Reading ex-fast-jets' account of his flight from Fearless prompted me to remember the vital role of rotary wing participants in the events of 28 May; I think the citations in the
Gazette for the pilots of XT629 and XP609 need no expansion.
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthu-
mous award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to the undermen-
tioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during
the operations in the South Atlantic:
Distinguished Flying Cross
Lieutenant Richard James NUNN, Royal Marines
On Friday 28th May 1982 the 2nd Battalion The Parachute
Regiment was engaged in fierce fighting to take enemy positions
in the area of Port Darwin. From dawn, Lieutenant Nunn, a Scout
helicopter pilot, had supported the Battalion flying vital ammuni-
tion forward to the front line and had evacuated casualties heedless
of enemy ground fire.
After flying continuously for three and a half hours, it was learnt
that the Commanding Officer and others in Battalion Tactical
Headquarters forward had been severely wounded. Lieutenant
Nunn was tasked to evacuated these casualties collecting the Batta-
lion Second in Command en route. However, five minutes after
take off, suddenly and without prior warning, two Pucara aircraft
appeared from the South and attacked the Scout with rockets and
cannon fire. By great flying skill Lieutenant Nunn evaded the first
attack but on the second his aircraft was hit and destroyed. Lieu-
tenant Nunn was killed instantly and his aircrewman Sergeant
Belcher was grieviously wounded.
Lieutenant Nunn displayed exceptional courage, flying skill and
complete devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. His achieve-
ments that day, supporting the Battalion, were exceptional and
were instrumental in the eventual victory.
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of
the Distinguished Flying Cross to the undermentioned in recogni-
tion of gallantry and distinguished service during operations in
the South Atlantic:
Distinguished Flying Cross
Captain Jeffrey Peter NIBLETT, Royal Marines
During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green, Captain Niblett
led a section of two Scout helicopters, supplying ammunition and
evacuating casualties for two days, often in the thick of battle
and under enemy fire. During one mission both Scouts were
attacked by Argentine Pucara aircraft. The helicopters evaded the
first attack but one was subsequently shot down. However, with
quite exceptional flying skill and superb teamwork with his air-
crewman, Captain Niblett evaded three further cannon and rocket
attacks, safely completing the mission. He then resolutely con-
tinued support and casualty evacuation operations until well after
dark.
His courage, leadership and flying skills were also demonstrated
in an incident when he evacuated a seriously wounded Marine
from Mount Challenger, flying in dark and misty conditions over
most hazardous terrain. Captain Niblett proved himself an out-
standing Flight Commander and pilot. The superb support that
his flight as a whole gave to the landing force reflects his exemplary
and dedicated service.
12838 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 8TH OCTOBER 1982