Sergeant E.W. Mills was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. In June, 1941, Sergeant Mills was one of three air gunners in a “Catalina” aircraft piloted by Flight-Lieutenant Whittome, which, in the course of convoy escort operation, was attacked by four enemy aircraft. The pilot, with great skill, manoeuvred the aircraft and enabled the air gunners to attack the enemy aircraft as they endeavoured to drop bombs on the convoy. Sergeant Mills displayed determination, courage and effective gunnery throughout. He was born at Urglin, near Carlow. See this thread for reference: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/researc...tinctions.html :irishflag[1]:
LG 11.7.1941 Immediate Air Gunner Air 2/9541 Sergeant Mills has served in No.202 Sqn since April, 1940, and has been employed on Air Gunner duties on operations, both before and since mustering as Air Gunner in October 1940. As Air Gunner, he has always shown great keenness, resourcefulness and devotion to duty. On 15th June 1941, he was Air Gunner in the crew of Catalina AH.538 which was carrying out anti-submarine patrol to Convoy HG65 in position 34'46' North, 08'46' West when four enemy Focke Wulf Kuriers attacked the convoy and were in turn attacked by AH.538. Sergeant Mills manned his blister guns and brought his fire to bear on the enemy with skill and determination, notwithstanding that returned by them. During the many attacks upon the enemy aircraft, Flight Sergeant Mills claimed hits on his targets and the report received of an FW Kurier crashing in Portugal on the same morning suggests that his fire was accurate. He is thought to have an important share in this action whereby the enemy attack upon our ships was rendered fruitless. 18th June 1941. The Distinguished Flying Medal Register for the Second World War. Vol. II - Ian Tavender
Determined, courageous and efficient gunnery when flying as Air Gunner in the crew of Catalina AH.538 during an action with four enemy Kurier aircraft when attacked Convoy HG.65. The Distinguished Flying Medal Register for the Second World War. Vol. II - Ian Tavender
Strongly recommended. I consider that this Wireless Operator/Air Gunner helped considerably in preventing the enemy aircraft from obtaining direct hits on ships in the convoy. The Distinguished Flying Medal Register for the Second World War. Vol. II - Ian Tavender
