Glider Pilot Regiment - Distinguished Flying Medals

Discussion in 'Airborne' started by Drew5233, Feb 23, 2010.

  1. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Just noticed this AIRBORNE ! section :D

    I was just looking up a chaps DFM citation and was partly taken by a DFM citation awarded to a chap in the Glider Pilot Regiment (makes sense I guess).

    Well, if any of you AIRBORNE ! nuts want any DFM citations let me know :)
     
    AndyBaldEagle likes this.
  2. AndyBaldEagle

    AndyBaldEagle Very Senior Member

    Just noticed this AIRBORNE ! section :D

    I was just looking up a chaps DFM citation and was partly taken by a DFM citation awarded to a chap in the Glider Pilot Regiment (makes sense I guess).

    Well, if any of you AIRBORNE ! nuts want any DFM citations let me know :)

    Me me me please! :D:D:D:D
    can i send you a list? via email, Ive got a long list somewhere!:p:lol::lol:

    Andy
     
  3. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Shit !
     
  4. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Shit !

    :lol:
     
  5. GPRegt

    GPRegt Senior Member

    There were 43 DFMs awarded to members of the GPR. S/Sgt H N 'Andy' Andrews also received a Bar. In addition, 26 DFCs were awarded - Maj J A 'Dickie' Dale received a Bar.

    Steve W.
     
  6. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    This pilot showed great courage and coolness in the first glider-borne operation. In spite of very bad weather and great difficulty handling his glider, he managed to arrive in the target area without having to release from his tug aircraft. On arrival, the visibility was extremely poor, which made it extremely difficult to see the coast of Sicily. Nevertheless, this Sergeant Pilot released his glider and by brilliant flying, he managed to land on extremely difficult ground. He had, as one of his passengers, the Deputy Commander of the Airborne Brigade and his Staff who were un-injured. This party was able to move forward and eventually captured a six-gun battery in which Staff Sergeant Andrews took a prominent part.

    28th July 1943
    LG 11.11.43
     
  7. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Bar to DFM

    Arnhem 17th to 25th September 1944.

    This NCO has taken part in three airborne operations and on each occasion has displayed outstanding skill and courage in getting his glider down safely and his load into action. At Arnhem, he not only landed successfully but fought throughout with the greatest gallantry and dash, and was an inspiring example to his comrades.

    3rd October 1944

    LG 15.2.45
     
  8. AndyBaldEagle

    AndyBaldEagle Very Senior Member

    Shit !

    :D:D:D:D:D
    Email on way!

    :lol::lol::lol:

    Regards

    Andy
     
  9. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Glider Pilot

    There is no trace of the recommendation for this Glider Pilots award


    LG 14.11.46

    :poppy: CWGC :: Certificate :poppy:
     
  10. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Air2/9640

    At 22.50 hours on 5th June 1944 (D Minus One), Staff Sergeant Banks took off with five other gliders from Blakehill Farm aerodrome loaded with engineer stores and personnel for the purpose of blowing certain bridges near Touffreville, East of Caen. Parachutists were to have cleared a landing zone near to Touffreville (ten miles inland) and to have laid out landing lights.

    On crossing the French coast, the glider combination flew into cloud, only one set of lights were visible, belonging to another landing strip. All pilots except Lieutenant Pickwood (piloting another glider) and Staff Sergeant Banks, mistook this for the landing zone. The proper landing zone had not been prepared, there were no lights and no direct moonlight. Nevertheless, Staff Sergeant Banks identified it, pulled off and made a successful landing in spite of the poles set up to prevent landings. He successfully unloaded his glider while British paratroops were engaging the enemy about 200 yards away.

    Thanks to the calmness, efficiency and courage of Lieutenant Pickwood and Staff Sergeant Banks in making landings in extremely difficult circumstances, the bridges were blown and the operation was a complete success.


    LG 19.10.44

    :poppy: CWGC :: Certificate :poppy:
     
  11. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Air2/9640

    Staff Sergeant Barkway was one of the glider pilots selected for the coup-de-main on the Benouville DR's on 6th June 1944. It was known that the approaches to the DR's were obstructed against airborne landings and defended in strength. Staff Sergeant Barkway volunteered for this duty and cheerfully agreed to land his glider in the best place tactically, irrespective of the obstructions to flying. He carried out his task with great accuracy. Throughout the journey, by his cheerfulness and confidence, he was a great encouragement to his passengers. To his skill and courage, the successful accomplishment of a difficult and hazardous military task was made possible.

    7th June 1944

    LG 19.10.44


    NOTE: The following letter, dated 16th December, 1944, appears in Air2/9640.

