- Supplement to The London Gazette, Pages 4618 and 4619, 19 Oct 1943
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Warrant Officer Ronald James CLARK (1043314), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 100 Squadron.
Distinguished Flying Medal.
570107 Sergeant Harold BENNETT, Royal Air Force, No. 100 Squadron.
Warrant Officer Clark and Sergeant Bennett were captain and flight engineer of an aircraft detailed to attack Mannheim and Ludwigshafen one night in September, 1943. Whilst over the target area, the bomber was illuminated by the search-lights and subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences. In spite of this, Warrant Officer Clark executed a successful bombing run. The aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, however, and one shell, which passed through the structure almost severed an aileron control rod. The bomber immediately went into a steep dive. As Warrant Officer Clark, assisted by the flight engineer, battled to pull the aircraft out of the dive, the aileron control snapped. An enemy fighter then came in to attack, causing further damage by its cannon fire. Despite this, control was regained, the fighter evaded and ultimately, Warrant Officer Clark flew the crippled bomber to base. In the face of a perilous situation, these airmen displayed great gallantry, skill and resource, setting an example worthy of great praise.
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1915 - 2013 (97 years)
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