment at the time and the air commanders were desperate to strengthen their dwindling fighter force.

Noble and his fellow pilots of No. 605 Squadron had embarked on the aircraft carrier Ark Royal at Gibraltar together with their Hurricanes, which had been reassembled on the Rock after shipment from England. None of the RAF pilots had ever flown from an aircraft carrier when they took off on November 10, 1941 for the 600-mile flight to Malta.

At the time, Noble commented that the pilots were "not very happy with our prospects, but it proved easier than we anticipated". Accompanied by a Blenheim bomber, all but three Hurricanes reached Halfar airfield on the island. The following day, as Ark Royal headed back for Gibraltar, she was sunk by a U-boat.

For the next six months Noble was constantly in action against the Luftwaffe and Italian Air Force bombers and their fighter escorts. Appointed as a flight commander, he often led scrambles to intercept incoming raids, registering hits on many of the enemy aircraft. When his ammunition was exhausted he harried the bombers, forcing them to jettison their bombs harmlessly into the sea. On a number of occasions his own aircraft was hit by return fire and damaged.

In the frenetic fights over the island, it was often difficult to see the outcome of an engagement, and Noble was credited with damaging at least 12 aircraft, and probably destroying others. When not flying, he took his turn to man the pair of Lewis machine guns to engage low-flying aircraft.

In July 1942 he led seven of his fellow pilots against a force of more than 80 aircraft attacking Grand Harbour, and shot down one of the escorting Messerschmitt 109 fighters. When he transferred to the Spitfires of No 185 Squadron, Noble was scrambled before he had had any experience of flying the aircraft; an attack by a German fighter badly damaged his aircraft and he was wounded in the leg and shoulder. Noble managed to land the bullet-ridden Spitfire on the bomb-cratered airfield at Takali, where it was wrecked. He laconically recorded in his log book: "He very nearly got me!"

By July, Noble was one of only four pilots still surviving from those who had flown off the Ark Royal six months earlier and was sent back to England for a rest tour as an instructor at a fighter training unit.

After a year training fighter pilots, Noble completed the fighter leader's course before joining No 611 Squadron, flying Spitfires on bomber escort sorties. In April 1944 he left for Burma and in November became a flight commander with No 607 Squadron flying Spitfires. (The Telegraph Nov. 2005)

J. Ian McKay

He called the Spitfire a “beautiful” plane that was simple to fly.

McKay fought in the six-month campaign to defend Malta between November 1941 and May 1942. He said the German planes far outnumbered the Allies’ planes. Of 16 pilots in his (185) squadron, McKay and only two others survived.

“I was lucky. Every time you get into a fighter, it (death) was never going to happen to you.”

He was nearly shot down on April 1, 1942 — his 21st birthday — when a shot hit his airplane just above his shoulder.

McKay still has photocopies of parts of his flight log book from those days, and sometimes thumbs through it. When he does, he said, “it brings good memories and sad memories.” (OS Sun Times 2012)

No. 229 Squadron

Acting Squadron Leader Maurice Michael Stephens, D.S.O., D.F.C.
Second Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "From the 8th to 15th October, 1942 this officer has destroyed five enemy aircraft in air combats over Malta. On one occasion he followed an enemy bomber down to sea level and, after pursuing it out to sea for some 20 miles, shot it down into the water. He was afterwards attacked by six enemy fighters but he destroyed one of them and fought the others off. Although his aircraft was badly damaged he flew it to base and made a crashlanding. This officer has greatly enhanced the gallant reputation he so worthily holds."

Acting Flight Lieutenant Edwin Herbert Glazebrook, R.C.A.F.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer has participated in many sorties over Sicily. In the heavy air fighting over Malta, he has taken part in many interceptions and his flight has destroyed 12 enemy aircraft. By his skilful and courageous leadership, Flight Lieutenant Glazebrook played a large part in the successes obtained. He has destroyed 3 enemy aircraft."

Edwin Glazebrook was killed in a flying accident October 31, 1942, when Liberator AL516 crashed into the sea off Gibraltar carrying time-expired pilots from Malta.

Acting Flight Lieutenant Colin Henry Parkinson, R.A.A.F.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer is a determined fighter who has led his formation with exceptional skill. On 17th October, 1942, he shot down a Messerschmitt 109. Shortly afterwards he saw, in the sea, one of his fellow pilots who had baled out. Whilst guiding a rescue launch to the spot, his aircraft was attacked by 3 enemy fighters but he drove them off. Although running short of petrol he did not return to base until he observed that the pilot had been picked up. This officer, whose courageous leadership has been most inspiring, has destroyed 9 enemy aircraft."

Acting Flight Lieutenant Arthur Ford Roscoe
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "On 12th October, 1942, this officer participated in an engagement against a force of enemy fighters. During the combat, one of his comrades was being attacked by a Messerschmitt 109 but a burst from Flight Lieutenant Roscoe's guns caused it to break away with pieces falling from it. His own aircraft was then attacked by 6 Messerschmitt log's. Although he was wounded in the shoulder and his aircraft was damaged he fought his way through and, in so doing, destroyed 1 of the attacking aircraft. Whilst heading for base he was again attacked. His engine caught fire and it was only by skilful airmanship that he was able to land his aircraft. This courageous officer who has completed a large number of sorties and destroyed 4 enemy aircraft has always displayed
great skill and determination."

Art Roscoe survived the October 31, 1942 crash of Liberator AL516 into the sea off Gibraltar

Flight Sergeant James Hamilton Ballantyne, R.C.A.F.
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "Since June, 1942, this airman pilot has destroyed at least five enemy aircraft and damaged others. One day in July 1942, he became separated from his section but with courage and determination attacked three Messerschmitt 109s, destroying one. Some days later Flight Sergeant Ballantyne was leading his section when the squadron attacked a formation of enemy heavy bombers. The bombers were successfully intercepted and pursued to within ten miles of the Sicilian coast. On yet another occasion this pilot attacked two Junkers 88s and then while separated from his squadron was attacked by four enemy fighters. By skilful maneuvering and great tenacity he fought off the enemy fighters and landed his aircraft safely. Flight Sergeant Ballantyne is a most courageous and brave fighter pilot, who has played a worthy part in the defence of Malta."

