SPENCE, F/L John Alexander (J3995) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.277 Squadron - Award effective 23 March 1943 as per London Gazette dated 23 March 1943 and AFRO 757/43 dated 30 April 1943. Born Fergus, Ontario, 27 April 1919; home in Guelph; enlisted in Hamilton, 2 July 1940 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.1 ITS, 22 July 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 6 October 1940); posted next day to No.3 EFTS; graduated 25 November 1940 when posted to No.6 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 10 February 1941. Commissioned 11 February 1941. To No.1 Manning Depot, 15 February 1941. To Debert, 27 February 1941. Embarked from Canada, 7 March 1941. Taken on strength of No.2 PRC, 19 March 1941. To No.59 OTU, 22 March 1941. To No.43 Squadron, 5 May 1941. To Station Manston, 27 May 1941. To Station Hawkinge, date uncertain. Attached to No.765 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, 17-27 July 1941 for Walrus course (land and water landings). Attached to Station Pembroke, 27 July to 2 August 1941 for course in rough sea flying. Promoted Flying Officer, 11 February 1942. To No.277 Squadron, 3 March 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 28 July 1942. Attended a Chemical Warfare Course at the Experimental Station, Porton, 18 July to 21 August 1943. To Overseas Repatriation Depot, 23 September 1943. Arrived in Canada, 28 September 1943. To Station Suffield, 27 November 1943. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 March 1944. To War Staff College, Toronto, 1 December 1944. To Suffield again, 10 December 1944. Remained there to 5 August 1946. Retired 7 August 1946. Re-engaged with Primary Reserve 25 February 1952 until 15 May 1957 but relinquished commission when business commitments proved too distracting. DFC presented at uncertain date, possibly with the Bar which was awarded on 27 April 1945. Died 9 January 1991 as per Airforce Magazine of October-November-December 1991. Biography published in High Flight, Vol.2, No.1 (magazine defunct). RCAF photo PL-2425 (early 1941) shows J.A. Spence (Guelph), Horton K. Shendon (Michigan) and R. Ferrier (Toronto). RCAF photo PL-19321 (ex UK-4510 dated 15 July 1943) shows P/O John Van Rassel of Timmins (left) and Flight Lieutenant John A. Spence ((Guelph) taken outside Buckingham Palace following investiture. // This officer has flown on a number of rescue sorties over the Straits of Dover and the Channel and has been instrumental in rescuing seven survivors from crashed planes. In December 1942, he was attacked by a Focke Wulfe 190, but although his aircraft was damaged he successfully evaded the attacker and landed safely at base. On another occasion he persevered with the search despite heavy fire from the German ground defences. In February 1943 he flew to within five miles of Le Treport, brought his aircraft down on to the sea and rescued a Canadian pilot who had been shot down three hours previously. The visibility was deteriorating fast but he succeeded in a rescue which typified the skill, courage and resourcefulness invariably exhibited by this officer. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/4951 has recommendation. // Since joining the Air/Sea Rescue Service on 3 June 1941, this officer has carried out 73 rescue sorties over the Straits of Dover and Channel, flying Lysanders and Defiants, and has been instrumental in rescuing seven survivors from crashed planes. On 11 December 1942 when flying a Defiant of Dungeness he was attacked by a Fock Wulfe 190. In spite of the fact that his aircraft was damaged, he was successful in evading the attack and landing safely at base. On another occasion he persevered with a search one mile north of Calais in spite of fire from the German ground defences until he was recalled. On 28 February 1943 Flight Lieutenant Spence made his first operational sortie in a Walrus, having completed his training on this type of aircraft only two days before. This sortie took him to within five miles of Le Treport, where he landed and picked up a Canadian Flight Sergeant Pilot who had been shot down three hours before. He then took off and returned safely to base. The visibility was deteriorating fast, and this rescue is typical of the skill, courage and resourcefulness that this officer has so frequently exhibited. During the last seven months Flight Lieutenant Spence has commanded the detached flight of No.277 Squadron at Hawkinge with distinction, and has set a fine example to his pilots and air gunners. // SPENCE, F/L John Alexander (J3995) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.277 Squadron - Award effective 9 July 1943 as per London Gazette dated 23 July 1943 and AFRO 1724/43 dated 27 August 1943. // In June 1943, this officer undertook a flight to search for a pilot who was adrift in his dinghy in the English Channel. He succeeded in locating the dinghy some two and a half miles from the French coast. The sea was exceedingly rough, but he brought his aircraft down safely on to the water, then taxied to the airman, who after a strenuous effort, was hauled aboard. Owing to the heavy seas it was not possible for the aircraft to take off again so, disregarding enemy minefields in the vicinity and the possibility of attack from the air, Flight Lieutenant Spence resourcefully taxied his aircraft across the Channel to a home base. His gallant achievement was worthy of high praise. // Operational Wing: // His application for an Operational Wing dated 2 February 1944 noted, “OC 277 Squadron stated I had to take a rest. RCAF signaled an officer required for Chemical Warfare Establishment in Canada, was selected and posted to Porton and Boscombe Down, England for five week course, repatriated to Canada and given command of present unit, RCAF Detachment, Suffield.” He then listed the following: // 24 May 1941 - No.43 Squadron, Hurricane - Defence - 1.15 // 17 June 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.15 // 18 June 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.10 // 22 June 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.20 // 23 June 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.20 // 25 June 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.30 // 26 June 