A Second World War D.F.M. group of five to Flight Sergeant J.O.Sharp, Royal Air Force,

Footnotes

D.F.M. London Gazette 20.2.1945.

On the night of 1st/2nd May 1944, Flight Sergeant Sharp was rear gunner in a Halifax III aircraft detailed from this squadron to attack the important target of Malines railway centre. As the aircraft neared the target, Flight Sergeant Sharp saw an F.W.190 night fighter attempting to position for an attack. Assessing the situation quickly, he reported the enemy aircraft's movements to his Captain and gave the necessary combat manoeuvre. Acting on his advice, the pilot evaded the fighter's attack and carried on to the target but the F.W.190 was still manoeuvring for an attack and, as the Halifax released its bombs and was still flying with its bomb doors open, came in again. Flight Sergeant Sharp saw it in time and again his cool and accurate reports to his Captain enabled the bomber to evade the faster aircraft. As the Halifax turned in combat manoeuvres, Flight Sergeant Sharp fired a long burst at the attacking aircraft which broke away at 200 yards and was last seen diving with fire coming from its engine. Flight Sergeant Sharp's keenness and cool courage throughout the action probably saved the aircraft and crew from destruction and his accurate fire almost certainly accounted for the enemy aircraft. Consistently keen, Flight Sergeant Sharp's fine offensive spirit and cheerfulness have contributed in no small measure to the fine record of successful sorties achieved by his crew. It is recommended that his work and courage on 37 operational sorties be recognised by the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

Remarks by Station Commander:

Throughout this long engagement with an enemy night fighter, Flight Sergeant' Sharp's cool and accurate reporting of the enemy aircraft's tactics inspired his Captain and crew with confidence and resulted in the probable destruction of the enemy. This was typical of the courgae and vigilance he showed throughout his tour of operations and he is recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

He served with 158 Squadron and from April 1944 until September 1944 had completed 37 sorties, including an attack on 5.6.1944 at Maisy on the 6th at Chateaudun, 7th at Versailles, as well as Daylight attacks n Villers Bocage and Caen later that month.

The lot comes with detailed reports on his sorties which makes very interesting reading.