MERCIER PRESS Cork
www.mercierpress.ie Š John C. Hewitt, 2015 ISBN: 978 1 78117 388 6
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 A CIP record for this title is available from the British Library This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the publisher in writing.
Printed and bound in the EU.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
9
Foreword
11
Introduction
13
Terms, Code names and abbreviations
15
Squadron Leader Dudley Farquhar Allen, GM, BEM, DFC
19
Right Reverend Monsignor Group Captain Henry Beauchamp,CBE, MC, VG
21
Corporal William John Thomas Behan HMS Illustrious
23
Squadron Leader Noel Henry Corry, DFC, AE
24
Flight Lieutenant Arthur Patrick ‘Paddy’ Dowse, DFC and Flight Sergeant Herbert Richard ‘Dick’ Dowse
45
Squadron Leader Samuel Eric Esler, DFC, AE
47
Wing Commander Brendan ‘Paddy’ Eamon Fergus Finucane, DSO, DFC and two Bars
86
Aircraftman Second Class Gerald Flynn
165
Sergeant Henry Victor ‘Harry’ Hawkins
167
!"#$%&'()*+,-'(.,%'/,-0-1'23--$&0%'
456
Air Commodore Patrick ‘Pat’ Ascension Kennedy, DSO, DFC, AFC
194
Squadron Leader Charles John French Kydd, DSO, DFC
196
Flight Lieutenant William ‘Bill’ John Quirke Magrath, MM
198
70--0%8'()*+,-'90:,;'<9$:='>088?,.;'
@A5
Flight Sergeant Francis Breckenridge McConnell
227
Sergeant Robert ‘Bob’ McHugh and family
232
Flight Lieutenant Charles Kinross ‘Mac’ McPherson, DFC, AE
246
Squadron Leader William Storey Moore
255
Flight Lieutenant Robert William ‘Paddy’ Nesbitt
256
5
7$%&'B3::0%1,-'C?3:0;'<C3:='B3"D$"",'E$%F,-83%G'H!BG'IJ+G'>K>,+?LG'>KLLG'>KLLL'
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271
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6
This book is dedicated to the memory of my two dearest friends, Wing Commander Kenneth William Mackenzie, DFC, AFC, AE and Squadron Leader Noel Henry Corry, DFC, AE, who have arrived at the big hangar in the sky. I also dedicate this book to all the Royal Air Force men and women, air crews and ground crews from Ireland who were killed during World War II, who stood against the threat of Adolf 2$8",-'0%1'?$;',D$"'-,&$:,G'0%1'.?3';0+-$*+,1';3':O+?'83'S-38,+8'8?,')-,,13:'3)'3O-'&-,08' country between September 1939 and August 1945.
‘WE SHALL REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE. WILL THOSE WHO FOLLOW REALISE HOW GREAT WAS THE COST?’
7
REQUIEM FOR A REAR GUNNER My brief sweet life is over My eyes no longer see No summer walks, no Christmas trees No pretty girls for me I’ve got the chop, I’ve had it. My nightly ops are done, Yet in another hundred years I’ll only be twenty-one.
C?$;'S3,:'.0;')3O%1'$%'8?,'U,1'3)'0'6MA'JVO01-3%'Lancaster rear gunner who did not return from operations.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
During the thirty-eight years I have spent researching and writing my books, it has been my great honour and privilege to talkto, and make friends with, the heroes and aces whose lives are recorded here. They don’t call themselves heroes or aces, but I and thousands of others consider them so. Sadly, many of my friends have now landed in the great hangar in the sky and I miss every one of them. Without their untiring help, and their memories and testimonies about the war years, this and the other volumes in the series would not havebeen possible. I must again thank my devoted wife Pat, for her help, understanding, patience, and encouragement when it was most needed, and who has suffered my isolation during the thirty-six years it took to produce Ireland’s Aviator Heroes, Vols 1 2, 3 and 4. She never once complained. I want to acknowledge my sincere thanks to all the staff of Mercier Press, who prepared and compiled this manuscript, and who have helped directly or indirectly: Wendy Logue, Dominic Perrem, Deirdre Roberts, Emily Aherne and Trish Myers Smith, who painstakingly edited my book. I am extremely grateful to all of them. I want to thank my daughter Jennifer, son Johnathan, his wife Suzanne, my granddaughters Sophie, Eve and Katie, and sisters Katie and Carol for their support and encouragement over many years. Special mention must also be given to Wing Commander Finucane’s nephew, Brendan Finucane QC; Air Vice Marshal John Ponsonby OBE FRAeS, RAF, Retd; Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork, MBE BA FRAeS, RAF, Retd; Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown CBE, DSC, AFC; Turtle Bunbury; Wing Commander Kenneth William Mackenzie DFC AFC AE; Squadron Leader Noel Henry Corry DFC AE; John Magee U.S. Fighter Pilot; British Airways; Charles Scott; Maurice Byrne; Bill Chorley; Barry Weekly; Gerrit Kamphus and his daughter Silvie; Bomber Command Association; Fighter Command Association; the National Archives, Kew; Air Historical I-0%+?W'Q3#0"'H$-'!3-+,'B-0%.,""W'C?,'Q3#0"'H$-'!3-+,'>O;,O:W'!",,8'H$-'H-:'>O;,O:W'EOU"$+'Q,+3-1;'()*+,'R3-8?,-%'K-,"0%1W'K0%' Henderson; Somme Museum; Belfast News Letter; Belfast Telegraph; The Irish News; The Irish Times, Daily Sketch; Daily Telegraph; Chris Beith and his mother; Vincent Barr; Russell Margerson; Jim Mathews; John Sweetman; Irene Vesterby; William Patton; Jack Woods; Ole Ronnest; Ray Burrows; Mrs Coward; Alan and Ann Hailles; George Thompson; Commander Nigel Bruen MBE, DSC; Commander John Courlander; Dr Alan Chin; and Noel Jenkins. I readily acknowledge permission to reproduce photographs and to quote from records under Crown copyright. I also wish to acknowledge the Imperial War Museum and RAF Hendon for allowing me to reproduce photographs and documents, which are held at those locations.
