Honors and Awards

S - Z (26)

SAMSON, F/O Robert Glenn (J19899) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 8 /) - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1917 in Calgary; home in Kildonan, Manitoba; enlisted there 15 September 1941. Served three years in Manitoba Dragoons. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 22 May 1942), No.6 EFTS (ceased training 28 August 1942), No.7 BGS (graduated 9 October 1942) and No.5 AOS (graduated 20 November 1942). Commissioned 1943. Award presented 18 May 1946. Bomb aimer in Sergeant R.A. Grant's crew from June 1943 to end of July 1944; completed tour in F/L R.B. McCullough's craw. Incident was 29/30 December 1943.

In December 1943, when attacking Berlin, the aircraft in which Flying Officer Samson was flying was seriously damaged and the flight engineer killed by heavy anti-aircraft fire. Through able assistance rendered by Flying Officer Samson the pilot was able to bring the aircraft back to this country. Flying Officer Samson has invariably displayed a high degree of courage, determination and zeal and this keenness and courage have earned for him the admiration and confidence of the members of his squadron.

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SCULTHORPE, F/O R.F. / DFC 19 Jan. 1945, (crew 49) 

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SMITH, F/O David Ellis (J14195) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 7 /) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1920 in Provost, Alberta; home in Toronto; enlisted there 31 October 1941. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 9 May 1942) and No.8 AOS (graduated 11 September 1942). Commissioned 1942. In F/L Snelgrove's crew. Award sent by registered mail 13 January 1949. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 10 June 1944 when he had flown 37 sorties (219 hours 45 minutes); no sortie list to give time frame.

Flying Officer Smith is one of the outstanding navigators on the squadron and his keenness and efficiency is an inspiration to his section. He has completed 37 sorties, including three against Berlin. On numerous occasions Flying Officer Smith has flown as spare navigator, usually with new crews, and at all times he has displayed the highest degree of courage. His determination and devotion to duty is outstanding and I recommend the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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SMITH, P/O John Stewart Madill (J86215) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 74 / Airfield) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born in Neemuch, Govalior, India; home in Thorold, Ontario; enlisted in London, Ontario. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 23 October 1942) and No.1 AOS (graduated 5 March 1943). Commissioned April 1944. Served in postwar RCAF as Administrative Officer. Award sent by registered mail 9 February 1950. In F/L K.A. MacDonald's crew. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 19 August 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties (192 hours 40 minutes), 10 November 1943 to 28 July 1944 (91 "points"). This recommendation originally drafted 4 August 1944.

This officer has completed a tour consisting of thirty-six operations. He has at all times displayed exceptional navigational ability. His quiet, cheerful manner and devotion to duty have contributed greatly to the success of this crew.

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SMITH, P/O Stanley. / DFC 19 Jan. 1945, (crew 49) 

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SNELGROVE, F/L Jack McLean (J18668) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 7 /) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born 1919 in Regina; home there; enlisted there 9 July 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 28 January 1942), No.5 EFTS (graduated 24 April 1942) and No.7 SFTS (graduated 28 August 1942). Commissioned 1943. The Regina Leader-Post had an article in 1946 (not further dated) saying he piloted an aircraft known as "Bachelor's Knell" because the majority of the crew got married after commencing operations on it. The machine was badly holed raiding Leverkusen and returned on two engines; one crewman kissed the ground when they made it home although their airfield of choice was under attack and they had to land elsewhere. .Award presented. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 10 June 1944 when he had flown 37 sorties (219 hours 45 minutes); no sortie list to provide context.

This officer has been with the squadron since its formation and has completed a total of 37 sorties. Well over half of these operations have been against heavily defended targets in Germany, including two against Berlin. Flight Lieutenant Snelgrove is a first class operational pilot whose efficiency, devotion to duty and determination is an inspiration to all those who serve with him.

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SOUMIS, P/O Joseph Anthime Marcel (J86177) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 5) - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 19 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born 1920 in Montreal; home there; enlisted there 7 August 1941. Trained at No.1 WS (graduated 18 July 1942) and No.6 BGS (graduated 22 June 1942). Commissioned 1944. Award sent by registered mail 13 November 1948. Served in postwar RCAF. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 22 June 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (210 hours 10 minutes), 20 April 1943 to 7 June 1944.

