517091f/sgt s.a.graves raf

[Ravrick]

HI,
I am doing some research on this guy - 517091F/SGT S.A.GRAVES RAF 106 Sqn- awarded the DFM London Gazette 2 June 1944, does anyone have access to his citation or list of Ops completed? Any info would be appreciated,
Cheers,
Rick

[wwrsimon]

Rick

From fold3.com:

GRAVES, Samuel Augustus. 517091 Flight Sergeant, No.106 Sqn.

L.G. 2/6/1944. Sorties 26, Flying hours 175.50. Air Gunner. Air 2/9149.

Flight Sergeant Graves, as rear gunner, has completed 26 successful operational sorties including attacks on Hamburg (4), Munich, Stettin and 8 raids on Berlin. On 27th/28th July, 1943, when returning from a raid on Hamburg, his aircraft was attacked by an Me.109. This was Flight Sergeant Graves' third sortie but, despite his inexperience, he maintained such a steady and accurate fire that the enemy fighter broke up and is claimed as destroyed. This N.C.O. acts as on of the squadron's finest Air Gunners and his keenness and enthusiasm for operational flying are an inspiration to all members of the squadron. I consider Flight Sergeant Graves' courage, skill and devotion to duty to fully merit the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

14th February, 1944.

Remarks by Station Commander.
I fully endorse the above recommendation. This Air Gunner has demonstrated ability, enthusiasm and devotion to duty during his operational tour.

Regards

Simon

[Ravrick]

Hi,
very many thanks, that is excellent and just what I was looking for...
Cheers,
Rick

[John Williams]

Hi Rick,

For what it’s worth in Theo Boiten’s Nachtjagd Combat Archives only one twin engine night fighter was lost on this night when a 5./NJG3 Do217-N was shot down by the gunners on 49 Sqn Lancaster JA894 near Rendsburg with two of the crew killed but the pilot Ofw Kades survived.

So most likely your Me109 was only damaged.

Cheers,

John.