9
FOREWORD
K'.0;',X8-,:,"#'?3%3O-,1'83'?0D,'U,,%'0;F,1'U#'8?,'0O8?3-'3)'8?$;':0&%$*+,%8'U33F'83'.-$8,'8?,')3-,.3-1Y'>0%'0%1':0+?$%,'0-,'8?,' essence of Ireland’s aviation heritage. Aviation strides would not have been possible without the men and women who designed, built and tested the aircraft described in this publication, and those who took then took to the air for training or for operations. I was extremely fortunate tho have had the experience of commanding Royal Air Force H"1,-&-3D,')-3:'@AAA'83'@AAA@Y'E0-8'3)'8?08' ,XS,-$,%+,'$%+"O1,1'S0-8$+$S08$%&'$%':0%#'+,-,:3%$,;'8?08'?3%3O-,1'8?,';0+-$*+,;':01,'U#'8?3;,'.?3';OSS3-8,1'0%1'S0-8$+$S08,1'$%'0$-' 3S,-08$3%;')-3:'8?,':0%#'0$-*,"1;'$%'R3-8?,-%'K-,"0%1'3D,-':0%#'1,+01,;Y'C?08'?,-$80&,'.0;'U-3O&?8'83'"$),'$%'8?,'*-;8'U33F'SOU"$;?,1' by the author a few years ago. This second publication sustains the honour of those men and women of Ireland, many of whom gave up their lives. It is a book that completes the story and brings to life many anecdotes that would otherwise have been lost to time. I salute the author for his dedication and I salute all those who made Ireland’s aviation heritage a reality. Air Vice-Marshal John Ponsonby, OBE, FRAeS, Retd Commanding Officer, RAF Aldergrove and Senior RAF Officer Northern Ireland, 2000–02
11
INTRODUCTION
This book is the result of thirty-eight years’ research into the lives of Irishmen who served in the Royal Air Force during the dark days of 73-"1'70-'KKY'C?,$-';83-$,;'?0D,'%,D,-'U,,%'83"1'U,)3-,'0%1'8?,#';?3.G'$%'?O:0%'8,-:;G'8?,'1,1$+08$3%G'+3O-0&,'0%1';,")Z;0+-$*+,'8?,;,':,%' ,X?$U$8,1'.?,%'*&?8$%&')3-'8?,$-'+3O%8-#Y'>0%#'3)'8?,;,'#3O%&'0D$083-;'.,-,'%38'3"1',%3O&?'83'?3"1'0'1-$D,-=;'"$+,%+,G'UO8'8?,#'.,-,'3"1' ,%3O&?'83'[#'0'JS$8*-,'3-'2O--$+0%,'*&?8,-'3-'0'Lancaster or Whitley bomber. I feel that we owe it to each and every one of them, many 3)'.?3:'"3;8'8?,$-'"$D,;G'%,D,-'83')3-&,8'8?,:'3-'8?,$-';0+-$*+,Y'K';$%+,-,"#'?3S,'8?08'8?,'?$;83-$+0"'+3%8,%8'3)':#'U33F;'.$""'U,'0'-,+3-1')3-' the men who fought so courageously for our country, and a record for their children, grandchildren, and the wider public in years to come. History needs to be remembered – it is essential to remember. As you progress through the book you will see that some of the chapters are much shorter than others. This is simply because the men detailed were either killed early in the war or there was little information available about the men. They are still worth recording, ?3.,D,-G'0;'8?,$-';0+-$*+,'.0;'%3'",;;'&-,08Y My decision to write this and the other volumes of Irish Aviator Heroes was due to my long-held interest in aviation and particularly in the RAF. I was born in Portadown, County Armagh, on 21 August 1945, six days after the surrender of Japan. Ever since I was a small U3#'K'?0D,'?01'0'&-,08'$%8,-,;8'$%'0D$08$3%Y'>#',0-"$,;8':,:3-#'$;')-3:'.?,%'K'.0;'*D,'#,0-;'3"1G'"33F$%&'OS'0%1'.08+?$%&'8?,'P0F380;' )-3:'D0-$3O;'0$-"$%,;'[#$%&'$%'83'Nutt’s Corner. Five years later I would travel by bus to Sydenham airport in Belfast, where I would sit )3-'?3O-;'.08+?$%&'8?,'U-0%1'%,.'Q3#0"'H$-'!3-+,'0%1'B0%01$0%'E0+$*+'H$-.0#;'I-$;83"'I-$80%%$0;'U,$%&'-3"",1'3O8'3)'8?,'J?3-8;'!$%0"' Assembly Hangar. After school I would cycle up to Nutt’s Corner or as the Americans used to call it (“Luney Bend”) and sit for hours watching the aircraft take-off and land. In 1958 I joined the Air Training Corps, No. 1136 Squadron (Central Belfast), which at that time was based at the Waverly Hotel. K'S0;;,1':#'I0;$+'E-3*+$,%+#'E0-8'<P=',X0:$%08$3%;'\H$-+-0)8'L%&$%,,-$%&]'0%1'3%'5'R3D,:U,-'4^MA'3U80$%,1':#'/"$1,-;'N$+,%+,'08' RAF Bishops Court. I also applied that year to join the Royal Air Force as a Boy Entrant and was offered the position of Radar Engineer. However, at this particular time my mother was very ill and, because of this, I decided not to enlist. Instead I served my engineering apprenticeship at Robert Craig & Sons and in 1969 became an Aircraft Engineer for British Airways, spending thirty-three very happy years with the company. I have also been an enthusiastic member of the _";8,-'HD$08$3%'J3+$,8#')3-'8.,%8#Z*D,'#,0-;G'0%1'S"0#,1'0' prominent part in setting up their Aviation Museum at the wartime American Air Force base at Langford Lodge. I also helped with the recovery and restoration of a World War II Grumman Wildcat aircraft, which crashed in Portmore Lough on 24 December 1944. I am a member of the Aircrew Association and the Royal Air Forces Association, two positions that I am very proud off, and a member of the 364th (USA) Fighter Group Association. In 1995 I was invited to come to the Langley Air Force Base in America as a VIP by the Supreme Commander of the United States Air Force, General John Michael Loh, where I was presented with a specially framed H:,-$+0%'[0&'.?