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Russell, Joseph Vincent CGM (Flight Lieutenant)

Killed in Action 1944-February-21

Birth Date: 1920 (age 24)

Son of George and Elizabeth Russell, of Speers, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Home: Speers, Saskatchewan

Decorations: CGM


Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Service
RCAF
Unit
15 (B) Sqn- Squadron (RAF)
Aim Sure
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Marshal
Air Chief MarshalA/C/M
Air MarshalA/M
Air Vice MarshalA/V/M
Air CommodoreA/C
Group CaptainG/C
Wing CommanderW/C
Squadron LeaderS/L
Flight LieutenantF/L
Flying OfficerF/O
Pilot OfficerP/O
Warrant Officer 1st ClassWO1
Warrant Officer 2nd ClassWO2
Flight SergeantFS
SergeantSGT
CorporalCPL
Senior AircraftmanSAC
Leading AircraftmanLAC
Aircraftman 1st ClassAC1
Aircraftman 2nd ClassAC2
Position
Pilot
Service Numbers
J/18912
Prev: R/120651
15 Squadron (Aim Sure). Lancaster aircraft LM 456 missing from a trip to Stuttgart, Germany, Pilot Officer W. Forrest and three of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Two of the crew, not Canadians, taken Prisoners of War. The following was recorded in CANADA'S WEEKLY of October 28, 1943. "CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY MEDAL (FLYING) - Can/R120651 Flight Sergeant Joseph Vincent Russell, R.C.A.F., No. 15 Sqdn. (Lisburn, Ireland, and Saskatchewan). One night in October, 1943, this airman piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Kassel. Whilst making his bombing run the aircraft was subjected to heavy fire from ground defences, but Flight Sergeant Russell held to his course and executed his bombing attack. Almost immediately the aircraft was repeatedly hit by machine-gun fire from a fighter. Extensive damage was sustained, causing the bomber to become difficult to control, but, displaying superb airmanship, Flight Sergeant Russel flew the crippled bomber to an airfield in this country. Although almost exhausted by his efforts, he succeeded in effecting a safe landing. This airman displayed outstanding courage and tenacity."

Canada Source Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Find-A-Grave.com Finadagrave.com

Canada Primary Source Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)

Home
Google MapSpeers, Saskatchewan
Target
Google MapStuttgart Germany
Burial
Google MapDurnbach War Cemetery
Plot 9 Rpw E Grave 6

Lancaster LM456

Avro Lancaster

Avro Lancaster Mk. X RCAF Serial FM 213
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Avro Lancaster is a British Second World War heavy bomber. It was designed and manufactured by Avro as a contemporary of the Handley Page Halifax, both bombers having been developed to the same specification, as well as the Short Stirling, all three aircraft being four-engined heavy bombers adopted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the same wartime era.

The Lancaster has its origins in the twin-engine Avro Manchester which had been developed during the late 1930s in response to the Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use". Originally developed as an evolution of the Manchester (which had proved troublesome in service and was retired in 1942), the Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlins and in one version, Bristol Hercules engines. It first saw service with RAF Bomber Command in 1942 and as the strategic bombing offensive over Europe gathered momentum, it was the main aircraft for the night-time bombing campaigns that followed. As increasing numbers of the type were produced, it became the principal heavy bomber used by the RAF, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and squadrons from other Commonwealth and European countries serving within the RAF, overshadowing the Halifax and Stirling. Wikipedia

YouTube Lancaster Bomber

Wkikpedia Wikipedia

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

last update: 2021-09-18 14:32:33

Lancaster Mk.I/III LM456

LSRAF RoundelC
Delivered to No. 15 Sqn (LS-C) 4 Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 20/21 Feb 1944. 16 operational hours.

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