Sergeant Dudley Farquhar Allen, G.M., B.E.M., R.A.F.V.R.

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by dbf, May 18, 2009.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Sergeant Dudley Farquhar Allen was awarded the George Medal in January, 1941.
    In September, 1940, this airman was the turret gunner of an aircraft which crashed in dense mist. He was dazed by a heavy blow on the head, and his parachute harness was entangled in the seat. In spite of the fact that the aircraft was on fire he proceeded with great energy and resolution to extricate the unconscious bodies of three of the crew at the risk of his own life. Undeterred by the increasing intensity of the heat and fumes from the burning wreckage, and amid exploding ammunition, he tried to find the pilot, but was unsuccessful. He then removed the unconscious men to a safe distance.

    Sergeant Allen was born in 1914, in Dublin, where his father still lives. He was educated at Skerries, Dublin, Drogheda Grammar School, and Rathmines School of Commerce. He was a commercial traveller before joining the R.A.F.V.R.


    http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7675091&queryType=1&resultcount=1
    Name Allen, Dudley Farquhar
    Rank: Serjeant
    Service No: 960369
    Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Non-Combatant Gallantry
    Award: The George Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 21 January 1941
    Date 1941
    Catalogue reference WO 373/66

    Listed:
    The Times, Wednesday, Jan 22, 1941
    R.A.F. GALLANTRY
    SERGEANT D.F. ALLEN, R.A.F.V.R.
    In September, 1940, this airman was the turret gunner of an aircraft which crashed in dense mist; he was dazed by a heavy blow on the head and his parachute harness was entangled with the seat. Although the compartment door was jammed, Sergeant Allen succeeded in forcing his way out of the wreckage, and in spite of the fact that the aircraft was on fire he proceeded with great energy and resolution to extricate three of the crew, who were unconscious, at the risk of his own life. Undeterred by the increasing heat and fumes from the burning wreckage, and amid exploding ammunition, he endeavoured to find the pilot, but was unsuccessful. Sergeant Allen removed the unconscious men to a safe distance from the flames before assistance arrived. It was due to his efforts that the three men were not burnt with the aircraft, though unfortunately they subsequently died from the injuries sustained during the crash.

    The Times, Monday, Jul 14, 1941
    R.A.F. AWARDS
    BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL
    Sgt. D.F. ALLEN, G.M., R.A.F.
    One evening in April an enemy aircraft dropped incendiary bombs on an aerodrome. One bomb fell into the cockpit of an aircraft on the ground and lodged beneath the seat and under the front of the fuselage petrol tank, in a position which prevented its removal. Allen attempted to extinguish the incendiary, but his efforts were unavailing, owing to its position. He therefore climed into the cockpit, and, although fully aware that the fuel tank was likely to explode at any moment, he applied fire extinguishers against the side of the tank and put soil on the incendiary until it was extinguished. At the time a large number of men were engaged in putting out other incendiaries near the aircraft. There is no doubt that Allen, by his initiative and gallant conduct in the face of extremely dangerous conditions, prevented many casualties which would certainly have occurred had the tank exploded.



    See this thread for ref:
    www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852
    :irishflag[1]:
     
  2. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Posted in error
     
  3. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    (May not be the correct man)

    103 Squadron, Rheges

    Battle. Forced-landed at Chalons engine badly damaged by flak during low-level attack on pontoon bridge near Abbeville 10.28am. Flying Officer R.D. Max hit in left knee. Sgt. D. Allen and LAC Dubois both wounded, admitted to hospital. Aircraft damaged but repairable-Later abandoned.
     
  4. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    28 May 1940

    103 Squadron.
    Battle I PM-
    Battle area.

    Crew.
    F/O. R D. Max inj.
    Sgt. D. Allen inj
    AC1. Dubois

    Took off Rheges / St-Lucien Ferme. Forced landed and left to its fate.

    BCL Vol.1 W R. Chorley.
     

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