Re: George Medal?

Originally posted by Wombat
It’s a side issue, I know, but I wonder how the crewman was awarded the George Medal. As far as I know, that is awarded for extreme acts of bravery by civilians, yet the aircraft was fully fueled and armed for a mission. Was McGrath a civilian? If he was, what was he doing on that flight?

Wombat

Hi, Wombat.

I believe the George Cross and George Medal are awarded for acts of extreme courage, which are carried out “not in the face of the enemy.” Being a crash on take off there was no enemy interference and hence the award of the George Medal.

Regards,

kev35

Moggy.

Can you give me an indication as to approx how far the aircraft crashed, in kms, from Paris? And the direction please? I’m following something up.

Regards,

kev35

Mark.

You know I’ve read a lot of the stuff you have written and learned about Johnny and Babe, and of other things that may or may not come to fruition. My point is that a lot of people might miss out on seeing this article in print. You remember what Ron Haddon was like at the unveiling? A dog with two tails springs to mind. Betty sat in the lawn chair in the garden she hadn’t sat in for so long. And the veterans of 609 at the Legends book launch who couldn’t attend the unveiling. It is for them that I wish to see it published. Only the other day you reported the passing of another 609 veteran, Jan Mathys. They are the ones who are running out of time. Or even for the young boy or girl who reads it and in whom is sparked a lifelong interest.

Yes, it’s a shame your efforts haven’t received wider recognition, but you can cope with that, that’s not why you did it anyway. I remember the post that started it all off last year and the interest and responses your project generated. Surely that should be an indication to Flypast of the relevance of Johnny and Babe’s story?

Regards,

kev35

Thanks all for the offers of help, it’s very much appreciated. Thankfully my car is back, probably as a result of the scene I caused in the (packed) service department and the threat of the press. A seatbelt has been procured and fitted, largely thanks to the fact that the Vauxhall Agila shares a commonality of parts with my Suzuki Wagon. Also have a sneaky suspicion that the wheel bearing they couldn’t source came from Vauxhall as well. So, health permitting, (I’m doing nothing this week just to make sure) I will see you all bright and early next Sunday.

As to a lift in ‘Janie”, I would have crawled on my hands and knees to the nearest airfield for that.

Thanks again,

kev35