W/Cdr HJW Meakin DFC

[RSwank]

I found this link which I tried to clean up to be readable below.

http://www.rafcommands.com/dcforum/D.../Data/7468.txt

AIR MINISTRY 12 September 1941. ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy. On the morning of 12th August 1941 Blenheim bombers carried out simultaneous attacks on the great power stations near Cologne. A strong force attacked the station at Knapsack whilst a smaller force attacked two stations at Quadrath. These missions involved a flight of some 250 miles over enemy territory which was carried out at an altitude of 100 feet. At Knapsack the target was accurately bombed and machine gunned from between 200 and 800 feet and at Quadrath both power stations were hit from the height of the chimneys the turbine house at one of the two stations was left a mass of flames and smoke. The success of this combined daylight attack and the co-ordination of the many formations of aircraft depended largely on accurate timing throughout the flight. That complete success was achieved despite powerful opposition from enemy ground and air forces is a high tribute to the calm-courage and resolute determination displayed by the following officers and airmen who participated in various capacities as leaders and members of the aircraft crews.

Distinguished Service Order.
Acting Wing Commander John Owen Cecil KERCHER No. 21 Squadron.
Acting Wing Commander James Lauder NICOL No. 114 Squadron. Missing.

Distinguished Flying Cross.
Acting Squadron Leader William John EDRICH Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve No. 21 Squadron.
Acting Squadron Leader Alan Sheffield JUDSON No. 114 Squadron.
Acting Squadron Leader Henry John Walter MEAKIN Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve No. 82 Squadron.
Acting Squadron Leader Richard Thomas STUBBS No. 139 Squadron.
Acting Flight Lieutenant Richard John CHAMBERLAIN Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve No. 139 Squadron.
Acting Flight Lieutenant Peter James CHANNER Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve No. 18 Squadron.
Acting Flight Lieutenant Frederick Richard Howard CHARNEY Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve No. 107 Squadron.
Flying Officer Herbert Joseph MADDEN Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve No. 114 Squadron. Missing.
Acting Flying Officer Thomas Herbert BAKER D.F.M. No. 114 Squadron.
Pilot Officer Harry Rutherford CROMBIE Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve No. 139 Squadron.

Distinguished Flying Medal.
Flight Sergeant Brynmor Granville EVANS No. 21 Squadron.
Sergeant John Herbert PILLEY No. 18 Squadron.
Sergeant James Douglas WOODBURN Royal Canadian Air No. 18 Squadron.

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Here is the real thing:

www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35273/pages/5294

S/L (later W/C) Henry John Walter 'Jack' MEAKIN. DFC*, MiD, No.83280 RAF.
Born: Repton, Derbyshire 29-5-1916.
No.53, 88, & 82 Sqns. RAF, CO 464 Sqn RAAF 1943-44, W/C (Flying) No.138 & 140 Wings RAF 1944-45.

Also:

www.awm.gov.au/units/people_1077850.asp

Col.