Orders, Decorations and Medals

A superb Flying C.G.M. awarded to Sergeant J. F. Bain, No. 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Flight Engineer of a Lancaster bomber, two of whose crew were recommended for the Victoria Cross after their aircraft was attacked and set on fire by an enemy fighter over Milan
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying), G.VI.R., swivel suspension (654077 Sgt., R.A.F.) good very fine

C.G.M. London Gazette 23 March, 1943.
“On the night of 14th February, 1943, Pilot Officer F. W. Gates (awarded the D.S.O. in the same Gazette), Flight Sergeant Dove, and Sergeants Williams, Bain and Airey were members of the crew captained by Sergeant Hazard, which was detailed to attack Milan. Whilst over the target area, the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter at close range. Its gunfire exploded some incendiary bombs which had failed to release and a fire quickly developed in the bomber. The fuselage became a mass of flames reaching through the mid-upper turret manned by Flight Sergeant Dove. Ammunition in the turret boxes and ducts commenced to explode in all directions. In the face of an appalling situation, Flight Sergeant Dove coolly remained at his post. Although he was burned about the hands and face, he manned his guns with grim resolution, skill and accuracy. He delivered a devastating burst at the attacker, which had already been engaged and hit by the rear gunner and succeeded in destroying it. Disregarding the roaring flames, he then descended from his turret and then went to the assistance of Sergeant Airey, the rear gunner, who had been wounded, and extricated him from the rear turret. The situation had become extremely critical and Sergeant Hazard ordered the crew to abandon aircraft. When informed that one of his comrades was helpless he decided, in spite of the grave risk involved, to attempt a forced landing. Meanwhile, Pilot Officer Gates, assisted by Sergeants Williams and Bain bravely tackled the fire with extinguishers and succeeded in getting it under control. The aircraft was now down to 800 feet but, as the fire had subsided, Sergeant Hazard quickly decided to attempt to fly the badly damaged bomber home. He regained height and displaying fine airmanship crossed the Alps in safety, although one engine failed while so doing. On the remainder of the journey Pilot Officer Gates rendered valuable assistance to his captain and frequently ministered to his wounded comrades although this necessitated clambering over the hole in the floor of the aircraft in darkness. Aided by the skilful navigation of Sergeant Williams and good work by Sergeant Bain, the Flight Engineer, Sergeant Hazard succeeded in flying the seriously damaged aircraft back to this country. In circumstances of the greatest danger, the aircraft crew displayed courage, fortitude and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.”
Flight Sergeant Dove described the state of the Lancaster and its return journey in his Flying Log Book: “Own A/C on fire amidships. Turrets U/S. Starboard outer engine feathered. Flaps and bomb doors damaged. Bomb Aimer bailed out. Fire got under control. Climbed from 800-15,000 feet over Alps - Landed at Tangmere 15 gallons in tanks.” A report on the state of the Lancaster by the A.V. Roe Company stated “It was the severest fire damage ever seen to one of our aircraft.”
Flight Sergeant Dove and Pilot Officer Gates were both recommended for the Victoria Cross but Gates received the D.S.O., and Dove, along with Sergeants Williams, Bain and Airey, received the C.G.M.- a unique instance in the annals of awards for gallantry to the Royal Air Force.