Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 226 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 17th, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Jubilee

“On 19th August, 1942, Wing Commander Surplice and Flying Officer Rutherford were pilot and navigator respectively of the leading aircraft of a formation of bombers detailed to release smoke bombs to screen the landing of troops on the beaches near Dieppe. On the accuracy of this, the first smoke sortie, depended not only the success of the subsequent smoke laying operations by following aircraft but, in a great measure, the safety of the entire combined operation. Fully aware of the importance of his mission Wing Commander Surplice, skilfully guided by Flying Officer Rutherford, flew in to the target at a low level and, defying an intense barrage from the unhampered ground defences, dropped his smoke bombs with precise accuracy. Both these officers displayed the highest standard of courage, skill and devotion to duty in the successful accomplishment of a most vital and dangerous task. Wing Commander Surplice planned the details of all the smoke laying operations allotted to the Squadron.”