$+?'?01'[3.%'3D,-'8?,'7?$8,'23O;,'8?08'B?-$;8:0;Y My love for aviation has endured all my life and so it has given me great satisfaction, and I feel very honoured, to have been able to record the stories in this book, which were so kindly provided by the many people I was able to interview. It should be noted that memory over the years can play tricks and no apology can be forthcoming for any slight errors that may exist in my books. But the importance of documenting the lives and exploits of these men while they were still with us, far outweighs the disadvantages of slightly inaccurate memories.
13
TERMS, CODE NAMES AND ABBREVIATIONS
AA: Anti-aircraft. (Ack-Ack). Adler Tag: <L0&",'P0#=G'4T'HO&O;8'4^6A AE: H$-' L)*+$,%+#' H.0-1G' 0.0-1,1' )3-' 8,%' #,0-;=' ,)*+$,%8' ;,-D$+,' $%' 8?,' Q,;,-D,'H$-' !3-+,;' 3)' 8?,' United Kingdom, Commonwealth and Empire. Service with the Royal Air Force during World War II between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 was counted as treble time. AFC: Air Force Cross, which was awarded to members of the Royal Air Force for ‘an act of valour, +3O-0&,' 3-' 1,D38$3%' 83' 1O8#' .?$";8' [#$%&G' 8?3O&?' not in active operations against the enemy’. AFS: H1D0%+,1'[#$%&';+?33"' AFU: H1D0%+,1'[#$%&'O%$8 AG: Air Gunner Amatol: High explosive aircraft bomb made from a mixture of TNT and ammonium nitrate AOC: H$-'3)*+,-'+3::0%1$%&' ARB: Air Registration Board A/S: Anti-submarine ASDIC The primary underwater detection device used by Allied naval convoy escorts throughout the war. ASV: Air-to-surface vessel ATC: H$-'C-0)*+'B3%8-3" AVM: Air vice marshal Balbo: A large formation; RAF slang using the name of 8?,'K80"$0%'/,%,-0"'.?3'",1':0%#')3-:08$3%'[$&?8;' of Italian Air Force on long-distance voyages, e.g. transatlantic. BEA: British European Airways BEF: British Expeditionary Force BEM: Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, issued to military and civil personnel who have rendered meritorious service in the performance of their duties. BF: Designation for Messerschmitt aircraft BOAC: British Overseas Airways Corporation BSAA: British South American Airways C-in-C. Commander-in-Chief CAA: Civil Aviation Authority Capt: Captain CBE: Commander of the Order of the British Empire
CBF:
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, awarded to an individual who used his or her talents and resources to improve the church. CFI: B?$,)'[#$%&'$%;8-O+83Chastise: Codename for the attack on German dams Circuits and Bumps: Flights around the aerodrome and landings Circus: Fighter-escorted daylight bombing attacks against short-range or fringe targets in order to bring /,-:0%' *&?8,-;' 83' U088",' 0%1' 8?O;' :0$%80$%' 0' ;8-3%&' ,%,:#' *&?8,-' )3-+,' 3%' 8?,' S0-8$+O"0-' )-3%8' concerned. CMG: The Order of St Michael and St George, awarded to honour people who have done important things for the Commonwealth and Foreign Nations. CO: B3::0%1$%&'3)*+,CofA: B,-8$*+08,'3)'0$-.3-8?$%,;; CTP: Chief test pilot Detachment: A part of a unit, detached from its parent unit to another base of operations in another area and/or of a different type. D/F: P$-,+8$3%'*%1$%& DFC: Distinguished Flying Cross, a decoration for gallantry in action against the enemy; awarded to 3)*+,-;';,-D$%&'.$8?'8?,'Q3#0"'H$-'!3-+,Y' DFM: Distinguished Flying Medal, a decoration awarded for gallantry in action against the enemy awarded 83' %3%Z+3::$;;$3%,1' 3)*+,-;' 0%1' 38?,-' -0%F;' serving with the Royal Air Force. Down moon To head down moon was to head towards the moon. DSO: Distinguished Service Order, a decoration for gallantry applicable to all armed services and senior to the gallantry awards applicable to only one service. Established for rewarding individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service $%' .0-G' 8?$;' $;' 0' :$"$80-#' 3-1,-' )3-' 3)*+,-;' 3%"#G' 0%1'%3-:0""#'&$D,%')3-';,-D$+,'O%1,-'*-,'3-'O%1,-' conditions equivalent to service in actual combat with the enemy. EFTS: L",:,%80-#'[#$%&'8-0$%$%&';+?33"' ETPS: Empire Test Pilots’ School