No. 229 Squadron Pilots

USS Wasp - May 9, 1942
(J/15088) Geoffrey Wilson Northcott - 603 Squadron (Co. 17 - 1 SFTS)

HMS Eagle - May 18, 1942
Acting Flight Lieutenant Edwin Herbert Glazebrook

HMS Eagle June 3, 1942
+(R/85860) James Hamilton Ballantyne (DFM) - 601

HMS Eagle - June 9, 1942
Colin Parkinson

HMS Eagle - July 21, 1942
(R/79317) Sergeant Herbert Phillip 'Bud' Milligan - 601 Squadron

+(R/74800) Lucien David 'Shadow' Brooks - KIA April 25, 1942 Powell River, B.C. (Co. 26 11 SF); +(1058227) John Kenneth Fullalove - KIA April 21, 42; +David William Kent - July 23, 42 (Co. 10 31 SF); +(1114229) Martin Aloysius Lundy - KIFA Nov. 21, 42; (1177131 - 139274) John 'Maxwell' Wauchope Lloyd; +(1012980) James Richards Pendlebury May 18, 42; +(1063820) Robert John Lees May 6, 42; +(J6292) Thomas Gordon Foley Apr. 28, 42

No. 229 Squadron Pilots

603 Squadron A Flight
(90896) F/L William Anderson Douglas DFC 229 Sqn.
P/O Forster
(101518) P/O John William 'Jack' Slade - DFC 126 Sqn.
P/O Charles F. 'Chuck' McLean (Co. 17 2 SF) - 603/249 Sqns.
P/O Riversdale Robert Barnfather - 234/603 Sqns.
P/O (J/15088) Geoffrey Wilson Northcott - 603 Squadron (Co. 17 - 1 SFTS)
2Lt C.J.O. Swales - 603/229/185 Sqns.
F/S Boyle
F/S W.R. Irwin - 603 Sqn.
F/S Johnson
F/S Otto
Sgt. Webster
Sgt. Barlow

B Flight
(61226) F/L Lester Vincent Sanders - 603/229 Sqns.
(62259) F/O Richard Angelo Mitchell - 64/603/249 Sqns. died 1945
F/O Tony Holland
+(391843) P/O Herbert Robert 'Bert' Mitchell - 603 Sqn. KIA May 12, 42 (NZ)
P/O Barlow
P/O E.S. Dicks-Sherwood - 603 Sqn.
P/O King
W/O J.D. Rae - 603/249 Sqns.
F/S Brown
+(121463) John Hurst - 603 Sqn.
F/S Bye
+(1282139) F/S Haydn Haggas - KIA 603/185 Sqns. July 7, 1942
Sgt. Buckley
+(810075) Douglas Frederick Corfe - KIA April 25, 1942

Charles F. 'Chuck' McLean

Chuck McLean was a former star lineman with Queen's, University of Toronto and Toronto Argonaut football teams, and for five years holder of the intercollegiate middleweight boxing crown. He graduated from No. 2 SFTS Uplands along with two fellow Argonaut teammates, George Sprague and Doug Annan.

McLean revealed that at the height of the siege of Malta Allied pilots were seldom out of cockpits of their planes.

"It wasn't much of a show until the Hun took over."

He stated at the height of the blitz "conservatively" that the odds against the British fliers were 50 to 60 to one.

"It wasn't funny pitching against odds like that, but 'ol lucky McLean came through."

With regard to Buz Beurling, McLean stated:

"Beurling, without taking anything away from him, didn't reach Malta until after the real show had passed its peak.

"He had a good eye and was a good shot. He bagged nine in the first four days he was at our station."

McLean was Beurling's flight commander. He praised Buzz as a

"clean living boy who doesn't drink or smoke," but admitted that Beurling's eagerness to get into action when he arrived first at Malta was a bit trying to the battle-shocked veterans who had been patrolling the skies with such grim determination.

"I took Beurling up for his first 'flip,' gave him his introduction to combat flying. He was so keen to get into action that he got on our nerves."

McLean stated it was characteristic of "greenies" to want to get into the air at the earliest moment. But Beurling had them all beat in theis respect.

"Every time it looked as if action was imminent, Beurling would come hopping around yelling,

"Oh boy! Another scramble! I hope make this one!"

On July 18, 1942, McLean was blown unconscious out of his Spitfire 23,000 feet above the Mediterranean, his clothes on fire. He lived, but all he would talk about on reaching Canada were the gunners at the Malta batteries.

In a May 1943 interview with a Canadian newspaper, after a lot of prodding, McLean described his last flight until he was 12,000 feet up and still fumbling for his parachute release ring and trying to beat out flames, and there he stuck.

"To hell with this," said McLean. "But those gunners, give them the credit . We pilots were doing a job, sure - but those gunners were working ."

FO McLean brought back one dragging leg and more than a liberal share of scar tissue (requiring 4,000 skin grafts) from his last fray at Malta. McLean floated in the Mediterranean for over two hours before he was rescued. It is believed that the salt water was his salvation. The saline solution had the proper effect on his near-fatal burns. One surgeon stated that "only his splendid condition saved his life."

The trouble is, in his opinion, he shouldn't have been shot down. As he tells it, he forgot the thing that any green pilot in training might forget, and didn't arrange a trick propeller properly and he dived so fast after a Hun that his motor seized.

"Just dumb," he said.

He peeled off, and his section came after and he picked off a couple of Italian fighters on the way down and then he pulled the "boner" and he figured he would try to glide back to Malta.

"It was save the machines in those days at Malta. The fliers didn't count so much," he said.

It didn't work out that way. Standing up, trying to loosen his cover in case he would have to jump, the stick between his knees, two slugs tore into the instrument panel, a couple more into one arm and then the gasoline tank blew up. He remembers being out on the starboard wing - doesn't know why or how, and then he came to away down.

"Let's talk about the gunners. You never hear a thing about
them."

No. 249 Squadron Pilots

A group of pilots of No. 249 Squadron RAF, which played a prominent part in the defence of Malta, at Ta Kali. Front row (left to right); Flying Officer (73023) Hugh John Sherard Beazley, Squadron Leader Robert Alexander Barton (Commanding Officer), Flying Officer Eric Harrington and Pilot Officer Percival Graham Leggett: back row (left to right); Pilot Officers Donald Allan Tedford and F/O George Charles Calder Palliser, Sergeant Ron Rist, +(61248) P/O Robert Henry Matthews (killed in action, 22 December 1941), Sergeants Alfred T. Branch, Donald Charles Skeet-Smith (behind Branch) and John G. Parker, Pilot Officer Fred C. Hill, Sergeant Dave Owen and (740388 - 81051) Flying Officer Cecil Clement Hood Davis. (IWM)

