CARROLL [DFC], William Thomas
Bill and his fellow crew members [no. 37 Sqn RAF] undertook many bombing raids against Axis forces in North Africa, Crete and enemy held islands in the Mediterranean. Casualties amongst the aircrews were high. Bill quickly became a skilled air gunner and his quick reflexes saved his aircraft on many occasions during confrontations with enemy Heinkels and Dorniers. During this time, the Squadrons flew in support of the besieged Allied troops at Tobruk, the siege later ended in November 1941. Bill was then posted to 102 Squadron RAF, a unit equipped with the four-engine Halifax bomber. Night after night, the Squadron flew in missions over Germany, often taking part in the “1,000 bomber raids”. It was during his tour with 102 Squadron that he later learned he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He had been promoted to Flying Officer on 1 April 1943.
Bill and his fellow crew members [no. 37 Sqn RAF] undertook many bombing raids against Axis forces in North Africa, Crete and enemy held islands in the Mediterranean. Casualties amongst the aircrews were high. Bill quickly became a skilled air gunner and his quick reflexes saved his aircraft on many occasions during confrontations with enemy Heinkels and Dorniers. During this time, the Squadrons flew in support of the besieged Allied troops at Tobruk, the siege later ended in November 1941. Bill was then posted to 102 Squadron RAF, a unit equipped with the four-engine Halifax bomber. Night after night, the Squadron flew in missions over Germany, often taking part in the “1,000 bomber raids”. It was during his tour with 102 Squadron that he later learned he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He had been promoted to Flying Officer on 1 April 1943.
