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The Channel Dash (officially known as Operation Cerberus)
was one of three operations during the Second World War for which
the Swordfish was to become famous. Heavily outgunned in the
Straits of Dover on this day in February 1942 by the German warships
Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen, with their accompanying
flotilla of destroyers and motor torpedo boats, and with top
cover provided by modern fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe, all
six Fleet Air Arm Swordfish were shot down. Only five of the
eighteen aircrew survived.
Here we see the Swordfish flown by Sub. Lt. Kingsmill and Sub.
Lt. Samples with
CPO Donald Bunce in the rear, fighting for their lives with his
machine gun.
In this and all other operations, Swordfish aircrew flew and
fought in out-dated equipment at great risk, displaying great
courage. Signed by Donald Bunce. |
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