No. 249 Squadron Pilots

(78724) Eric John Francis Harrington - 222 Sqn.; (79168) W/C Thomas Francis Neil; (73023) Hugh John Sherard Beazley; +(41944) Edward Brian Mortimer-Rose DFC & Bar - 249/185 Sqns. KIFA 1943; +(37904) W/C Mark Henry Brown (Cdn.) DFC & Bar - KIA November 12, 1941; (41631) W/C Percival Stan Turner; (NZ403964) Charles Henry Lattimer (DFC) - HMS Eagle June 9, 1942, (R/80807) Thurne 'Tommy' Parks (Co. 30 6 SF), Ernest Warner Spradley, +(J/15606) Charles Benn Ramsay (1 SF - Co. 18); +(AUS.404677) Edwin Tytler Hiskens - (Co. 26 - 1 SFTS) HMS Furious Aug. 11, 1942, KIA Oct. 15, 1942; (J/15362) Vincent Kenneth Moody; (R/78682) WO II Charles Edward 'Rip' Mutch; Francis 'Barry' Wilkinson; Eric Dean Kelly; R.W. 'Jimmie' James - Rhodesia; +(R/78316) Harold Joseph Fox - KIA May 14, 1942; +(1284019) Bernard Charles 'Pete' Peters - KIA Sept. 15, 42; +(R/95351) George Alexander Hogarth - October 4, 1942; +Irving Gass - KIA October 4, 1942; +(64928) James Robert Alexander Stuart - KIFA February 9, 1942; +(61248) P/O Robert Henry Matthews - KIA December 22, 1941; +(748004) John David McCracken - KIA July 20, 41; Anthony Robert Fletcher Thompson; (42276) Donald William Alfred Stones - 1435 (N) Flt.; +(45735) P/O George Vivian Smith - died Sept. 4, 41; +(1169025) Howard Moren - KIA Dec. 20, 41; (39256) W/C Francis Victor Morello; (62259) F/O Richard Angelo Mitchell - 64/603/249 Sqns. died 1945; Harry D'Arcy Milburn - 185 Sqn.; +(1052260) Hugh John McDowall - KIA Feb. 8, 42; (J/16636) Gregory Donald Angus Tunnicliffe Cameron - posted in Oct. 42 from 402 Sqn.; +(R/71736) George Sydney Edwards - Nov. 28, 42, Toronto; John C. 'Jack' Hughes - 402 Sqn., Dauphin, Manitoba; Robert H. 'Bob' Sergeant; +(J/15770) Basil 'Micky' Butler - KIA Aug. 25, 42, Niagara Falls; +(R/79503) Charles Staples Guerard "Gerry" de Nancrede; (C/4837) Almus Reed 'Al' Speare - 1943; (89405) Ronald West - KIA 1944; (R/87382) Hugh (Gwyn) ' Red' Bryden (Co. 34 11 SF), Saskatoon; +(C/1106) Malcolm George MacLeod (1 SF); J. Ron Meadows; +(86689) F/L Norman Carter Macqueen DFC - KIA May 4, 1942; Pilot Officer Percival Graham Leggett - Ark Royal June 41; (969283 - 116829) Donald Charles Skeet-Smith; +(R/101915) Walter Ladislo Yaholnitsky; +(R/80806 - J/18928) William John Bentley - 152/65 Sqn. Dieppe/249/443 Sqns., Willowdale - arrived Malta Dec. 11, 42 in Wellington

+(60093) F/O John Charles Mortimer Booth and +(403136) P/O James Joseph Guerin killed when bomb hit the Point de Vue Hotel in Rabat March 21, 1942. No. 126 Squadron pilots Eddie Streets, Cecil Baker and Hollis Hallett were also killed.

(R/87382) Hugh (Gwyn) ' Red' Bryden - No. 249 Squadron

"Red" Bryden returned to his home in Saskatoon in April 1943 after losing a leg during his service in Malta.

He said he was flying in a group of three planes when to "Schmitts" swooped down on them from the sun.

"Six or seven cannon shells went into my plane and the last one got me in the right leg above the knee. I looked down and knew that the leg was nearly torn off, but it didn't seem to be bleeding very much.

"By that time I was up to my ankles in gas, the motor had been hit and a fire was starting.

"I didn't feel any pain, but my brain was sort of numb. I was up about 22,000 feet and going around 300 miles an hour and when I tried to bail out everything seemed to go wrong.

"I made a mad scramble and forgot to undo my oxygen and radio cords. Then my 'chute caught in the seat and I was dangling back over the fuselage. It looked like I was a goner, but I was able to kick the stick forward with my left foot. It sent the plane down and pitched my up into the air and away.

Bryden floated around in the Mediterranean for half an hour and then was picked up by an air-sea rescue squad. Six weeks later his leg was amputated. On January 28, 1943, he went to England and was hospitalized for two months.

At the time, F/O George Beurling's book, Malta Spitfire was released. Bryden was mentioned no fewer than 13 times in the book.

"I knew he had written a book. I was reading his dad's comment about the profanity in it, just the other day. Beurling's definitely not the swearing kind. He's a good boy. I never heard him swear while I was with him.

"He's a swell guy and was very popular with the airmen in Malta. He's a marvelous flier. I'd say he's the best Spitfire pilot in the world.

"On Malta he always talked flying and when he started group captains and wing commanders would stop to listen to him. He was always very helpful to us and we respected his ability."

Sergeant George Frederick Beurling
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "Sergeant Beurling has displayed great skill and courage in the face of the enemy. One day in July, 1942, he engaged a number of enemy fighters which were escorting a formation of Junkers 88's and destroyed one fighter. Later during the same day he engaged 10 enemy fighters and shot two of them down into the sea, bringing his total victories to eight."

Bar to Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in July, 1942, Sergeant Beurling has destroyed a further 9 enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to 17. One of his exploits was the destruction of 4 enemy fighters in one day; during these brief combats he also damaged a further 2 hostile aircraft. His courage and determination are a source of inspiration to all."

Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Medal, this officer has shot down a further 3 hostile aircraft, bringing his total victories to 20. One day in September, 1942, he and another pilot engaged 4 enemy fighters. In the ensuing combat, Pilot Officer Beurling destroyed 2 of them. As a relentless fighter, whose determination and will to win has won the admiration of his colleagues, this officer has set an example in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force."

Pilot Officer George Frederick Beurling, D.F.C., D.F.M.
Distinguished Service Order
Citation: "Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Pilot Officer Beurling has destroyed a further six enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 28. During one sortie on 13th October, 1942, he shot down a Junkers 88 and two Messerschmitt 109's. The following day, in a head-on attack on enemy bombers, he destroyed one of them before he observed his leader being attacked by an enemy fighter. Although wounded, Pilot Officer Beurling destroyed the fighter. Then climbing again, although his aircraft was hit by enemy fire, he shot down another fighter before his own aircraft was so damaged that he was forced to abandon it. He descended safely on to the sea and was rescued. This officer's skill and daring are unexcelled."

The Air Ministry Middle East News Service paid this tribute to his October 1942 exploits: "His sense of positioning is instinctive and he must be one of the best marksmen in the R.A.F."

