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Windmill, Stanley Arthur

Service number:
1394267 (NCO)/174076 (Officer)
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Stanley Windmill joined the London Metropolitan Police in 1937 at the age of 20. On the outbreak of war, despite being in a reserved occupation, he made a number of requests to be allowed to join the war effort. After several attempts he was able to join the Royal Air Force as a reservist.
During his operational career, he flew two tours of duty with No. 158 Squadron, completing in excess of 40 raids on major targets throughout Germany. He also took part in the notorious 1000 bomber raid on Nuremburg in March 1944.

Promotions:
? Warrant Officer
20 March, 1944: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
12 September, 1944: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
12 March, 1946: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 158 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 19th, 1944
Citation:
"One night in June 1944, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Trappes. During the operation the aircraft was attacked by a fighter at close range. By a clever manoeuver, Flight Lieutenant Windmill evaded the attacker but a short time afterwards the enemy aircraft again came in. Once again Flight Lieutenant Windmill responded well to the directions of his gunners and obtained a position from which they delivered effective fire and shot the enemy aircraft down. In this spirited action, Flight Lieutenant Windmill displayed great skill, coolness and co-operation. He has participated in a large number of sorties during which he has attacked a wide range of targets."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo