TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Wyatt, Francis James Lyle

Service number:
1377121/134493
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
?: Sergeant;
August 23rd, 1942: Pilot Officer on probation (emergency, as from May 24th, 1941);
February 23rd, 1943: Flying Officer on probation (war subs.);
?: Flight Lieutenant;
August 23rd, 1944: Squadron Leader (war subs.).

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 462 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1943
Citation:
"This airman has completed numerous sorties. Whilst operating from this country he took part in the attack on the Renault Works, near Paris, and in the raids on Cologne and the Ruhr when a thousand of our bombers attacked these targets.
In the Middle East he has continued his good work. One night in October, 1942, he captained an aircraft which attacked Tobruk. Immediately after releasing his bombs a heavy shell burst underone of the wings. It was then observed that one of the bombs was hung up. In the circumstances, Sergeant Wyatt decided not to re-open the bomb doors, thus lessening the risk of losing height and speed. Although 1 engine began over-heating he continued his course and eventually made a safe landing at an advanced landing field. Sergeant Wyatt has invariably set a courageous and inspiring example."
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 1652 Conversion Unit
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1946
Air Force Cross (AFC)

Sources

  • - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 25th December 1942, Issue 35837, dated 29th December 1942
    - Sixth Supplement to The London Gazette of 29th December 1942, Issue 35845, dated 1st January 1943
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 13th April 1943, Issue 35981, dated 16th April 1943
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 5th September 1944, Issue 36692, dated 8th September 1944
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th December 1945, Issue 37407, dated 1st January 1946

Photo