    "In placing the enclosed submission before the King, you will doubtless wish to give His Majesty some explanation of the circumstances in which a DFM for Staff Sergeant Barkway is being substituted for one previously approved to Staff Sergeant Baker as indicated in the final item.

    The error arose as follows: After an airborne landing in Normandy on the night of 5th/6th June 1944, a Senior Officer who had travelled in a glider wished to recommend the pilot for the DFM and enquired his name. All gilder pilots had been evacuated and Baker's name was supplied from the list of pilots detailed for the operation. The detail had, however, been changed at the last minute and Barkway flew the glider while Baker did not take part in the operation at all.

    The mistake and the failure to detect it until now can easily be understood in the light of the conditions existing at the time and the fact that 1200 glider pilots were concerned in the operation. Baker took part in the Arnhem operation and is now missing. It is certain that he never knew of the award made to him in error and, although the DFM was gazetted on 19th October 1944, it is considered unlikely that any information has reached his family. The War Office has now asked that His Majesty's approval be obtained for this substitution of Barkway for Baker as indicated in the formal submission.
     
  12. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    In July 1943, Sergeant Bayley was first pilot in a Waco Glider detailed for flight to Sicily. Throughout the flight, he was faced with very adverse weather. For five hours, he was unable to leave his position in the glider and, owing to the strength of the wind, his hands were soon rubbed raw by the wheel of the glider. Eventually, he made an excellent descent in the sea and at once saw to the safety of his passengers. Assured of this, he dived into the interior of the submerged aircraft, salvaging arms and equipment, and afterwards he swam around encouraging the men on the wing of the glider until they were rescued.

    Throughout this trying experience, Sergeant Bayley showed great courage and fortitude, giving no indication of the pain or difficulties he was encountering and, by his cheerful confidence, set a magnificent example to all.

    LG 27.1.44
     
  13. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    For Normandy

    Air2/9638

    For 5th & 6th June, 1944-Battery South West of Merville


    This NCO had volunteered to make a crash-landing on a coastal defence battery after releasing from 6,000 feet. Owing to cloud, this height could not be gained and visibility was poor. No navigational aids were in place but a landing was effected in the vacinity of the position. Through this NCO's determination and exceptional skill, the airborne troops were able to assist in the capture of the gun position.


    27th June 1944.

    LG 12.10.44
     
  14. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Air2/9102.

    On 24th March 1945, during the airborne assault over the Rhine, North of Wesesl, this NCO was flying a Hamilcar glider. The elevator controls were shot away by flak, the flaps became unserviceable and the undercarriage was badly damaged. Staff Sergeant Bowman, with great presence of mind decided to land his glider, loaded with a tank, by using the elevator trimming device. He made what in the circumstances must be considered an exceptionally good landing and, although his glider was damaged, the load was not, and was used with effect against the enemy.

    By his coolness and skill in case of a grave emergency, Staff Sergeant Bowman avoided a serious accident and was able to bring his glider load into action as briefed.

    4th June 1945

    LG 16.8.45
     
  15. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    For Arnhem 17th - 25th September 1944.

    Air2/9077

    This NCO has taken part in three airborne operations and on each occassion has displayed great skill and determination in landing his glider safely and getting his load into action at once. His flying skill and general conduct have been exemplary.

    28th October 1944.

    LG 11.4.46
     
  16. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Air2/9077

    This NCO has taken part in three airborne operations and on each occassion has landed his glider safely and got his load into action. In every action, he has displayed marked flying skill, often under the most difficult conditions. His determination and gallantry has been an inspiration to his fellow gilder pilots.

    28th October 1944

    LG 11.4.46
     
  17. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Air2/9048

    This NCO has taken part in three airborne operations and on each occassion has displayed skill and determination to land his glider in the right place and and to get his loads in action with the least possible delay.


    LG 15.2.45
     
  18. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Air2/9102

    On 24th March,1945, Staff Sergeant Edwards was the first pilot of a Horsa glider taking part on the airborne assault across the Rhine, North of Wesel. In spite of an intense smoke screen over the area, Staff Sergeant Edwards pressed on to find his briefed landing area. The rear part of his glider was set on fire by incendiary bullets but, disregarding this fact, Staff Sergeant Edwards flew on to the exact area that he had been briefed to deliver his load. By his perseverance and skill in the air, this NCO has proved himself undaunted on this occasion as well as previous airborne operations. By his determination and skill in getting his load to the correct area, the task of the airborne troops was greatly assisted.

    4th June 1945

    LG 18.8.45
     
  19. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Air2/9640

    On the night of 5th/6th June, 1944, Staff Sergeant England flew a Hamilcar glider to France and, in spite of most difficult weather conditions and bad visibility, he succeeded in landing his glider safely in the correct area regardless of flak and ground opposition from the enemy. It was a most hazardous undertaking as the landing area was obstructed by poles and small pits and were it not for Staff Sergeant England's skill and coolness, his load a vital 17-pounder, could not have been delivered intact at the right time and place.