This officer has been with the squadron since its formation. He has completed thirty-three operations, twenty-three of which have been against heavily defended targets in Germany. He has always possessed coolness and displayed exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger. This fearless courage, outstanding determination and zealous devotion to duty are a brilliant example and inspiration to all gunners in the squadron.

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SPENCE, F/O Alexander Lett (J85771) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 80) - Award effective 30 October 1945 as per London Gazette dated 6 November 1945 and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Born 1914 in Renfrew, Ontario; home in Flower Station, Ontario or Windsor, Ontario (salesman); enlisted in Hamilton, 16 March 1942. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 15 August 1942), No.7 EFTS (graduated 20 November 1942) and No.1 SFTS (graduated 30 April 1943). Commissioned 1944. Award presented 14 September 1949. Incident described was raid on Aulnoye, 25/26 March 1944.

Flying Officer Spence has completed a tour of operational duty during which he has attacked many heavily defended targets. On one occasion during an attack on Aulnoye two engines of his aircraft were severely damaged and the flight engineer seriously injured. Despite these harassing circumstances this officer pressed on and successfully completed his mission. He has at all times displayed courage, devotion to duty and a fine fighting spirit.

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STEVENSON, P/O Henry Oliver (J87158) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 86) - Award effective 15 December 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Born 1925; home in Toronto (pressman). Served with Scottish Highlanders; enlisted in Toronto, 20 October 1942. Trained at No.3 BGS (graduated 17 September 1943. Commissioned 1944. Award sent by registered mail, 30 March 1949.

As air gunner, this officer has taken part in very many sorties. He is a most efficient and vigilant member of aircraft crew, whose example has been worthy of great praise. On one occasion whilst over an enemy target the aircraft was subjected to four attacks by fighters. Pilot Officer Stevenson, who displayed great coolness and resolution throughout, shot down one of the attackers, while his skilful evading directions enabled his pilot to manoeuvre to good effect and prevent the remaining fighters from closing in. Pilot Officer Stevenson's efficiency contributed in good measure to the safe return of the aircraft.

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STEWART, F/O John Ormsby (J38861) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 159 - deceased) - Award effective 18 May 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1085/45 dated 29 June 1945. Born 1922 in Toronto; home there; enlisted there 24 August 1942. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 14 June 1943), No.4 EFTS (graduated 6 August 1943) and No.13 SFTS (graduated 26 November 1943). Commissioned 1943. Incident described was on daylight attack on Essen, 11 March 1945. Killed in action 15/16 March 1945 in attack on Hagen. Award sent by registered mail to next of kin.

As captain of aircraft this officer has set a fine example of keenness and devotion to duty. On his first operational sortie in March 1945 he was detailed to attack Essen. Shortly after taking off one engine became unserviceable. Despite the loss of some height, Flying Officer Stewart continued to the target, executed a successful attack and afterwards flew safely to base. His determination was most commendable.

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STINSON, P/O John Gordon (J86256) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 67) - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Born Port Arthur, 1922; home there (former member of COTC); enlisted in Winnipeg. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 9 May 1942), No.19 EFTS (graduated 14 August 1942) and No.4 SFTS (graduated 29 December 1942). Commissioned 1944. Award sent by registered mail 10 March 1949. Incident mentioned was 29 December 1943 with P/O N.A. Pratt as captain.

This officer as captain of aircraft has completed many operational sorties against such heavily defended targets as Stuttgart, Hamburg and Bremen. In December 1943, while on his first operation as a second pilot, he was detailed to attack Berlin. During the outward flight to the target his aircraft was attacked by an enemy night fighter, his fire killing the flight engineer and wounding the first pilot in the leg. Despite this Pilot Officer Stinson, displaying great coolness, pressed on to the attack, bombed his objective and safely returned to base.

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TELFORD, F/L Robert Bruce (J87333) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 116) - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 July 1945 and AFRO 1558/45 dated 5 October 1945. Born 1921 in Vancouver, British Columbia; home there; enlisted there 28 August 1942. Educated at University of British Columbia. Former member of COTC. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 19 March 1943), No.5 EFTS (graduated 28 May 1943) and No.3 SFTS (graduated 17 September 1943). Commissioned 1944. Award presented 29 May 1947. No citation other than "in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations against the enemy". DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 24 March 1945 when he had flown 35 sorties (219 hours 55 minutes), 16 August 1944 to 7 March 1945.

