Pilot Officer James Harry Bird

Pilot Officer James Harry Bird

An extract from a document briefly detailing JH Bird's career in the RAF. Also included is a second pilot, Pilot Officer Alexander Fraser.

One printed sheet

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MBirdJH184015-180215-25

(37) [underlined] Pilot Officer James Harry BIRD, (184015), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 104 Squadron. [/underlined] (Pilot; sorties 38; flying hours [deleted numbers] Throughout his operational career, Pilot Officer Bird has proved himself to be a pilot of exceptional courage, reliability and determination. In July, 1944, his aircraft took part in a major attack on Feuersbrunn airfield in Austria. Despite clear weather and a full moon, and in the face of large concentrations of enemy fighters, he found the target and bombed it successfully. In September, 1944, Pilot Officer Bird obtained an excellent photograph during an attack on Tatoi airfield. On many other missions, including a minelaying mission to the Danube, this officer has attained outstanding results. He is an exceptionally able captain of aircraft.

(38) [underlined] Warrant Officer Class II (now Pilot Officer) Alexander FRASER (Can/J.90500), Royal Canadian Air Force, No.37 Squadron. [/underlined] (Pilot; sorties 36.) This warrant officer has completed a large number of operational missions against targets in Austria and the Balkans. In July, 1944, his aircraft was detailed to mine the Danube. Despite opposition from ground fire and machine guns he descended to a very low altitude and dropped his mines in the required position.

Warrant Officer Fraser has also attacked many important oil targets all of which were heavily defended. In August, 1944, he completed a successful sortie against important railway sidings in Hungary although [deleted] both [/deleted] enemy fighters and adverse weather were encountered. Throughout his tour this Warrant Officer has shown exceptional keenness and efficiency.