243878 P/O. James Henry Catlin DFC.Royal Air Force 166 Squadron
- Distinguished Flying Cross. Pilot Officer James Henry Catlin (168836), Royal Air
Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 166 Squadron.
- Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying).
1627924 Sergeant Barry Colin Wright , Royal Air
Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 166 Squadron.
- Distinguished Flying Medal.
2206989 Sergeant William Birch , Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve, No. 166 Squadron.
- Distinguished Flying Medal. 1226285 Sergeant Thomas Paul Hall, Royal Air
Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 166 Squadron.
This officer and these airmen were pilot, flight
engineer, rear gunner and wireless operator (air)
respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack
Leipzig one night in February, 1944. When
nearing the target area the aircraft was intercepted
by 2 fighters. One of them attacked from
close range and the bomber was raked along the
whole length of the fuselage by the enemy's
bullets. Four of the crew were wounded, including
Sgts. Hall and Wright, the latter being
very severely injured. The aircraft sustained extensive
damage, making it impossible for the pilot
to take evasive action. Then, to add to the trials
of the harassed crew, the bomber became fully
illuminated in consequence of a short circuit
occurring in the electrical system.
The second fighter then flew in to the attack however, although forced to operate his turret manually, Sergeant Birch
met the attacker with a devastating burst of fire and the enemy aircraft burst into flames and dived to the ground out of control. Only two of his guns were now operating but Sgt. Birch used them most effectively and drove off the other attacker. P.O. Catlin then set course for home. Meanwhile, Sgt. Hall set to work to
repair some of the damaged equipment and later
succeeded in making the intercommunication
system serviceable. Badly wounded as he was,
Sergeant Wright retained consciousness and could
not be dissuaded from attempting to fulfil his
duties. He was deprived of the use of the instrument
panel which had been shot away, while one of
the petrol tanks was empty. Nevertheless, he
continued to keep the engines running at their
maximum power. In his efforts, Sgt. Wright
had to be supported by a comrade and 3 times
fainted through loss of blood but he never
wavered.
In the face of heavy odds, P.O. Catlin reached an airfield where he effected a masterly landing. His skill, courage and determination were beyond praise. Sgts. Wright, Hall and Birch proved themselves to be valiant members of aircraft crew and did everything within their power to assist their pilot in his endeavours to bring the crippled bomber home.
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