ALLCROFT, P/O Frederick Charles (J17472) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.61 Squadron - Award effective 1 July 1943 as per London Gazette dated 13 July 1943 and AFRO 1724/43 dated 27 August 1943. Born in Vancouver, 1 April 1923; home there; enlisted there 24 June 1941 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.3 BGS, 7 August 1941 (guard duty). To No.2 ITS, 1 September 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 9 October 1941 when posted to No.15 EFTS; graduated 8 December 1941 when posted to No.10 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 10 April 1942. To /"Y/" Depot, 11 April 1942; to RAF overseas, 30 April 1942. Commissioned 11 April 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 11 October 1943. Missing, presumed dead, 3 January 1944 (Lancaster JB355, No.83 Squadron).
On his first sortie, which was against heavily defended objectives at Essen, the aircraft in which this officer was flying was hit by anti-aircraft fire but, undaunted by this, he bombed the target and made a safe return on three engines. During a sortie to Dortmund in May 1943, his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters on the outward flight. After the attack had been skilfully evaded, one engine in the aircraft failed, but despite this he proceeded to the target which was successfully bombed. On the return journey another engine failed but by superb skill and determined courage this pilot made a safe return. Throughout all his operational sorties Pilot Officer Allcroft has displayed high courage and devotion to duty.
NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/8964 has recommendation drafted 27 May 1943 when he had flown 18 sorties (16 successful) and 124 hours 20 minutes on operations. Sortie list and submission as follows:
9 December 1942 - Lille, nickel raid (6.40)
5 March 1943 - Essen (4.30, unsuccessful)
12 March 1943 - Essen (5.20)
3 April 1943 - Essen (5.55); photo; fires; hit by flak; returned on three engines.
4 April 1943 - Kiel (6.15)
8 April 1943 - Gardening (10..00, unsuccessful); unable to pinpoint and Gee unserviceable.
10 April 1943 - Frankfurt (5.45); 4,000-pound bomb forced open bomb doors; successful landing.
13 April 1943 - Spezia (10.25)
14 April 1943 - Stuttgart (6.45)
16 April 1943 - Pilsen (9.25); bombed from 8,000 feet; large explosion after bomb dropped.
18 April 1943 - Spezia (9.40); bombed from 8,000 feet.
20 April 1943 - Stettin (9.05); bombed after timed run.
26 April 1943 - Duisburg (5.45)
28 April 1943 - Gardening (9.45)
30 April 1943 - Essen (5.20)
4 May 1943 - Dortmund (5.35); attacked target on three engines; returned on two.
12 May 1943 - Duisburg (5.15)
13 May 1943 - Pilsen (2.55); reserve aircraft; engine trouble.
Pilot Officer Allcroft has completed 16 successful sorties. On his first sortie against the heavily defended town of Essen, his aircraft was hit by flak, but undaunted by this he bombed his target and returned safely on three engines. During a sortie against Dortmund on the 3rd/4th May 1943 he was attacked by enemy fighters shortly after he had crossed the Dutch coast. After the fighters were evaded one of his engines ailed but he went on on three engines and successfully bombed the target. Shortly after he had set course for home another engine failed, but by a splendid display of skill and determined courage he made a safe return to base on his two starboard engines.
This officer is a fine type who inspired confidence in all who operate with him and he is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
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