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.35 // 30 June 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 2.10 // 2 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.15 // 4 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.50 // 5 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.15 // 5 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.15 // 7 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.00 // 7 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - ten minutes // 7 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.25 // 8 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.55 // 8 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.20 // 10 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.15 // 10 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.00 // 11 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.30 // 12 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.40 // 14 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.15 // 14 July 1941 - ASR Flight, RAF Hawkinge - Lysander - Rescue - 1.00 // 14 March 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue (1.10) // 24 March 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 25 minutes // 25 March 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 55 minutes // 1 April 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.45 // 5 April 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.25 // 7 April 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.35 // 13 April 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.40 // 18 April 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.50 // 25 April 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 2.10 // 26 April 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 50 minutes // 5 May 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 35 minutes // 7 May 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 2.00 // 9 May 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.10 // 19 May 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 2.00 // 26 May 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.05 // 1 June 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.30 // 20 June 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.45 // 24 June 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.35 // 27 June 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 45 minutes // 4 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 55 minutes // 8 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 2.00 // 9 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.00 // 13 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.10 // 14 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 35 minutes // 21 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.35 // 22 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 15 minutes // 29 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.45 // 29 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 55 minutes // 30 July 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.55 // 6 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.30 // 8 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.05 // 12 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 45 minutes // 13 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.25 // 13 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.30 // 15 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 35 minutes // 19 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.55 // 25 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.40 // 28 August 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 40 minutes // 2 September 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 2.00 // 8 September 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.45 // 16 September 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.15 // 21 September 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.00 // 26 September 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.30 // 5 October 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 35 minutes // 14 October 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Defiant - rescue - 1.20 // 31 October 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 30 minutes // 2 November 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 50 minutes // 9 November 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.00 // 29 November 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 15 minutes // 29 November 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 50 minutes // 29 November 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 55 minutes // 1 December 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.10 // 8 December 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.40 // 11 December 1942 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 40 minutes // 22 January 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 2.05 // 22 January 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 2.35 // 28 February 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 1.30 // 9 March 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.30 // 11 March 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.30 // 25 March 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 20 minutes // 29 March 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 1.25 // 11 April 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 50 minutes // 14 April 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 40 minutes // 14 April 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.00 // 16 April 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 1.20 // 17 April 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.50 // 4 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 1.00 // 6 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 15 minutes // 12 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 15 minutes // 13 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 1.10 // 13 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 20 minutes // 13 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 2.15 // 15 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 25 minutes // 17 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Lysander - rescue - 1.15 // 18 