HughAHalliday
28th February 2022, 23:42
SISMORE, Edward Barnes, F/L (130208) No. 139 Squadron Distinguished Service Order awarded as per London Gazette dated 18 June 1943. Born 1921 at Kettering; home there; educated at Kettering Borough Council School. Served as an NCO before being commissioned. Awarded AFC, June 1956. See entry for W/C R.W. Reynolds (awarded Bar to DSO). The following citation covered awards of one Bar to DSO (Reynolds), two DSOs (S/L W.W. Blessing and F/L E.B. Sismore), one DFC (F/O F.M. Fisher) and one DFM (Flight Sergeant L. Hogan).
On the 27th May 1943, a force of bombers were detailed to attack targets at Jena, Germany, in daylight. The operation called for a high degree of skill and necessitated a flight over strongly defended areas and difficult terrain. Whilst still a considerable distance from the target, the weather deteriorated and visibility became very poor. Nevertheless, the objective, far away in enemy territory, was reached according to plan. In spite of balloon defences, and in the face of fierce anti-aircraft fire, a low level attack was pressed home with great vigour. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the above mentioned personnel who took part in the operation in various capacities, as members of aircraft crews. Their skill, courage and determination were of a high order.
Sismore recommendation in Air 2/4974, drafted 29 May 1944, when he had flown 48 sorties (58 hours) 11 minutes), including 11 sorties 38 hours, since previous award. Transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates.
On 27th May, 1943, this officer was navigator of the leading aircraft of a formation of 14 detailed to attack targets at Jena, Germany, in daylight.
The total distance was 1,100 miles, over 500 of which were to be covered at very low level in daylight, through strong defences, both from the ground and the air, in occupied and enemy territory. Weather conditions were not as expected, being very clear over the first part of the route, but deteriorating badly towards the target. Visibility was reduced to less than a mile for the last 150, and was not more than half a mile for the last 40.
In spite of these difficulties, F/O Sismore navigated with extreme accuracy, and finally brought the formation up to the target along the pre-arranged run. The attack was made at low level in the face of very heavy anti-aircraft defences and balloons. Over the target itself, a light anti-aircraft shell burst in the cockpit, wounding the pilot. F/O Sismore coolly rendered first aid, and helped the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. He then continued his accurate navigation and the aircraft returned safely to base.
This officer was navigator of the leading aircraft of a formation which attacked Berlin in daylight arriving precisely at the scheduled time. Since then, he has completed 11 successful sorties, all of which have called for the highest degree of navigational skill at low level.
All crews of the formation which carried out the attack on Jena are unanimous in saying that it was a magnificent navigational feat in face of difficulties.
I strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order. (Signed by Group Captain, Commanding, 29.4.43)
This officer has done exceptional work as a squadron commander and I strongly endorse this recommendation. (Signed by Air Commodore, Air Officer Commanding, No. 2(B) Group, 30.5.43)
On the 27th May 1943, a force of bombers were detailed to attack targets at Jena, Germany, in daylight. The operation called for a high degree of skill and necessitated a flight over strongly defended areas and difficult terrain. Whilst still a considerable distance from the target, the weather deteriorated and visibility became very poor. Nevertheless, the objective, far away in enemy territory, was reached according to plan. In spite of balloon defences, and in the face of fierce anti-aircraft fire, a low level attack was pressed home with great vigour. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the above mentioned personnel who took part in the operation in various capacities, as members of aircraft crews. Their skill, courage and determination were of a high order.
Sismore recommendation in Air 2/4974, drafted 29 May 1944, when he had flown 48 sorties (58 hours) 11 minutes), including 11 sorties 38 hours, since previous award. Transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates.
On 27th May, 1943, this officer was navigator of the leading aircraft of a formation of 14 detailed to attack targets at Jena, Germany, in daylight.
The total distance was 1,100 miles, over 500 of which were to be covered at very low level in daylight, through strong defences, both from the ground and the air, in occupied and enemy territory. Weather conditions were not as expected, being very clear over the first part of the route, but deteriorating badly towards the target. Visibility was reduced to less than a mile for the last 150, and was not more than half a mile for the last 40.
In spite of these difficulties, F/O Sismore navigated with extreme accuracy, and finally brought the formation up to the target along the pre-arranged run. The attack was made at low level in the face of very heavy anti-aircraft defences and balloons. Over the target itself, a light anti-aircraft shell burst in the cockpit, wounding the pilot. F/O Sismore coolly rendered first aid, and helped the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. He then continued his accurate navigation and the aircraft returned safely to base.
This officer was navigator of the leading aircraft of a formation which attacked Berlin in daylight arriving precisely at the scheduled time. Since then, he has completed 11 successful sorties, all of which have called for the highest degree of navigational skill at low level.
All crews of the formation which carried out the attack on Jena are unanimous in saying that it was a magnificent navigational feat in face of difficulties.
I strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order. (Signed by Group Captain, Commanding, 29.4.43)
This officer has done exceptional work as a squadron commander and I strongly endorse this recommendation. (Signed by Air Commodore, Air Officer Commanding, No. 2(B) Group, 30.5.43)