15
FB:
Fighter-Bomber, designation given to denote the role of an aircraft type Feathering: 7?,%'8?,'-38083-';83S;'$%'[$&?8Y Flight: A sub-division of a squadron. Normally a squadron .3O"1'?0D,'8?-,,'[$&?8;'`'HG'I'0%1'B'`'+3%;$;8$%&' of three aeroplanes each and respective crews. During the expansion in the thirties with squadron establishments increased, squadrons were -,3-&0%$;,1'3%'0'8.3Z[$&?8'U0;$;'.$8?';$X'0$-+-0)8'$%' each. This underwent some variation during World War II to suit operational needs. Flt/Lt: Flight lieutenant F/Off:' !"#$%&'3)*+,Freya: German early warning radar FTS: Flying training school GCA: Ground control approach George: Auto-pilot GM: George Medal, a decoration awarded to both men and women for acts of great bravery. Intended mainly for civilian personnel, the medal was available to be awarded to military personnel, but only when and if the act of gallantry fell outside the scope of any military award. It ranks next to the Victoria Cross. GR: General reconnaissance Gruppe: 27 aircraft made up from 3 Staffel. HCU: Halifax conversion unit HQ: Headquarters H2s: Ground mapping radar to see target at night through cloud cover. Inst: Royal Belfast Academical Institution ITW: Initial training wing Jim Crow: Operational patrol of the home coastline to intercept any hostile aircraft crossing the coast. K%;8$8O8,1'$%'4^6AG'8?,;,'S08-3";'?01'8?,'011$8$3%0"' role of spotting any invasion forces. LAC: Leading aircraftman LDV: Local Defence Volunteers LF: N3.Z0"8$8O1,' *&?8,-G' 1,;$&%08$3%' &$D,%' 83' 1,%38,' type of aircraft LFS: N0%+0;8,-'*%$;?$%&';+?33" LG: Landing ground Luftwaffe: German Air Force MBE: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire MC: Military Cross, awarded for ‘an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land to all members, of any rank in the Armed Forces’.
16
Mk:
>0-FG' 0' 8,-:' O;,1' 83' 1,*%,' 8?,' D,-;$3%' 3)' 8?,' aircraft type MM: Military Medal MOD: Ministry of Defence NAAFI: Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes NCO: R3%Z+3::$;;$3%,1'3)*+,NF: Night Fighter, designation given to denote the role of an aircraft Nickel: C?,' +31,' %0:,' 0SS"$,1' 83' S-3S0&0%10' ",0[,8;' dropped by air NJG: Nachtjagdgeschwader (German Luftwaffe Night Fighter Wing) Noball: The code name given to launching sites for German V-weapons (V-1 and V-2) – also included storage and manufacturing centres. OBE:' '()*+,-'3)'8?,'(-1,-'3)'8?,'I-$8$;?'L:S$-, OC:' ()*+,-'+3::0%1$%& On the deck:'QH!'8,-:$%3"3&#')3-'D,-#'"3.'[#$%& Op(s): Military operation(s) ORB: (S,-08$3%0"' -,+3-1' U33FG' 8?,' 3)*+$0"' 3S,-08$3%0"' diary of the unit OTU: Operational training unit Overlord: Codename for Allied landings in Normandy PAC: Parachute and cables (P)AFU: (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit Pancake landing: A landing made by levelling out a few feet from the ground and then dropping onto it. P/Off: E$"38'3)*+,POAF: Polish Air Force P&TF:' E-0+8$+,'0%1'8,;8'[$&?8;' PNB: Pilot, navigator, bomb aimer POW: Prisoner of war RAAF: Royal Australian Air Force RAE: Royal Aircraft Establishment RAF: Royal Air Force RAFVR: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Ramrod: Code name for operations similar in content to a Circus but with the destruction of the target as the primary aim Ranger: The code name for operations, usually of squadron, wing or group strength, over enemy territory with 8?,'S-$:0-#'0$:'3)'.,0-$%&'3O8'8?,',%,:#'*&?8,-' force. RCAF: Royal Canadian Air Force Readiness: B08,&3-$;08$3%'3)';808,;'3)'S-,S0-,1%,;;'3)'*&?8,-' O%$8;Y' J,+8$3%;G' [$&?8;G' ;VO01-3%;G' .$%&;' ,8+YG' would be held in Immediate Readiness, which required pilots in aircraft cockpits and trolley accumulators plugged in ready to go, Five Minutes’