Flying Officer Telford has completed a tour of operations totalling thirty-six sorties, the majority of which were attacks against heavily defended German targets. Throughout his tour Flying Officer Telford has at all times displayed courage, keenness and devotion to duty. His fine offensive spirit and dogged determination to press home the attack has set a splendid example to all other pilots in the squadron.

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TONGE, F/O John Stephen (J86383) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 95) - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 May 1945 and AFRO 1291/45 dated 10 August 1945. Born 1923; home in Rothsay or Saint John, New Brunswick (steel worker)e enlisted in Moncton, 14 April 1942. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 12 September 1942) and No.8 AOS (graduated 13 January 1943). Commissioned April 1944. Award presented 17 August 1949. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 15 January 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties (187 hours 45 minutes), 19 February 1944 to 12 September 1944.

Flying Officer Tonge has completed a tour of operations, many sorties of which were attacks against heavily defended German targets. At all times he has displayed the highest navigational skill and has been in no small way responsible for the successful completion of many operations. His navigational skill, determination and fine offensive spirit have been a splendid example to other in the squadron.

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TROW, F/L William Albert (J14210) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 89) - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 8 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Born 1920 in England; home in Leaside, Ontario; enlisted in Toronto, 12 December 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 9 May 1942) and No.9 AOS (graduated 11 September 1942). Commissioned 1942. Award sent by registered mail 10 March 1949. Incident was 18/19 November 1943 with No.428 Squadron; navigator for F.H. Watkins.

Flight Lieutenant Trow has participated in a large number of operational sorties, some of which have been against the most heavily defended targets in Germany. On one occasion, during an attack on Ludwigshaven, the rear gunner was seriously injured while over the target area. Displaying navigational skill and knowledge of a high order, Flight Lieutenant Trow guided the aircraft back by a shorter route, thus ensuring early medical aid for the injured gunner. This officer's accuracy and devotion to duty have been material factors in the completion of many successful sorties.

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TUCKER, F/O McDonald Charles (J17744) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 12) - Award effective 11 April 1944 as per London Gazette dated 21 April 1944 and AFRO 1075/44 dated 19 May 1944. Born 1917 in Oshawa; home in West Mount or Lakeview, Ontario; enlisted Toronto, 11 December 1940. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 16 May 1941), No.11 EFTS (graduated 3 July 1941), No.14 SFTS (ceased training 19 July 1941), No.4 AOS (graduated 22 December 1941), No.4 BGS (graduated 31 January 1942) and No.2 ANS (graduated 2 March 1942). Commissioned 1943. Award presented 17 June 1945. No citation other than "...completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty."

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TYLER, S/L J.W.E. / DFC 26 May 1944, (crew 5) 

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VIPOND, F/L James French (J35759) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 103) - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. Born 1916 in Southport, England; home in Toronto (news reporter); enlisted there 27 June 1942. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 1 May 1943) and No.4 AOS (graduated 1 October 1943). Commissioned September 1943. Award presented 22 November 1948. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.9 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 3 April 1945 when he had flown 28 sorties (156 hours 43 minutes), 24 June 1944 to 21 March 1945.

As an outstanding navigator, Flight Lieutenant Vipond has completed numerous sorties against heavily defended targets such as Stuttgart and Hamburg. This officer has continuously exhibited skill and reliability worthy of high praise. As Squadron Navigation Leader, he has carried out his duties very efficiently, holding the high respect of all those under him, and proving himself a tower of strength to the squadron. His devotion to duty and fine offensive spirit have been an example worthy of emulation by all members of the squadron.

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WAGMAN, F/O John (J35150) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 115) - Award effective 13 October 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2534/44 dated 24 November 1944. Home in Regina; enlisted there 26 June 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 7 November 1941), No.12 EFTS (graduated 31 January 1942) and No.5 SFTS (graduated 5 June 1942). Award presented 23 April 1949.

One night in August 1944, Flying Officer Wagman was detailed to attack Kiel and on reaching enemy territory his aircraft was engaged by anti-aircraft fire which penetrated the petrol tanks and caused a serious loss of fuel. Nevertheless, Flying Officer Wagman successfully completed his mission but was forced to bring his aircraft down on to the sea forty miles from the English coast. This he achieved with great skill despite the failure of his landing light and adverse weather. In hazardous circumstances this officer displayed great skill, courage and devotion to duty.

