Recommendation for honours and awards immediate

Recommendation for honours and awards immediate

For Sergeant Barry Wright. gives details of hours flown on operations and account of actions during operation to Leipzig 19 February 1944. Aircraft attacked by enemy fighters, Wright although seriously wounded continues to perform his duties. Recommended for Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. Recommendations up to C-in-C Bomber Command.

1944-02-22

Two page typewritten document

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SWrightBC1627924v20011

[deleted] [underlined] Confidential [/underlined] [/deleted]
[inserted] 2P [/inserted]
[underlined] RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HONOURS & AWARDS [/underlined]
[underlined] IMMEDIATE [/underlined]
Christian Names: Barry [inserted] Colin [/inserted] Surname: WRIGHT
Rank: Sergeant – Official Number: 1627924
Command or Group: No. 1 Group – Unit: No. 166 Squadron
Total hours flown on operations ………. 174
Number of sorties …………………………….. 25
Total hours flown on operations since receipt of previous award … N/A
Number of sorties since receipt of previous award …….. N/A
Recognition for which recommended …… C.G.M.
Appointment held ………………………………… Flight Engineer
[underlined] Particulars of Meritorious Service [/underlined]
This Non-commissioned Officer has carried out 25 sorties against the enemy, including TEN against Berlin.
On the night of the 19th. February, 1944, he was Flight Engineer in an aircraft detailed to attack Leipsig, [sic] and when over enemy territory and nearing the target, the aircraft was attacked by two enemy fighters. The first attack severely damaged the aircraft and wounded him, as well as the Wireless Operator, Navigator and Mid-Upper Gunner.
Badly wounded as he was, Sergeant Wright retained consciousness and his first thought was to carry on with his duty. His instrument panel was completely shot away and one petrol tank was holed and empty, but despite these difficulties he kept on with his work and succeeded in keeping all the engines running at the maximum power possible.
When the Captain realised how seriously wounded the Flight Engineer was, he tried to dissuade him from working on, but to no avail. He still continued to give the pilot all possible help and although he had to be supported by the Bomb Aimer, he continued to coax the utmost power out of the engines for the long flight home, during which he fainted three times from loss of blood. By his efforts he was materially responsible for the aircraft returning safely.
For his disregard of his wounds and his devotion to duty in the face of danger, this Non-commissioned Officer is recommended for the award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
[signature]
Wing Commander, Commanding,
[underlined] 166, Squadron, R.A.F. [/underlined]
Date: 22nd. February, 1944.
[underlined] REMARKS BY STATION COMMANDER. [/underlined]
Sgt. Wright was severely wounded in the groin causing serious loss of blood and considerable pain. Despite this, he remained at his post for four hours thus saving his aircraft. This conspicuous example of gallantry and refusal to admit defeat fully merits the immediate award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal which is most strongly recommended.
[signature]
Group Captain Commanding
[underlined] R.A.F. Station, Kirmington. [/underlined]
[underlined] 24th February, 1944. [/underlined]