Group Captain P. Stanley Turner's assessment of Beurling:

"He was the greatest shot of the war. Beurling could tell you over the intercom that with the next German plane he would shoot first the left wing tip off and then the right and then shoot him down, and prove it."

Laddie Lucas: "Beurling came to us in Malta as a flight sergeant. One of the fellows who had known him in England took me aside shortly after he arrived and told me that Beurling was likely to be rather difficult to handle.

"Well, he was, for a short time, until he got into the pattern of our discipline. From then on he was a superb air fighter. One of my most lasting impressions of Beurling concerns his integrity. He was absolutely honest. He never made a claim for a plane shot down unless he was completely certain of it.

"As you may know, one of his most familiar nicknames was 'Screwball.' There has been all kinds of stories told of how he picked up the nickname, but I was there when he got it and I know.

"In Malta, the flies were simply scandalous. There were millions of them. When you put some food on a plate, they would swarm all over it. Shortly after Beurling arrived, we were sitting there eating our usual thin slices of corned beef. Beurling lifted his plate from the table and placed it on the floor.

"He'd wait there with his foot poised until there were 60 or more flies on his corned beef. Then he'd plant his foot down hard. He seldom got less than about 40 of them. Then he'd sit there looking at them and say: 'The screwballs!'

"He used to do that every other day, and it didn't take long before he'd picked up the nickname of 'Screwball' Beurling."

Beurling, according to Lucas, had the most remarkable eyesight he had ever encountered.

"They were strange, blue eyes. They were a little wild - the eyes of a killer, in some ways. The Maltese have wonderful eyesight. It's a sort of radical characteristic. But Beurling could spot an aircraft from the ground quicker than the Maltese could spot it.

"I liked the kid immensely. He was a little lonely and peculiar at times, but he was a good youngster and a wonderful air fighter. One of his peculiarities was that, in spite of his deadliness in the skies, he was crazy about children. Many times I've seen him in front of the little movie house in Takali in Malta with a big bag of peanuts, handing them out to the youngsters. I've seen as many as 20-30 gathered around him while he sat there grinning, handing out the peanuts and enjoying himself immensely."

Air Marshal Wilf Curtis stated Beurling was "undoubtedly the greatest precision deflection shot fighter to serve in the British forces."

(J/15327) Flight Lieutenant Frank Everett Jones

Distinguished Flying Cross

Citation: Flight Lieutenant Jones is a vigorous fighter whose ceaselessness in face of odds has served a praiseworthy example. On one occasion in June 1942, during a convoy escort when his formation attacked a large enemy force, Flight Lieutenant Jones destroyed a Junkers 88. On another occasion he led his section in an attack against twelve enemy planes heavily escorted by fighters. Diving down amongst the enemy formation, he shot down a Messerschmitt 109. Although he was attacked from all sides by many fighters, he skilfully frustrated them and, in spite of damage sustained to his aircraft, he succeeded in leading his section safely to base.

On October 29, 1942, Jones reported to R.C.A.F. headquarters in London. He described to reporters his time in Malta serving as George Beurling's flight commander.

"What a guy. One day we went out to escort a convoy which was coming to Malta. Between us, Beurling and I destroyed a Junkers-88. By the time we had finished that combat we had been flying a long time and had not much petrol left.

"I told Beurling we had to return immediately to base. He complained bitterly that there was a large formation of Messerschmitt 109's two or three thousand feet below us. He wanted to go down and knock off a few.

"I refused and repeated it was imperative we return to base immediately. He argued a little and finally agreed to come home. It was getting dark anyway, he said.

"When we landed, I had five gallons of petrol in my tank, he had three. If we had stayed to beat up the 109's we would have spent the night in the drink.

"I have seen him on the tail of a 109 getting in very close. He's making sure he is dead on the target before he fires his guns. A second 109 comes in behind Beurling, fires and pulls away over his head.

"Beurling does not take his eyes off the aircraft in front of him until he is certain it’s a goner. Then like a flask of lightning he banks away, pulls up his nose, and gives the second 109 a burst of cannon shells right in the belly.

"Both Jerries go straight down into the sea. That's Beurling."

Jones paid further tribute to Beurling in 1948, shortly after Beurling was killed in a flying accident.

"I met Buzz in June, 1942, at Malta and shared a room with him for six months. He was the self confident type, quite hard to handle, but an excellent shot.

"Being his flight commander, I found him hard to discipline as he lived for flying. When in the air he was hard to find as he was usually taking on the Germans single-handed.

"Although the food was bad in Malta, Beurling never complained and was quite happy as long as he could see action. He was not interested in girls and did not drink.

"I think the Canadian people owed Beurling a debt.

"If Beurling died flying, I am sure he must have died happy."

Jones had spoken with Beurling in Montreal three weeks before his death. He told Jones that he was "discontented with civilian life."

Jones arrived in Malta in May 1942 after delivering a Spitfire from the deck of the HMS Eagle.

Jones provided addition comments about his time in Malta during a interview broadcast as 'Canada's Fighting Front'. He said airmen stationed at Malta were, "dishing out a good stiff dose of punishment to the enemy.

"In action here, it's the individual who counts to a great extent."

Postwar, Jones became involved in politics. He stated one reason for decision to become politically involved:

"Freedom was the most precious thing on earth."

John Lynch - 249 Squadron

Squadron Leader J J Lynch, Commanding Officer of No. 249 Squadron RAF, sits in the cockpit of his Supermarine Spitfire Mark VC at Krendi, Malta, as an airman chalks "Malta's 1,000th" below his victory tally. Lynch, an American who joined the RAF in 1941, served with No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF in the United Kingdom before being posted to 249 Squadron in Malta in November 1942. He became a flight commander in early 1943 and was given the command of the Squadron in March. He enjoyed much success during operations over the sea route between Sicily and Tunisia, and, on the 28 April 1943, shot down a Junkers Ju 52 five miles north of Cap Cefalu which was assessed as being the 1,000th enemy aircraft shot down by Malta-based units since the start of the war. Lynch transferred to the USAAF in July 1943 having scored 10 and 7 shared victories with the RAF.

Acting Flight Lieutenant John Joseph Lynch. R.A.F.V.R. (U.S.)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "Flight Lieutenant Lynch has completed 97 sorties,
including many sweeps and fighter bomber operations over Sicily. He has organised and led many sorties over areas in which the enemy was expected to be very active and, on 3 such operations, he destroyed a total of 4 enemy aircraft. In one low level bombing attack, Flight Lieutenant Lynch destroyed a locomotive while, on the return flight, he shot down an enemy air transport by machine gun fire. This officer is a fine fighter whose great skill and devotion to duty have contributed materially to the success of the squadron he commands."

