HughAHalliday
30th January 2022, 03:35
SUMPTER, Leonard Joseph, F/O, DFM (149045, RAFVR) – No. 617 Squadron – Distinguished Flying Cross – awarded as per London Gazette dated 9 June 1944.
Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, this officer has participated in many sorties, and has continued to display high qualities of courage and devotion to duty. He is a skilful bomb aimer whose determination to ensure accuracy in the. face of the heaviest opposition has been most commendable. He has set a fine example to all.
Recommendation in AIR 2/9156 dated 10 May 1944 when he had flown 33 2/3 sorties (238 hours 55 minutes), 121 hours 40 minutes (21 2/3 sorties) since previous award
Since being awarded the D.F.M. in May, 1943, Flying Officer Sumpter has completed 21 2/3 operational sorties as bomb-aimer in a Special Duties Squadron. He has taken part in many low-level attacks of a most hazardous nature which have included such targets as the Dortmund/Ems canal, Clermont Ferrand and Brunswick. During the past few months, this officer has operated in a Deputy Leader’s aircraft and his principal task has been to aim and release the marker bombs for the Main Force. Flying Officer Sumpter, by his outstanding skill and determination in the face of extreme danger, has played a big part in the remarkable run of successes recently achieved by his Squadron.The development of a technique for marking a target at night automatically led to the immediate selection of Flying Officer Sumpter as bomb-aimer and navigator for Mosquito aircraft. He operated in this capacity during the recent successful attack by No. 5 Group against Munich and, owing to the large number of aircraft which were employed, the aiming-point had to be accurately marked at a precise moment just before the arrival of the Main Force. This demanded very accurate navigation and a low-level dive attack against one of the most strongly defended cities in Germany. In spite of his limited experience on Mosquito aircraft and the very heavy opposition which was encountered both along the route and over the target, this officer directed his captain to the aiming-point exactly at the selected time. The markers were thus accurately and punctually laid and the unqualified success of the operation was therefore in no small measure due to the skill, determination, and indomitable courage of this gallant officer. His outstanding operational record has, moreover, always been an example and a potent source of inspiration to his squadron. Flying Officer Sumpter is, therefore, strongly recommended for the Immediate award of the D.F.C. ((Signed by Commanding Officer (Philpott), Group Captain, R.A.F. Station, Woodhall, Spa, 10.5.44)
“There is little I can add to the Station Commander’s citation. I had the privilege of accompanying Flying Officer Sumpter’s crew on the occasion of a recent attack against the Antheor Viaduct and consequently had an opportunity of gauging his qualities. That he insisted on doing three runs over the target, despite heavy enemy defences, before finally releasing his bombs is in itself a criterion of his determination and indomitable courage. I very strongly support the recommendation for the Immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.” (Signed by Air Commodore, Coningsby, 13..5.44)
Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, this officer has participated in many sorties, and has continued to display high qualities of courage and devotion to duty. He is a skilful bomb aimer whose determination to ensure accuracy in the. face of the heaviest opposition has been most commendable. He has set a fine example to all.
Recommendation in AIR 2/9156 dated 10 May 1944 when he had flown 33 2/3 sorties (238 hours 55 minutes), 121 hours 40 minutes (21 2/3 sorties) since previous award
Since being awarded the D.F.M. in May, 1943, Flying Officer Sumpter has completed 21 2/3 operational sorties as bomb-aimer in a Special Duties Squadron. He has taken part in many low-level attacks of a most hazardous nature which have included such targets as the Dortmund/Ems canal, Clermont Ferrand and Brunswick. During the past few months, this officer has operated in a Deputy Leader’s aircraft and his principal task has been to aim and release the marker bombs for the Main Force. Flying Officer Sumpter, by his outstanding skill and determination in the face of extreme danger, has played a big part in the remarkable run of successes recently achieved by his Squadron.The development of a technique for marking a target at night automatically led to the immediate selection of Flying Officer Sumpter as bomb-aimer and navigator for Mosquito aircraft. He operated in this capacity during the recent successful attack by No. 5 Group against Munich and, owing to the large number of aircraft which were employed, the aiming-point had to be accurately marked at a precise moment just before the arrival of the Main Force. This demanded very accurate navigation and a low-level dive attack against one of the most strongly defended cities in Germany. In spite of his limited experience on Mosquito aircraft and the very heavy opposition which was encountered both along the route and over the target, this officer directed his captain to the aiming-point exactly at the selected time. The markers were thus accurately and punctually laid and the unqualified success of the operation was therefore in no small measure due to the skill, determination, and indomitable courage of this gallant officer. His outstanding operational record has, moreover, always been an example and a potent source of inspiration to his squadron. Flying Officer Sumpter is, therefore, strongly recommended for the Immediate award of the D.F.C. ((Signed by Commanding Officer (Philpott), Group Captain, R.A.F. Station, Woodhall, Spa, 10.5.44)
“There is little I can add to the Station Commander’s citation. I had the privilege of accompanying Flying Officer Sumpter’s crew on the occasion of a recent attack against the Antheor Viaduct and consequently had an opportunity of gauging his qualities. That he insisted on doing three runs over the target, despite heavy enemy defences, before finally releasing his bombs is in itself a criterion of his determination and indomitable courage. I very strongly support the recommendation for the Immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.” (Signed by Air Commodore, Coningsby, 13..5.44)