McCONNELL [DFM], Brian Alphonsus

"Pilot-Officer McConnell, then a Sergeant, won his award last year for an outstanding act of bravery when acting as rear-gunner on a plane which was attacked by an overwhelming enemy force. McConnell continued to fire at the enemy till he was peppered in hands and legs with shrapnel and blown from the gun turret into the fuselage. He managed to regain a seat in the plane and was able to direct the pilot to a safe landing in England. Both were immediately decorated". McConnell was killed when his plane, a Boston BZ387 crashed into the grounds of Eagle School House near Sandhurst in Berkshire. The plane was returning from North France. Several civillians were injured.

Last Name
McCONNELL [DFM]
Given Names
Brian Alphonsus
Service Number
412021
Distinguished Flying Medal
DFM
Date of Birth
22/02/1922
Birth Location
Maclean NSW
Enlistment Date
21/06/1941
Enlistment Location
Sydney
1Wags Start Date
22/08/1941
Course Details
WAGS Course 17
Kill Date or Discharge Date
06/01/1944 (Killed)
Discharge Unit
107 SQN
Rank
Flight Sergeant
Operations
Lost on operations over Surrey, England with 107 Sqd. RAF
Date of Death
06/01/1944
Age
21
Cemetery / Memorial
Brookwood Military Cemetery Surrey UK
Medals
DFM
Notes

"Pilot-Officer McConnell, then a Sergeant, won his award last year for an outstanding act of bravery when acting as rear-gunner on a plane which was attacked by an overwhelming enemy force. McConnell continued to fire at the enemy till he was peppered in hands and legs with shrapnel and blown from the gun turret into the fuselage. He managed to regain a seat in the plane and was able to direct the pilot to a safe landing in England. Both were immediately decorated". McConnell was killed when his plane, a Boston BZ387 crashed into the grounds of Eagle School House near Sandhurst in Berkshire. The plane was returning from North France. Several civillians were injured.

Posting on Death
107 Sqadron RAF
NAA Status
OPEN
1WAGS - McCONNELL Brian Alphonsus - Service Number 412021 (crew_edited-1)
1WAGS - McCONNELL Brian Alphonsus - Service Number 412021 (edited-1)

Acknowledgements

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