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer is a skilful fighter, whose courageous example has inspired the squadron he commands. Squadron Leader Lynch has taken part in many sorties and has led his formations with great determination. He has destroyed 12 enemy aircraft."

No. 249 Squadron

Acting Squadron Leader Eric Norman Woods, D.F.C.
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "In the recent heavy air fighting over Malta this officer has led his squadron against enemy formations with great success. Between I2th and I7th October, 1942, 27 aircraft were destroyed by the squadron, and much of this success can be attributed to Squadron Leader Woods's outstanding leadership. In one engagement, on the 13th October, he shot down two enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to six. His example of courage and devotion to duty has inspired his fellow pilots."

Acting Flight Lieutenant Erik Lawson Hetherington
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "During the recent intense air activity over Malta, this officer has led his flight with great skill. Many attacks on the island have been frustrated and 16 enemy aircraft destroyed. Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Hetherington's brilliant leadership has contributed materially to the success achieved. One day in October, 1942, he led his flight in a head-on attack against a force of 7 Junkers 88's escorted by a large number of fighters. A Junkers 88—shot down by Flight Lieutenant Hetherington—and 2 Messerschmitt l09's were destroyed. None of the bombers reached its target. This officer who has destroyed 2 enemy aircraft, has displayed fine leadership, courage and determination."

Hetherington flew a Spitfire from the deck of the USS Wasp May 10, 1942. He was killed in a flying accident October 31, 1942, along with other time-expired pilots from Malta, when Liberator AL516 crashed into the sea off Gibraltar.

(37664) Squadron Leader Robert Alexander Barton DFC
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer destroyed seven hostile aircraft during his period of service in the united Kingdom. Since his arrival at Malta, he has led his squadron on all interceptions and fighter patrols during which he has destroyed four hostile aircraft including one at night.
"S/L Barton has throughout shown a high standard of courage, leadership and initiative, and contributed materially to the results obtained by the fighter effort on the island."
A note accompanying the official announcement of his award said Barton's "outstanding leadership has contributed materially to the many successes obtained by his squadron" and added "his skill was particularly displayed on one occasion when his squadron destroyed 20 enemy aircraft."

(J/15604) Pilot Officer John William Williams
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: This officer has fought the enemy with great determination. Within a short period he has destroyed at least four enemy aircraft, two of which he shot down in one day. Later his aircraft was damaged by enemy fire but he flew it safely to base. His courageous example has been most inspiring.

Williams was also killed October 31, 1942 in the Liberator AL516 accident.

Acting Squadron Leader Percy Belgrave Lucas
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "In July, 1942, Squadron Leader Lucas displayed great courage in an engagement against 3 bombers escorted by 14 fighters. He unhesitatingly led his squadron through the enemy's fighter escort and, diving down, they, destroyed all 3 bombers, 2 of them falling in flames. Squadron, Leader Lucas has destroyed 3 hostile aircraft and damaged 7 others."

Flying Officer John Frederick McElroy, R.C.A.F.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "During recent air fighting over Malta, this officer has displayed great courage and outstanding determination to destroy the enemy. On 12th October, 1942, during an interception, he destroyed a Messerschmitt 109 and then pursued a Junkers 88. Six enemy fighters were in close proximity and Flying Officer McElroy turned towards them and destroyed 1 before they broke off the fight. Three days later, his section attacked a formation of Junkers 88's and Flying Officer McElroy probably destroyed 1 of them. On another occasion, when one of his comrades was shot down into the sea, Flying Officer McElroy guided a rescue launch to the spot in spite of the presence of enemy fighters. This officer, who has completed many reconnaissances and destroyed 5 enemy aircraft, has displayed inspiring leadership."

Flight Sergeant Louis George Charles DeLara
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "One day in October, 1942, this airman was the pilot of one of a section of aircraft engaged on a sortie over Malta. Within a short time, 2 large formations of enemy bombers were intercepted. Despite heavy odds. Flight Sergeant De Lara so skilfully led his section in attack that they caused the enemy to jettison their bombs into the sea on each occasion. Throughout, this airman displayed brilliant leadership and high courage. He has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft."

Acting Squadron Leader Stanley Bernard Grant
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer is an excellent fighter pilot. On one occasion he led a force of fighter aircraft over many miles of sea into Malta. On the same day, after his aircraft had been refuelled, he took off and destroyed a Junkers 88. For the rest of the day he remained at the head of his squadron in a series of fierce battles over the island. He has destroyed at least 4 enemy aircraft and damaged many more."

Flying Officer George Andrew Forsyth Buchanan
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer has displayed great determination in his encounters with raiding aircraft. One day in April, 1942, he shot down a Junkers 87 and damaged another in combat. Having expended all his ammunition, he carried out a series of feint attacks on Messerschmitt 109's and drove them away from some of his comrades who were coming in to land their aircraft."

Pilot Officer Peter Alfred Nash
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "Whilst operating from Malta, this officer has shot down 16 raiding aircraft. Six of these he destroyed within a period of 3 days. Pilot Officer Nash, who has displayed high courage and devotion to duty, has destroyed at least 12, and damaged several more enemy aircraft."

(AUS.404692) Sergeant Virgil Paul Brennan, Royal Australian Air Force
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: This airman is a most determined and courageous pilot. An exceptional shot, he always presses home his attacks with vigour. In 2 combats, he has destroyed at least 4 enemy aircraft and damaged others.
Graduated with Course 26 - No. 1 SFTS

(NZ.404362) Sergeant Raymond Brown Hesselyn
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: Sergeant Hesselyn is a skilful and gallant pilot. Undeterred by odds, he presses home his attacks with outdstanding determination. he has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft, 2 of which he has shot down in one engagement.

(89405) Flying Officer Ronald West
Distinguished Flying Cross - July 7, 1942
Citation: "In April 1942, this officer displayed great courage and determination as leader of a section which intercepted 8 Junkers 87s escorted by fighters. In the ensuing engagement, Flying Officer West destroyed 1 and probably destroyed another of the enemy's bombers. When returning to base he sighted a Junkers 88 and, although he had expended his ammunition, he attacked this aircraft head on and forced it to jettison its bombs. In June, 1942, Flying Officer West shot
down a Junkers 88; he was immediately attacked by a fighter but, skilfully evading it, he flew to the assistance of one of his fellow pilots who was being attacked by another fighter. Flying Officer West destroyed this attacker. Whilst returning to base he observed one of our pilots afloat in his dinghy whereupon he passed information as to the position. Flying Officer West then flew on and made a safe landing at base. This officer has destroyed at least 7 enemy aircraft.

