F/O and S/L Arthur Gordon NORMAN - No.295 Squadron (DFC), No.644 Squadron (Bar(

[HughAHalliday]

NORMAN, Arthur Gordon , F/O (125707, RAFVR) - , No. 295 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 16 November 1943. Born 18 February 1917. Employed by financial house of De La Rue who, in 1938, sent him to Shanghai (then under Japanese control) to print bank notes for the Nationalist government of Chiang Kai Sheck under the noses of the Japanese. This was done by creating, in the French Concession, a printing company ostensibly making playing cards; the resultant currency was then smuggled out. Operation “busted” in 1940. Enlisted 1941 (1387667), trained in U.S.A. and commissioned 7 February 1942. Flying Officer, 1 October 1942. Flight Lieutenant, 12 February 1944/ Retired as Wing Commander. Rejoined De La Rue Company and pioneered bank automation. Awarded CBE (Civil), June 1966, “for services to export” and knighted (KBE) 14 June 1969 when he was President, Confederation of British Industry. Died 30 September 2011. Citation in AMB 12051.

This officer has successfully undertaken several long glider towing operations and has at all times displayed ability, initiative and devotion to duty worthy of the highest praise. In September 1943 he was captain of an aircraft engaged in towing a Horsa glider when the combination was intercepted by a force of eight Junkers 88s. As cloud cover could not be reached and the Horsa in tow rendered defensive maneouvre impossible, the glider cast off. During the subsequent engagement with the enemy Flying Officer Norman succeeded by his skillful airmanship in enabling his rear gunner to bring effective fire to bear on the enemy aircraft, one of which was forced to break off the engagement. After ten minutes of air combat this officer frustrated the attackers and by good piloting flew the damaged aircraft safely to its destination, where from his accurate report and directions the glider was located and the crew rescued within a few hours. Throughout this trying experience Flying Officer Norman displayed outstanding airmanship, great courage and coolness.

NORMAN, Arthur Gordon , S/L, DFC (125707, RAFVR) - , No. 644 Squadron - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 9 January 1945.

This officer has completed many operational missions since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and has consistently displayed gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order. He is a forceful and inspiring leader, whose keenness and strong sense of duty have set an example worthy of high praise..

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

OPERATION "ELABORATE".
18 September, 1943

Horsa shot down by Oblt Dieter Meister, 13./KG 40, 45.50N, 10.50W, (340 kms WSW Cap Finistere) 1207 hrs (shared by Oblt Horst Horstmann, Lt Knud Gmelin & Uffz Heinz Hommel.

Horsa HS102 which was towed by Halifax DG396/QQ of 295 Sqn (Fg Off A G Norman). Lt J R Prout, Sgt P B Hill & Sgt H Flynn, rescued.

See:
Bloody Biscay The story of the Luftwaffe's only long-range maritime fighter unit, V Gruppe/ Kampfgeschwader 40, and its adversaries 1942-1944.
Goss, Chris.
N.P.,:Crecy Publishing,1997.
p.217 (see also pp.106-114)
(The above is the 1st edition, 2nd ed. reprint might contain additional material).

Arthur Gordon 'Gerry' NORMAN (and crew - click on crew name) No.644 Sqn Ops.

https://www.644squadron.org/resource.../norman_ag.htm
and crew photo:
https://www.644squadron.org/gallery/...orman_crew.htm

Col.

[Andy Marden]

Can the date of 18 September 1943 be confirmed please?
I note that the relevant ABN serials books lists the date as 10 September 1943.

[COL BRUGGY]

Can the date of 18 September 1943 be confirmed please?
I note that the relevant ABN serials books lists the date as 10 September 1943.

Yes. In this case (Horsa HS102), A-B is wrong.

No.295 Sqn ORB (F.541)
AIR 27/1644
1942 Aug 01 - 1946 Jan 31
https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ils/r/C2504286
Image 100 of 581 (17.9.43)

Col.

[Andy Marden]

Thanks for the confirmation Col