Sgt. James Dowdney Watts DFM.
Royal Canadian Air Force 426 Squadron
from:Vancouver, BC
James Watts is my grandfather who just passed away in June 2018. He served with 426 Squadron during WWII as a gunner on a Lancaster. He enlisted in his home town of Vancouver on the 6th of August 1941 and Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 7th of November 1941), No. 10 EFTS (ceased training 25 November 1941), No.7 BGS (graduated 25th May 1942) and No.7 AOS (graduated 6th February 1942).
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on the 6th of August 1943 as per London Gazette dated 17th of August 1943. He was invested with award by King George VI, on the 2nd of May 1944. His citation reads, "In the capacity of rear gunner this airman has completed numerous sorties against many of the most heavily defended areas in Germany and enemy occupied territory. One night in April while mine laying his aircraft was heavily attacked by an anti-aircraft ship. Sergeant Watts returned the fire causing the ship to break off its attacks. Both in the air and on the ground this airman has displayed outstanding keenness and efficiency and has rendered valuable assistance to the gunnery leader in the training of new crew."
