bentley priory - Spink

September 6, 2012 - LONDON
D.S.O. London Gazette 17.11.1944 Wing Commander Robert Jerram Gosnell, D.F.C. (33002), R.A.F., 571
Sqn. [in a joint citation with Acting Squadron Leader William Craig Brodie, D.F.M. and Acting Squadron
Leader Edward John Greenleaf (both awarded the D.S.O.); Acting Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Robert Triggs,
D.F.C. (awarded a Bar to the D.F.C.); and Flight Lieutenant William Irving Drinkall, Acting Flight Lieutenant
Andrew Wesley Lockhart, A.F.C., Flying Officer Richard Wortley Mclernon, and Flying Officer Joseph Ralph
Wood (awarded the D.F.C.)]
‘One night in October, 1944, a force of bombers was detailed for an important low level mining mission, an
operation requiring considerable skill and accuracy in flying. The target was strongly defended by heavy and light
anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and balloons. Undeterred by these hazards and the most adverse weather, the
operation was completed successfully. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on them.’
The Recommendation, dated 10.10.1944, states: ‘On the night of the 5th-6th October 1944 Wing Commander
Gosnell was the pilot of a Mosquito aircraft detailed to lay mines from a low altitude in the Kiel Canal. The
waterway is heavily defended by heavy and light anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and balloons, demanding a high
degree of skill and determination from those detailed for the task. Undeterred by these hazards, Wing
Commander Gosnell brought his aircraft down to 300 feet at the correct speed and released the mine in the
allotted area while under the close range fire of three anti-aircraft guns on the banks of the canal.
As Squadron Commander, this officer was responsible for planning the operation in 571 Squadron and the
success achieved is a reflection on his courage, skill, and sense of duty. Wing Commander Gosnell has completed
34 operational sorties of which 5 have been on Mosquitos. I strongly recommend the Immediate award of the
Distinguished Service Order.’
D.F.C. London Gazette 8.4.1941 Squadron Leader Robert Jerram Gosnell (35002), No. 38 Squadron, Royal Air
Force
The Recommendation, dated 20.3.1941, states: ‘Squadron Leader Gosnell has commanded a flight in this
Squadron since 14.8.1940 and has completed some 23 operational sorties. This officer has always shown
determination, zeal, and keenness in operating against the enemy. Squadron Leader Gosnell has proved an
excellent leader and has set a magnificent example to the younger pilots in his flight. On a recent operation on
Rhodes Island Squadron Leader Gosnell attacked 4 separate targets, namely the aerodromes of Lindos, Maritza,
Kattavia, and Rhodes Harbour. This attack, which was carried out with great determination, resulted in the
destruction of 2 aircraft at Lindos and an ammunition dump at Kattavia.’
Group Captain Robert Jerram Gosnell, D.S.O., D.F.C., born Bangkok, Thailand, 1911; Commissioned Pilot
Officer, Royal Air Force, 23.7.1932, he served initially with No.5 Squadron in Quetta, India for three years.
Promoted Flying Officer, 23.1.1934; and advanced Squadron, 1.4.1939, Gosnell served during the Second
World War with No.38 Squadron (Wellingtons), Marham- his first operational sortie was a raid over Frankfurt,
16.8.1940, followed by the end of the month with a raid over Berlin; targets in September of that year included
Brussels (14.9.1940), Calais (20.9), Le Harve (24.9), and Berlin (30.9). The last of his ten sorties with the
Squadron over northern Europe was over Kiel and Hamburg, 15.10.1940, before the Squadron moved to
Shallufa in Egypt, from where he flew a further 19 operations over targets such as Tobruk, Tripoli, and Rhodes
Island, the latter operation occuring 11.2.1941, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, being
invested with it by the King at Buckingham Palace, 10.3.1942. Promoted Wing Commander, 1.6.1941, in 1944
he was posted to No.385 Squadron (Mosquitos), a newly-formed light bomber unit of No.8 (Path Finder)
Group’s Light Night Striking Force, and took part in a further five operational sorties with them, his last being
a raid on the Kiel Canal, 5.10.1944, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Promoted
Group Captain, 1.1.1951, he retired in 1966 and died in 1993.
PROVENANCE:
Spink, March 1994
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