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - July 21, 1942

No. 261 Squadron

+(42547) John Joseph Walsh (Cdn.) - KIA March 2, 1941; (42262) Anthony John Rippon; (758241) Sgt. Thomas Anthony Quinn; (43291) John Francis Pain; +(745800) Sgt. Peter Harry Waghorn - KIA 261 Sqn.; Len Davies; F/O Charles Derek Whittingham; +(70821) Frederic Frank 'Eric' Taylor DFC - KIA February 26, 1941; (748712) Sgt. John Temperley Hitching - 127 Sqn. DAF; (87382) Percival Alexander Mortimer died in 1942; (70384) Charles James Laubscher; +John Sydney Southwell - KIA March 22, 41; (116515) Cyril Stanley Bamberger; Harry Ayre

(740630) Frederick Neal Robertson
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "This airman has displayed great gallantry in his many recent engagements, often against heavy odds. In March, 1941, he destroyed two enemy aircraft bringing his total number of victories to at least eight."

(70821) Flying Officer Frederic Frank Taylor
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "This officer has displayed the utmost gallantry and determination in combat and seeks every possible opportunity of engaging the enemy. He has destroyed at least seven hostile aircraft, two of which he shot down, in one engagement."

No. 272 Squadron

(37280) Squadron Leader Andrew William Fletcher
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation: "From July 21 to August 3, this officer commanded a detachment of Beaufighters operating from Malta with a role of assisting in the safe passage of convoys sailing between Gibraltar and Malta. Attacks were made on certain airdromes and seaplane bases which resulted in the loss to the enemy of 49 aircraft destroyed and a further 42 damaged.
"The successes achieved undoubtedly crippled the enemy's air activity so seriously that he was unable to carry out effective reconnaissance and to launch a strong striking force against convoys. Throughout, S/L Fletcher displayed courageous leadership and determination and set an example which proved an inspiration to all."

+(R/97577) John William Stephen (3 SFTS); +(R/90502 - J/17243) Frederick Albert Duquette (3 SFTS); +(GB1338492) Albert J. Johnson; +(402219) Wilson George Blessing - (Co. 19 4 SF)

No. 272 Squadron

+Roland Adelore Cossette, pilot, 1375224 Sgt. R.C. Fletcher, navigator. Beaufighter X 7759, April 8, 1943. The above aircraft and crew took off from Takali airfield at 10:20 hours on the 8th May, 1943, to carry out an offensive sweep, and failed to return. They were last seen flying towards the Sicilian coast with two Macchi 202's attacking them, and six were in pursuit. No news of either the aircraft or crew has since been received. It is believed the Beaufighter was shot down ten miles west of Cape Granitola, Sicily.

May 11, 1943 letter to Cossette's father from Wing Commander Buchanan

"You have no doubt received notification from the Air Ministry that your son is missing, believed killed.

"It is with the deepest regret that I can give you no further news as to his fate. Whilst in my own mind fearing that there is little chance of his being alive it is too early yet to give up all hope altogether.

"He was the pilot of one of four aircraft operating off the Sicilian coast on the 8th, May which were attacked by enemy fighters. A fierce combat ensued, and your son's aircraft was last seen heading for the coast being heavily engaged by a large number of the enemy. An aircraft was seen to crash into the water and blow up shortly afterwards by a pilot who returned, but whether this was your son's or one of his attackers cannot be definately established.

"Should any further news be forthcoming I will inform you immediately.

"Meanwhile you have the sincere sympathies of the whole squadron in your great loss for 'Slim', as we called him, was not only a pilot of outstanding ability and courage, but a much beloved friend of all."

(39628) Acting Wing Commander John Kenneth BUCHANAN, D.F.C.
Distinguished Service Order
Citation: "This officer has participated in a very large number of sorties, involving bombing attacks against many countries occupied by the enemy. He arrived in Malta in November, 1942, and, within the next 14 days, led his squadron in 6 bombing attacks on enemy shipping. During these operations, Wing Commander Buchanan destroyed 6 enemy aircraft in combat. He is a magnificent leader whose great skill and fine fighting qualities have been of incalculable value.

(Aus.402394) Ronald Rankin - 272 Squadron

Distinguished Flying Cross

Citation: Flight Lieutenant Rankin, who has taken part in more than 40 operational trips over france and Low Countries as well as the Middle East, has carried out straffing attacks on roads, aerodromes and enemy shipping. In combat he has destroyed three enemy aircraft.

Early in November (10, 1942), he led a flight to attack El Aouina Aerodrome in Tunisia. He shot down an H115 and after once being driven from the airfield by enemy fighters, he returned and attacked at low level, despite entense ack and enemy fighters above him.

The success of his squadron in many operations, it is stated, has been very often due to this officer's determination.

Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

Citation: Squadron Leader RANKIN has completed a total of 290 hours of operational flying and participated in 98 operational sorties in the course of his extensive service in active operations against the enemy. Whilst serving in Malta and the Middle East he destroyed five and a half aircraft in the air, two probably destroyed in the air, five damaged in the air, and five destroyed on the ground. During operations in the New Guinea theatre with No. 30 L.R./F. Squadron, he has destroyed or participated in the destruction of twenty two barges and twentynine motor transport. As flight commander Squadron Leader RANKIN has displayed outstanding courage and ability, which together with his courage and skilful leadership have proved an inspiration to the members of the flight.

No. 601 Squadron

+(116904) Frank James Jemmett - died from injuries April 22, 1942; +(J/5806) Walter Ephraim Cripps - April 26, 1942 (Co. 25 10 SF), Etobicoke; +(408000) George Maxwell 'Max' Briggs (Co. 6 2 SFTS); (J/15095) Norman Ralph Fowlow (Co. 19 2 SFTS); (R/79550) Ernest George Shea - 601 Sqn., Moose Jaw (Co. 27 10 SF - Wasp April 20, 42); (104423) Michael Henry 'Pancho' Le Bas (Co. 27 2 SF)

In June 1943, F/O Norman Fowlow of Windsor, N.S. compared his flying duties in England to those in Malta during 1942.

"It's a lot of fun, as a rule, escorting Flying Fortresses — because you are usually sure of a good tangle. But if you ask me about this flying compared with Malta when I was there, I'd say this is tougher because in Malta you did all your fighter work over your own territory. Here you leave England in a hurry and do your fighting over strange country."

No. 1435 Flight

Acting Flight Lieutenant Henry Wallace McLeod, D.F.C.

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Citation: "One day in October 1942, this officer took part in an attack on a formation of six Junkers 88 and shot two of them down. Although his aircraft was damaged in the combat, he led his section in an attack on another formation of nine enemy bombers. Afterwards, he skillfully flew his damaged aircraft to base. During a period of five days Flight Lieutenant McLeod destroyed five enemy aircraft in the defense of Malta. A gallant fighter, this officer has destroyed twelve and damaged many more enemy aircraft."

