Distinguished Flying Medal group with Log Book, (57 ops.) a fine immediate award, Sgt. (WO/Air Gunner) 462 Squadron (previously 58 & 405 Sqdns.) awarded during a raid on Palermo Harbour bracing his foot against an igniting flare chute. The resulting explosion rather than the probable destruction of the aircraft was restricted to severely injuring the recipients foot along with and damage only to the rear blowing out the rear bulkhead door, twisting the ammunition tracks and distorting many frame members. Despite his injuries continued to carry out his duties . Had previously participated in the destruction of two enemy fighters. Later commissioned Pilot Officer.

Distinguished Flying Medal (GV1 – F/Sgt), 1939/45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal

With Flying Log Book

Mounted as worn

Distinguished Flying Medal.

652758 Flight Sergeant John Robert Angus, No. 462m(R.A.A.F) Squadron.

‘This airman, who has completed 32 sorties, is a resourceful and efficient wireless operator. Whilst serving in the United Kingdom he took part in a number of attacks against well defended targets, including Berlin and Hamburg; he also took part in the attack on-Cologne when a thousand of our bombers operated. In the Middle East he has rendered excellent service. One night in February, 1943, he was a member of the crew of an aircraft detailed to attack shipping in the harbour at Palermo. During the operation, a flare with its fuse burning failed to leave the chute. Realising the possibility of an explosion which would endanger the aircraft, Flight Sergeant Angus acted with great promptitude. Regardless of the risk entailed he placed his foot on the lid of the chute, thus minimising the effects of the explosion. He sustained a severe injury to the foot but, although in much pain, he continued his wireless duties until , base was reached. His courage and resource were worthy of high praise.’

The original recommendation expands and lends fine details

Wireless Operator/Air Gunner John Robert Angus

‘Has completed 32 sorties against enemy bases from the United Kingdom and in the Middle East. He has taken part In attacks on Berlin, Hamburg, Kiel, the first 1,000 bomber raid on Cologne and in the first daylight attack on the “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau” at Brest. On two occasions, his aircraft has been attacked by enemy fighters which were shot down. On the night of 8/9 February 1943 , he was a Wireless Operator of a heavy bomber aircraft which was detailed to attack shipping inPalermo Harbour. Whilst he was launching a photo-flash over the target it failed to leave the flare chute. As the fuse was already burning, Flight Sergeant Angus realised the imminent danger that it would explode into the aircraft and, coolly ignoring the risk, braced his foot against the lid of the flare chute at the cost of severe injury to his foot. Flight Sergeant Angus , by his action and quickness of thought, minimised the effect of the explosion which might have blown a sheet of flame into the ammunition boxes forward of the flare chute and so caused the loss of the aircraft and it’s crew instead of which, it was contained to the rear of the fuselage, where it blew out the rear bulkhead door, twisted the ammunition tracks and generally distorted many of the frame members. Afterwards, despite his injuries which caused him much pain, Flight Sergeant Angus continued to carry out his duties for four hours until his aircraft had landed safely at base. He displayed courage, resource in an emergency and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy.’

Extracts from his log book.

16 June 1941 – Cologne, landed W. Raynham after attack by ME110. ME shot down. Returned to base by rail.

27 July 1941 – Daylight – Brest ME109 shot down

John Robert Angus,

Qualified as Air Gunner 25/8/1940, P/O on probation on 29th January 1943 but notification was only printed in the London Gazette on 8th February 1944 (53986) rising to F/O six months later in August 1943.

1 Op with 10 O.T.U. 18 with 58 Sqdn – (2 early return), 12 ops with 405 (1 early return), 1 op with O.T.U Cologne 1000 raid (30 May 1942) then to 462 Sqdn (28 ops) total 57 + 3 early return.