FAA awards 1942

[Brian]

Hi guys

Probably not the correct Forum for such requests, but since so many of you are au fait with the London Gazette I wonder if anyone can point me in the right direction. I wish to see citations for the following FAA aircrew, which were gazetted in December 1942 (so I understand):

Lt P.W.V. Massy DSO

Lt(A) A.R. Laurie DSC

Sub Lt(A) P.J. Williams DSC

Sub Lt(A) I.P. Garrow DSC

The awards were for the defence of Convoy PQ18 (September 1942). Any assistance will be very much appreciated.

Cheers

Brian

[Steve49]

Brian,

Can't help with the Gazette's, but if it helps the only 'Carrier' with PQ18 was HMS AVENGER which carried three Swordfish (from 825 Sqn) and twelve Sea Hurricanes (from 802 and 883 Sqn's). (CAM Ship EMPIRE MORN was also with the convoy, but this carried an RAF Hurricane).

Some details of PQ18 air actions in books 'Convoy' by Paul Kemp and 'The escort carrier in world war II' by David Wragg, but neither identifies any pilots.

Hope this is of some interest.

Regards

Steve Pegge

[Alex Smart]

hello,

This may be of use to you,

Temporary Sub Lt Anthony Roger Laurie RNVR DSC

Might be something on page 5226 of the London Gazzettee Supplement number 35805 for the 1st December 1942.

It is not in the Archive on line as far as I can see.

All the best

This is from the U-Boat website:

U-589 was sunk by depth charges from HMS Onslow and from depth charges from a Swordfish from HMS Avenger on the 14th Sept.
On the 13th, U-589 had rescued four Luftwaffe aircrew.These men along with the crew of U-589 were all lost.

Alex

[Steve49]

The 825 Sqn Swordfish was only able to drop smoke floats and start to circle before being driven off by a Ju88. Being only 6 miles away HMS ONSLOW soon arrived and after a 3 hour attack brought oil and debris to the surface. There were no survivors from the 44 crew or the 4 aircrew. Details from 'U-Boat operations of the Second World War: Volume 2'. According to 'Convoy' the Swordfish was driven off by Bv 138, but whatever the Luftwaffe aircraft, the initial sighting by the Swordfish proved to the fatal.

Regards

Steve Pegge

[Alex Smart]

Hi,

Details from Air Britain's book FAA Aircraft 1939 1945.

802 Squadron
S/L Laurie
S/L Williams
883 Squadron
Lt Massy
S/L Garrow

Aircraft were Hurricanes it seems.

Laurie shot down 2 He111
Williams shot down a Ju88
Massy shot down an He111 + probable and another shared.
Garrow shot down a Ju88 + an He111. He was then hit by the convoys own AA

No serial numbers for the Hurricane's given.

All for now

Alex

[Håkan]

Hello,

Massy's DSO is on page 5225 of the London Gazzettee Supplement number 35805 for the 1st December 1942.

He also has an own page on my site at http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/commonwealth_massy.htm

Best wishes/Håkan