Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35755/supplements/4593. Flying Officer Leslie Thomas Manser, 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. On 30th May 1942 over Germany, Flying Officer Manser was captain and first pilot of a Manchester bomber which took part in a raid on Cologne. He bombed the target successfully but the aircraft was hit repeatedly, the rear gunner was wounded, the front cabin filled with smoke and the port engine was overheating. Flying Officer Manser was determined to save his aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands and it was not until he knew that a crash was inevitable that he gave the order to bale out. As the crew parachuted down, they saw the bomber, still carrying their captain, crash in flames.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35755/supplements/4593. Flying Officer Leslie Thomas Manser, 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. On 30th May 1942 over Germany, Flying Officer Manser was captain and first pilot of a Manchester bomber which took part in a raid on Cologne. He bombed the target successfully but the aircraft was hit repeatedly, the rear gunner was wounded, the front cabin filled with smoke and the port engine was overheating. Flying Officer Manser was determined to save his aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands and it was not until he knew that a crash was inevitable that he gave the order to bale out. As the crew parachuted down, they saw the bomber, still carrying their captain, crash in flames.