More Historical flying stuff.

[Phil Perry]

The crew of De Havilland Mosquito Mark II, DZ757 'RA-Q', of No. 410 Squadron RCAF, Flight Lieutenant M A Cybulski RCAF (pilot, left) and Flying Officer H H Ladbrook (navigator), stand by their fire-damaged aircraft at Coleby Grange, Lincolnshire, after destroying a Dornier Do 217 east of the Zuider Zee on the night of 27th September 1943. Burning petrol and oil from the exploding German aircraft temporarily blinded Cybulski and engulfed the Mosquito, sending it into a steep dive from which Ladbrook managed to recover it after losing some 4,000 feet. Although the dive extinguished the flames, the port engine stopped and the aircraft became extremely difficult to control because of the damage to the rudder. The crew, nevertheless managed to steer DZ757 back on one engine over 200 miles to Coleby Grange, for which both were awarded the DFC

 

https://media.iwm.org.uk/ci...

 

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[Phil Perry]

Flight Lieutenant Eric James Brindley Nicolson VC DFC (29th April 1917 – 2 May 1945), No. 249 Squadron, RAF.

 

Air Ministry, 15th November 1940.

 

The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery :

 

Flight Lieutenant James Brindley NICOLSON (39329) — No. 249 Squadron.

 

"During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson's aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life."

 

https://upload.wikimedia.or...

 

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