237783 WO. Gerald Maxwell Hawes Royal Air Force 244 Squadron from:Sandringham, Norfolk My late father, Mr Gerald Maxwell Hawes who served in the RAF from 1940 to 1946 and was assigned to the 244 Squadron from 1943.
He was a Wireless Operator and an Air Gunner (Tail Gunner) and his service release book states that his "R.A.F Character," was VG, which was the highest character which can be awarded in the Royal Air Force. The character assessment reflects the airman's conduct throughout the whole of his service.
My father died in 1992, unfortunately before I was old enough to appreciate the full extent of his service to his country and many of the details of his war experience.
He had volunteered for service at the age of 17 and served until 1946. I am continually struck by his bravery and mourn the ability to be able to ask him so many questions of what it must have been like to lay in the tail of bomber night after night and witness such conflicting feelings of excitement, camaraderie and sheer fear.
My late father Mr Gerald Maxwell Hawes was a hero to me and deserves to be remembered for his honorable service to country.
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