B-52 Mitchell

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BAZALGETTE
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IAN WILLOUGHBY S/L(P) 11813 V.C. and D.F.C. - Royal Air Force. From Calgary, Alberta. Killed in Action Aug 4/44 age 25. #635 Squadron (Nos Ducimus Ceteri Secunter). Following is an extract from London Gazette of August 17, 1945 regarding the action where S/L Bazalgette was awarded the V.C. On 4th August, 1944, Squadron Leader Bazalgette was master bomber of a pathfinder squadron detailed to mark an important target at Trossy-St. Maximin for the main bomber force. When nearing the target his Lancaster came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Both starboard engines were put out of action and serious fires broke out in the fuselage, and the starboard mainplane. The bomb aimer was badly wounded. As the deputy master bomber had already been shot down, the success of the attack depended on Squadron Leader Bazalgette, and this he knew. Despite appalling conditions in his burning aircraft, he pressed on gallantly to the target, marking and bombing it accurately. That the attack was successful was due to his magnificent effort. After the bombs had been dropped the Lancaster dived, practically out of control. By expert airmanship and great exertion Squadron Leader Bazalgette regained control. But the port inner engine then failed and the whole of the starboard mainplane became a mass of flames. Squadron Leader Bazalgette fought bravely to bring his aircraft and crew to safety. The mid-upper gunner was overcome by fumes. S/L Bazalgette then ordered those of his crew who were able to leave by parachute to do so. He remained at the controls and attempted the almost hopeless task of landing the crippled and blazing aircraft in a last effort to save the wounded bomb aimer and helpless gunner. With superb skill, and taking great care to avoid the small French Village of Senantes, he brought the aircraft down safely. Unfortunately, it then exploded and this gallant officer and his two comrades perished. Squadron Leader Pilot Bazalgette is buried in the Churchyard at Senantes, Oise, France.
BAZALGETTE, Ian Willoughby Flight Lieutenant, No.115 Squadron, 11831 Distinguished Flying Cross RAF WWII
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BAZALGETTE, F/L Ian Willoughby (11831) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.115 Squadron - Award effective 1 July 1943 as per London Gazette dated 9 July 1943. Born in Calgary, 1918; family returned to England, 1927; home in New Malden, Surrey. Commissioned in 51st Regiment (Anti-Aircraft) as 2nd Lieutenant, 1940; transferred to RAFVR in September 1941, going to No.115 Squadron a year later; to an OTU as instructor, September 1943; in April 1944 to No.635 Squadron; killed in action, 4 August 1944. A mountain in the Moberly Creek area of Jasper National Park was named for him in 1949. AFRO 1724/43 dated 27 August 1943 (reporting his DFC) and AFRO 1558/45 dated 5 October 1945 (reporting his VC) described him as a Canadian in the RAF. This officer has at all times displayed the greatest keenness for operational flying. He has taken part in many sorties and attacked heavily defended targets such as Duisburg, Berlin, Essen and Turin. His gallantry and devotion to duty have at all times been exceptional and his record commands the respect of all of his squadron. BAZALGETTE, S/L Ian Willoughby (11831) - Victoria Cross - No.635 Squadron - Award effective 17 August 1945 as per London Gazette of that date. On 4th August 1944 Squadron Leader Bazalgette was 'Master Bomber' of a Pathfinder squadron detailed to mark an important target at Trossy St.Maximim for the main bomber force. When nearing the target his Lancaster came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Both starboard engines were put out of action and serious fires broke out in the fuselage and the starboard main plane. The bomb aimer was badly wounded. As the Deputy Master Bomber had already been shot down the success of the attack depended on Squadron Leader Bazalgette, and this he knew. Despite the appalling conditions in his burning aircraft he pressed on gallantly to the target, marking and bombing it accurately. That the attack was successful was due to his magnificent effort. After the bombs had been dropped the Lancaster dived practically out of control. By expert airmanship and great exertion Squadron Leader Bazalgette regained control, but the port inner engine then failed, and the whole of the starboard mainplane became a mass of flames. Squadron Leader Bazalgette fought bravely to bring his aircraft and crew to safety. The mid-upper gunner was overcome by fumes. Squadron Leader Bazalgette ordered those of his crew who were able to leave by parachute to do so. He remained at the controls and attempted the almost hopeless task of landing the crippled and blazing aircraft in a last effort to save the wounded bomb aimer and helpless air gunner. With superb skill and taking great care to avoid a small French village nearby, he brought the aircraft down safely. Unfortunately it then exploded and this gallant officer and his two comrades perished. His heroic sacrifice marked the climax of a long career of operations against the enemy. He always chose the more dangerous and exacting roles. His courage and devotion to duty were beyond praise.