Keen, Geoffrey Frank
- Date of birth:
- March 26th, 1916 (Chesham/Buckinghamshire, Great Britain)
- Date of death:
- October 2nd, 1992
- Service number:
- 923049
- Nationality:
- British (1801-present, Kingdom)
Biography
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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Sergeant
- Unit:
- No. 51 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- January 30th, 1942
"During the many sorties in which this wireless operator has participated, some of which have been at extreme range, he has displayed high qualities of courage and dtermination. His technical skill is of a high order and on one occasion after a raid on Stuttgart his steadiness of obtaining wireless aid was soley responsible for the safe return of his aircraft after bearing had been completely lost."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Sergeant
- Unit:
- No. 427 (Lion) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 23rd, 1943
Citation:
"One night in March, 1943, this airman was the wireless operator of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire. The navigator was killed instantaneously. Flight Sergeant Keen, who was in the astro-dome, had his right foot blown off and received cuts on both legs. Disregarding his wounds, Flight Sergeant Keen regained his seat in the wireless cabin. For over two hours he laboured to repair the damaged apparatus. He could not speak to other members of the crew owing to damage to the inter-communication apparatus. Another airman spoke to him, however, on at least a dozen occasions and found him still conscious and working at his self imposed task of directing the manipulation of various installations. He also offered assistance in navigating the aircraft and actually managed to drag himself on two occasions to the navigator's compartment to obtain essential information. His courage and fortitude in such circumstances were of the highest order."
The recommendations states:
'I consider this N.C.O.'s superb display of courage and devotion to duty whilst seriously wounded fully merits the award of the Victoria Cross'
Wing Commander D. H. Burnside, Commanding Officer, RCAF Station, Middleton St. George.
'This case is considered to be an outstanding example of coolness and tenacity of purpose on the part of this N.C.O. when seriously wounded, and demanding courage of the highest order-an award of the Victoria Cross is recommended
Air Officer Commanding 6 Group, Air Vice Marshall G.E. Brookes CB OBE
"One night in March, 1943, this airman was the wireless operator of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire. The navigator was killed instantaneously. Flight Sergeant Keen, who was in the astro-dome, had his right foot blown off and received cuts on both legs. Disregarding his wounds, Flight Sergeant Keen regained his seat in the wireless cabin. For over two hours he laboured to repair the damaged apparatus. He could not speak to other members of the crew owing to damage to the inter-communication apparatus. Another airman spoke to him, however, on at least a dozen occasions and found him still conscious and working at his self imposed task of directing the manipulation of various installations. He also offered assistance in navigating the aircraft and actually managed to drag himself on two occasions to the navigator's compartment to obtain essential information. His courage and fortitude in such circumstances were of the highest order."
The recommendations states:
'I consider this N.C.O.'s superb display of courage and devotion to duty whilst seriously wounded fully merits the award of the Victoria Cross'
Wing Commander D. H. Burnside, Commanding Officer, RCAF Station, Middleton St. George.
'This case is considered to be an outstanding example of coolness and tenacity of purpose on the part of this N.C.O. when seriously wounded, and demanding courage of the highest order-an award of the Victoria Cross is recommended
Air Officer Commanding 6 Group, Air Vice Marshall G.E. Brookes CB OBE
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- Photo 1: Martin Keen
- - Page 503 | Supplement 35439, 27 January 1942 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Page 1856 | Supplement 35989, 20 April 1943 | London Gazette | The Gazette
- Dix Noonan Webb: Auctioneers and Valuers of Medals & Militaria, Coins, Ancient Coins, Banknotes, Tokens, Historical & Art Medals and Jewellery
Photo
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