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Merrett, Norman Leslie

Date of birth:
December 3rd, 1920
Date of death:
December 23rd, 1944
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Graves Soestbergen General Cemetery
Plot: 12D. Row: 2. Grave: 20.
Service number:
Aus.416446
Nationality:
Australian (1901-present, Federal Monarchy)

Biography

Having strafed strafed a train near Utrecht, his Typhoon was hit by flak and fell in an open area he -seriously injured- received first aid by Dr. Bonk of Vianen and was afterwards taken by the Germans to the military hospital of Utrecht. There he died on December 23rd, 1944

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Pilot Officer
Unit:
No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 22nd, 1944
Citation:
"This officer has completed many sorties including attacks against strongly defended enemy targets.
In a recent sortie he was the leader of a section of aircraft detailed to attack a mortar position holding up the allied ground advances near Caen. Very heavy enemy opposition was encountered from the ground defences and the aircraft sustained severe damage. Nevertheless Pilot Officer Merrett flew on and successfully silenced the enemy position.
Pilot Officer Merrett is an exceptionally efficient member of aircraft crew."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 164 (Argentina-British) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 30th, 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Citation:
"Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has participated in many sorties, involving harassing attacks on enemy troops and positions. He has consistendly displayed the finest qualities of skill and courage, setting an example worthy of the greatest praise.
In December, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Merrett took part in an attack on an enemy field gun position near Tiel. As he went into the attack his aircraft was hit. Nevertheless he dived to a low level and pressed home a vigorous attack. He afterwards flew the damaged aircraft to our own lines and effected a crash landing in a small field which was apparantly the only one not waterlogged or ploughed up.
This officer displayed unbeatable determination."

Second DFC awarded as a bar

Sources

Photo