Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37049/supplements/2173. No. 6101V Captain Edwin Swales, South African Air Force, serving with 582 Squadron, Royal Air Force. On 23rd February 1945 over Pforzheim, Germany, Captain Swales was leading the raid when he was attacked by an enemy fighter, one engine, fuel tanks and the rear gun turret being badly damaged. Unperturbed, he carried on, but was again attacked and his port engine was put out of action. Nevertheless he still remained over the target until satisfied that the attack had achieved its purpose. He finally managed to get his crippled Lancaster back to Allied-occupied territory before ordering his crew to bail out but as the last crew-member jumped, the aircraft plunged to earth. Captain Swales was found dead at the controls. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36954/supplements/1070.
Fold3_Team · 30/10/2023
Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37049/supplements/2173. No. 6101V Captain Edwin Swales, South African Air Force, serving with 582 Squadron, Royal Air Force. On 23rd February 1945 over Pforzheim, Germany, Captain Swales was leading the raid when he was attacked by an enemy fighter, one engine, fuel tanks and the rear gun turret being badly damaged. Unperturbed, he carried on, but was again attacked and his port engine was put out of action. Nevertheless he still remained over the target until satisfied that the attack had achieved its purpose. He finally managed to get his crippled Lancaster back to Allied-occupied territory before ordering his crew to bail out but as the last crew-member jumped, the aircraft plunged to earth. Captain Swales was found dead at the controls. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36954/supplements/1070.