Basil Carroll GC

[Brian]

Hi guys

I hope that I haven't queried this chap before (if so, I apologise!)

Flg Off Basil Carroll of 2 Squadron apparently flew an autogiro behind German lines circa June 1940, for which he was awarded the George Cross. Has anyone further information, please?

Cheers
Brian

[Brian]

Further to this query

I have been advised that Basil Carroll's name is not included in the register of GC awards - therefore author Hans Onderwater is obviously in error (see his account of 2 Squadron Second to None).

Assuming that Bill Carroll received some award for his flight/s in the autogiro, do we know if it was the George Medal, or perhaps a DFC?

Cheers
Brian

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hello Brian!
I think your airman got the George Medal on 14th October 1944. Hope this will help you on your searches. I do thank you again for your many contributions to my own researches. Yours very friendly,
Adriano
Follows the citation:

Awarded the George MedaL

Wing Commander Basil Gibson Carroll (37003),
Royal Air Force.
Flight Lieutenant Wilfred Turner (48336), Royal
Air Force.
In July, 1944, two Typhoon aircraft and a petrol
dump were set on fire during an enemy air attack
against an airfield. Fire tenders were brought into
action and, under the supervision of Wing Commander
Carroll, the fire in one aircraft was extinguished
quickly. A second aircraft loaded with
cannon shells arid also carrying rocket projectiles,
was burning furiously. Ammunition, petrol tanks
.and rockets were exploding in all directions. Two
rockets, which were pointing towards other aircraft
and a dispersal area, remained in the starboard
wing. Realising that it was impossible to extinguish
the fire, Wing Commander Carroll and Flight
Lieutenant Turner donned asbestos gloves and
endeavoured to remove the rockets. This necessitated
crawling under the wing and, had the
starboard oleo leg collapsed, both officers would
probably have been crushed to death. Undaunted
by the intense heat and grave danger, these
officers succeeded in removing the rockets. Wing
Commander Carroll also assisted to roll away two
5oo-lb. bombs which were near the fire.'" Through-"
out the whole operation Wing Commander Carroll
and Flight Lieutenant Turner displayed courage
and determination of • a very high standard and
set an excellent example. By their action they
nullified a very great potential danger to personnel
and aircraft in the vicinity.

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Sorry: the correct date for the award was 20th OCTOBER 1944.
Adriano

[rafcommands]

Hi Brian,

Basil Gibson Carroll was a F/O between 14 April 1937 and 14 April 1939.

Promoted to F/L on 14th April 1939 he was made a S/L on 1st Sept 1940.

So the reported rank does not fit with the Autogyro timescale.

Regards
Ross

[Brian]

Thanks Adriano and Ross

This certainly seems to be my man. Yes, Flt Lt Basil G. Carroll in 1940. So he was awarded the GM in 1944 and not the GC in 1940 as implied by the author Hans Onderwater in his book.

The question remains however - what is the story behind him flying an autogyro in May/June 1940?

Cheers
Brian