HughAHalliday
17th January 2022, 13:54
Interesting to compare published citation with original recommendation.
ANDERSON, Robin Frederick, F/O (Aus 410291, Royal Australian Air Force) - No. 106 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 9 May 1944.
This officer has taken part in very many sorties, including eight attacks on Berlin. On his last sortie, Flying Officer Anderson piloted an aircraft detailed for a mine-laying mission. The operation, which called for a high degree of skill and resolution was successfully completed in spite of considerable light anti-aircraft fire. Throughout his tour this officer has displayed exceptional qualities of skill, courage and devotion to duty.
AIR 2/9220 has recommendation drafted 12 April 1944 when he had flown 27 sorties (200 hours); originally recommended for DSO.
F/O Anderson, as captain of aircraft, has completed 27 successful operational sorties, 8 of which have been against Berlin. At all times, he has shown the utmost determination in pressing home his attacks and bombing his targets successfully, and on one occasion he obtained an aiming point photograph.
In the raid on Nuremburg on the night of 30/31st March, 1944, his aircraft was twice attacked by fighters on the way to the target. On the first occasion, F/O Anderson by his skillful airmanship enabled his gunners to return such accurate fire that the enemy was driven off. When attacked the second time, he again manoeuvred his aircraft with such coolness and skill that his rear gunner succeeded in destroying the fighter. F/O Anderson then bombed his targe and returned to base.
On the night of 9/10th April, 1944, this officer was detailed to lay mines in the important Koningsberger Seekanal which is only 54 yards wide. The attack was made in bright moonlight and from a very low level. During his approach at only 150 feet his aircraft was subjected to intense accurate light A.A. Fire and was also coned by searchlights. Despite this, F/O Anderson kept a straight and level course, and the mines were seen to fall in the canal.
On leaving the target it was discovered that one mine had “hung up”. Still flying low, F/O Anderson flew to an alternative area where his Bomb-Aimer successfully released the mine. The aircraft was hit several times but by his skillful airmanship this officer completed his sortie and returned safely to base.
Throughout his tour, F/O Anderson has shown qualities of determination, courage and skill of a very high order. His cheerful manner has been an inspiration not only to his crew but to other members of his squadron. I consider the skill and fearlessness he showed in this last sortie which was made under most difficult conditions and in the face of fierce and determined opposition fully merit the immediate award of the DFC.
Remarks by No.54 Base Commander, 14 April 1944.
Throughout his tour, F/O Anderson has displayed the utmost gallantry and devotion to duty, and has pressed home every attack no matter how heavy the odds against him. This latest exploit of his, is but an example of his outstanding courage and determination to accomplish the task which had been allotted to him. I very strongly support the recommendation for an immediate award of the D.F.C.
Remarks by Air Officer Commanding, 24 April 1944:
I recommend an immediate award for the DFC. The attack on the night 9/10th April, although calling for high qualities of courage and skill does not in my opinion reach the level at which an immediate award of the DSO is justified.
ANDERSON, Robin Frederick, F/O (Aus 410291, Royal Australian Air Force) - No. 106 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 9 May 1944.
This officer has taken part in very many sorties, including eight attacks on Berlin. On his last sortie, Flying Officer Anderson piloted an aircraft detailed for a mine-laying mission. The operation, which called for a high degree of skill and resolution was successfully completed in spite of considerable light anti-aircraft fire. Throughout his tour this officer has displayed exceptional qualities of skill, courage and devotion to duty.
AIR 2/9220 has recommendation drafted 12 April 1944 when he had flown 27 sorties (200 hours); originally recommended for DSO.
F/O Anderson, as captain of aircraft, has completed 27 successful operational sorties, 8 of which have been against Berlin. At all times, he has shown the utmost determination in pressing home his attacks and bombing his targets successfully, and on one occasion he obtained an aiming point photograph.
In the raid on Nuremburg on the night of 30/31st March, 1944, his aircraft was twice attacked by fighters on the way to the target. On the first occasion, F/O Anderson by his skillful airmanship enabled his gunners to return such accurate fire that the enemy was driven off. When attacked the second time, he again manoeuvred his aircraft with such coolness and skill that his rear gunner succeeded in destroying the fighter. F/O Anderson then bombed his targe and returned to base.
On the night of 9/10th April, 1944, this officer was detailed to lay mines in the important Koningsberger Seekanal which is only 54 yards wide. The attack was made in bright moonlight and from a very low level. During his approach at only 150 feet his aircraft was subjected to intense accurate light A.A. Fire and was also coned by searchlights. Despite this, F/O Anderson kept a straight and level course, and the mines were seen to fall in the canal.
On leaving the target it was discovered that one mine had “hung up”. Still flying low, F/O Anderson flew to an alternative area where his Bomb-Aimer successfully released the mine. The aircraft was hit several times but by his skillful airmanship this officer completed his sortie and returned safely to base.
Throughout his tour, F/O Anderson has shown qualities of determination, courage and skill of a very high order. His cheerful manner has been an inspiration not only to his crew but to other members of his squadron. I consider the skill and fearlessness he showed in this last sortie which was made under most difficult conditions and in the face of fierce and determined opposition fully merit the immediate award of the DFC.
Remarks by No.54 Base Commander, 14 April 1944.
Throughout his tour, F/O Anderson has displayed the utmost gallantry and devotion to duty, and has pressed home every attack no matter how heavy the odds against him. This latest exploit of his, is but an example of his outstanding courage and determination to accomplish the task which had been allotted to him. I very strongly support the recommendation for an immediate award of the D.F.C.
Remarks by Air Officer Commanding, 24 April 1944:
I recommend an immediate award for the DFC. The attack on the night 9/10th April, although calling for high qualities of courage and skill does not in my opinion reach the level at which an immediate award of the DSO is justified.