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Mahaddie, Thomas Gilbert "Hamish"

Date of birth:
March 1911 (Leith, Scotland)
Date of death:
January 16th, 1997
Service number:
44456
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

April 1st, 1940: Pilot Officer (prob)
April 1st, 1941: Flying Officer (WS)
April 1st, 1942: Pilot Officer (prob emergency)
September 1st, 1945: Squadron Leader
July 1st, 1947: Wing Commander
March 24th, 1958: Retired (Group Captain)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 19 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1943
Air Force Cross (AFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
February 26th, 1943
One night in February, 1943, Wing Commander Mahaddie, Flight Lieutenant Thompson and Flight Sergeant Stewart were captain, navigator and flight engineer respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and attacked by an enemy fighter. -The bomber sustained much damage. The aileron control cables were severed, causing the aircraft to fall into a steep diving turn and the wireless apparatus and the inter communication system were rendered unserviceable. By skilful use of the engines, Wing Commander Mahaddie regained control and set course for home. With great promptitude, Flight Sergeant Stewart inspected the damage and, alter reporting the position to his captain, rendered first aid to the wireless operator who had sustained
a severe wound in the hand. Flight Sergeant Stewart then did all in his power to assist his captain in flying the aircraft back to base which was gamed at the estimated time due to the superb navigation of Flight Lieutenant Thompson.
In the face of trying circumstances, these members of aircraft crew displayed great courage, skill ,and initiative.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 12th, 1943
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 12th, 1943
Ceskoslovenský válecný kríž 1939
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 7th, 1951

Received as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.
Air Force Cross (AFC)

Sources

Photo