The Second World War.

[rustler]

Today, 31st of July, is the 69th anniversary of the actions that were to result in the award of the Victoria Cross to Temporary Acting Leading Seaman James Magennis, HMS. XE-3. Royal Navy.






Part of the citation for the award in the London Gazette of 13th of November 1945 reads:




'ADMIRALTY

Whitehall, 13th November, 1945.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS for valour to: —



Temporary Acting Leading Seaman James Joseph MAGENNIS, D/JX. 144907.

Leading Seaman Magennis served as Diver in His Majesty's Midget Submarine XE-3 for her attack on 31 July 1945, on a Japanese cruiser of the Atago class. The diver's hatch could not be fully opened because XE-3 was tightly jammed under the target, and Magennis had to squeeze himself through the narrow space available.

He experienced great difficulty in placing his limpets on the bottom of the cruiser owing both to the foul state of the bottom and to the pronounced slope upon which the limpets would not hold. Before a limpet could be placed therefore Magennis had thoroughly to scrape the area clear of barnacles, and in order to secure the limpets he had to tie them in pairs by a line passing under the cruiser keel. This was very tiring work for a diver, and he was moreover handicapped by a steady leakage of oxygen which was ascending in bubbles to the surface. A lesser man would have been content to place a few limpets and then to return to the craft. Magennis, however, persisted until he had placed his full outfit before returning to the craft in an exhausted condition. Shortly after withdrawing Lieutenant Fraser endeavoured to jettison his limpet carriers, but one of these would not release itself and fall clear of the craft. Despite his exhaustion, his oxygen leak and the fact that there was every probability of his being sighted, Magennis at once volunteered to leave the craft and free the carrier rather than allow a less experienced diver to undertake the job. After seven minutes of nerve-racking work he succeeded in releasing the carrier. Magennis displayed very great courage and devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety.


James Magennis was 25 years old when he won the VC.



The VC. was presented by HM.King George VI at an investiture at Buckingham Palace on 11th of December 1945.


James Magennis and Ian Fraser boarding a plane in Australia on their way back to the UK to receive their VC's.


James Joseph Magennis was originally born McGinnes, on 27th of October 1919, in West Belfast, Northern Ireland. he enlisted in the Royal Navy as a boy seaman in June 1935. In December 1942 he joined the submarine service, and in march 1943, he volunteered for 'special duties', and joined the X-Craft midget submarines. He was a member of the ferry crew of a midget submarine for the attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz in Kåfjord, Norway, in September 1943. For this he was was Mentioned in Despatches.



James Magennis VC. left the Royal Navy in 1949, and returned to Belfast. falling on hard times he pawned or sold his VC. Which was found in a shop my a businessman who bought it and returned it to Magennis! he later moved to Yorkshire, where he remained until his death.


James Magennis VC. died on 12th of February 1986, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, aged 66.

He was cremated at Nad Wood Crematorium, Shipley, West Yorkshire, and his ashes were scattered in the Garden of Remembrance.


The VC. group awarded to James Magennis VC. was purchased by Michael Ashcroft, later Lord Ashcroft, at auction for ........£29.000 in 1986. This was the first Victoria Cross bought by Lord Ashcroft, and is today on display in The Lord Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum, London.

Also on display is the wet suit used by James Magennis that July day in 1945.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Joseph_Magennis

[rustler]

Today, 4th of August, is the 70th anniversary of the action that was to result in the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Squadron Leader Ian Bazalgette DFC. No. 635 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.







Part of the citation for the award in the London Gazette of 17th of August 1945 reads:


'On 4th August, 1944, Squadron Leader Bazalgette was "master bomber" of a
Pathfinder squadron detailed to mark an important target at Trossy St. Maximin for the main bomber force.

When nearing the target his Lancaster came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Both starboard engines were put out of action and serious fires broke out in the fuselage and the starboard main-plane. The bomb aimer was badly wounded.

As the deputy "master bomber" had already been shot down, the success of the attack depended on Squadron Leader Bazalgette and this he knew. Despite the appalling conditions in his burning aircraft, he pressed on gallantly to the target, marking and bombing it accurately. That the attack was successful was due to his magnificent effort.

