Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35539/supplement/1851. Acting Squadron Leader John Dering Nettleton (41452), No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron. On 17th April 1942 over Augsberg, Germany, Squadron Leader Nettleton was the leader of one of two formations of six Lancaster bombers detailed to attack in daylight a diesel engine factory. Some time after crossing into enemy territory the formation was attacked by enemy fighters and four of the bombers were shot down, but the squadron leader held his two remaining aircraft on their course, and through intense anti-aircraft fire they flew low over rooftops and dropped their bombs. The second aircraft had to crash-land, but Squadron Leader Nettleton brought his Lancaster safely back to base, though riddled with holes. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35284/supplement/5572. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35586/pages/2519.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35539/supplement/1851. Acting Squadron Leader John Dering Nettleton (41452), No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron. On 17th April 1942 over Augsberg, Germany, Squadron Leader Nettleton was the leader of one of two formations of six Lancaster bombers detailed to attack in daylight a diesel engine factory. Some time after crossing into enemy territory the formation was attacked by enemy fighters and four of the bombers were shot down, but the squadron leader held his two remaining aircraft on their course, and through intense anti-aircraft fire they flew low over rooftops and dropped their bombs. The second aircraft had to crash-land, but Squadron Leader Nettleton brought his Lancaster safely back to base, though riddled with holes. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35284/supplement/5572. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35586/pages/2519.