Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 153


A good Second War 1940 ‘Coastal Command’ D.F.M. group of five awarded to Hudson wireless operator, Leading Aircraftman H. Richardson, 220 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who enjoyed early success with his crew in damaging or destroying 7 enemy aircraft and 2 vessels, between November 1939 - June 1940. Several of the latter were notched up during a gallant defence of a small motor launch, as part of the Dunkirk evacuation, 1 June 1940


Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (524205. L.A.C. H. Richardson. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, minor edge bruising, very fine (5)


£2,000-£2,400 D.F.M. London Gazette 9 July 1940, the original recommendation states:


‘Since the commencement of hostilities, this airman has been the Wireless Operator on ten occasions when his aircraft has been under fire in enemy engagements inclusive of attacks on mine sweepers and flak ships and air combats. At the most critical times, this airman has invariably remained cool and undisturbed and continued his Wireless Operator duties with the utmost efficiency. His example as a Wireless Operator member of a flying crew is of the highest order.


Remarks by A.O.C.:


L.A.C. Richardson is the outstanding member of this most important and very dangerous trade in No. 220 Squadron. His devotion to duty is exemplary whether in the face of the enemy or during long hours of monotonous reconnaissance tasks. Speed in obtaining reports from successful reconnaissance's is entirely dependent upon the Wireless Operator for various reasons. There have been numerous failures to get messages through. The example set by L.A.C. Richardson is of the greatest value to the operational efficiency of his unit. His service is pre-eminently of the kind for which the Distinguished Flying Medal was instituted and I very strongly recommend that this be awarded to him.’


Harold Richardson initially served as a Leading Aircraftman and Wireless Operator with the Royal Air Force during the Second War. He was serving with 220 Squadron (Hudsons) as part of Coastal Command, operating from Thornaby, at the outbreak of the war. Richardson flew reconnaissance patrols, and had an inconclusive engagement with a Heinkel 115, 7 November 1939. His crew met with more success three days later:


‘Whilst on patrol in posn. YXUR 0642, Hudson “A” piloted by Sgt. Scotney, 2nd pilot Sgt. Culver and W/T operator L.A.C. Richardson and air gunner Cpl. Higgleton, engaged a Dornier 18. The enemy aircraft finally landed heavily on the sea subsequently turning over.’ (Squadron Operations Record Book refers)


Richardson and his crew encountered enemy shipping, 27 December 1939:


‘Hudson “R” piloted by F/O Selley, 2nd pilot Sgt. Dacombe, W/T operator L.A.C. Richardson, and A./G. L.A.C. Hopkins, which on the T.1. patrol sighted 2 enemy D.R.’s in posn. VLRA 0113 with 4 minesweepers and 7 patrol vessels in posn. HTRA 5820. After exchange of signals the vessels were known to be enemies which our a/c attacked by live bombing. Two attacks were made, the first of which struck and disabled a patrol vessel. The second attack was upon the vessels in the first position without result. Heavy A.A. fire was encountered throughout the engagement.’ (Ibid)


Whilst on another anti-shipping patrol, 1 March 1940:


‘Received instructions to proceed to Horns Reef: The pilot was F/O Selley.... W/Op - L.A.C. Richardson... In position YXRA 3050 two Flakships were seen. After an exchange of signals the enemy opened fire with pom-poms and H.E. After circling the ships our aircraft began a dive bombing attack from 3000 feet but during this the A.A. fire was so intense that the pilot climbed slightly to avoid the arc of fire and during this manoeuvre inadvertently pressed the bomb switch which made them fall 40 yards ahead of the target. The pilot followed this up with three front gun attacks, spraying the decks and the bridge.’ (Ibid)


Richardson’s crew engaged and damaged another Dornier 18, 10 April 1940. His pilot, Flying Officer Selley, was to be awarded a D.F. C. for the crew’s involvement during the Dunkirk evacuation operations:


‘1 June 1940. A Battle Flight of three aircraft G, J [Richardson’s crew] and K operating from Bircham Newton during the evacuation from Dunkirk when about three miles off Dunkirk Sands saw 40 enemy aircraft at 1500 attacking a small motor launch. Most of the enemy aircraft were JU 87s. The Flight then split up and attacked separately. The pilot of J shot down 2 JU 87s with his front guns and the rear gunner shot down one and severely damaged two more. The pilot of K made two diving attacks and shot down two JU 87s. The pilot of G attacked three enemy aircraft which dived past him so he turned in order to give the rear gunners an opportunity. Three Spitfires appeared however and were apparently about to attack our aircraft and a recognition signal had to fired...


On returning to the patrol two stationary lifeboats full of soldiers were seen... Two tug touring barges were seen four miles away and they were signalled and altered course and came to the rescue of the two lifeboats. During this operation 9 enemy aircraft were seen 3 JU 88, 3 H.E. III and 3 M.E. 109, which were at 4000 feet and apparently intent on attacking the stranded lifeboats but a/c J climbed to attack and the enemy dispensed at once.’ (Ibid)


Six days later Richardson took part in a successful night raid on oil tanks at Rotterdam, with the remainder of June being spent predominately flying dawn E-boat patrols.


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