After the bombs had been dropped the Lancaster dived, practically out of control. By expert airmanship and great exertion Squadron Leader Bazalgette regained control. But the port inner engine then failed and the whole of the starboard main-plane became a mass of flames.

Squadron Leader Bazalgette fought bravely to bring his aircraft and crew to safety. The mid-upper gunner was overcome by fumes. Squadron Leader Bazalgette then ordered those of his crew who were able to leave by parachute to do so. He remained at the controls and attempted the almost hopeless task of landing the crippled and blazing aircraft in a last effort to save the wounded bomb aimer and helpless air gunner. With superb skill, and taking great care to avoid a small French village nearby, he brought the aircraft down safely. Unfortunately, it then exploded and this gallant officer and his two comrades perished. His heroic sacrifice marked the climax of a long career of operations against the enemy. He always chose the more dangerous and exacting roles. His courage and devotion to duty were beyond praise.'


This was Squadron-Leader Bazalgette's 58th 'Op'.


Ian Bazalgette was 25 years old.





Ian Bazalgette was originally Commissioned into the Royal Artillery as a Second-Lieutenant in 1940, but transferred to the RAFVR and became a Pilot-Officer in January 1942.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC.) in May 1943 for ' great courage and determination in the face of the enemy'.


Ian Willoughby Bazalgette was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on the 19th of October 1918.




Squadron-Leader Ian Bazalgette VC. DFC. is buried in Senantes Cemetery, Senantes, Picardy, France.



He is commemorated on a plaque in Victoria Cross Commemorative Park, Currie Barracks, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.


The VC. group awarded to Squadron-Leader Bazalgette VC. DFC. is today in display at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, London.



The Bomber Command Museum of Canada, located at Nanton, Alberta, have completely restored their Avro lancaster FM 159, and it today proudly wears the identity of Ian Bazagette's Lancaster, F2-T.

A memorial was also unveiled at Nanton in 1990, by Ian Bazalgette's sister Mrs. Ethel Broderick.

Sitting to the right of Mrs. Broderick is Chuck Godfrey DFC. The wireless operator on that last mission.


Also in the crew on that fateful mission was Flying Officer Cameron, who had been in Flight-Sergeant 'Ron' Middleton's crew, when Middleton also won a posthumous Victoria Cross in November 1942.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Willoughby_Bazalgette

[Historian]

Originally Posted by rustler

This may be of interest to similarly minded members, finally the opportunity to see, and hear!, the worlds two airworthy Avro Lancaster bombers flying together in the English skies!

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum will be bringing their Lancaster, FM213, over and it will fly in formation with the Royal Air Force BBMF. aircraft, PA474 later this summer.

The Canadian Lanc arrived safely at RAF Coningsby this afternoon, although crap weather apparently put paid to plans for it to be met by the BBMF Lanc and the Red Arrows over Lincoln. Hopefully the weather over the next few weeks won't bugger up the display schedule...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-28703745

[rustler]

Unfortunately, computer problems have hampered my VC posting these last few days, so I will endeavour to catch up a bit now.... my apologies.


Today, 11th of August, is the 71st anniversary of the action that was to result in the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross to Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg DFC. No. 200 Squadron, RAF.





Part of the citation for the award in the London Gazette of 2nd of November 1943 reads:


'Air Ministry, 2nd November, 1943.

The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA CROSS on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery: —

