HughAHalliday
16th February 2022, 04:14
WARNES, Geoffrey Berrington, S/L, DFC (78429, RAFVR) No. 263 Squadron Distinguished Service Order awarded as per London Gazette dated 6 July 1943.
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has been engaged on numerous operational sorties, both by day and night, which have included low level attacks on heavily defended railway targets and attacks on enemy shipping. One night in May, 1943, Squadron Leader Warnes participated in the destruction of a medium sized motor vessel. He has displayed considerable powers of leadership and his skill and enthusiasm have been an example to others. Distinguished Servic
Recommendation dated 26 May 1943 found in Air 2/4974; transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates:
Since the award of S/L Warnes D.F.C. was submitted on 5.2.43, he has taken part in a further thirty-five fighter bomber operations against the enemy.
These operations include five successful dive-bombing sorties against enemy aerodromes and one against Cherbourg Docks; also, six successful low bombing attacks by night against heavily defended railway targets. On one occasion, he made eight runs at low level at night in order to obtain accurate results. On another, he was held by searchlights at low level in intense flak for approximately three minutes while locating his target, Morlaix viaduct. On more than one occasion, he has carried out two low level fighter bomber sorties in one night.
He also led four highly successful roadstead operations during April and May, all of which resulted in serious damage or sinking of enemy vessels in the Channel Island area.
On the night of 21st/22nd May, after himself bombing a 3,000-ton motor vessel which was destroyed, he patrolled three miles north of the convoy and controlled the attacks of the remaining aircraft by wireless with highly successful results.
Considerable difficulties due to the fact that Whirlwind bombers are no longer produced have in no way deterred him.
His enthusiasm and ability have raised his squadron to the highest standards of the Royal Air Force and are reflected through its members.
(Signed by Wing Commander, Commanding, RAF Station, Warmwell, on 26.5.43 and by Group Captain, Commanding, RAF Station, Middle Wallop on 27.5.43)
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has been engaged on numerous operational sorties, both by day and night, which have included low level attacks on heavily defended railway targets and attacks on enemy shipping. One night in May, 1943, Squadron Leader Warnes participated in the destruction of a medium sized motor vessel. He has displayed considerable powers of leadership and his skill and enthusiasm have been an example to others. Distinguished Servic
Recommendation dated 26 May 1943 found in Air 2/4974; transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates:
Since the award of S/L Warnes D.F.C. was submitted on 5.2.43, he has taken part in a further thirty-five fighter bomber operations against the enemy.
These operations include five successful dive-bombing sorties against enemy aerodromes and one against Cherbourg Docks; also, six successful low bombing attacks by night against heavily defended railway targets. On one occasion, he made eight runs at low level at night in order to obtain accurate results. On another, he was held by searchlights at low level in intense flak for approximately three minutes while locating his target, Morlaix viaduct. On more than one occasion, he has carried out two low level fighter bomber sorties in one night.
He also led four highly successful roadstead operations during April and May, all of which resulted in serious damage or sinking of enemy vessels in the Channel Island area.
On the night of 21st/22nd May, after himself bombing a 3,000-ton motor vessel which was destroyed, he patrolled three miles north of the convoy and controlled the attacks of the remaining aircraft by wireless with highly successful results.
Considerable difficulties due to the fact that Whirlwind bombers are no longer produced have in no way deterred him.
His enthusiasm and ability have raised his squadron to the highest standards of the Royal Air Force and are reflected through its members.
(Signed by Wing Commander, Commanding, RAF Station, Warmwell, on 26.5.43 and by Group Captain, Commanding, RAF Station, Middle Wallop on 27.5.43)