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 20 minutes // 19 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 30 minutes // 31 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 45 minutes // 31 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 1.15 // 1 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 20 minutes // 1 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 3.00 // 4 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 25 minutes // 12 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 1.20 // 13 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 1.00 // 14 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 50 minutes // 14 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 50 minutes // 16 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 2.20 // 21 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 15 minutes // 22 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 15 minutes // 25 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 2.05 // 28 June 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 1.25 // 2 July 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 45 minutes // 8 July 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 45 minutes // 15 July 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 20 minutes // 15 July 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Spitfire - rescue - 1.10 // 15 July 1943 - No.277 Squadron - Walrus - rescue - 40 minutes // Notes: As of 25 June 1952 he stated he had flown 618 hours 15 minutes single-engine in daylight, 549.20 multi-engine in daylight, 11.15 single engine at night and 9.15 multi-engine at night (total of 1,188 hours five minutes). Of this, 32.10 on instruments. Also had 38 hours of civilian flying (all single-engine day). // In May 1943 authorities were looking for a replacement for S/L Ken Birchall at Suffield. It was suggested that somebody from the Army Cooperation units overseas should be returned to Canad. The candidates for the post were to be good pilots, prepared to “be called upon to fly various types of strange machines”, practical, a good organizer and with some technical education. Various officer names were entertained but some were not available. In the end, Spence was chosen. // Selected Assessments: // “Extremely keen, conscientious and thorough. His flight has shown excellent results, chiefly through his leadership and example.” (S/L A.S. Linney, No.277 Squadron, 17 September 1942) // “This officer in his capacity as Flight Commander has displayed outstanding qualities as a leader, and the high rate of efficiency that exists in the flight is due to his untiring efforts. An above average officer whom I consider suitable in all respects for promotion.” (S/L L.J. Brown, No.277 Squadron, 16 July 1943, noting that he had flown 505 hours, 119.35 in past six months. // “This officer’s work is proving entirely satisfactory and he takes a keen interest in it.” (G/C G.A. Sellars, 14 July 1944). // “A very satisfactory Commanding Officer of the Detachment at Suffield. Good cooperation with the civil staff and with the army.” (A/V/M G.R. Howsam, 15 November 1944). // Suffield Crash: // The crash of Norseman 2466 is fascinating, not for the crash itself but for the duties it was conducting. It happened at 1920 hours, 23 May 1946. S/L J.A. Spence wrote: // At 1800 hours I received notice from the Chief Experimental Officer of Experimental Station Suffield to carry out experiment 3007. Immediately I signed out and proceeded to the Norseman where F/L Faurot was in the second pilot’s position and WO1 Owen was in the rear as hopper operator in charge of toxic load. I checked the load which consisted of 1,000 pounds of toxic mixture. I strapped myself in, turned the gas on “both”, checked that float indicators were not visible on gas tank indicators, carried out normal start and run up, and found the aircraft serviceable. // He then describes take off and flight at 500 ft to “lay out area.” // On arriving at the area to be sprayed 16 miles east of aerodrome I circled the field at 200 feet above ground until approximately 1850 hours when we received the go ahead signal and the trial was completed by approximately 1915 hours according to the program, having disposed of approximately 800 pounds of bait (trial at 50 feet above ground). On receiving the return to base signal I climbed at same engine settings to 500 feet and headed back to station. // Crew were Spence, F/L V.J.J. Faurot, DFC (second pilot) and WO1 F.K. Owen (crew). Described once as “spraying” but the stuff was in 50 pound bags suggesting powder or dust. Returning to base engine began cutting and Spence took over. Unable to restart engine. Unable to find cause and tried a force landing. // The aircraft was landed under difficulty conditions 7 miles east of aerodrome on rough, rolling terrain and into a low sun. The aircraft bounced on the wheels from a hummock and on striking another hummock 90 yards further on the port oleo was fractured. ... The aircraft touched down again just before crossing a shallow rutted prairie road... The aircraft was airborne again over a slight dip in the ground and when the port wheel made contact again the ruts dug by the left oleo became increasingly deeper. This braking action caused the tail to rise as shown by two propeller marks ending in a hole caused by the engine nosing in. The starboard wing made contact before the aircraft had completely turned over and the engine was torn away to the left of the direction of travel. // Port fuel tank full, starboard empty. Had pilot incorrectly set switches ? Possible groundcrew negligence in not topping off tank after an earlier flight. Spence had 1,052 hours all types, one hour dual and 36 hours solo on Norse - 5.40 in previous six months. // Excerpts from No.277 Squadron Operational Record Book: // 4 May 1943 - No.277 Squadron carried out searches for W/C Blatchford from 0605 on, 30 miles out to sea. Weather too rough (wind) for Walrus and Lysander so estuary patrols in Spitfires by F/L Spence and Sgt Gooch. // Squadron operating from Martlesham, Shoreham, Hawkinge, Gravesend. As of 5 May Hawkinge has three Spitfires, three Lysaders, one Walrus. Shoreham 3 Defiants, 2 Walrus, 4 Spitfires, // Hawkinge, 12 May 1943 “During the morning F/L Spence with two