One night in April 1942, Flight Sergeant Alexander was observer of an aircraft detailed to attack Kiel. The attack was completely successful but on the return flight the aircraft was engaged by an enemy fighter. Damage was caused to the port airscrew and the hydraulic system, and the rear turret was so severely damaged that the gunner was unable to open its doors. Flight Sergeant Alexander, although slightly wounded in the arm, forced the turret doors with an axe and helped the rear gunner out. Although nearly all the instruments were unserviceable, Flight Sergeant Alexander's skilful navigation was mainly responsible for the safe return of the aircraft and crew. The courage and high sense of duty displayed by this airman has been an inspiration to the other members of the crew.

As mid-upper gunner this airman has participated in a large number of sorties, including attacks on such targets as Dortmund, Brunswick, Bolmen and Kiel. He has at all times displayed the greatest determination and devotion to duty. On many occasions his aircraft has been attacked by enemy fighters. His timely combat manoeuvres and good shooting on these occasions have played a good part in the safe return of the aircraft.

This airman was flight engineer of an aircraft detailed to attack Munchen-Gladbach one night in August 1943. Soon after leaving the target the bomber was hit by fire from an enemy fighter. Some batteries were set alight, the flames sweeping back along the fuselage. Displaying great promptitude, Sergeant Ashton sprayed the flames around the batteries with an extinguisher until they subsided. Having secured another extinguisher he went to mid position and raised the bomb bay inspection panels to investigate further. Flames immediately blazed up into his face. With his gloved hands he held and rotated the extinguisher in an opening in the floor so that the wind in the slip stream sprayed the fluid around the bomb bay and thus the flames were put out. By his promptitude and resource this gallant airman contributed materially to safe return of aircraft. NOTE: The original recommendation, dated 21 May 1943 when he had flown eight sorties (62 hours 54 minutes), was found in Public Record Office Air 2/5002 and reproduced by Ian Tavender in his book The Distinguished Flying Medal Register of the Second World War (London, Savannah Press, 2000) which is an important work on this award at this period. On the night of 30th/31st August 1943, Sergeant Ashton was detailed to attack Munchen Gladbach as engineer of a Halifax aircraft. Shortly after leaving the target, the aircraft in which he was flying was attacked by a night fighter and the length of the fuselage raked by cannon and machine gun fire. Almost immediately, the rear and mid-upper gunners reported flames sweeping back along the fuselage. Sergeant Ashton then noticed that the batteries had caught fire and saw smoke and sparks rising in the rest position. Without hesitation, he lifted a fire extinguisher and played it on the flames surrounding the batteries. Eventually the flames began to subside and Sergeant Ashton left this fire extinguisher at this position and obtained another. He then proceeded to the mid-position where he lifted the bomb-bay door inspection panels. On doing so, the flames blew up in his face. Disregarding personal danger, with his gloved hands he held and rotated the fire extinguisher in the opening in the floor so the fluid, with the assistance of the slip stream, was thrown about the bomb bays and eventually extinguished the fire. This action took place at an altitude of 18,000 feet and Sergeant Ashton was without the use of oxygen for the entire period. His courage, devotion to duty and disregard of personal danger were undoubtedly responsible for the safe return of the aircraft. In view of the above, I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

This airman is an observer of exceptional merit. Throughout his operational tour he has displayed both efficiency and coolness which has been of the greatest assistance to his captain. One night in June 1942, during an attack against Essen, his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. It was also attacked by an enemy fighter. The underside of the fuselage from the front turret to the observer's table caught fire but in spite of the imminent danger to the whole crew and the possibility that he would fall through the badly burned bottom of the fuselage, Flight Sergeant Brichta immediately attempted to extinguish the flames. His subsequent accurate navigation played a large part in the eventual safe return of his aircraft to this country. Flight Sergeant Brichta's courage and coolness in the face of danger has at all times been of a high order. He has taken part in attacks on the enemy's industrial targets and dockyard installations. Flight Sergeant Brichta has now completed his tour of operations with this squadron. On every operation he has displayed an efficiency as Observer which is above average and at all times his coolness under trying circumstances has been highly instrumental in the return of his aircraft. Of particular mention is Flight Sergeant Brichta's effort of the night of 16/17 June 1942, when attacking Essen. The aircraft was hit three times over enemy territory. When twenty miles east-northeast of Antwerp a particularly heavy piece hit the aircraft which was at the same time attacked by an enemy fighter. The underside of the fuselage, from the front turret to the observer's table, was on fire but in spite of the imminent danger to the whole crew, and the possibility that he would fall through the badly burned bottom of the fuselage, Flight Sergeant Brichta immediately tackled the task of stamping out the flames, completely disregarding his personal safety. Flight Sergeant Brichta's accurate navigation played a large part in this particular instance, in assisting to bring the severely damaged machine safely back to England. Flight Sergeant Brichta's courage and coolness in the face of danger has at all times been of the very highest order and it is considered that his efforts over the whole of his tour merit recognition.

