741544 Sergeant John Kenneth Henson DFM, 226 Squadron, RAF
Gazetted 29th July 1941
40 Sorties
65 Flying Hours
Pilot
Sergeant Henson was flying number six of a second box on a daylight high-level raid on Lille on 2nd July 1941, with Sergeant Coleman as Air Observer and Sergeant Batty as Air Gunner. As they approached the target, the formation was attacked by three Me. 109s in line astern. They picked out Sergeant Henson's aircraft for attack and the first shots wounded the pilot in the jaw. The Observer saw this but paused long enough to release his bombs as they ran over the target. He then came back to the pilot and endeavoured to stop the bleeding with a field dressing. The Pilot was able to continue and told the crew to bail out. The Air Observer, however, found the artery to press and reduce the bleeding and the Pilot decided that he would endeavour to carry on. Meanwhile, the aircraft was attacked by four more aircraft, the last of which received an accurate burst from the Air Gunner and broke up in the air. Two more enemy fighters attacked the aircraft and although the Air Gunner knew he had a badly wounded Pilot, he continued to fire coolly and put accurate bursts of fire into each fighter as it attacked. The Pilot succeeded in keeping formation, although he struck one of our aircraft once, and with the Air Observer endeavouring to stop the heavy loss of blood and telling the Pilot where to fly, the aircraft reached one of our aerodromes. The Air Observer lowered the undercarriage but when he depressed the flap lever, only one flap came down and the aircraft went temporarily out of control and Sergeant Coleman pulled up the flaps. The Pilot then landed the aircraft without further damage. This is an excellent example of team work, good flying, good shooting and fortitude. The Pilots courage in continuing the flight although he had lost a lot of blood and in landing the aircraft successfully at the end of the flight saved a valuable crew and aircraft. The Parts played by the Air Observer and Air Gunner were no less important. Their coolness and courage were magnificent. I strongly recommend the Pilot, Sergeant Henson, should receive an immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
Remarks by AOC
An outstanding example of endurance and courage and I strongly recommend this Pilot for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