(R/70978) Flight Sergeant Ian Roy MacLennan, R.C.A.F.
Distinguished Flying Medal
Citation: "One day in October, 1942, this airman destroyed 2 of a force of 30 Junkers 88's which attempted to attack Malta. The next day, he destroyed a Messerschmitt 109. Flight Sergeant MacLennan has displayed great courage and tenacity. He has destroyed 4 and damaged several more enemy aircraft."

Squadron Leader Anthony Desmond Joseph Lovell, D.F.C.

Distinguished Service Order
Citation: "This officer is an outstanding squadron commander who has played a considerable part in the defence of Malta. One day in October, 1942, he led his squadron in an attack against six Junkers 88's escorted by a number of fighters. In the combat, Squadron Leader Lovell shot down a Junkers 88, bringing his total victories to nine. On many occasions, his skilful leadership has enabled his squadron to intercept enemy air formations bent on attacking Malta. This officer's gallantry and determination have set an example worthy of the highest praise."

Acting Wing Commander Peter Prosser Hanks

Distinguished Service Order
Citation: "One day in October, 1942, this officer led his squadron in an engagement against a force of seven enemy bombers, escorted by 25 fighters, which attempted to attack Malta. The enemy were intercepted before reaching the island and, in a head-on attack, three of their aircraft were destroyed; one of them a Junkers 88, was shot down by Wing Commander Hanks. This officer is a fearless fighter whose example and leadership have instilled great confidence in his fellow pilots. Whilst flying from Malta, Wing Commander
Hanks has destroyed four enemy aircraft.

Wing Commander Arthur Hay Donaldson, D.F.C.

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
"Since his arrival in Malta, this officer has taken part in numerous operational sorties. On August 27th he was responsible for the briefing and leading of a highly successful low-flying attack on three Sicilian aerodromes. Throughout the preparation and execution of the whole operation, his leadership, careful planning and personal courage were an inspiration to all. On this occasion at least ten enemy aircraft were destroyed and probably a number of others over Sicily. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in November 1942."

Distinguished Service Order
Citation: "During the period 11th to 14th October, 1942, this officer participated in engagements against enemy aircraft attempting to attack Malta. Brilliantly leading his formation in attacks on bombers, regardless of the fighters which escorted them, Wing Commander Donaldson played a large part in the success achieved. Attacks on the islands were frustrated and several enemy bombers and fighters were shot down. On the I4th October he received, wounds in the feet and head and two of his fingers were shot away. Despite this, he flew to base and skilfully landed his aircraft. Wing Commander Donaldson displayed leadership, courage and fighting qualities in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force. He destroyed three enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to five."

1435 Flight

+(NZ) Clarence Lloyd Kelly (6 SFTS - Co. 36. July 31, 1942 - HMS Eagle - killed August 8, 1942), (NZ403964) Charles Henry Lattimer (DFC), (6 SFTS - Co. 24 - June 9, 1942 HMS Eagle); (R85165 - J/7454) Lloyd Arthur Stewart - 11 SF - 412 Sqn. Dieppe; +(403087) William Bedlington Knox Williams (2 SFTS - Co. 31); (88467) Peter Rathie; +(109893) Alexander Stuart Mackie - KIA Jan. 29, 42; (NZ411985) Robert Gordon Kleinmeyer - (Co. 36 6 SF); (1119429) Allan Hugh Scott DFM; +(403554) Robert Athol Buntine - Aug. 13, 42

'Hugh Pugh'

Washington August 14, 1942: Air Vice-Marshal Sir Hugh Pughe Lloyd, who commanded the R.A.F. in the Mediterranean and is here briefly en route to Cairo for a- new and important command. "We need planes as a prelude to starting something; above all you want fighters-good ones . If you give the lads in the R.A.F. the right ones, they will be on top of the world. One thing I want to stress is quality and not quantity ." After he issued his warning about Malta he was asked if Malta could be used as a base for a possible invasion of Italy, "Yes," he replied, but added quickly : "If you give the R.A .F . bases and planes they will quickly knock Italy out of the war." And then, as an afterthought : "Italy really isn't in the war now." The young air marshal-he is only 48--who enlisted as a private in the last World War and stayed on with the British army to win a knighthood for his defence of Malta, revealed several new chapters in 'the history of that island. At one time last fall what he called his "shipping program" had left Rommel bereft of supplies. The British of Malta flew over all Italian harbours one, twice and three times a day counting the ships there. Every time one was missing they went out, shadowed it, and sank it. It was then that Hitler ordered 400 of his crack aircraft to Sicily to try and beat the British there. "At one time," the marshal acknowledged, "I thought they were going to try and take the island itself but the issue was never in doubt. We knew we were going to wear them out, and we did. In May we knew we were on top, and then in those first 14 days in July we knocked down 102 aircraft, and we knew it. A key moment in the struggle came when the U.S. carrier Wasp, which the Germans claim now to have hit, arrived with what he calls "the spits ." "We had those planes in the air 20 minutes after that carrier docked and 35 minutes later the enemy was overhead ." When a reporter asked him why, if Rommel was out of supplies last fall, the British didn't take him, the air marshal shrugged his shoulders and with a wry smile said, "I don't know." But he made no secret of his feeling that the time had come for action on another flank now. From his picture of the Mediterranean scene it was apparent that Malta is still the painful thorn in that flank of the axis. The air marshal had only one regret ; Malta was too small. "Give me a bigger island and I'll do some more about control of the Mediterranean ." "Is Cyprus all right?" he was asked. "Yes, but in the wrong place . I wish they had put it in the centre of the Mediterranean ."

Sgt. Peter Harry Waghorn - KIA 261 Sqn.

"745800 Sgt Peter Harry Waghorn flew off Ark Royal into Malta on 3 April 1941 and was shot down and killed 8 days later on 11th April, age 20.He previously served with 111 and 249 Squadrons during the Battle of Britain before going on to 46 Squadron and then 615 Squadron where he operated over occupied Europe. He was shot down by Joachim Munchberg of JG26 which was detached from France to Sicily for the assault on Malta. I attach a photo of Peter which was taken just after he got his wings.Peter's brother Bryan was a Spitfire pilot with 129 but was lost over the channel 28.10.1941." (Information provided by I. Pursey, nephew of Peter Waghorn)

(928057 - 116904) Pilot Officer Frank James Jemmett - No. 601 Squadron

(Photo contributed by J. Mundy) "Please find attached a photo of PO Frank James Jemmett KIA over Malta 22/4/1942. One of the pilots of Picket 1. Frank was my Mothers cousin. Other sources suggest that Frank had to scramble without his parachute because it had been stolen. A gibbet was erected afterwards to warn people of the consequences of any similar occurrence of items being stolen from the base. Frank was shot down, made a crash landing and was later pulled from the burning plane by another pilot (Jeff West) and some army personnel. He later died in hospital. I hope you find this of use."

