MEADEN, P/O William Harold David (J18290) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 19 June 1944 as per London Gazette dated 30 June 1944 and AFRO 1861/44 dated 25 August 1944. Born in Edmonton, 8 October 1922; enlisted there 1 September 1941. Trained at No.19 EFTS (Virden) and No.10 SFTS (Dauphin). Commissioned 1943; promoted to Flying Officer, December 1943. Instructed at an OTU after his tour. Retired 31 August 1945. In postwar commercial aviation (Hamilton and Yukon), 1945 to 1948, after which he rejoined the RCAF, 13 December 1948. Retired to Willowdale, 9 April 1970. Died in Toronto, 3 May 2000; obituary notice stated he had flown with both No.432 and 436 Squadrons; the latter was likely postwar service. No citation other than \"completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.\" DHist file 181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20668) has recommendation dated 16 March 1944 when he had flown 27 1/2 sorties (167 hours 23 minutes), 10 March 1943 to 30 January 1944. This officer has shown an unconquerable spirit of determination to achieve his objective. The majority of his many operational sorties have been over heavily defended areas, including five against Berlin, and his coolness and his unusual initiative have won him the respect of his crew and the whole squadron. For his exceptional qualities of leadership, for his coolness in face of danger, for his spirit of determination and devotion to duty, this officer is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Note: Public Record Office Air 50/248 has a Combat Report for 26/27 March 1944 when he was with No.405 Squadron. Target was Essen (Lancaster U/405, JB684) and crew were J18290 P/O W.H.D. Meaden, J18687 P/O J.D. Barker, J51564 F/O G.J. Smith (later killed in action), 162625 P/O W. Calderwood, 6190 Warrant Officer K.A. McEwan (mid-upper gunner), R134962 Warrant Officer R.R. Alexander (rear gunner), and P/O H. Chamberlain (RAF). While over the target area just before dropping the bombs Lancaster aircraft ?U? Serial No.JB684 of 405 (RCAF) Squadron encountered two FW.190s. The first sighting was made at 2230 hours flying at 20,000 feet altitude. Visibility was very good aided by numerous searchlights and 7/10 cloud below, tops 1,400 feet [14,000 feet ?]. The enemy aircraft were first sighted by the rear gunner on either quarter at 600 yards range coming in to attack. The rear gunner directed the pilot to corkscrew starboard and as the Lancaster commenced to turn the fighter on the starboard quarter opened fire with one short burst, the trace of which was seen to pass below the starboard wing. As the dive progressed both fighters broke the attack by diving steeply and disappearing below. Neither of the Lancaster gunners opened fire and no hits were scored by the fighter which opened fire. Monica only gave odd pips, possibly by rear gunner?s turret movement.