Readiness, an Hours’ Readiness etc. Reconnaissance Reorganisation and replenishment to full operational strength Rhubarb: J:0""Z;+0",' *&?8,-' 3-' *&?8,-ZU3:U,-' 0880+F;' 3%' ground targets of opportunity RN: Royal Navy RNVR: Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve RNZAF: Royal New Zealand Air Force Roadstead: Code name covering operations to attack, by divebombing or at low-level, ships either at sea or in ?0-U3O-G'U#'*&?8,-;'3-'U3:U,-;',;+3-8,1'U#'*&?8,-; Rodeo: B31,'%0:,')3-'SO-,"#'*&?8,-';.,,S;'3D,-',%,:#' territory R/T: Radio transmitter SAAF: South African Air Force SATCO: J,%$3-'0$-'8-0)*+'+3%8-3"'3)*+,Satellite: H%' 0$-*,"1' O;,1' 0;' 0%' 0OX$"$0-#' *,"1' 83' 8?,' :0$%' base and administered by that base SBAC: Society of British Aircraft Constructors Scramble: Operational term used to call aircraft on readiness $%83' 8?,' 0$-' 83' $%8,-+,S8' O%$1,%8$*,1' 3-' ?3;8$",' aircraft Section: H' ;OU1$D$;$3%' 3)' 0' [$&?8G' O;O0""#' +3:S-$;$%&' 8.3' 0$-+-0)8' 0%1' 1,*%,1' U#' +3"3O-G' ,Y&Y' -,1' ;,+8$3%G' yellow section, green section etc. SFTS: J,-D$+,'[#$%&'8-0$%$%&';+?33" SNO:' J808$3%'%0D$&08$3%'3)*+,Sortie: Term used to cover each individual aircraft’s 3S,-08$3%0"' [$&?8Y' C?O;' 0' ;VO01-3%' SO88$%&' OS' ,",D,%' JS$8*-,;' )3-' 0' *&?8,-' ;.,,S' .3O"1' [#' eleven sorties on that one operation. Standing Patrol: A patrol maintained at set times, or continuously, whether the presence of enemy forces is anticipated or not. Strafe: A World War I term, derived from the Germans, for attacking at low-level Stuka: Single-engine dive-bomber Sweep: H%' 3)),%;$D,' )3-:08$3%' [$&?8' +3:S-$;$%&' *&?8,-;' 3-'*&?8,-;'0%1'U3:U,-;'83'1-0.'8?,',%,:# SWO: J808$3%'.0--0%8'3)*+,TAF: Tactical Air Force Tallboy:' 4@GAAA"U' 1,,S' S,%,8-08$3%' U3:UG' 1,D,"3S,1' U#' Barnes Wallace TCDU: Transport command development unit U/S: Unservicable USAAF: United States Army Air Force USAF: United States Air Force VC: Victoria Cross, the supreme British decoration for Recce: !"#$%&
gallantry VE: Victory in Europe VLR: Very long range WAAF: Women’s Auxiliary Air Force W/T: Wireless telegraphy Würzburg: /,-:0%'-010-'O;,1'83'1$-,+8';,0-+?"$&?8;G'[0FG'0%1' %$&?8'*&?8,-; YMCA: Young Men’s Christian Association ZZ: Flying in zero visibility
17
SQUADRON LEADER DUDLEY FARQUHAR ALLEN, GM, BEM, DFC ROYAL AIR FORCE NUMBER: 968365/111932 SQUADRON GUNNERY LEADER/AIR GUNNER R(J'4A^'HRP'4aM'EHC2!KRPLQ'Jb_HPQ(RJ
Dudley Farquhar Allen was born in Dublin in 1914, and was educated at Skerries, Dublin, Drogheda Grammar School and Rathmines School of Commerce. He was a commercial traveller before joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). This is the story of how one of Ireland’s aviation heroes was awarded three of the nation’s highest awards for bravery. THE GEORGE MEDAL On 17 January 1941 Sergeant Dudley Farquhar Allen, an air gunner with R3Y'4A^'JVO01-3%G'.0;'0.0-1,1'8?,'George Medal (GM) for saving three of his fellow crew members after their 0$-+-0)8' ?01' +-0;?,1Y' H8' 8?,' 8$:,' 3)' H"",%=;' 0.0-1G' R3Y' 4A^' Squadron was a wireless intelligence development unit whose headquarters were at Boscombe Down. The unit was equipped with the Avro Anson and Vickers Wellingtons, which were engaged during the next two years in the development of radiocountermeasures and also radar aids, notably the blind bombing system known as Oboe. The citation for Allen’s George Medal reads: K%'J,S8,:U,-G'4^6AG'8?$;'0$-:0%'.0;'8?,'8O--,8'&O%%,-'3)'
succeeded in forcing his way out of the wreckage, and in spite 3)'8?,')0+8'8?08'8?,'0$-+-0)8'.0;'3%'*-,G'?,'-,8O-%,1'83'8?,'UO-%$%&' aircraft to extricate the unconscious bodies of three of the crew at the risk of his own life. There is no doubt it was due to his gallant efforts that the three crew members were not burnt with the aircraft. Sadly, they subsequently died from injuries sustained during the crash. At the time, Sergeant Allen was unaware that his aircraft had crashed in dense mist on the aerodrome.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL On 11 July 1941 Sergeant Allen was awarded the British Empire >,10"' \IL>]' )3-' U-0D,' +3%1O+8' $%' ,X8$%&O$;?$%&' 0' *-,' 3%' 0%' aircraft. The citation for the BEM reads:
an aircraft which crashed in dense mist. He was dazed by a heavy blow to the head, and his parachute harness was
One evening in April an enemy aircraft dropped incendiary
entangled in the seat.
