SPAFFORD [DFM, DFC], Frederick Michael

Frederick Michael Spafford was posted to No. 50 SQN RAF in which he flew in Manchesters and Lancasters as a specialist bomb-aimer. He was awarded the DFM for his skill and praiseworthy example. After a tour of 30 Operations, Spafford joined the elite RAF SQN No. 617 for a special mission against dams in the Ruhr and Weser Valleys. He flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson who regarded Spafford [Spam] as the best bomb-aimer there is. The operations were successfull with Spafford being awarded the DFC and Gibson the Victoria Cross.

Last Name
SPAFFORD [DFM, DFC]
Given Names
Frederick Michael
Service Number
407380
Distinguished Flying Medal
YES
Distinguished Flying Cross
YES
Date of Birth
16/06/1918
Birth Location
Adelaide S.A
Enlistment Date
14/09/1943
Enlistment Location
Adelaide
1Wags Start Date
17/10/1940
Course Details
WAGS Course 6
Intake Date
17/10/1940
Finish Date
05/04/1941
To
1 BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
16/09/1943 (Killed)
Discharge Unit
617 SQN
Rank
Flying Officer
Operations
Air ops. from the U.K target Dortmund-Ems Canal
Date of Death
16/09/1943
Age
25
Cemetery / Memorial
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery
Notes

Frederick Michael Spafford was posted to No. 50 SQN RAF in which he flew in Manchesters and Lancasters as a specialist bomb-aimer. He was awarded the DFM for his skill and praiseworthy example. After a tour of 30 Operations, Spafford joined the elite RAF SQN No. 617 for a special mission against dams in the Ruhr and Weser Valleys. He flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson who regarded Spafford [Spam] as the best bomb-aimer there is. The operations were successfull with Spafford being awarded the DFC and Gibson the Victoria Cross.

Posting on Death
617 Squadron
NAA Status
DIGITIZED
1WAGS - SPAFFORD Frederick Michael - Service Number 407380 (CITATION_edited-1)
1WAGS - SPAFFORD Frederick Michael - Service Number 407380 (CITATION_edited-1)
1WAGS - SPAFFORD Frederick Michael - Service Number 407380 (Group_edited-1)
1WAGS - SPAFFORD Frederick Michael - Service Number 407380 (New_edited-1)
1WAGS - SPAFFORD Frederick Michael - Service Number 407380 (Photo_edited-1)

Acknowledgements

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