By: Papa Lima - 23rd August 2006 at 23:30
‘Gus’ Walker, as he was more commonly known, became famous throughout the RAF due to the loss of his right arm. The incident in which he lost his arm occurred on 8 December 1942 whilst he was Station Commander of RAF Syerston. A Lancaster belonging to one of his squadrons lost some incendiaries just as it was about to take off. Racing to the rescue of the crew, ‘Gus’ was seriously injured, when he was blown along the runway by the force of an exploding 4000lb bomb, ignited by the incendiaries.
Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross
“Wg. Cdr. G. A. Walker, 50 Sq.
This officer is not only a brilliant captain of aircraft but an outstanding squadron commander. On one occasion the target area was almost completely obscured by cloud but, descending through a break in it, he skillfully piloted his aircraft to his target. Climbing out of a balloon barrage into which he had flown, he bombed the target successfully. During the whole of the period his aircraft was subjected to considerable anti-aircraft fire and searchlight activity. Wing Commander Walker has set a splendid example.”
Sign In
August 23, 2006 at 10:48 pm