    8th July 1944

    LG 19.10.44
     
  20. Paul Pariso

    Paul Pariso Very Senior Member

    2078059 Staff Sergeant Harold Norman 'Andy' Andrews DFM and Bar, No.2 Wing, Glider Pilot Regiment.

    This info is taken from Andrews' book "So You Wanted to Fly Eh?"

    H. N. "Andy" Andrews, 2078059, DFM and Bar, wartime glider pilot, was born on January 6, 1920. He died on September 2, 2000 aged 80.
    "ANDY" ANDREWS volunteered for the newly formed Glider Pilot Regiment in 1942 to avoid the tedium of waiting for the German invasion that never came. He was with the Royal Engineers in France but, after evacuation from La Panne, north of Dunkirk, he found service in England unexciting. Piloting a glider brought him the Distinguished Flying Medal and Bar. He is thought to be one of only four such pilots to survive all four main glider operations of the war in Europe.
    Early use of troop-carrying gliders proved that if casualties were not to be prohibitive there was much to learn about finding the intended landing zones in darkness. The first large-scale Allied glider-borne operation was the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. An unexpectedly strong offshore wind and premature cast-off by some towing aircraft led to almost a third of the gliders falling into the sea.

    Andrews used the glow of an enemy searchlight to assist his approach to the coast. He made a safe landing with his cargo of sappers and infantrymen, who scrambled out unhurt to destroy a coastal battery and capture a nearby bridge. Andrews received the DFM for his courage and precision flying.

    D-Day, the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, was his next glider-borne operation. The Horsa glider piloted by Andrews was one of 11 assigned to 3rd Parachute Brigade of 6th Airborne Division, which dropped east of the River Orne on the extreme left flank of the Allied beachhead. Owing to flooding of the River Dives and enemy anti-landing poles, there was doubt about the landing zone's viability up to the last moment. Andrews crossed the French coast on correct course but could see no markers for it. Then the tug pilot spotted lights to starboard and Andrews got his Horsa down safely to disgorge the naval gunfire support team with their radios and two Jeeps he was carrying.

    Arnhem followed. His reputation for being lucky was borne out again. His delivery of a platoon of The Border Regiment, part of the Airlanding brigade of 1st Airborne Division, northwest of Wolfheze was completed unopposed, although one soldier was wounded by rifle-fire in the last few seconds before touchdown. Together with other glider pilots, Andrews found himself defending part of the Oosterbeek perimeter west of Arnhem until withdrawal across the Neder Rijn. He received a Bar to his DFM for his skilled and courageous flying into the Arnhem landing zone.

    All his experience and luck were needed for the Rhine crossing on March 24, 1945. Glider techniques were honed to perfection by this stage of the war and less than 4 per cent of the gliders were destroyed in flight. Andrews carried the tactical headquarters of a battalion due to capture bridges over the river Ijssel near Hamminkeln - but there were difficulties ahead.

    His Halifax towing aircraft developed engine trouble over the North Sea and all surprise had been lost by the time he reached the landing zone, which was obscured by smoke. The Horsa's controls were damaged by ground fire soon after cast-off and Andrews found he was descending too steeply and too fast. Because of the smoke, he could not see the ground until down to 500 ft. At 250 ft he saw a small field beyond some trees, which he brushed through, half tearing off the undercarriage. The glider disintegrated on impact, the tail being catapulted over the debris to face the remains of the cockpit. Miraculously no one was seriously hurt; the infantry scrambled clear of the wreckage and formed a defensive position astride the local railway line.

    The war in Europe over, Andrews was assigned to fly gliders behind tow pilots under training for operations in the Far East. On one occasion a trainee pilot cast-off his glider prematurely at 750 ft, leaving it facing 180 degrees in the wrong direction and with nowhere to land - except the dispersal area on the take-off airfield. Andrews turned the glider, slipped past the control tower and the WAAF sleeping quarters, found just enough forward lift to bounce over a man on the runway and landed undamaged. Afterwards, he crisply explained to the tug pilot that it would have been a shame had he been killed on a training mission after all he had survived on operations.

    After demobilisation in 1946, Harold Norman Andrews returned to his engineering studies. He emigrated to Canada in 1953 and was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Engineers to resume his "continuation flying" at Chilliwack in British Columbia. He flew a variety of powered aircraft in Canada over the next 12 years, during which his luck continued to hold. He finally hung up his helmet after surviving a helicopter flight in a snowstorm over the Bay of Fundy, failure of a main rotor bolt over Texas and a second snowstorm over Saskatchewan.
     
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