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WALLACE, F/O John Stuart (J14790) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 61) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Home in Niverville, Manitoba; enlisted Winnipeg. 25 September 1941. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 6 June 1942) and No.8 AOS (graduated 9 October 1942). Award presented by King George 30 October 1945. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 22 July 1944 when he had flown 35 sorties (177 hours 35 minutes), 26 July 1843 to 20 July 1944 (102 "points").

This officer has completed a total of thirty-five operations and is one of the outstanding navigators of the squadron. He has at all times displayed the highest degree of courage and his efficiency and devotion to duty have been an example to all ranks.

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WARREN, Sergeant (now P/O) Jean Louis Nazaire (R136975/J96294) - British Empire Medal - No.434 Squadron (crew 55) - Award effective 2 July 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 781/46 dated 9 August 1946. Home in Pointe-au-Pic and Murray Bay, Quebec (colonization inspector); enlisted in Quebec City, 25 June 1942. Trained at No.9 BGS (graduated 14 May 1943. Shot down, POW, 19 November 1943. Released October 1945. Presented 24 April 1948.

Sergeant Warren was a member of the crew of a Halifax bomber which was shot down over Cologne in November 1943. He got clear of the burning wreckage and hid in a haystack for the night. In the morning he left his hiding place and walked across fields most of the day, sleeping in the woods at night. He was so weak as a result of wounds and bruises sustained when the aircraft crashed that he eventually went to a farm and gave himself up.

He was imprisoned in Dulag Luft at Wetzlar and sent to Stalag Luft IVB at Nuhlberg. On 17th March 1944, Sergeant Warren made his first attempt to escape by joining a party of French prisoners going out for supplies. When the party reached the stores he broke away and went to a cemetery where, by pre-arrangement, he was to have met a Canadian airman who had previously escaped. On arrival, Sergeant Warren learned that the other airman had been recaptured and the guards had been reinforced. As he had neither food nor maps, Sergeant Warren decided to return to the camp and await a more favourable opportunity. He regained the camp undetected.

On 1st May 1944, Sergeant Warren made a further attempt, using the same method as before. He met an RAF officer and both successfully evaded the search parties and guards for five days. Four other escapers soon joined them and all managed to get on a train carrying rolls of paper to Holland. On arrival in Holland the party split up, and Sergeant Warren and one companion travelled north until they made contact with the Dutch underground movement in Borne. They stayed for five weeks and then moved on to Nijverdal, owing to the activities of the Germans.

Early in August 1944, Sergeant Warren moved to Zwolle and hit in a boat until the end of the month when he was given shelter in a castle near Hattem. The German search parties were very active, but he successfully evaded them and eventually reached Gossel, where he remained for eight weeks. Of the period, six weeks were spent hiding in a cave under a pigsty, in company with two Poles and a Dutchman. The Germans made a surprise search and the members of the party were ultimately arrested. After brutal treatment, they were taken to the Landwach prison.

Although Sergeant Warren produced his RAF identity discs, he was treated as a "terrorist" and badly manhandled during interrogation, after which he was put in a cell measuring 12 feet by 6 feet with thirteen others. For three weeks they remained in the cell, no one being allowed out for any purpose. Later he was taken to an empty house for interrogation and further brutal treatment was carried out. Eventually Sergeant Warren was moved to Oxelhoft, where conditions were even worse.

On 1st February 1945, he and ninety-three others were put into two box cars and sent to Germany. During the journey some of the party pried open a window of the truck and made an attempt to escape, but the guards saw them and opened fire. Sergeant Warren succeeded in getting away and evading capture by walking all night through water waist-high. The next evening he made contact with an underground organization and was taken to Lobith. The next night an attempt to cross the Rhine was made, but those who tried had to return to the starting point owing to strong enemy opposition. The party was then taken to a farm by a Dutch nurse and given shelter. On the 22nd February 1945, the Germans ordered all farms to be evacuated, so Sergeant Warren and some others posed as members of the farmer's family and moved with them. Later he posed as a Dutch policeman in order to prevent being taken again. he continued to evade capture until liberated by British forces in April 1945.

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WATKINS, W/C Francis Hubert (J7690) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 89) - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 15 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born in Winnipeg; enlisted 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.16 EFTS and No.4 SFTS. In postwar RCAF, attaining rank of Group Captain. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/7276 has recommendation dared 20 June 1944 when he ha flown 22 sorties (134 hours five minutes), 22 October 1943 to 15 June 1944. Squadron Leader when recommended.

