Miscellaneous
D.S.O. London Gazette 11 June 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘(Flight Commander; sorties 54; flying hours 406) This officer has completed a large number of operational sorties against German and Italian targets, 23 of which have been on pathfinder duties. He is an outstanding operational captain who has consistently displayed courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. His repeated successes on operations have set a very fine example to the rest of his squadron. He has commanded a flight with great distinction and has had much success in training air crews. Wing Commander Barrell is a most efficient and valuable officer and pilot. He has completed 6 sorties since the award of the D.F.C.’
D.F.C. London Gazette 6 June 1941. The original unabridged recommendation states: ‘This officer has completed twenty five operational sorties over enemy territory since October, 1940, involving a total of 217 flying hours. Targets attacked include Berlin (4), Mannheim (3), Brest (3), Bremen (2), Bordeaux (2), Hanover, Turin, Hamburg, and Kiel. From these distant flights P/O Barrell’s crew have returned safely, a fact largely attributable to his skill and devotion to duty on all flights. He has inspired confidence in every crew which he has captained, by complete disregard of enemy action and difficult weather conditions. He has unfailingly shown great courage and gallantry in the face of the enemy, and nearly all his sorties have been models of operational efficiency and captaincy. I have no hesitation in recommending that his fine record be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.’
D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 12 March 1943.
The original joint recommendation (with Sgt. H. J. Hudson, awarded the D.F.M.) states: ‘One night in February, 1943, Squadron Leader Barrell and Sergeant Hudson were captain and flight engineer on an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was subjected to intense and concentrated anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, Squadron leader pressed home his attack but, after releasing his bombs the aircraft was hit. One engine was put out of action and the elevator control cable was severed which caused the aircraft to dive out of control. Considerable height was lost before the captain, assisted by Sergeant Hudson, skilfully regained control. Squadron Leader Barrell then headed the bomber for home. Meanwhile, Sergeant Hudson gave instructions to a member of the crew as to the care of another engine which seemed likely to fail and then attempted to repair the elevator control. He succeeded in doing so by the time his captain had flown the damaged aircraft to base where a masterly landing was effected. In the face of difficult and hazardous circumstances Squadron Leader Barrell, supported by Sergeant Hudson, displayed great skill, courage and devotion to duty. Both these members of aircraft crew have taken part in many sorties against heavily defenced targets.’
Wing Commander Robert George Barrell, D.S.O., D.F.C. and Bar, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed in action on the Wuppertal raid on 25 June 1943. Having taken off with 7 Squadron from Oakington at 23.54 on 24 June 1943, Lancaster III (ED595 MG-Q), piloted by Barrell, was shot down by a night fighter (Oblt. Raht, II./NJG3) and crashed at 00.25 near Rilland, Zeeland, Netherlands. Besides Barrell, who was killed when his parachute failed to open, two other members of the crew were killed. Three crew members were taken prisoner of war and one, Pilot Officer Hudson D.F.M., evaded capture. ______________________________________________________
D.S.O. London Gazette 11 June 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘(Captain of aircraft; sorties 47; flying hours 265). During a most successful tour of operational duty in heavy bombers aircraft, this officer has proved himself to be a most valuable member of his squadron. He is an outstanding operational captain and has invariably made the utmost efforts to complete his duties regardless of opposition and other difficulties. His courage, determination and devotion to duty have been most outstanding over a long period. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross in November 1942, Flight Lieutenant Stickell has completed 22 sorties all of them against heavily defended targets in enemy territory.’
D.F.C. London Gazette 6 November 1942. The original unabridged recommendation, dated 17 September 1942, states: ‘Pilot Officer Stickell has done twenty five major operational sorties, twenty three of which have been as captain on Stirling aircraft. In all these attacks against Cologne, Essen, Hamburg, Bremen, and other heavily defended targets in Germany, his captaincy and determination have been of the highest order. Pilot Officer Stickell has recently joined the Pathfinder Force and has carried out seven attacks as a marker and the fact that he has on many occasions brought back photographs of the target has enabled him to qualify as a marker. This officer’s personal example has been an inspiration to the rest of his crew.’
Flight Lieutenant John Harlan Stickel, D.S.O., D.F.C., Royal Canadian Air Force and United States Naval Reserve was born at Gilson, Illinois, U.S.A. on 31 July 1913. Having been twice decorated serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force in No. 7 Squadron as part of the Pathfinder Force on heavy bomber missions over Germany, he accepted an appointment as Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve and was again twice decorated for the destruction of enemy planes and boats during the Gilberts-Marshall campaign. Having volunteered for a dangerous, two-plane strike on 13 December 1943 against an underground oil storage tank on Jabor at Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Lieutenant Stickell was seriously wounded by anti-aircraft fire during the low-level approach. Ignoring his wounds he continued his mission and scored a direct hit on the target but upon commencing the return flight, he was forced to relinquish the control of the plane to his co-pilot. Stickell then selflessly ordered his co-pilot to avoid landing at the dangerously narrow airstrip at Tarawa and instead headed for a safer field much further away. He died of his wounds six days later. For his gallantry and selfless sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
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D.S.O. London Gazette 29 February 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘One night in January 1944, Acting Squadron Leader Hegman, was pilot and captain of one of a force of bombers detailed to attack Berlin. Early in the outward journey, some important gear became ineffective. Never the less Squadron Leader Hegman decided to continue his mission and eventually reached the target some 10 minutes after the attack was scheduled to end. In spite of the strong defences, the Squadron Leader made a successful bombing run and afterwards flew back to an airfield in this country where he effected a safe landing. His efforts on this occasion were typical of the determination and fearlessness he has invariably shown in pressing home his attacks on the enemy. He is a gallant and skillful pilot and leader whose sterling qualities have impressed all.’
D.F.C. London Gazette 23 March 1943. The original recommendation states: ‘This officer has completed 275 hours operational flying and 41 operations on Wellington aircraft. He has shown the greatest courage and determination and as a captain of aircraft has been exemplary. On a recent detachment in Malta on special duties he participated in 6 long night operations in 10 days. Throughout his tour with No. 162 Squadron, he has always displayed the greatest determination, perseverance and courage.’
Squadron Leader John Alfred Hegman, D.S.O., D.F.C., Royal New Zealand Air Force was born in 1916 at Auckland, New Zealand. He was killed in action on a raid to Berlin on 15 February 1944. Having left Oakington at 17.16, Lancaster III (JB363 GT-K) of No. 7 Squadron, piloted by Hegman, crashed near Berlin with Flight Sergeant Cook being the only member of the 8 man crew to survive. Hegman is buried in Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.
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