Sergeant Patrick Gerard Barry was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Sergeant Barry has participated in numerous operational sorties against such heavily defended targets such as Duisburg, Cologne and Peenemunde. As air gunner his crew co-operation, coolness under fire and devotion to duty have been of the highest order. On one occasion, when leaving the target, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. Cannon-fire rendered his turret and guns useless and severely wounded Sergeant Barry. Nevertheless, although almost suffocated by smoke and fumes from a fire in the fuselage, he kept his captain informed of approaching fighters and while suffering great pain displayed the greatest fortitude. Sergeant Barry was born in 1919 at Cork, where his home is. He was a joiner and carpenter before enlisting in the R.A.F.V.R. in 1941, and is now air gunner. The Times Friday, Oct 15, 1943 DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL Sgt. P.G. BARRY, R.A.F.V.R., 467 (R.A.A.F.) Sq. See this thread for ref: www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852
Diane, I'm not sure if this is your man-(No Initials) 59 Squadron, POIX Blenheim IV L4859. Landed at Vitry damaged by Belgian AA Fire during reconnaissance of the Mass between Roermond and Hasselt 4.15am. Also hit by return fire from He111 over Turnhout 5.00am. Flying Officer G.H.D. Evans, Sergeant Barry and AC2 C.C. Cleland unhurt. Aircraft TR*M repairable.
59 Squadron, Andover Reconnaissance Blenheim IV R3697. Belly-Landed outside Eastchurch airfield, hydraulic undercarriage lock damaged by ground-fire north of the Somme 5.10pm. F/O G.H.D. Evans, Sergeant Barry and AC2 C.C. Cleland unhurt. Aircraft a write off.
LG 19.10.1943. Sorties 22, Flying hours 150.55 Air Gunner Air 2/8983 Sergeant Barry, as rear gunner, has participated in 22 successful operational sorties against such heavily defended targets as Pilsen, Duisberg, Cologne and Peenemunde. At all times, his crew co-operation, coolness under fire and devotion to duty have been of the highest order. When leaving the target from the attack on Peenemunde, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. Cannon fire rendered his turret and guns useless and severly wounded Sergeant Barry. Despite this and the fact that he was almost suffocated by smoke and fumes from the fire in the fuselage, Sergeant Barry kept his captain informed of approaching fighters until the intercommunication system failed. Although in great pain, he displayed the greatest fortitude. I consider that this NCO's coolness and exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger have proved him an outsanding member of a gallant crew which fully deserves the award of the DFM. 26th August 1943. The Distinguished Flying Medal Register of the Second World War Vol. I - Ian Tavender.
