AIRMAN’S BRAVERY

Grey River Argus, 12 September 1944, Page 8

AIRMAN’S BRAVERY

V.C. AWARDED 8.0.W. RUGBY, Sept. 8 The Victoria Cross has been awarded, “in recognition of most conspicuous bravery,’’ to Wing-Com-mander G. L. Cheshire, who holds the D.S.O. and two bars, and the D.F.C. In October, 1943, after three operational tours, he undertook a fourth, relinquishing the rank of group captain at his own request so that ne could again take part in operations. Wing-Commander Cheshire led his squadron personally on every, l occasion, always undertaking th e most dangerous, and difficult task of marking the target alone from a low level in face of strong defences. His cold, calculated acceptance of risks was exemplified in an attack on Munich in April, 1944. This was an experimental attack to test a new method of target marking from a low level against a heavily defended target situated deep in Reich territory. Munich was selected at Wing-Com-mander Cheshire’s request because of its formidable light anti-aircraft and searchlight defences.

He made the flight in bad weather, continuously under heavy fire, and, when over the target, dived to 700 feet, despite the fact, that he was brightly illuminated from above and below and all guns within range opened on him. He dropped his markers with great precision. His aircraft was barly hit by shell fragments, but he continued to fly over the tareet area and direct other aircraft to the target. He came under particularly heavy 7 fire disengaging himself from the enemy, but came safely through. He has now completed 100 missions and in four years’ fighting against the bitterest opposition has maintained a record of outstanding personal achievement, placing himself invariably in the forefront of the battle.