Flying Officer Lloyd Allan TRIGG, D.F.C. (N.Z.413515), Royal New Zealand Air Force (missing, believed killed), No. 200 Squadron.
Flying Officer Trigg had rendered outstanding service on convoy escort and antisubmarine duties. He had completed 46 operational sorties and had invariably displayed skill and courage of a very high order. One day in August 1943, Flying Officer Trigg undertook, as captain and pilot, a patrol in a Liberator although he had not previously made any operational sorties in that type of aircraft. After searching for 8 hours a surfaced U-boat was sighted. Flying Officer Trigg immediately prepared to attack. During the approach, the aircraft received many hits from the submarine's anti-aircraft guns and burst into flames, which quickly enveloped the tail. The moment was critical. Flying Officer Trigg could have broken off the engagement and made a forced landing in the sea. But if he continued the attack, the aircraft would present a "no deflection" target to deadly accurate anti-aircraft fire, and every second spent in the air would increase the extent and intensity of the flames and diminish his chances of survival. There could have been no hesitation or doubt in his mind. He maintained his course in spite of the already precarious condition of his aircraft and executed a masterly attack. Skimming over the U-boat at less than 50 feet with anti-aircraft fire entering his opened bomb doors, Flying Officer Trigg dropped his bombs on and around the U-boat where they exploded with davastating [sic] effect. A short distance further on the Liberator dived into the sea with her gallant captain and crew. The U-boat sank within 20 minutes and some of her crew were picked up later in a rubber dinghy that had broken loose from the Liberator. The Battle of the Atlantic has yielded many fine stories of air attacks on underwater craft, but Flying Officer Trigg's exploit stands out as an epic of grim determination and high courage. His was the path of duty that leads to glory.'


Lloyd Trigg was 29 years old.



The story of this award is unique, as the only witness' to the attack were the eight German survivors of U-468, who included the submarines captain, Oberleutnant Klemens Schamong. When the dinghy was picked up by HMS. Clarkia the following day and the survivors taken prisoner of war, the German Captain asked to see the captain of the ship. He told him the story and mentioned that had the airman been German he would have received the highest honour. Thus as there were no Allied witness' to the action, the VC awarded to Flying Officer Trigg is unique in that it was awarded solely on the evidence of the enemy.


The VC was awarded to Lloyd Trigg's widow by the Governor-General of New Zealand, Sir Cyril Newall on 28th of May 1944.


The VC was sold at auction in May 1998, and was purchased by Lord Ashcroft for £120.000. It is today on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.


Lloyd Allan Trigg was born in Houhora, New Zealand, on 5th of May 1914



He and his gallant crew have no known grave. Their names are inscribed on the RAF Memorial at Malta, as are some 2289 Allied Airman who also have no known grave, but who fell in action in and around the Mediteranean and the African coast during WWII.





RAF Memorial Malta.


The inscription on base of the memorial reads:

“ OVER THESE AND NEIGHBOURING LANDS AND SEAS THE AIRMEN WHOSE NAMES ARE RECORDED HERE FELL IN RAID OR SORTIE AND HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVE MALTA GIBRALTAR MEDITERRANEAN ADRIATIC TUNISIA SICILY ITALY YUGOSLAVIA AUSTRIA PROPOSITI INSULA TENAX TENACES VIROS COMMEMORAT ”




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Allan_Trigg

[rustler]

Today, 11th of August, is the 74th anniversary of the start of a series of actions that were to result in the award of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant (acting Captain) Eric Wilson, East Surrey Regiment, Attached to the Somaliland Camel Corps, British Army.






Part of the citation for the award in the London Gazette of 14th of October 1940 reads:

'

The KING has been pleased to approve of the award of The Victoria Cross to :

Lieutenant (acting Captain) Eric Charles Twelves Wilson, The East Surrey Regiment (attached Somaliland Camel Corps).

For most conspicuous gallantry on active service in Somaliland. Captain Wilson was in command of machine-gun posts manned by Somali soldiers in the key position of Observation Hill, a defended post in the defensive organisation of the Tug Argan Gap in British Somaliland. The enemy attacked Observation Hill on August 11th, 1940. Captain Wilson and Somali gunners under his command beat off the attack and opened fire on the enemy troops attacking Mill Hill, another post within his range. He inflicted such heavy casualties that the enemy, determined to put his guns out of action, brought up a pack battery to within seven hundred yards, and scored two direct hits through the loopholes of his defences, which, bursting within the post, wounded Captain Wilson severely in the right shoulder and in the left eye, several of his team being also wounded. His guns were blown off their stands but he repaired and replaced them and, regardless of his wounds, carried on, whilst his Somali sergeant was killed beside him. On August 12th and 14th the enemy again concentrated field artillery fire on Captain Wilson's guns, but he continued, with his wounds untended, to man them. On August 15th two of his machine-gun posts were blown to pieces, yet Captain Wilson, now suffering from malaria in addition to wounds, still kept his own post in action. The enemy finally over-ran the post at 5 p.m. on the 15th August when Captain Wilson, fighting to the last, was killed.'*


Eric Wilson was 27 years old when he won the VC.



