I thought this award by the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators to three WWII sergeant-pilots might be of interest.
When you read the citation, you can just imagine the reception the one frail elderly gentleman who was fit enough to attend received from the 700 strong gathering at the Awards Banquet as he made his way slowly forward to be presented with the award by the Duke of York.
SPECIAL COMMEMORATION AWARD
GUILD COMMENDATION
Geoffrey S Barkway DFM
Peter B Boyle
James H Wallwork DFM
Citation:
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the greatest air and sea-borne military invasion ever mounted – ‘Operation Overlord’ (D-Day). In order to commemorate that occasion, the Guild is presenting a Special Award –Guild Commendation –to three of the Glider Pilot Regiment pilots who landed successfully in the early hours of 6th June 1944 at (what became known as) ‘Pegasus Bridge’.
This landing enabled the capture of the bridge and the successful flank protection afforded thereby to the Allied troops landing on the Normandy beaches. The capture of the bridge was critical to the success of the landings and therefore to the whole of ‘Operation Overlord’.
The Horsa gliders flown by Staff Sergeants Geoff Barkway, Peter Boyle and Jim Wallwork were released some 10-15 miles from their target, over the Channel, at night, and the pilots successfully flew their un-powered aircraft, without any navigational aids or ground assistance, to find the target: a small bridge in the middle of northern France.
Not only did they find their target extremely accurately, they landed their heavily laden gliders in an unprepared landing zone (at night) with all the inherent difficulty and danger involved. They, and the paratroops with them, survived to fight a successful battle.
Air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory, Commanding Allied Air Forces on D-Day, stated that their display of skill was one of the most remarkable navigational accomplishments of the war.
For their commendable navigation and flying skills, together with exemplary courage, determination and valour in pursuit of their duty, a special Guild Commendation is awarded to Geoffrey Barkway, Peter Boyle and James Wallwork.
What an amazing achievement!
Tudor
.... released some 10-15 miles from their target, over the Channel, at night, ...... flew their un-powered aircraft, without any navigational aids or ground assistance, to find the target .....
Just as well they weren't subject to CAA rules and regs, eh G-KEST.
