Allcroft, Frederick Charles (Flying Officer)

Born in Vancouver, 1923; home there; enlisted there 24 June 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 4 October 1941), No.15 EFTS (graduated 8 December 1941) and No.10 SFTS (graduated 10 April 1942). Commissioned 1943. 83 Squadron (Strike To Defend), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft JB 355 missing during a trip over enemy territory. F/O(s) FC Allcroft (RCAF), AW Blakeman (RAF), Pilot Officer RP Watts (RAF), FS(s) R Ellwood (RAF), JA Thomas (RAF) and JB Wood (RAF) were killed. 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. The citation reads - "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 skillfully evaded, one engine in the aircraft failed, but despite this be 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." Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario. TSGNO Addendum: Allcroft FC-J17472/R110741: Hewett Frederick Charles, served as ALLCROFT