*He had in fact been taken prisoner of war by the Italians, but was thought to have been killed, so the VC was originally awarded posthumously. He was in fact to live another 68 years !
When Eritrea was finally over run, Wilson was freed and returned to active service.
Now a full Captain he received his VC. from HM. The King at an investiture at Buckingham Palace on 28th of July 1942.
Promoted Major he later served with the Long Range Desert Group. He finally left the army in 1949 as an Hon. Lt. Colonel.

In later life he served in the Overseas Service in Africa.


Eric Charles Twelves Wilson was born in Sandown, Isle of Wight, on 2nd of October 1912.

He was Commissioned as a Second-Lieutenant in the East Surrey Regiment in 1933. promoted to Lieutenant in 1936. He was attached to the Somaliland Camel Corps in 1939.


He died on 23rd of December 2008, aged 96.



Lt. Colonel Eric Wilson VC. is buried at St. Mary Magdalene Churchyard, Stowell, Somerset, England.


The VC group awarded to Lt. Colonel Eric Wilson VC. is today on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum, London.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Ch...Twelves_Wilson

[rustler]

Today, 12th of August, is the 71st anniversary of the action that was to result in the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross to Flight Sergeant Arthur Aaron, DFM. No.218 (Gold Coast) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.





Part of the citation for the award in the London Gazette of 5th of November 1943 reads:


'On the night of 12th August, 1943, Flight Sergeant Aaron was captain and pilot of a
Stirling aircraft detailed to attack Turin.

When approaching to attack, the bomber received devastating bursts of fire from an enemy fighter. Three engines were hit, the windscreen shattered, the front and rear turrets put out of action and the elevator control damaged, causing the aircraft to become unstable and difficult to control. The navigator was killed and other members of the crew were wounded.

A bullet struck Flight Sergeant Aaron in the face, breaking his jaw and tearing away part of his face. He was also wounded in the lung and his right arm was rendered useless. As he fell forward over the control column, the aircraft dived several thousand feet. Control was regained by the flight engineer at 3,000 feet. Unable to speak, Flight Sergeant Aaron urged the bomb aimer by signs to take over the controls. Course was then set southwards in an endeavour to fly the crippled bomber, with one engine out of action, to Sicily or North Africa.

Flight Sergeant Aaron was assisted to the rear of the aircraft and treated with morphia. After resting for some time he rallied and mindful of his responsibility as captain of aircraft, insisted on returning to the pilot cockpit, where he was lifted into his seat and had his feet placed on the rudder - bar. Twice he made determined attempts to take control and hold the aircraft to its course but his weakness was evident and with difficulty he was persuaded to desist. Though in great pain and suffering from exhaustion, he continued to help by writing directions with his left hand.

Five hours after leaving the target the petrol began to run low, but soon afterwards the flare path at Bone airfield was sighted. Flight Sergeant Aaron summoned his failing strength to direct the bomb aimer in the hazardous task of landing the damaged aircraft in the darkness with undercarriage retracted. Four attempts were made under his direction; at the fifth Flight Sergeant Aaron was so near to collapsing that he had to be restrained by the crew and the landing was completed by the bomb aimer.

Nine hours after landing, Flight Sergeant Aaron died from exhaustion. Had he been content, when grievously wounded, to lie still and conserve his failing strength, he would probably have recovered, but he saw it as his duty to exert himself to the utmost, if necessary with his last breath, to ensure that his aircraft and crew did not fall into enemy hands. In appalling conditions he showed the greatest qualities of courage, determination and leadership and, though wounded and dying, he set an example of devotion to duty which has seldom been equalled and never surpassed.'


Arthur Aaron was 21 years old when he won the Victoria Cross. This was his 20th 'op'.


Arthur Louis Aaron was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on 5th of May 1922.

Arthur Aaron VC. was one of just three Jewish VC's during WWII.


The headstone to F/Sgt. Arthur Aaron VC states that he died on 14th of August 1943, but this is incorrect, he died on the 13th of August 1943.

