80 – Abbeville

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Halifax MZ690 OW-U 426 Sqn
Date : 08 juin 1944
 Mission : Bombardement d’installation ferroviaires à Achères (78)
Décollage : Linton on House
Causes de la perte : Touché par la Flak, intercom en panne, l’appareil est évacué par une partie de l’équipage. Le pilote avec l’aide du reste de l’équipage parvient à ramener et poser l’appareil dans l’Essex.
Lieu de la perte :
Sgt Merrill Rugless BURNETT
 AG RCAF R/195900 IND Distinguished-Flying-Medal
Sgt Hubert Phillip GALANEAU
 AG RCAF R/155391 IND Distinguished-Flying-Medal
Royaume-Uni Sgt Stanley GILDER FE RAFVR 1070752 KIA
Sgt Douglas Cregar HARKNESS AG RCAF R/206488 IND Distinguished-Flying-Medal
Plt Off Lloyd Arthur MANN Pil RCAF J/19783 IND Distinguished-Flying-Cross
WO1 William Gordon McCLELLAND WOP AG RCAF R/107527 MIA Runnymede Memorial
WO2 D.S. SMITH Nav RCAF R/148505 POW
Fg Off James Keith
 WHITE AB RCAF J/28083 EVA

Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officer Lloyd Arthur MANN (CAN /J 19783), RCAF, 426 (RCAF) Sqn.
This officer has completed numerous sorties and has proved himself to be a skilful and resourceful pilot and captain. On one occasion he was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack the railway sidings at Le Mans. Whilst over the target his aircraft sustained extensive damage. Several holes were torn in the fuselage, the bomb doors were torn open, parts of them being ripped away, and the port rudder and elevator were damaged. Both the port engenis were affected and one of them caught fire. Much heigh was lost and the situation was serious Pilot Officer Mann succeeded in levelling out howerer, and course was set for home. Much vibration was experienced flying speed had to be reduced but in spite of many difficultes, Pilot Officer Mann reached an airfield. This officer displayed exceptional skill and coolness in most harassing circumstances and was undoubtedly responsible for ultimate safety of the aircraft and its crew
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE of TUESDAY, the 1st of AUGUST, 1944

Distinguished Flying Medal
CAN /R.195900 Sergeant Merrill Rugless BuRNETT, R.C.A.F., 426 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.
As rear gunner this airman has participated in a number of attacks on various enemy targets and has displayed courage and determination of a high order. On one occasion, shortly after the target had been successfully attacked, his aircraft sustained very severe damage and went out of control. Before the captain could regain control, considerable height was lost. Although the order to leave by parachute had been given, Sergeant Burnett stayed by his captain who succeeded in re-gaining control and in the face of extreme difficulties flew the crippled aircraft to base. Throughout the return flight, Sergeant Bumett did everything possible to assist his captain and his services proved of immense value. His cool­ness, resolution and devotion to duty in the face of harassing circumstances set a very fine example.
THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE of FRIDAY, the 18th of AUGUST, 1944.

Distinguished Flying Medal
CAN /R.206488 Sergeant Douglas Cregar HARKNESS, R.C.A.F. 426 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.
This airman has participated in numerous sorties and has proved himself to be a resolute and devoted member of airerait crew. On one occasion he was the Mid-upper gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack a target in Northern France. Whilst over the target area the aircraft sustained extensive damage and dived steeply out of control. Considerable height was lost. The captain ordered the crew to leave by parachute as he fought to regain control. Sergeant Harkness stayed with his captain, however who succeeded in levelling out. He afterwards flew the crippled aircraft back to this country being greatly aided by Sergeant Harkness whose navigational assistance was of immense value. This airman displayed praise­ worthy courage, coolness and determination throughout.
FIFTH SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE of FRIDAY, the 25th of AUGUST, 1944.

Distinguished Flying Medal
CAN/R.155391 Flight Sergeant Hubert Phillip GALANEAU, R.C.A.F., 426 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.
This airman was the Mid-upper gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack the railway junction at Acheres recently. During the outward flight the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, causing it to go into a violent spin. The pilot regained control but extensive damage had been sustained. Despite this he decided to attempt to fly the aircraft to this country. On the retum flight, Flight Sergeant Galaneau proved a most resourceful member of aircraft crew and proved of great assistance to his captain. He set a fine example of determination and devotion to duty.
THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE of FRIDAY, the 15th of SEPTEMBER, 1944.
29 mai 2020 : ajout des prénoms du Fg Off WHITE