bombs on an aerodrome. One bomb fell into the cockpit of
K%' ;S$8,' 3)' 8?,' )0+8' 8?08' 8?,' 0$-+-0)8' .0;' 3%' *-,' ?,'
an aircraft on the ground and lodged beneath the seat and
proceeded with great energy and resolution to extricate the
under the front of the fuselage petrol tank, in a position
unconscious bodies of three of the crew at the risk of his
which prevented its removal. Sergeant Allen attempted to
own life. Undeterred by the increasing intensity of the heat
extinguish the incendiary, but his efforts were unavailing,
and fumes from the burning wreckage, and amid exploding
owing to its position. He therefore climbed into the
0::O%$8$3%G'?,'8-$,1'83'*%1'8?,'S$"38G'UO8'.0;'O%;O++,;;)O"Y'
cockpit, and, although fully aware that the tank was likely
He then removed the unconscious airmen to a safe distance
83' ,XS"31,' 08' 0%#' :3:,%8G' ?,' 0SS"$,1' *-,' ,X8$%&O$;?,-;'
)-3:'8?,'[0:,;'U,)3-,'0;;$;80%+,'0--$D,1Y
against the side of the tank and put soil on the incendiary until it was extinguished. At the time a large number of
Although the compartment door was jammed, Sergeant Allen
men were engaged in putting out other incendiaries near
19
the aircraft. There is no doubt that Sergeant Allen, by his initiative and gallant conduct in the face of extremely dangerous conditions, prevented many casualties which would certainly have occurred had tank exploded.
THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS Squadron Leader D. F. Allen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on 31 January 1945 while serving as the ;VO01-3%' &O%%,-#' 3)*+,-' .$8?' R3Y' 4aM' E08?*%1,-' JVO01-3%Y' 7?,%'8?,'E08?*%1,-'!3-+,'.0;')3-:,1'$%'HO&O;8'4^6@'`'.$8?'8?,' object of securing more concentrated and effective bombing on marking 80-&,8;'.$8?'$%+,%1$0-#'U3:U;'0%1'[0-,;'1-3SS,1')-3:' 0$-+-0)8'[3.%'U#',XS,-$,%+,1'+-,.;'O;$%&'8?,'"08,;8'%0D$&08$3%0"' equipment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; No. 156 was one of the four squadrons selected to form the nucleus of the new force. Over a span of thirty-eight :3%8?;' 3)' 3S,-08$3%;G' 8?,' ;VO01-3%=;' 0$-+-0)8' 1-3SS,1' 4MGA45' tons of bombs, and the squadron lost 45 Wellingtons and 117 Lancasters. When the squadron was disbanded in September 1945, its awards comprised 22 Distinguished Service Orders (DSOs) and 1 Bar to the DSO, 296 DFCs and 22 Bars to the P!B;G' a' B/>;' \!"#$%&]G' 44A' P$;8$%&O$;?,1' !"#$%&' >,10";' (DFMs) and 1 Bar to the DFM, and 1 BEM. The citation for Squadron Leader Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DFC reads: C?$;'3)*+,-'?0;'+3:S",8,1'0'"0-&,'%O:U,-'3)'3S,-08$3%0"' sorties. He is the Squadron Gunnery Leader and has 1$;S"0#,1' :0-F,1' c,;8' )3-' 3S,-08$3%0"' [#$%&' 0&0$%;8' 8?,' ,%,:#Y'2$;'*%,'*&?8$%&';S$-$8G'1,8,-:$%08$3%'0%1';F$""'?0D,' earned him the respect of all under his leadership.