All VC's are special, IMHO., but this is one of those truly amazing feats of endurance, that went extra far and beyond......




Flight Sergeant Arthur Aaron VC. DFM. is buried at Bone Military Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria.


Bone Military Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria.


The VC. group awarded to Flight Sergeant Arthur Aaron VC. DFM. is today on display in the Leeds City Museum, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Louis_Aaron

[rustler]

Today, 12th of August, is the 74th anniversary of the action that was to result in the award of the Victoria Cross to Acting Flight-Lieutenant Roderick Learoyd, No.49 Squadron, Royal Air Force.






Part of the citation for the award in the London Gazette of 20th of August 1940 reads:




'Air Ministry, 20th August, 1940.

The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA CROSS on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery :-

Acting Flight Lieutenant Roderick Alastair Brook Learoyd 37860 :-

This officer, as first pilot of a Hampden aircraft, has repeatedly shown the highest conception of his duty and complete indifference to personal danger in making attacks at the lowest altitudes regardless of opposition.
On the night of 12th August, 1940, he was detailed to attack a special objective on the Dortmund Ems Canal. He had attacked this objective on a previous occasion and was well aware of the risks entailed. To achieve success it was necessary to approach from a direction well known to the enemy, through a lane of especially disposed anti-aircraft defences, and in the face of the most intense point-blank fire from guns of all calibres. The reception of the preceding aircraft might well have deterred the stoutest heart, all being hit and two lost. Flight Lieutenant Learoyd nevertheless made his attack at 150 feet, his aircraft being repeatedly hit and large pieces of the main plane torn away. He was almost blinded by the glare of many searchlights at close range, but pressed home this attack with the greatest resolution and skill. He subsequently brought his wrecked aircraft home and, as the landing flaps were inoperative and the undercarriage indicators out of action, waited for dawn in the vicinity of his aerodrome before landing, which he accomplished without causing injury to his crew or further damage to the aircraft. The high courage, skill and determination, which this officer has invariably displayed on many occasions in the face of the enemy sets an example which is unsurpassed.'



Roderick Learoyd was 27 years old when he won the VC.



Roderick Learoyd joined the RAF in March 1936. He was later promoted Acting Flight-Lieutenant. Subsequently he would rise to Wing-Commander.

The VC. was presented at an investiture at Buckingham Palace by HM. The King, on 9th of September 1940.
This Victoria Cross was awarded unusually quickley.


Roderick Alastair Brook Learoyd was born in Folkestone, Kent, on 5th of February 1913.


He died on 24th of January 1996 in Rustington, West Sussex, England.

Wing-Commander Roderick Learoyd VC. was cremated at Worthing Crematorium, West Sussex.


The VC. group awarded to Flight-Lieutenant R. Learoyd VC. is today on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum, London.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roderic..._Brook_Learoyd

[Ennath]

Incredible the proportion of VC's that went to bomber crews. What those guys went through.

[haroldeye]

If you go to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford there is the American Air Museum. As you walk to it the route is lined with glass panels with the names of the 30,000 plus young Americans who fought and died in Europe's skies. How many of those would have qualified for the VC?

[rustler]

Originally Posted by Ennath

Incredible the proportion of VC's that went to bomber crews. What those guys went through.

I have often wondered.....

My father, perhaps typical of an Army soldier, always resented ( I think really admired!) the fact that RAF crews had a nice dry, warm bed to go home to - that is if you got home of course!
He spent years sleeping out in the open (sleeping under the car wasn't allowed!).
Anyway, I have often wondered, what demons the RAF guys fought when they were home, safe and sound back at base. Did they sleep? What nightmares did they have....would it be their turn next time to get the 'chop'? How many of their friends who shared breakfast with them were not there now, what was their fate......? Killed, POW, Burned, On the run.....?

I am lucky, I have never been to war, but I think that possibly, just possibly, near contact with the enemy is perhaps preferable to a few hours of 'normality', peaceful tranquility, and then back to Hell...... those hours of peace, were certainly not restful.

They have, and will always have, my undying respect, regardless of who's uniform they wore.