This officer has had a long experience of operational duties by day and night. He took part in the attack on the German fleet off Heligoland on the 4th September 1939, and in a number of subsequent daylight attacks on Heligoland and Wilhelmshaven. Since January 1940 he has completed numerous sorties including attacks on the enemy's industrial centres and dockyard towns. He has displayed courage and keenness throughout and has performed excellent work in organizing his flight and training the crews.

As rear gunner Flight Sergeant Vince has participated in very many sorties. He has displayed great skill and coolness and, when necessary, has defended his aircraft with resolution. On one occasion during an operation against Sterkrade his aircraft was intercepted by a fighter. In the ensuing engagement Flight Sergeant Vince used his guns to good effect. Although his own aircraft sustained damage he shot down the attacker. Some time later, on the flight home, several more attacks from enemy fighters were experienced, but this rear gunner's vigilance and skilful combat manoeuvres enabled his captain to evade the enemy aircraft. Flight Sergeant Vince has displayed outstanding devotion to duty.

As air gunner Flight Lieutenant Wagner has taken part in operations against some of the enemy's most heavily defended targets, and has been responsible for the destruction of at least two enemy night fighters. One night in March 1943, during an attack on Hamburg, the aircraft in which he was flying as front gunner was attacked by a Messerschmitt 110. Although the enemy attacked at great speed, Flight Lieutenant Wagner skilfully manipulated his turret and guns, shooting down the enemy in flames. Later, during the same operation, his aircraft was subjected to another enemy attack and this officer shared in the destruction of the second hostile fighter. With his rear gunner, on yet another occasion whilst attacking Achien [or "Aachen" ?], Flight Lieutenant Wagner shot down a single engined enemy fighter and later, by skilful directions, enabled his captain to frustrate an attack by a Focke Wulfe 190. Throughout his operational tour this squadron gunnery leader has set a splendid example of courage, determination and coolness in action.

This officer has completed 29 operational sorties, many of which have been over the most heavily defended targets of Germany including Cologne (2), Duisburg (2), Gelsenkirchen (2), Nuremburg and Munich. Throughout his tour of operations, Pilot Officer Weston has always shown great keenness and a desire to do a good job. On returning from an operational sorties in which Pilot Officer Weston was the Mid-Upper Gunner, the aircraft crashed, killed four of his crew members. Throughout this ordeal he showed fine qualities of leadership and courage. I consider the devotion to duty and the fine example shown by this officer fully merits the Non-Immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

As air bomber Flying Officer Whitney has participated in a large number of sorties. He has invariably displayed a high degree of skill and resolution and has contributed in good measure to the successes obtained. In August 1944 he took part in a daylight bombing attack on St.Leu Desserent. At the commencement of the bombing run the aircraft was subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences. Some fragments of shell burst through the window of Flying Officer Whitney's compartment, narrowly missing his head. In spite of considerable discomfort caused by the slipstream, Flying Officer Whitney coolly directed the bombing run and attacked the target with precision. Two nights later in an attack on enemy troop concentrations in the Caen area this resolute air bomber worked strenuously in trying conditions for thirty-five minutes to drop his bombs manually after the bomb release mechanism failed to function. His determination was typical of that which he has shown throughout his tour.

Pilot Officer Wilkins has completed numerous sorties in his first tour of operations and has invariably set a high standard of efficiency. In November 1944, during a night attack against Oberhausen, the aircraft in which Pilot Officer Wilkins was mid-upper gunner was attacked by a Focke Wulf 190 and badly damaged. The two inboard engines and the hydraulic system were put out of action and a fire started in the fuselage. Pilot Officer Wilkins was blown out of his turret by the explosion and when he recovered, noting that the fires were being attended to by other members of the crew, he returned to his turret, keeping a vigilant watch until the danger zone was passed. At all times Pilot Officer Wilkins has displayed courage, skill and great devotion to duty.

Flying Officer Williams has completed a highly successful tour of operational duty involving numerous sorties over enemy territory. As a captain of aircraft his skill and leadership have resulted in a high standard of crew co-operation, which has assisted materially in extricating his aircraft from several dangerous situations. In July 1944, when attacking Wesseling, his aircraft was illuminated by searchlights and attacked by an enemy fighter but Flying Officer Williams succeeded in evading damage. Again in August 1944, his aircraft was attacked five times over Russelheim but again escaped without exchange of fire. This officer has proved himself a skilful pilot, a courageous leader and a fearless captain.

This officer has a fine record of achievement as a navigator. He has guided his captain with accuracy to and from many of the major targets in enemy territory. The extreme precision with which he has performed his duties made the safety of his aircraft assured and there is little doubt that his quiet skill and determination have contributed largely to the great success attained by his crew.

This officer has completed a successful tour of operational duty during which he has displayed skill, courage and determination of a high order. During his first operational flight his aircraft was detailed for a mine-laying mission in Kiel Bay. Before reaching the target one engine caught fire. On the return flight another engine caught fire and the aircraft rapidly lost height and was forced down on to the sea. It was entirely due to Flying Officer Winch's promptitude and skill in sending out messages before the aircraft was forced down that the crew were rescued within one and a half hours. Despite this trying experience he has continued to show undiminished enthusiasm for operational flying and unfailing devotion to duty at all times.

This officer has participated in many attacks on the enemy's industrial targets and dockyard installations. Throughout his tour of operations he has set a high standard of skill and efficiency. He has participated in every one of the recent raids on Essen and Cologne. His exploits also include a low flying attack on Villiers and successful attacks against Lubeck and Rostock. Air Ministry Bulletin 7751 has a version differing in significant detail: Since January 1942 this officer has participated in many attacks on the enemy's industrial targets and dockyard installations. Throughout these operations he has set a high standard of skill and efficiency. He has participated in every one of the recent raids on Essen and Cologne; his exploits also include a low flying attack on Gennevilliers, a mine-laying operation and successful attacks against Lubeck and Rostock. Public Record Office Air 2/9595 has the original recommendation drafted by Wing Commander John Fulton, when Wolfe had flown 26 sorties (124 operational hours) as follows: This officer has set a high standard throughout his tour of operations and has led his flight on all important missions on which the squadron has been engaged. He has taken part in every one of the recent raids on Essen and Cologne, and his exploits include a low flying attack in the last and successful raid on Gennvilliers, mine laying in the entrance to Kiel harbour, and successful attacks in the raids on Lubeck and Rostock.

This navigator successfully completed thirty-five operational sorties, of which twenty-seven were against major targets. Flying Officer Young's air work has been exceptional. Track keeping and timing were always good. I believe that largely through his tireless efforts his crew were able to complete their tour and carry out each operation with a maximum of efficiency. His keenness and general fine attitude were at all times an inspiration, not only to his crew, but to all who came in contact with him. In consideration of Flying Officer Young's splendid example of a good job well done, his devotion to duty and his outstanding courage on operations, I strongly recommend the award of a Non-Immediate D.F.C.