Lt.Commanders set off in the Walrus to search the Rye area for mines; they were accompanied by FS Standen in a Spitfire but they were recalled for a Top Line. The Top Line was a false alarm as Group only wanted the Walrus to stand by.” // 13 May 1943 - “At 1015 hours P/O Hartwell accompanied by F/L Spence took off in a Walrus to carry out the Estuary Patrol, landing at 1115.. . . At 1715 hours F/L Spence with FS Glew and FS Butler took off in a Walrus in search 177 degrees 22 miles from Dungeness but were recalled owing to the presence of enemy aircraft. They took off again at 1750 hours returning at 2005 with nothing to report.” // 17 May 1943 - “F/L Spence with FS Butler carried out the Estuary Patrol in a Lysander accompanied by Sgt Kipping in a Spitfire, there was nothing to report.” // 19 May 1943 - described as a Flight Commander (others F/L Bron - Brown ? And Dekyvere). // 23 May 1943 - DFCs for F/L Brown and P/O Sheppard. // 28 May 1943 - good story. Hawkinge - “A practice rescue was carried out in the Estuary. A dinghy was dropped by Sergeant Moir from a Lysander and P/O Hartwell and W/O Waddington in a Walrus found the dinghy and landed beside it. W/O Waddington instead of hauling the dinghy into the back hatch decided to clamber into it and go for a sail whereupon P/O Hartwell left him to his fate and took off without him (They are the best of friends). The incident became very amusing when WO Waddington, getting very wet was waving to the Walrus, was seen by a Naval launch which proceeded to the spot to effect a rescue, but much to their disgust our friend refused to be rescued by anything else but the Walrus, which by this time had decided that WO Waddington had had enough, landed and hauled him aboard. When the heat of his language had dried him again they took off and returned to base. (We must add that these two are still the best of friends).” // 1 June 1943 - Hawkinge - “F/L Spence took off in Walrus to do the Estuary patrol and whilst on it was told to join with another section of Spitfires which were on the MID CHANNEL patrol at North Foreland and proceed on vector 080 degrees 15-30 miles and search area, which they did but nothing to report. F/L Spence landed at Manston at 1010 hours, short of fuel, while the Spitfires returned to base.” // 3 June 1943 - story re S/L Grace. // 9 June 1943 - Spence to Canadian HQ for an interview. // 12 June 1943 - He did a Mid-Channel and Estuary patrol with Sgt Gooch. // 13 June 1943 - 100th rescue. // 16 June 1943 - Hawkinge “The Flight was called to Top Line at 0500 hours as a pilot had gone in during the night. Sgt Rollo in a Spitfire, escorted by two other Spitfire of 91 Squadron went to search 120 degrees 17 miles from base. All were airborne at 0520 hours. On reaching the position the pilot was located in his dinghy after 20 minutes search, the position being 20 miles 115 degrees. The Walrus had been called to readiness and was airborne at 0630 hours with F/L Spence and Sgt Humphries. They proceeded to the position and were told to fly two miles south and at the same time they saw the 3 Spitfires orbiting the pilot (Sgt Ticklepenny of No.3 Squadron). F/L Spence dropped a smoke float and went in to land, the time being about 0630 hours. The sea was very rough but no damage was caused to the aircraft. Six attempts were made to get the man aboard, and he fell out of his dinghy twice, this being due to the very heavy seas. The gunner was sent to the back of the Walrus, which was taxied on to the pilot. F/L Spence left the controls and grabbed for him out of the starboard window but missed. Sgt Humphries managed to seize the airman by his wrists and with the help of F/L Spence dragged the survivor into the aircraft. F/L Spence then went back to the controls, and as the sea was too rough for take-off started to taxi back. All hatches were closed to prevent the aircraft being swamped due to the sea washing over the aircraft. The R/T was rendered unserviceable. F/L Spence taxied for 15 minutes and again made two attempts to get off the water, but was unsuccessful. Sergeant Humphreys brought the rescued pilot forward, wrapped him in blankets, gave him water and a cigarette. The Walrus was met half way back by two HSLs from Dover. Due to the cross sea, great difficulty was experienced in keeping the aircraft on a straight course for Dover. In the meantime, 20 FW.190s were sent out to sink the Walrus but 91 Squadron attacked them, shooting down four and the Walrus was not molested. Sgt Seydell of 91 Squadron was shot down, but was taken aboard an HSL. Sgt Mitchell was also shot down and went straight in. At about 0800 hours the Walrus taxied into Dover Harbour, where the navy took the rescued pilot off, smashing both wing tips off the Walrus in the process. The Walrus was eventually anchored to a buoy and F/L Spence and Sgt Humphreys boarded the WASP for breakfast. The Walrus crew did not know of the fight which occurred on the way back, and thanks are due to 91 Squadron for their safe return. FS Standen later collected the Walrus from Dover and flew it to Gravesend.” // 17 June 1943 – “F/L Francis of the RCAF Public Relations Office came down to F/L Spence and 91 Squadron.” // 22 June 1943 – Hawkinge - “There was however a slight panic at 1200 hours when the Walrus was put on immediate top-line for a Fortress crew which was reported down 3 miles N.W. Calais. Cover reported the sea too heavy for the Walrus to operate and this was verified by F/L Spence who flew 10 miles out to sea to check up. Owing to this the Walrus was washed out and later it was reported that the plot was not definite and it was called a complete washout.” But later in the day a full rescue and two Walrus aircraft taxiing from near the Dutch coast. // 24 June 1943 – “Just at dusk F/L Spence and FS Standen took off in the two Walruses for formation and evasive action, landing at 2235 hours.” // 25 June 1943 – Hawkinge – Spence flew an Estuary patrol. // 28 June 1943 – Spence on Estuary patrol, 0840-1005. // 12 July 1943 – Word received of Bar to DFC for Spence. // 17 July 1943 – Spence on mid-Channel patrol. // 18 July 1943 – to Boscombe Dow for a gas course. “F/L Spence has been at Hawkinge ASR Flight for 2 years and 1 month, except for a break of 9 months when he was detached owing to sickness.”