NEVER SURPASSED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 November 1943, Page 4

NEVER SURPASSED

DEED OF BRITISH AIRMAN AFTER BEING GRIEVOUSLY WOUNDED POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF V.C. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) R.UGBY, November 5. The Victoria Cross has been awarded posthumously to Flight Sergeant Arthur Louis Aaron, R.A.F.V.R.. The citation says: “In appalling conditions, he showed the greatest courage, determination and leadership, and though wounded and dying, set an example of devotion to duty which has seldom

been equalled and never surpassed.”

Sergeant Aaron, a Yorkshireman, was captain and pilot of a Stirling aircraft which was detailed in August last to attack Turin. When approaching its target, the bomber received devastating bursts of fire from an enemy fighter. Three of the engines were hit, the windscreen was shattered, the front and rear turrets put out of action and the elevator control damaged, causing the aircraft- to become unstable and difficult to control. The navigator was killed and other members of the crew were wounded. A bullet struck Aaron in the face, breaking his jaw and tearing away a part of his face. He was also wounded in the lung and his right arm was rendered useless. As he fell forward over the control column the aircraft dived several thousand feet. Control was regained by the flight engineer. Unable to speak, Aaron urged the bomb-aimer, by signs, to take over the controls. A course was set southwards, in an endeavour to fly the crippled bomber, with one engine in action, to Sicily or Nortlj Africa. Aaron was assisted to the rear of the aircraft and treated with morphia. After resting for some time he rallied and, mindful of his responsibility as captain of the aircraft, insisted on returning to the pilot’s controls, where he was lifted into his seat and had his feet placed on the rudder bar. Twice he made determined attempts to control and hold the aircraft to its course, but his weakness was evident and with difficulty he was persuaded to desist. Though in great pain and suffering from exhaustion, he continued to help by writing directions with his left hand. Five hours after leaving the target, petrol began to run low, but soon afterwards a flare path at Bone airfield was sighted. Aaron summoned his failing strength to direct the bomb-aimer in the hazardous task of landing the damaged aircraft, in darkness, with its undercarriage retracted. Four attempts were made. At the fifth Aaron was so near collapsing that he had to be restrained by the crew and the landing was completed by the bomb-aimer. Nine hours after landing. Aaron died from exhaustion. Had he been content, when grievously wounded, to lie still and conserve his failing strength, he would probably have recovered, but he saw his duty and .exerted himself to the utmost, if necessary with his last breath, to ensure that his aircraft and crew did not fall into enemy hands. . AWARDS TO CREW The award of the V.C. to Flight Sergeant Aaron has been followed by the i announcement of the award of one Conspicuous Gallantry Medal and two Distinguished Flying Medals to the members of the crew. Flight Sergeant A. W. J. Larden wins the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal and Sergeants T. Guy and M. M. Mitchen win the Distinguished Flying Medals.