Wartime career & fate S/Ldr. G.A. Watt, pilot 149 Squadron Stirlings summer 1942?

[Theo Boiten]

Dear all,

Who can tell me anything about the wartime career and fate of S/Ldr. G.A. Watt, who served as a pilot with 149 Squadron (Stirlings) during the summer of 1942?

Cheers and thanks for any info, Theo

[Kaczmarek]

Hello Theo,

Sgt. George Alexander Watt 563245
to Pilot Officer 14 June 1940 (seniority 25 Apr 1940) 43933
to Flying Officer 12 June 1941 (seniority 25 Apr 1941)
to Flight Lieutenant 12 Apr 1942
to Squadron Leader 10 Aug 1943
to Wing Commander 12 Dec 1945

D.F.C.
Acting Squadron Leader George Alexander Watt, D.F.M. (43933), No. 149 Squadron. London Gazette 35759, page 4643, 27 Oct 1942

Hope this helps.

There is news at the publication date of the NJWD 2nd ed. ?

Rgds,
René

[Theo Boiten]

Hello René,

Thanks for these details on W/Cdr. Watt, good to note that he survived WWII.

Re. the NJWD 2nd ed; Wing Leader Publishing in the UK are currently working on a 'prototype format' of the new series of volumes, we'll reveal more details shortly!

Cheers, Theo

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Firstly, an amendment:

ERRATUM.
In the Gazette of 16th July 1940. Notification concerning 563245 Sergeant George Alexander WATT (43933). For 14th June 1940 read 12th June 1940.

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...4949/page/5583

Honours and Awards.

Distinguished Flying Medal.

WATT, George Alexander. 563245 Sergeant, No.37 Sqn.
L.G. 9/7/1940 Pilot Air2/6080

Sergeant Watt, as Captain of aircraft, has always displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty while flying in active operations both day and night since the outbreak of the war. In many long reconnaissance flights over the North Sea in search of enemy ships or during attacks on aerodromes in Norway or night raids into Germany, he has carried out his missions with great determination, often under the most adverse weather conditions and twice recently he has returned with his aircraft damaged by ant-aircraft fire. During the raid on the oil plant at Sterkrade (Holten) on the night of 15th/16th May, 1940, when the weather conditions were bad and with poor visibility owing to cloud and haze in which 9 aircraft took part, this N.C.O. was the only pilot to find and successfully attack the target.
12th June, 1940

Remarks by Station Commander.

I agree and consider Sergeant Watt to be outstanding as an example of consistent reliability and resource. Undeterred by bad weather or enemy action alike, he can be counted upon to pursue his mission to the end and carry it out with dash and efficiency as to command the admiration of all who know him.

Remarks by A.O.C.

This N.C.O. has always carried out his attacks with determination and coolness and has inspired his crew by his own prowess.

See:Tavender/DFM Register/II/K-Z/906-7

and... https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...4892/page/4177

Twice Mentioned in Despatches.

1/King's Birthday Honours List - A/S/L. LG: 2/6/1943 p.2457.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/2457

2/New Years Honours List - A/W/C. LG: 14/1/1944 p.288
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...36329/page/288

Col.

[Theo Boiten]

Hello Col,

Many thanks for sharing these additional details!

Cheers, Theo