Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 1st, 1940

"One night in September, 1940, Sergeant Collins was the pilot and Sergeant Ayton the navigator and bomb aimer of an aircraft which successfully carried out dive bombing attacks on a concentration of barges at Ostend Harbour. On arrival over the target area, reconnaissance runs were made during which the three most vital parts of the target were selected as objectives. The splendid qualities of piloting and planning of Sergeant Collins coupled with the accurate navigation and skilful bomb-aiming of Sergeant Ayton resulted in three successful dive attacks, in which direct hits were made. Three nights previously, these airmen together carried out a dive-bombing attack from 11,000 feet to 2,000 feet when direct hits destroyed large buildings of a factory and six chimney stacks. A large fire followed which was visible for 70 miles. Sergeant Collins has a fine record of good work in over 200 hours of operational flying, while Sergeant Ayton has displayed skill, efficiency and coolness under harassing conditions."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 8th, 1941

"One night in October, 1940, Sergeant Ayton was pilot and Sergeant Hall the navigator and bomb aimer of an aircraft detailed to bomb an important military objective in the-centre of the defences of Berlin. On arrival over the target, reconnaissance runs were made until the target was definitely identified in the moonlight. Sergeant Ayton then dived through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, to a height of only 2,000 feet. In spite of the great speed attained in the dive, the skilful bomb-aiming of Sergeant Hall enabled direct hits to be obtained on the target where fires were seen to break out. The courage and determination of Sergeant Ayton in pressing home his attacks under all conditions, and the skill and courage of Sergeant Hall have been an inspiration to the other members of the squadron."

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.