GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY 148
A good Second War Halifax Rear Gunner’s D.F.M. group of five to Flight Sergeant J. D. Sharp, 158 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 37 operational sorties, the vast majority being strategic bombing raids on specific targets such as marshalling yards and V Rocket sites. He shot down an enemy night fighter, after a deadly game of ‘cat and mouse’, during the bombing run over Malines railway centre, 1/2 May 1944. Sharp was also heavily engaged in the lead up to and during the Normandy Landings, attacking the coastal battery at Maisy, and other targets in the Normandy battle area
DISTINGUISHED FLYINGMEDAL,
G.VI.R. (1894770 F/Sgt. J. D. Sharp. R.A.F.); 1939-45 STAR; FRANCE ANDGERMANY STAR;DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS 1939-45, mounted for wear, with Air Gunner’s Brevet, generally good very fine (5)
£1800-2200 D.F.M. London Gazette 20 February 1945:
‘On the night of 1st/2nd May, 1944, Flight Sergeant Sharp was rear gunner in a Halifax III aircraft detailed from this Squadron to attack the important target of Malines railway centre. As the aircraft neared the target, Flight Sergeant Sharp saw an FW. 190 night fighter attempting to position for an attack. Assessing the situation quickly he reported the enemy aircraft’s movements to his captain and gave the necessary combat manoeuvre.
Acting on his advice the pilot evaded the fighter’s attack and carried on to the target, but the FW. 190 was still manoeuvring for an attack and as the Halifax released its bombs and was still flying with its bomb doors open it came in. Again Flight Sergeant Sharp saw it in time and again his cool accurate reports to his captain enabled the bomber to evade the faster aircraft. As the Halifax turned in combat manoeuvre, Flight Sergeant Sharp fired a long burst at the attacking aircraft, which broke away at 200 yards and was last seen diving steeply with fire coming from its engine.
Flight Sergeant Sharp’s keenness and cool courage throughout the action probably saved the aircraft and crew from destruction, and his accurate fire almost certainly accounted for the enemy aircraft.
Consistently keen, Flight Sergeant Sharp’s fine offensive spirit and cheerfulness have contributed in no small measure to the fine record of successful sorties by his crew.
It is recommended that his work and courage on 37 operational sorties be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. Remarks of Station Commander:
Throughout this long engagement with an enemy night fighter F/Sgt Sharp’s cool and accurate reporting of the enemy aircraft’s tactics inspired his Captain and crew with confidence and resulted in the probable destruction of the enemy.
This was typical of the courage and vigilance he showed throughout his tour of operations, and he is recommended for the non- immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.’
Jack Dennis Sharp served as a Flight Sergeant and Air Gunner with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second War. He flew operationally as a Rear Gunner with 158 Squadron (Halifaxes), Lissett, April - September 1944. The Squadron was primarily employed on strategic bombing duties. Sharp flew in at least 37 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Villeneuve St. Georges; Acheres; Malines; Mantes-Gassicourt; Colline Beaumont; Bourg Leopold; Ferme D’Urville; Trappes; Maisy (Normandy Coastal Battery), 5 June 1944; Chateaudun, 6 June 1944; Versailles, 7 June 1944; Evrecy; Sterkrade; Oisemont; Le Grand Rossignel; Marquise Mimoyecques (2); Wizernes; Villers Bocage (daylight), 30 June 1944; Domleger (daylight), 4 July 1944; Caen (daylight), 7 July 1944; Ferme du Forestel; Les Landes; Paris (Vaires); Ardouval II; Brunswick; Kiel (2); Brest; Soesterberg; Le Havre (2); Gelsenkirchen; Gelsenkirchen-Nordstern; Neuss and Calais.
Sold with copied research, including from the Squadron Operations Book.
www.dnw.co.uk
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