B-52 Mitchell

Search Awards

 
Search within:
Search Type:
TWEDDELL, William Oliver Pilot Officer, No.83 Squadron, 40767 Distinguished Flying Cross RAF WWII
Description (click to view)
TWEDDELL, P/O William Oliver (40767) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.83 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 31 May 1940. Born in Toronto, 6 March 1919; educated there and Acton, Ontario; mother living in London, Ontario at time of award. Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation, RAF, 7 May 1938. Reported to No.83 Squadron (Hampdens), approximately 17-23 October 1939; unit not active until February 1940. According to cards compiled by W/C F.H. Hitchins (held by Directorate of History and Heritage), his first sortie was the night of 1/2 April 1940 (security patrol, Sylt to Borkum). Numerous bombing and minelaying sorties detailed in cards. Shot down and killed during attack on Dortmund-Ems Canal, 25/26 June 1940. Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date. Air Ministry Bulletin 801 refers. No citation other than 'for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations'. Public Records Office Air 2/9413 has recommendation dated 28 April 1940: On the night of April 17th this officer was the second pilot and navigator of an aircraft which, after completing a successful 'Gardening' operations, carried out a reconnaissance of Northern Denmark, observing large concentrations of enemy aircraft at Aalborg aerodrome. On the night of April 20th an aircraft, of which he was navigator, carried out a successful bombing attack on Aalborg aerodrome, under weather conditions which required a high degree of skill in navigation in order to locate the target. Pilot Officer Tweddell displayed outstanding ability as navigator and by his keenness, energy and zeal he has set an excellent example to other navigators. This was annotated by Air Vice-Marshal A.T. Harris (Air Officer Commanding, No.5 Group), no date shown: Strongly recommended. This officer has taken part in a number of difficult and successful operations. Public Records Office Air 2/9413 has citation prepared for Air Ministry Honours and Award Committee: On 17th April 1940, this officer was second pilot and navigator of an aircraft which reconnoitred northern Denmark, observing large concentrations of enemy aircraft at Aalborg aerodrome. On the 20th April he was navigator of an aircraft which attacked Aalborg aerodrome, under weather conditions which required a high degree of skill in navigation in order to locate the target. He displayed outstanding ability, and by his keenness, energy and zeal has set an excellent example to other navigators.
TWEDDELL
Description (click to view)
WILLIAM OLIVER DIGBY F/O(N) 40767 D.F.C. - Royal Air Force. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed in Action Jul 26/40 age 21. #83 Squadron (Strike To Defend). Hampden aircraft lost whilst attacking enemy warships at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Two of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Flying Officer Navigator Tweddell is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.
TWEDDELL
Description (click to view)
I.W. J10424. F/L. Tweddell was from Lashburn, Saskatchewan. Detail provided by A. E. Barnard, Burlington, On.