Squadron Leader 'Billy' Drake

Squadron Leader Billy Drake photographed while Officer Commanding No. 112 Squadron RAF at Gambut, Libya. After commanding No. 128 Squadron RAF in West Africa, Drake took command of 112 Squadron, and enjoyed a period of considerable success in North Africa, shooting down 14 enemy aircraft before he was taken off operations in December 1943 to serve on the staff at RAF Headquarters Middle East. From June until November 1943 he led the Krendi fighter Wing in Malta, with whom he scored the last of his 20 confirmed victories. This was followed by six months as Wing Leader of No. 20 Wing in the United Kingdom, flying Hawker Typhoons, and a spell as Chief Flying Instructor at the Fighter Leaders School at Milfield, before he attended the United States Staff School at Fort Leavenworth. He then served on the Operations Staff of SHAEF for the rest of the war, after which he continued his RAF service, retiring as the Station Commander of RAF Chivenor, Devon, in July 1963. His final victory score was at least 20, and possibly more.

W/C Adrian Warburton

Wing Commander Adrian Warburton when Officer Commanding No. 683 Squadron RAF at Luqa, Malta. Below his decorations (DSO, DFC and 2 bars), on his left breast pocket, Warburton wears "The Order of the Winged Boot", an unofficial award given to airmen who had been shot down and forced to return to their base on foot or by other means. Warburton became one of the most successful and best-known aerial-reconnaissance pilots of the Second World War while flying sorties from Malta and North Africa in 1941-1943. November 1942 - Missing for a week after taking off on an operatlon which should only have lasted a few hours, one of the most brilliant photographic reconraissance pillots of the R.A.F. (Squadron Leader Adrian Warburton, D.S.O., D.F.C. and two bars) has landed back In Malta with apologies for being late. He explalned that since leaving the island he had been attacked and his aircraft was damaged by eight or more ME.109s. He lande at Bone (Algeria) in the early days of the United States and 1st Army's attacks on French North Africa, had been flown to Algeria by a French admiral, and was given a lift to Gibraltar in a bomber with a Czecho-Slovakian crew. He borrowed an aircraft to return to Malta and shot down a JU88 on the way home. He flew a distance equlvalent to the Iength of the Mediterranean.

"Laddie" Lucas

(73023) Hugh John Sherard Beazley - 249 Sqn.

John Beazley joined No 249 Squadron on its formation in May 1940 to fly Hurricanes. He was called up on the outbreak of war and completed his training as a pilot before joining No 249 Squadron. After being wounded, he spent five months in hospital before rejoining the squadron in March 1941 in time to sail for Malta on the carrier Ark Royal. Despite having an unserviceable air speed indicator, Beazley, along with the rest of the squadron, was launched from the ship on May 21, arriving at Ta' Qali in Malta after a dangerous three-hour flight. The effort of defending Malta from incessant German and Italian air attack, making offensive forays to support the Navy, and attacking enemy bases and supply lines in Sicily, was relentless. Those pilots who had also flown in the Battle of Britain considered the fighting over Malta to be at least as intense and dangerous, perhaps more so. Beazley damaged an Italian bomber, a Messerschmitt Bf 109 and, on an intruder mission over Sicily, destroyed a train. On January 19 1942 his Hurricane was hit by ground fire during an attack on the Italian airfield at Comiso and he was forced to crash land on his return to Malta. A month later he probably destroyed a German Junkers 88. After the loss of the squadron commander in December, Beazley was made 249's commanding officer but, in February 1942, after 10 months of continuous action and 215 combat sorties over Malta, he was rested. After serving on Air Marshal Tedder's staff, Beazley returned to operations in December 1942, flying the twin-engined Beaufighter. He was posted to No 89 Squadron in North Africa before, in October 1943, travelling with it to join the fighting in South East Asia. In March 1944 he was awarded a DFC for "displaying the highest standard of courage and leadership" and appointed to command the operational airfield at Minneriya in Ceylon. In the final stages of the war Beazley was offered further promotion, but since this meant he would have to stop flying, he transferred to Transport Command and flew Dakotas in Europe, the Middle and Far East until 1946, when he left the RAF. (Telegraph)

(64891) George Charles Calder Palliser DFC - No. 249 Squadron

George Charles Calder Palliser (known as Charles) was born at West Hartlepool on January 11 1919. He was educated at Brougham School before studying Mechanical Engineering at technical college. He joined the RAFVR in June 1939 to train as a pilot and was called up on the outbreak of war. In May 1941, No 249 Squadron left for Gibraltar, where it embarked on the aircraft carrier Ark Royal. On May 21, 23 Hurricanes took off from the carrier and headed for Malta, some 500 miles away, arriving with their fuel almost exhausted. Palliser was soon in action, and during early June shared in the destruction of two Italian bombers and a fighter. In September the squadron received new Hurricanes, and for a few nights went on the offensive, Palliser bombing and strafing Comiso airfield in Sicily. A few nights later he bombed the railway at Gela . On December 19 the Luftwaffe made its long-expected appearance over Malta. During an attack on Grand Harbour by Junker 88 bombers, Palliser attacked one of the enemy head on, shooting off a wing and watching the bomber dive into the sea. Two days later he shared in the destruction of two more. At the end of January, Palliser was awarded a DFC. A month later he left Malta to be a flying instructor in South Africa, where he met his future wife. (The Telegraph)

Flying Officer Ross Alexander Gordon Fiddes

Flying Officer Ross Fiddes, of Owen Sound, Ontario, a wireless air gunner, had 73 operations to his credit, including 30 from Malta when he returned to Canada in March 1943. His crew flew their own bomber to Malta in August 1941. Fiddes remained on the island for seven months during the Axis blitz, and spent his flying time on raids over Tripoli, Greece and Italy. "Malta is the hottest spot I have been in, but I got the biggest kick out of a raid on Cologne when we were tagged all the way home by fighters. But covering a convoy to Malta was really something too." During 73 operational flights he was shot down 5five times, but never suffered a scratch. The closest call he had was when a spray of bullets ripped the shoulder out of his tunic and two members of the crew were killed. On one of his crashes in a wrecked plane he plunged into the sea near Malta and was in the water 14 hours before being rescued. On another occasion, he brought back a plane after the pilot had been wounded and the undercarriage shot away.

RAF OVER MALTA

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Lord Gort Takes Over Malta Governorship - June 1942

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