Tudhope, William Frank "bill"

Date of birth:: March 5th, 1919 (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Date of death:: August 10th, 1940 (Schokland, Netherlands)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Graves Kampen
Plot: 7. Grave: 11.
Service number:: 41224
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Pilot Officer
Unit:: No. 144 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: August 6th, 1940

Recommendation (dated 22 July 1940, drafted by the Officer Commanding, RAF Station Hemswell):
"This officer was captain of an aircraft which was detailed to attack warships in Wilhelmshaven harbour from a very low level on the night of July 20th. He delivered his attack from 50 feet in the face of terrific anti-aircraft fire from all the defences of the town, during which his aircraft was badly hit by gunfire. In spite of this damage he attempted to make a second attack, but owing to the extreme density of the fire, his aircraft received a great many more hits, and one engine was badly damaged. With great skill and courage he brought his damaged aircraft back across the North Sea and landed it at the aerodrome. This officer has shown conspicuous gallantly and devotion to duty on many previous occasions, and has always pressed home his attacks in the same fearless manner."

On 22 July 1940 Air Vice-Marshal A.T. Harris, Air Officer Commanding No.5 Group, minuted the document as 'Strongly recommended'. The recommendation was approved by the Commander-in-Chief, Bomber Command on 24 July 1940 and forwarded that day to Air Ministry.