No.428 Squadron                                          No.434 Squadron

22 Oct 43 Kassel (7.40)                               9 Apr 44 Lille (5.25)

3 Nov 43 Dusseldorf (7.05)                            26 Apr 44 Villeneuve St.George (6.00)

18 Nov 43 Mannheim (7.00)                          29 Apr 44 Terschelling (3.25)

26 Nov 43 Stuttgart (7.35)                            1 May 44 Ghislain (5.00)

20 Jan 44 Berlin (8.05)                                 7 May 44 East Frisians (3.15)

2 Feb 44 Kiel (6.25)                                     27 May 44 Le Clipon (4.25)

3 Feb 44 La Rochelle (8.05)                         16 Jun 44 Boulogne (4.30)

11 Mar 44 Brest (5.55)

15 Feb 44 Berlin (6.50)

21 Feb 44 La Rochelle (7.00)

25 Feb 44 Fakre Bay (7.30)

3 Mar 44 Bordeaux (7.50)

6 Mar 44 Trappes (5.45)

22 Mar 44 Femern Belt (7.40)

25 Mar 44 Aulnoye (6.10)

This officer is an extremely efficient captain and leader whose example of courage, skill and resolution has been an inspiration to the members of his squadron. He has completed sorties against such well defended targets as Kassel, Dusseldorf, Mannheim, Stuttgart, and Berlin on which he pressed home his attack with great determination.

Squadron Leader Watkins' untiring efforts and high standard of efficiency has been reflected in the success of the squadron he now commands. He is a skilled leader and his achievements have won him admiration and praise.

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WEEKS, Sgt J.A.D. / DFM 23 May 1944, (crew 12) 

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WHITEHORNE, WO1 Ray Reginald (R53521) - Mention in Despatches - Station Croft - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Home in Ottawa; enlisted there 17 October 1939. Certificate mailed to him, 23 August 1948. Identified in AFRO as "Overseas". McEwen papers (CWM) with list of recommendations with MiD recommendations for 1 February to 31 July 1945 identifies unit. DHist file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Vol.20648) has recommendation dated 2 May 1945 when he was Warrant Officer in charge of Daily Servicing.

This Warrant Officer has been employed with this unit for the past sixteen months. During this time he has organized and efficiently operated the aircraft allotted to the Daily Servicing Section for one operational squadron. Working for long hours under adverse weather conditions he has maintained a spirit of determination in his flights which in many cases has been a deciding factor in more aircraft over the target. His energy and untiring efforts have been an example to his men.

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WICKENS, F/O Edward Donald (J24657) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 80) - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Home in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; enlisted in Regina, 10 April 1942. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 6 November 1942) and No.7 AOS (graduated 19 March 1943); overseas April 1943. Served in postwar RCAF. Award sent by registered mail 21 December 1950.

Flying Officer Wickens has completed a tour of operations, several of which were against heavily defended targets in Germany. In March 1944, during an attack on a French target, his aircraft was attacked by night fighters with the result that the flight engineer was wounded, two engines were severely damaged and the petrol tanks holed. This necessitated an emergency landing as soon as this country was reached. This officer displayed courage, determination and high navigational skill under hazardous circumstances. He has proved himself to be a cool and highly efficient navigator. Throughout his devotion to duty in the face of enemy opposition and adverse weather is meritorious.

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WILSON, P/O Thomas Peter (J87132) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 86) - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Home in South Porcupine, Ontario; enlisted in North Bat, 18 October 1941. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 27 February 1942), No.5 AOS (graduated 8 June 1942) and No.1 ANS (graduated 21 September 1942). DFC presented in Toronto, 30 November 1949.

Pilot Officer Wilson is a skilful and efficient navigator. His sterling work in the air has largely contributed to the successful completion of all the sorties undertaken by his crew, including many mine-laying missions. He has participated in attacks against targets in Sterkrade, Bremen and St.Nazaire. On one occasion during an attack against St.Ghislain his aircraft was attacked seven times by an enemy fighter. Throughout this determined attack Pilot Officer Wilson won the confidence of his crew by his undaunted courage and cool efficiency.

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WRIGHT, F/O William Gordon (J26746) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 81) - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Home in New Westminster; enlisted in Vancouver, 10 April 1942. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 25 September 1942), No.5 EFTS (graduated 9 January 1943) and No.3 SFTS (graduated 28 May 1943). Award presented in Vancouver, 22 October 1949.