Personnel Index - Detail

Name
HUMPHREYS
First Names
Herbert York
Rank
Wing Commander
Service
RAF
Crew Position
Pilot
Posting In
12/6/45
Posting Out
18/6/45

 

Awarded the DFC (see below)........

The 23rd CO.

We believe he was a very short term CO doing a holding job between W/C Botting leaving and W/C Balme arriving.
He then returned
 to 57Sqn.
 

4536       SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 3 OCTOBER, 1944

Distinguished Flying Cross.

Wing Commander Herbert York HUMPHREYS (33003), R.A.F., 57 Sqn.

In August, 1944, this officer piloted one of a formation of bombers detailed to attack a flying bomb site in Northern France. Before reaching the target heavy cloud was encountered. On flying clear, Wing Commander Humphreys had become separated from the formation but he went on to the target and executed his attack. Soon afterwards his bomber was attacked by an enemy fighter. For 45 minutes a running fight ensued. Although his aircraft was hit many times and sustained much damage, Wing Commander  Humphreys manoeuvred with skill, whilst his gunners prevented the attacker from closing in. The enemy aircraft was finally driven off and Wing Commander Humphreys afterwards flew his damaged aircraft to base. This officer has completed very many sorties and has invariably displayed a high degree of courage and resolution.