Need info on first BC VC on Aug 13, 1940 mission over Germany in Hampden

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

For the EoE Project, I'm researching the first Bomber Command Victoria Cross Award:

We carry this in our DB as: "August 13, 1940: 49 Squadron, Scampton:
Hampden I P1323. Returned with hydraulic system badly damaged by AA fire during low-level night attack on the old aqueduct on the Dortmund-Ems canal north of Münster 1.45 a.m. F/L R.A.B. Learoyd and rest of crew unhurt. Aircraft damaged but repairable. (AIR14/2666)
For making ‘a specially determined attack’ Learoyd was subsequently awarded Bomber Command’s first VC of the war."

My questions:

1) I know Learoyd's first name was Roderick, but what were the full names for his middle initials?

2) Does anyone know the full a/c code? It would be EAo? We want to do a 4-view color profile of this a/c.

3) Are any photos known of this a/c, P1323, the crew, and specifically Learoyd, taken right after the mission?

4) I'm sure that this story has been well-researched and written up in the literature. Can anyone point me to the most complete and reliable sources for this story, other than the VC Citation?

Regards,

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

1/. Roderick Alastair Brook Learoyd.

2/. P4403 - "EA-M".
3/. Yes , see "The Hampden file by Harry Moyle, Air Britain.
4/. Yes, see "The Hampden File" and "VC's of the Air" by John Frayn Turner.

Alex

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi Larry,

He is mentioned in The London Gazette nr.34927 of 20/10/1940 (page 4):

Quote

Acting Flight Lieutenant Roderick Alastair
Brook LEAROYD (37860).
This officer, as first pilot of a Hampden
aircraft, has repeatedly shown the highest
conception of his duty and complete indifference
to personal danger in making
attacks at the lowest altitudes regardless of
opposition. On the night of I2th August,
1940, he was detailed to attack a special
objective on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. He
had attacked this objective on a previous
occasion and was well aware of the risks
entailed. To achieve success it was necessary
to approach from a direction well known to
the enemy, through a lane of especially disposed
anti-aircraft defences, and in the face
of the most intense point blank fire from
guns of all calibres. The reception of the
preceding aircraft might well have deterred
the stoutest heart, all being hit and two lost.
Flight Lieutenant Learoyd nevertheless made
his attack at 150 feet, his aircraft being
repeatedly hit and large pieces of the main
planes torn away. He was almost blinded
by the glare of many searchlights at close
range but pressed home this attack with the
greatest resolution and skill. He subsequently
brought his wrecked aircraft home and, as.
the landing flaps were inoperative and the
undercarriage indicators out of action, waited
for dawn in the vicinity of his aerodrome
before landing, which he accomplished
without causing injury to his crew or further
damage to the aircraft. The high courage,
skill and determination, which this officer
has invariably displayed on many occasions
in the face of the enemy, sets an example
which is unsurpassed.

Unquote

Best regards from Belgium

Luc

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

As I expected, almost immediately I've received many useful replies to my questions, both on this form and to my direct email. Thanks to you all. Apparently a pewter miniature of this a/c has been done which claims that the nickname of this plane was "Pinnochio." I presume that among these responses there are some photos showing this on Hampden EAoM. If anyone has any digital images directly from these photos that they can share with our working group I'd very much appreciate hearing from you. We're well on our way with this color profile.

Regards,

[Jim Oxley]

Attacked at 150ft! Gawdddd, that's courage.

[Alex Smart]

Hello Larry,
Re photo.
there is one in the Hampton file and yes port side forward fuselage does show artwork. I was going to mention it earlier but could not remember the name of the cartoon character so left it out,
little fellow with funny hat and bow and arrow name is given - Pinnocchio.
Should be ok to get it from Air Britian I expect.credit for photo says Peter Green & Douglas Garton
Alex