AIRMEN IN DIEPPE RAID

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23748, 21 September 1942, Page 6

AIRMEN IN DIEPPE RAID

AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY

(8.0. W.) RUGBY. Sept. 18. Further awards to airmen who took part in the Dieppe operations are announced.

Commander R. P. H. Gibbs, D.F.C., who has already achieved great success In torpedo-bomber sorties, is now given the D.S.O. for his leadership and exceptional skill.

The D.S.O. is also awarded to Wing Commander W. E. Surplice, D.F.C., who, with Flying Officer R. S. Rutherford—now given the D.F.C. as naviga-tor-led a formation of bombers detailed to release smoke bombs to screen the landing of the troops on the beaches. Upon the accuracy'of this first smoke sortie depended not only the success of subsequent smoke laying, but the safety of the entire-com-bined operations. Bars to the D.F.C. are awarded to three officers with outstanding records, Including Acting-Squadron Leader J. Shaw Kennedy who, with Flying Officer H. A. Asker and Flying Officer G. A, Casey, each of whom is now given the D.F.C., flew over Dieppe at a low level to release smoke bombs. Their aircraft were repeatedly hit. Flying Officer Casey was wounded in both thighs and his fellow gunner was critically injured. Awards of the D.F.M. include one to Sergeant C. G. Scott who, having rescued an injured and unconscious pilot and observer from the sea, and with great determination got them Into a dinghy which was able to hold only two, himself started swimming to Dieppe. by the sight of friendly aircraft overhead, Sergeant Scott swam round anticipating help which came at the end of 50 minutes. His comrades in the dinghy were rescued by a motor-launch.