Pantkowski, Franciszek

Date of birth:: January 3rd, 1918 (Koronowo, Poland)
Date of death:: October 30th, 1942
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Graves Egersund
Service number:: P.1571
Nationality:: Polish (1918-1939, IInd Republic)

Biography

Shot down on a mission with No. 138 Special Duties Squadron in Halifax II W7773 NF-S, detailed to drop supplies in Poland and bomb Gestapo HQ. As they were unable to find the location, the aircraft turned back and was shot down over Norway. All crew were lost.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Pilot Officer
Unit:: No. 301 (Pomeranian) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: September 5th, 1942

This officer is a skilful and fearless wireless operator/air gunner. Without consideration for his personal safety, he always devotes his whole attention to the task on hand and endeavours to produce a most efficient wireless service whatever the circumstances; his skill in obtaining fixes has, on two occasions, contributed materially to the safe return of his aircraft after it had sustained damage as the result of attacks by enemy fighters. In November 1941, he participated in an attack on Berlin. Throughout the operation, his services were of immense value to his pilot and contributed materially to the success obtained. His cheerful courage and unselfishness inspires his colleagues.

Award approved 5 September, 1942.
Recommendation drafted 24 February 1942 when he had flown 30 sorties (191 hours).