I came across this ... all I could say was "Oh wow!! " The National Archives | Research and learning | Exhibitions | The Art of War | Valour & Gallantry | Valour Annie
All I can say is that it certainly was not his time to go! The aircraft must have looked like a Swiss cheese.
John Hannah was just 18 when he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Sadly, his lungs were damaged by the fumes and he was invalided out of the RAF. He died in 1947, aged only 26, leaving three young daughters.
His pilot was a brave young man too ! CONNOR, P/O Clare Arthur Hovendon (40892) - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette 8 October 1940. Born in Toronto, 10 May 1914; educated there; appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation, 9 July 1938. Served in No.83 Squadron, 26 August to 3/4 November 1940 (killed in action). Award for action on night of 15/16 September 1940 (John Hannah awarded Victoria Cross). Gave a BBC talk on the event, reprinted in Winged Words. Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date. Air Ministry Bulletin 1839 refers. Pilot Officer Connor was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack enemy barge concentrations at Antwerp one night in September 1940. His first run over the target was inaccurate, and no bombs were dropped. On the second approach, at 2,000 feet, the aircraft was subjected to intense fire from the ground, but the attack was pressed home successfully. During this attack the bomb compartment in the aircraft was shattered and a fire started which quickly spread to the wireless operator's and rear gunner's cockpit. The port mid-wing and the tail boom were damaged. Shell fire pierced the port rear petrol tank causing grave risk of the fire spreading, and the starboard tank was also pierced. The navigator and rear gunner abandoned the aircraft, but the wireless operator/air gunner remained and succeeded in controlling and eventually extinguishing the flames. In spite of the condition of his aircraft and knowing that he had neither a navigator, rear gunner or normal wireless facilities, Pilot Officer Connor succeeded in flying back to his base and landing without further damage. He displayed the most outstanding coolness, courage and devotion to duty. NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9456 has recommendation dated 16 September 1940. The Officer Commanding, RAF Station Scampton, suggested either an immediate Empire Gallantry Medal or Distinguished Flying Cross. The text was: On the night of September 15/16th this officer was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack enemy barge concentrations at Antwerp. After locating and identifying the target he carried out a run from 2,500 feet, but as the approach was inaccurate, bombs were not released. On the second approach at 2,000 feet the aircraft was subjected to intense opposition from the ground defences. The pilot, however, pressed home his attack which was successful. As a result of the intense anti-aircraft fire the bomb compartment of his aircraft was shattered and a fire was started. This quickly spread and enveloped the wireless operator's and rear gunner's cockpits. The port mid-wing was also damaged by shell fire which pierced the port rear petrol tank, thus causing grave risk of the fire spreading. The starboard tank was also pierced and the tail boom was damaged. The navigator and rear gunner abandoned the aircraft by parachute, but the wireless operator/air gunner remained and succeeded in controlling, and eventually extinguishing, the flames. In spite of the condition of his aircraft, and knowing that he had neither a navigator, rear gunner nor normal wireless facilities, owing to the injuries caused to his wireless operator/air gunner, Pilot Officer Connor flew his aircraft back to its base where he landed successfully, without any further damage. By his action Pilot Officer Connor displayed outstanding coolness, courage and devotion to duty. He saved the life of his wireless operator/air gunner, whose parachute was completely burned out, and also saved his aircraft. Under the circumstances he might have been justified in abandoning his aircraft by parachute over enemy occupied territory. On 17 September 1940, Air Vice Marshal A.T. Harris wrote on the form: Very strongly recommended for the immediate award of the DFC. The condition of this aircraft has to be seen to be believed.
