DENNIS [CGM], Kevin John

On 24 May 1945 King George VI approved the immediate award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal to Dennis, which for airmen ranked only second to the Victoria Cross. The recommendation reads: 'WO Dennis was the Wireless Operator in a heavy bomber detailed to attack Frankfurt on the night of 13 March 1945. Shortly after leaving the target, the aircraft was hit and damaged by flak, killing another member of the crew and wounding WO Dennis. Although most of one foot was severed and his other leg also wounded, the WOP [wireless operator] refused to leave his seat until the aircraft landed. He was bleeding profusely and even with first aid applied the bleeding could not be stopped. He carried on with his duties, and correctly received all messages passed to the aircraft, obtaining a weather report from a diversionary airfield in France to which the aircraft was being flown. The courage displayed by WO Dennis was of the highest order when he must have been experiencing extreme agony.' After hospital treatment and extensive rehabilitation Dennis returned to Australia with his English wife, Olive, who he had married in December 1945. He was discharged on 7 June 1946. Only ten Conspicuous Gallantry Medals (Flying) were awarded to members of the RAAF during the Second World War. PHOTO -Portrait of 437121 Warrant Officer (WO) Kevin John Dennis, wireless operator with 462 Squadron RAAF, and his wife Olive, at their wedding reception which was held at The Leas and The Royal in St Ames.

Last Name
DENNIS [CGM]
Given Names
Kevin John
Service Number
437121
George Medal
YES
Date of Birth
05/09/1924
Birth Location
Ceduna South Australia
Enlistment Date
07/11/1942
Enlistment Location
Adelaide S.A.
Course Details
WAGS Course 34, WAGS Course 35
Intake Date
07/01/1943
Finish Date
26/07/1943
To
3 BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
07/06/1946 (Discharged)
Discharge Unit
462 SQN RAAF
Rank
Warrant Officer
Medals
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Notes

On 24 May 1945 King George VI approved the immediate award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal to Dennis, which for airmen ranked only second to the Victoria Cross. The recommendation reads: 'WO Dennis was the Wireless Operator in a heavy bomber detailed to attack Frankfurt on the night of 13 March 1945. Shortly after leaving the target, the aircraft was hit and damaged by flak, killing another member of the crew and wounding WO Dennis. Although most of one foot was severed and his other leg also wounded, the WOP [wireless operator] refused to leave his seat until the aircraft landed. He was bleeding profusely and even with first aid applied the bleeding could not be stopped. He carried on with his duties, and correctly received all messages passed to the aircraft, obtaining a weather report from a diversionary airfield in France to which the aircraft was being flown. The courage displayed by WO Dennis was of the highest order when he must have been experiencing extreme agony.' After hospital treatment and extensive rehabilitation Dennis returned to Australia with his English wife, Olive, who he had married in December 1945. He was discharged on 7 June 1946. Only ten Conspicuous Gallantry Medals (Flying) were awarded to members of the RAAF during the Second World War. PHOTO -Portrait of 437121 Warrant Officer (WO) Kevin John Dennis, wireless operator with 462 Squadron RAAF, and his wife Olive, at their wedding reception which was held at The Leas and The Royal in St Ames.

1 WAGS - DENNIS Kevin John - 437121 Citation
1 WAGS - DENNIS Kevin John - 437121 Wedding
1 WAGS - DENNIS Kevin John - 437121 Enlistment
1 WAGS - DENNIS Kevin John - 437121 Citation
1 WAGS - DENNIS Kevin John - 437121 Later in life

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