20
RIGHT REVEREND MONSIGNOR GROUP CAPTAIN HENRY BEAUCHAMP, CBE, MC, VG ROYAL ARMY CHAPLAIN 1916 ROYAL AIR FORCE CHAPLAIN 1919–1948 DIED 26 APRIL 1948
Henry Beauchamp was born in Rosenallis, County Laois, on 9 June 1891. His father, a small merchantfarmer, hailed from the village; his mother, née Mary Delaney, came from Ringstown, Mountrath, a few miles away. The eldest of three children, Beauchamp lost both his parents when he was a few years old. His guardian, Father John Beauchamp – an uncle who was also parish priest of Borris, County Carlow – arranged with an aunt who lived in Clara, County Offaly, to take charge of the three young children and to bring them up. It was there that the young Harry (as he was known) learned to ride a horse – long before he could read and write. The skill of riding stood him in good stead, as it was to become his mode of transport when he was appointed curate in Portarlington many years later. Henry received his early education at the Franciscan Brothers’ School at Clara. In those days, it is said, he was delicate; it seems he did not altogether relish the three spoonfuls of codliver oil administered to him daily. He continued his studies in d%3+FU,&'B3"",&,')-3:'4e^5'83'4^ATY'2,'-,01'8?,3"3&#'$%' >0#%338?')-3:'4^AT'83'4^A5'0%1'.0;'3-10$%,1'S-$,;8'$%'J8'E08rick’s College, B0-"3.G'3%'6'HS-$"'4^AeY'2,'?01'+3:S",8,1'?$;' studies for the priesthood the previous year, but the diocese at the time had a surplus of priests, and the bishop informed the 4^A5'+"0;;'8?08'?,'.3O"1'3-10$%'83'8?,'S-$,;8?331'8?08'#,0-'3%"#' those willing to take a temporary mission outside Ireland. Henry preferred not to leave Ireland, and spent the intervening year as prefect in the Diocesan College at Knockbeg. All his classmates were ordained and, in due course, returned to Ireland. It was Father Beauchamp who would end up being the only one to spend his most of his career outside his native land. His ordination and appointment to Portarlington as curate coincided with the institution of the golf club, and he was its *-;8' ?3%3-0-#' ;,+-,80-#Y' 2,' .0;' ,",+8,1' D$+,ZS-,;$1,%8' 8?,' )3""3.$%&'#,0-Y'2,'.0;'+0S80$%'$%'4^4A'0%1'?3%3-0-#';,+-,80-#' again in 1914. He ministered in Portarlington until 1916. At that
time Britain was in the throes of World War I and a pressing appeal went out to Ireland for chaplains. Father Beauchamp volunteered. He joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in April 1916 and was appointed a temporary chaplain to the forces. Later he was attached to the Argyll and Sutherland Division and was appointed its senior chaplain. He saw service with that division in France and in 1917 was awarded the >$"$80-#'B-3;;'\>B]')3-'U-0D,-#'O%1,-'*-,Y' In 1918, when the Royal Air Force (RAF) received its charter as a separate unit, he made numerous requests to be 0""3.,1' 83' f3$%G' UO8' ?$;' U$;?3S' -,)O;,1' 0%1' *%0""#' ,%1,1' 8?,' correspondence by demanding Father Beauchamp’s immediate return to Ireland. However, instead of Father Beauchamp reporting back, his Lordship Bishop Keating, CMG, CBE, then bishop in ordinary to the army, went over the bishop’s head. After much discussion, permission was obtained for Father Beauchamp to remain with the armed forces. Father Beauchamp transferred from the army to the RAF in 1919 and took up his appointment at RAF Halton in July of that year. In the same year, Lord Trenchard established the No. 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton for RAF apprentices, who were known as ‘Trenchard’s Brats’. On arrival at the mess he asked a man standing at the door to help him with his luggage. This the man readily did, making several journeys. For his effort, Father Beauchamp gave him *D,';?$""$%&;G'.?$+?'?,'&-08,)O""#'0++,S8,1Y'C?08'%$&?8'!08?,-' Beauchamp went to the anteroom to be introduced to the +3::0%1$%&'3)*+,-'`'8?,':0%'83'.?3:'?,'?01'&$D,%'8?,'*D,' shillings for carrying his cases.
21
Father Beauchamp was still at RAF Halton when he was appointed principal chaplain in 1929. He became one of the most decorated chaplains in the service, with many distinctions 83'?$;'+-,1$8Y'K%'4^6A'?$;'-0%F'.0;'/-3OS'B0S80$%G'0%1'?,';,-D,1' with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France, being appointed papal chamberlain and vicar general, and later a domestic prelate. In 1945 he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was the holder of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), and was awarded the Belgian Military Cross by the regent of Belgium. The president of the Czechoslovakian Republic conferred on him the Medal of Merit First Class, and he was the recipient of the Military Cross First Class of Poland. In 1948 Monsignor Beauchamp attended a leadership course at Loyola Hall, on completion of which he came home to Ireland for a holiday. He travelled from Dublin to Carlow to visit old school friends there. But on his arrival he felt unwell and was taken to St Brigid’s Hospital in Carlow. Sadly, he died three days later, on 26 April, of pneumonia, aged sixty-seven. His classmate, the Most Reverend Dr T. Keogh, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, was at his bedside. Monsignor Beauchamp was interred in St Mary’s Cemetery, Carlow, and many dignitaries )-3:'8?,'Q3#0"'H$-'!3-+,'+0:,'83'S0#'8?,$-'*%0"'-,;S,+8;Y'7$8?' them they brought a wreath on which was written ‘To a priest and friend’. Air Marshal Sir Basil Embry said of him: Harry Beauchamp, as he was affectionately known, did as other great men do, he built his own memorial. As originator and pioneer-promoter of the Moral Leadership Courses, he gave the Royal Air Force and to Britain the &-,08,;8' +3%8-$UO8$3%' 3)' 8?,' 0&,' $%' 8?,' *,"1' 3)' 8-0$%$%&' everyday men in Christian leadership. His breadth of D$;$3%G' S-$,;8"#' c,0"' 0%1' O%[0&&$%&' ,%,-&#' 1,D$;,1' 0%1' brought to fruition the scheme of the Leadership Courses, which time has proved to be of inestimable worth in the training and producing of Leaders. He taught them by wise counsel and noble example how to serve their God, love their country and honour their King.
!
22
CORPORAL WILLIAM JOHN THOMAS BEHAN ROYAL AIR FORCE NUMBER: 534795
HMS ILLUSTRIOUS dKNNLP'KR'HBCK(R'4A'9HR_HQg'4^64
William John Thomas Behan was born in Greystones, County Wicklow in 1916. He was the son of William and Evelyn Behan.
