W/C Cosme Lockwood Gomm, DSO, DFC (RAFO 34123) posthumous award -23/10/2018

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Dear all,

Last 23rd October 2018 (Aviator's Day in Brazil, celebrating Santos Dumont first public and powered flight), the late Wing Commander Cosme Lockwood Gomm, DSO, DFC (RAFO 34123), first O.C. of 467 (RAAF) Squadron was posthumously awarded, by the Brazilian Air Force (F.A.B.), the Ordem do Mérito Aeronáutico (O.M.A.) - Order of Aeronautical Merit.

His 84 years old niece, Irene Gomm and several other relatives (nephews and nieces) were there, attending the Brilliantly held Cerimony, which saw the award of several other Ordem do Mérito Aeronáutico to Army, Navy and Air Force Brazilian Officers and Civilians. (photos enclosed).

Our humble petition to Honour W/C Gomm and 2nd/Lt McMacking (our First WW1 Ace), dated from 1st February 2018, was accepted by the Commanding Officer of the Brazilian Air Force, Sir Tenente-Brigadeiro do Ar, Nivaldo Luiz Rossato (A 4-Star Marshall); to whom the Country (and we too) is, eternally in debt.

WE DO NOT FORGET THE BRAZILIANS WHO SERVED, FLEW AND DIED WITH THE RAF, RCAF, SAAF AND USAAF IN WW2; neither the first ones, who flew with the RFC, RNAS and RAF in WW1.

Adriano S. Baumgartner, ASV 00.344

[Phil L.]

Adriano,
Seems that another Gomm from Brazil fought with the RCAF, 'Pero' Gomm (J92717). He was shot down and made a PoW on 22 April 1945 while serving with 443 Sqn in Europe. His first names were Percival Corfu. Even if his card indicates as being of American citizen, it seems that he had some real connections with Brazil. Can you confirm that point?
Thanks
Phil

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hello Phil,

Indeed Percival C. Gomm, is the youngest brother of the late Wing Commander Gomm, DSO, DFC; and yes, he flew Spitfires with 443 Squadron (RCAF); however I do not have the details of him being POW. It seems that he crash-landed his machine on neutral territory, which was occupied hours previously by S.S. troops...and it seems he returned back to Base later.
I do have more on him and two of his own sons were present at the Cerimony held last 23rd October.

Most humbly yours,

Adriano S. Baumgartner, ASV 00.344
baumgartner_asv@yahoo.com.br

[Phil L.]

Thanks. I made a mistake indeed, P.C. Gomm has never been held by the Germans after he was shot down on 22 April 1945. Did he get the American citizenship as in his card it is stated as being American born 9 March 1923, however no place of birth is given. He enlisted in Toronto on 12 December 1941.
Phil

[Adriano Baumgartner]

He is born at CURITIBA, Paraná State, as far as I know. The date matches and the enlistment date is a new data for me. Thanks for pointing that.

Adriano

[Phil L.]

I can add that P.C. Gomm was trained in Canada and was sent overseas in February 1943 as an NCO. What he did between February 1943 and October 1944 is unknown to me but in October 1944 he joined 443 Sqn in Europe for his first tour of operations. He received his commission the following month. He was discharged from the RCAF on 15 October 1945.
Phil