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Walshe, Ernest Paul

Date of birth:
March 25th, 1918 (Melbourne/Victoria, Australia)
Service number:
400361
Nationality:
Australian

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 202 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
November 10th, 1942
Citation:
"Whilst acting as captain of a Sunderland flying boat during a flight one afternoon in September, 1942, this officer observed a U-boat on the surface of the sea some three miles distant. As the aircraft approached it the U-boat opened fire, but F/O Walshe skilfully manoeuvred and attacked with bombs. Two of them exploded within five feet of the U-boat's conning tower, and.another two alongside its port bow. Half
an hour later the U boat began to submerge, and was seen to sink bow first, the stern protruding out of the water for several seconds. Thirty-six survivors were observed floating on the sea. This officer, whose skill enabled him to complete his attack without damage to his aircraft or injury to his crew, has always displayed exceptional ability and devotion to duty."

LG 35777/4868 (10 November 1942).
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo