POWELL [DFC], Leslie John

"P/Off Powell has participated in successful sorties against targets at Essen, Wilhelashaven, Hamburg, Milan and Berlin and at all times has shown great devotion to duty and set an example worthy of attainment." Previous service was with the 16th Batn. Cameron Highlanders. Aircraft flown were Battle, Wellington and Lancaster. Operation Berlin. 483 Lancasters and 10 Mosquitoes and a further 5 Mosquitoes to drop decoy flares south of the city. 25 Lancasters Lost and many more were lost on their return to England due to very poor weather across almost all airfields. Reason for Loss Lost without trace with its highly-decorated and experienced crew.

Last Name
POWELL [DFC]
Given Names
Leslie John
Service Number
406873
Distinguished Flying Cross
YES
Date of Birth
09/12/1919
Birth Location
Freemantle W.A.
Enlistment Date
28/04/1941
Enlistment Location
Perth
1Wags Start Date
26/06/1941
Course Details
WAGS Course 15
Intake Date
21/06/1941
Finish Date
08/12/1941
To
2 BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
16/12/1943 (Killed)
Discharge Unit
156 SQN
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Operations
Air ops. From U.K
Date of Death
16/12/1943
Age
24
Cemetery / Memorial
Runnymede Memorial Surrey U.K
Medals
AIr Gunners badge, Distinguished Flying Cross
Notes

"P/Off Powell has participated in successful sorties against targets at Essen, Wilhelashaven, Hamburg, Milan and Berlin and at all times has shown great devotion to duty and set an example worthy of attainment." Previous service was with the 16th Batn. Cameron Highlanders. Aircraft flown were Battle, Wellington and Lancaster. Operation Berlin. 483 Lancasters and 10 Mosquitoes and a further 5 Mosquitoes to drop decoy flares south of the city. 25 Lancasters Lost and many more were lost on their return to England due to very poor weather across almost all airfields. Reason for Loss Lost without trace with its highly-decorated and experienced crew.

Posting on Death
156 Squadron
NAA Status
DIGITIZED
1WAGS - POWELL Leslie John - Service Number 406873 (DFC medal)
1WAGS - POWELL Leslie John - Service Number 406873
1WAGS - POWELL Leslie John - Service Number 406873 (DFC Citation_edited-1)
1WAGS - POWELL Leslie John - Service Number 406873 (DFC medal)

Acknowledgements

National Archives of Australia - 1 WAGS BallaratUBC Web Design - 1 WAGS BallaratCity of Ballarat - 1 WAGS BallaratAPCO Alfredton - 1 WAGS BallaratDepartment of Veterans Affairs - 1 WAGS BallaratAustralian War Memorial - 1 WAGS BallaratRSL Virtual War Memorial - 1 WAGS Ballarat