Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 83 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1940

Citation:
"Pilot Officer Connor was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack enemy barge concentrations at Antwerp one night in September, 1940. His first run over the target was inaccurate and no bombs were dropped. In the second approach, at 2,000 feet, the aircraft was subjected to intense fire from the ground, but the attack was pressed home successfully. During this attack the bomb compartment in the aircraft was shattered
and a fire started which quickly spread to the wireless operator's and rear gunner's cockpit.
The port mid-wing and the tail boom were damaged. Shell fire pierced the port rear petrol tank causing grave risk of the fire spreading, and the starboard tank was also pierced. The navigator and rear gunner abandoned the aircraft, but the wireless operator air gunner remained and succeeded in controlling, and eventually extinguishing the flames. In spite of the condition of his aircraft and knowing that he had neither a
navigator, rear gunner nor normal wireless facilities. Pilot Officer Connor succeeded in flying back to his base and landing without further damage. He displayed the most outstanding coolness, courage and devotion to duty."