As rear and mid-upper gunners respectively these airman have participated in very many sorties and have displayed notable determination and devotion to duty throughout. On several occasions they have driven off enemy aircraft and, in so doing, have displayed great coolness and co-operation. One night in June 1944, when returning from an operation against Acheres, they shot down a Junkers 88.

One night in June 1942, Flight Sergeants Swanson and Crosby were captain and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, bombs were released. On the return journey the aircraft was hit on several occasions by shell fire from the ground defences. On nearing Antwerp it was attacked by an enemy fighter, the fire from which set the underside of the fuselage on fire. Flight Sergeant Crosby rendered valuable assistance in extinguishing the fire, then attended to the second pilot who had been seriously wounded. Meanwhile the aircraft had lost height from 15,000 to 200 feet. The bomb doors had dropped open and the landing wheels were in the down position. With great resolution Flight Sergeant Swanson continued on his course and succeeded in flying the damaged aircraft back to its base. His skill and devotion to duty were largely responsible for the safe return journey, while the conduct and coolness of Flight Sergeant Crosby in harassing circumstances were highly commendable

This airman has participated in attacks against some of the enemy's most heavily defended targets. In November 1944, during an attack against Oberhausen his aircraft was damaged by cannon fire. The navigator's compartment was set on fire and the navigator and wireless operator severely wounded. Sergeant Dennis courageously extinguished this fire with his hands and feet and administered first aid to his wounded comrades. Then, with only two engines of the aircraft functioning, he assisted his pilot to fly it back to base. On landing, the undercarriage collapsed and another engine burst into flames. Sergeant Dennis extinguished the flames and then assisted with the wounded. At all times this airman has shown outstanding courage and gallantry in the face of heavy opposition.

Flight Sergeant Foster has completed many excellent operations while with this squadron and has shown remarkable keenness and enthusiasm to attack the enemy. His determination to press home his attack to the greatest advantage is well exemplified by the fifteen photographs which he has had plotted within 1/2 miles of the aiming point. I consider Flight Sergeant Foster's resolution and undoubted courage merit the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

Sergeant Fraser, as air gunner, has participated in many attacks against vital and heavily defended enemy targets. In February 1944 he was rear gunner in an aircraft which was attacked by an enemy fighter. His accurate return fire and skilful directions largely contributed to the successful conclusion of the engagement although as a result of the combat his rear turret and guns had been rendered useless. Sergeant Fraser remained at his post after leaving the target. His aircraft was again attacked by an enemy fighter but once more through his skilful directions his captain was able to evade the attacker. At all times this airman has set a fine example of courage, skill and devotion to duty.

Despite some harassing incidents early in his flying career, this airman has continued to take part in operations in a most determined manner. On one occasion his aircraft suffered serious damage from anti-aircraft fire. Whilst engaged in mine laying, one engine was put out of action and the bomb doors could not be closed owing to damage to the hydraulic system. Despite these difficulties Flight Sergeant Gray was able to regain an altitude of fifteen thousand feet and hopes of reaching base revived when a little. Later, however, a second engine failed and the aircraft was forced down onto the sea. On this flight he displayed

This airman has participated in many attacks against heavily defended enemy targets including Duisburg, Cologne, Essen, Dortmund, and Stuttgart. In January 1945, during an attack against Hanover, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. He precise instructions to his pilot enabled him to take successful evasive action. Flight Sergeant Hamilton has at all times proved to be a capable and courageous air gunner.

This airman has taken part in numerous sorties and has proved himself to be a most reliable crew member. One night in November 1944, he was rear gunner in an aircraft which was attacked by two fighters. During the engagement, Flight Sergeant Lanctot defended his aircraft well but was wounded in the head and arm. In spite of this he remained in his turret and did not inform anyone of his injuries until the enemy aircraft had been driven off. His determination and devotion to duty were typical of that which he has shown on all occasions.

Sergeant Ledford was the navigator of an aircraft which took off from Topcliffe at 2030 hours on 28th August 1942 to bomb Saarbrucken. The aircraft was hit by flak and the crew were forced to bale out. Sergeant Ledford landed safely and showed determination and courage in evading capture and eventually arrived back in this country. He is strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

This airman has completed numerous bombing and mining sorties against the enemy. In February 1943 the aircraft in which he was flying was forced to alight on the sea owing to damage caused by enemy action. In this hazardous situation his skill and coolness played a major part in the subsequent rescue of the entire crew. Throughout his operational career Sergeant Low's technical ability, determination and fine fighting spirit have been most praiseworthy. LOW, F/L Gordon Hansen, DFM (J18453) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.431 Squadron - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 July 1945 and AFRO 1507/45 dated 28 September 1945. DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 18 March 1945 when he had flown 20 sorties (131 hours 30 minutes), 7 May 1944 to 21 February 1945. NOTE: recommendation gives Christian names as Arthur Alfred!

Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal, Flight Lieutenant Low has continued to display great skill and courage in the face of the enemy. As signals leader in his squadron his high qualities of leadership and devotion to duty have been an inspiring example to all.