H8'8?,'8$:,'3)'?$;'1,08?G'3%'4A'90%O0-#'4^64G'8.,%8#Z*D,Z#,0-Z old Corporal Behan was on duty on board the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious while on Operation Excess, escorting convoys east of J$+$"#Y' (%' 8?,' :3-%$%&' 3)' 4A' 90%O0-#' 8?,' +3%D3#' .0;' heading for Malta carrying much-needed supplies when the vessels were attacked byItalian Savoia-Marchetti SM 79 bombers. An immediate response by Fulmar aircraft launched from the decks of HMS Illustrious drove them away. As the bombers retreated in disarray, a fresh formation swooped in; these were not Italian but German Ju 87 and Ju 88 aircraft, determined to sink the aircraft carrier. Illustrious was
?$8';$X'8$:,;'U#'aAAZF$"3&-0:'U3:U;G'.?$+?'S$,-+,1'?,-'6Z$%+?' 0-:3O-,1'[$&?8'1,+FW'.,%8'8?-3O&?'8?,'?0%&0-'1,+FG'1,;8-3#$%&' the wardroom and sick bay; and badly damaged her steering gear. Although German bombers were continuously attacking her, Illustrious managed to reach the relative safety of Grand Harbour in Malta for repairs. Corporal Behan was killed in the course of these attacks on HMS Illustrious. I am not sure if his body was not found, or if he was buried at sea. I would suggest that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; since he is remembered on the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial in Floriana, Malta.
23
SQUADRON LEADER NOEL HENRY CORRY, DFC, AE Q(gHN'HKQ'!(QBL'h(N_RCLLQ'QLJLQhL'R_>ILQi'56a4AM BATTLE OF BRITAIN PILOT NO. 25 (F) SQUADRON BOMBER COMMAND PILOT NO. 12 SQUADRON PKLP'@5'>HQB2'@AAM
Noel Henry Corry was born in Belfast on 7 December 1918. He was educated initially at the Cliftonville Kindergarten Academy and later, from 1932 to 1936, at Royal Belfast Academical Institution, known locally as Inst. There he enjoyed sport in general and rugby in particular, although he usually played in the less important teams. His father was keen for him to follow in his footsteps in his *-:' 3)' +?0-8,-,1' 0++3O%80%8;G' B3--#' j' 2,%1,-;3%G' 0%1' R3,"' reluctantly commenced his training towards chartered status. He did not really want to be an accountant, but, being very close to his father and grateful for his kindness and support, Noel did not wish to go against his wishes. Very interesting to talk to, Noel had many memories of his wartime years, which remained fresh in his mind. He enjoyed telling these in his quiet, unassuming manner; many appear in the following text.
with their pilot training to obtain their pilot’s wings, but George .0;'O%0U",'83'&3';3"3'$%'8?,'S,-:$88,1'[#$%&'8$:,'0%1'?01'83' relinquish his career as a pilot in the Reserve. However, as war had broken out, George approached the RAFVR authorities and was able to remuster as an observer. He went on to obtain his observer’s brevet and had a very successful career as a navigator, including two operational tours with Bomber Command – the *-;8' 3%' Wellingtons with No. 9 Squadron operating out of Newmarket, near Cambridge, and the second on Liberators with No. 99 Squadron operating in the Middle East Theatre.
JOINING THE AIRFORCE
THE STORY BEHIND A VERY SPECIAL GUITAR
In November 1938 Noel and his two best friends – George Calwell and Sidney Ireland – applied to join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). They were accepted into No. 24 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School at Sydenham, near I,")0;8G'$%'90%O0-#'4^T^Y'R3,"=;'*-;8'0$-Z,XS,-$,%+,'[$&?8'.0;')3-' *)8,,%' :$%O8,;' $%'Tiger Moth 6462 on 26 February 1939. His instructor was Flight Lieutenant Charles Lindsay, who guided him through the major part of his basic training and with whom he would meet up again in 1943.1 When war was declared on 3 September 1939 the RAFVR was called up to full-time service, and sadly the trio of Noel, George and Sidney had to break up. Noel and Sidney continued 1 Many of the pilots in this book would encounter Charlie Lindsay, most at the early stages of their careers, but some at later stages when B?0-"$,':3D,1'3%'83'S3;8;'0;'+?$,)'[#$%&'$%;8-O+83-Y
24
Noel, Sidney and George, along with Herbie MeGarry, Victor Skillen, Johnny McAdam and their friends, met at Sydenham for training with the RAFVR. Sidney, a keen guitarist, would bring his guitar along to many of their evenings after training ?01' *%$;?,1G' 0"8?3O&?' $%' 8?3;,' 10#;' 8?$;' .0;' )-3.%,1' OS3%' by many. When, in mid November 1939, almost three months after the RAFVR had been mobilised, Sidney met up with thirty other members of the RAFVR at the York Street railway station in Belfast, his friends asked, ‘Sidney, where is your guitar?’ He replied, ‘I left it at home.’ There was no way that they were going to board the train without Sidney’s guitar and a good farewell sing-song. So Noel and a few of his friends went to the engine driver and asked if he could wait for thirty minutes until they went and purchased a