"This officer, as first pilot of a Hampden aircraft, has repeatedly shown
the highest conception of his duty and complete indifference to
personal danger in making attacks at the lowest altitudes regardless of
opposition. On the night of 12th August, 1940, he was detailed to attack
a special objective on the Dortmund Ems Canal. He had attacked this
objective on a previous occasion and was well aware of the risks
entailed. To achieve success it was necessary to approach from a
direction well known to the enemy, through a lane of especially disposed
anti-aircraft defenses, and in the face of the most intense point-blank
fire from guns of all calibers. The reception of the preceding aircraft
might well have deterred the stoutest heart, all being hit and two
lost. Flight Lieutenant Learoyd nevertheless made his attack at 150
feet, his aircraft being repeatedly hit and large pieces of the main
plane torn away. He was almost blinded by the glare of many searchlights
at close range, but pressed home this attack with the greatest
resolution and skill. He subsequently brought his wrecked aircraft home
and, as the landing flaps were inoperative and the undercarriage
indicators out of action, waited for dawn in the vicinity of his
aerodrome before landing, which he accomplished without causing injury
to his crew or further damage to the aircraft. The high courage, skill
and determination, which this officer has invariably displayed on many
occasions in the face of the enemy sets an example which is unsurpassed."
From Flt.Lt. Learoyd's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 20th August, 1940.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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