Hi there,
From 'The Distinguished Flying Medal Register:Second World War' by Ian Tavender,volume two page 226;
Marshall,Sidney Joseph.1808098 Flight Sergeant,No.9 Sqn.
L.G.6/11/1945.Sorties 28,Flying hours 188.21.Air Gunner.Air2/9131.
'This N.C.O. has completed 28 sorties as mid-upper gunner.These sorties have included in addition to heavily defended targets in Germany,a number of targets involving long flights through areas defended by enemy fighters.On one occasion (daylight attack on Bergen on 12th January 1945) on recrossing the Norwegian coast after the target had been attacked,his aircraft was engaged by five F.W.190s.Following an attack in formation,the enemy aircraft broke away and then commenced a series of attacks,singly and in pairs.Flight Sergeant Marshall,in conjunction with the rear gunner,Flight Sergeant Riches,opened up accurate fire on the enemy aircraft and gave his captain such good advice on his combat manoeuvres that the fighters were prevented from pressing home their attacks.After the combat had been in progress some time,the starboard outer engine was hit and began smoking.At first,the engine was not feathered,so that Flight Sergeant Marshall's turret would remain operative for as long as possible,but it subsequently caught fire and had to be feathered.Although this N.C.O.'s turret was now out of action,he was able to continue to advise his captain in his manoeuvres.Altogether,the combat lasted 32 minutes and there is no doubt that Flight Sergeant Marshall's coolness and skill greatly contributed to the saving of the aircraft.On another occasion when detailed for a target near Creil on the night of 4th July 1944,his aircraft was attacked just after leaving the target area by an Me.110.In co-operation with the rear gunner,such accurate fire was brought to bear on the enemy aircraft that it was destroyed on its second attack.Flight Sergeant Marshall has at all times shown the greatest keenness to operate and has proved himself to be a skilful member of a sound operational crew.'
For their actions on the sortie to Bergen,the pilot Flight Lieutenant Marsh was awarded an immediate D.F.C. and the rear gunner Flight Sergeant Riches an immediate D.F.M.
Regards,Mark Simpson.
