Goudy, Cameron Mckenzie (Flight Sergeant)

Born in 1918 in Galt, Ontario: home in Campbellford, Ontario. Former soldier; enlisted in Hamilton, 7 November 1941. Trained at No.3 BGS (graduated 20 November 1942). 77 Squadron (Esse Potius Quam Videri). Flight Sergeant Gaudy succumbed to wounds he sustained when his Halifax aircraft JB 856 was hit over the target on July 4, 1943. One of the crew, not Canadian, was also killed. The aircraft returned to base and landed safely. Addendum: Sgt. Gaudy was 25 at the time of his death, Sgt. A. Cuthbertson (RAF) was the other member of the crew to be killed. Flying Officer J. Hall (RAF), Sgt(s) A. Morley (RAF), LT. Williams (RAF), J. Whiteley (RAF), and Pilot Officer R.A. Blackwell (RAF) were all safe. Sgt. Gaudy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal effective 13 July 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1949/43 dated 24 September 1943. Cited with Flying Officer John Hall, RAF (awarded DFC). The citation reads - "One night in July 1943, Flying Officer Hall and Sergeant Goudy were captain and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. When nearing the target area the bomber was intercepted by an enemy fighter but Flying Officer Hall evaded it. A few minutes later the aircraft was illuminated by a cone of searchlights and hit by anti-aircraft fire but Flying Officer Hall held to his course and pressed home his attack. Almost immediately the bomber was hit by gun fire from an enemy fighter and sustained severe damage. Skilflul evading action enabled Flying Officer Hall to fly clear of the defenses and course was set for base. At the beginning of the action Sergeant Gaudy was seriously wounded, sustaining a fracture of the hip bone and pelvis, splinters of which pierced organs in his abdomen. In spite of this, Sergeant Gaudy refrained from informing his captain of his injuries until another Wounded comrade had received attention. During the return flight he remained constantly alert to the possibility of enemy interference and gave reassuring replies to his captain's repeated inquiries as to his welfare. On reaching the English coast morphine had to be administered to him as his pains from his injuries were unendurable. Flying Officer Hall succeeded in reaching an airfield where he landed without the assistance of flaps. In the face of a trying ordeal he displayed outstanding skill, courage and determination while Sergeant Goudy's indomitable spirit, fortitude and tenacity were worthy of the highest praise." Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario.