Frank Watkins (pilot)
Frank Watkins | |
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Mentioned in Despatches |
Frank Vernon Watkins (21 March 1922 – 20 December 1942) was an officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) during the Second World War. He was killed in air operations trying to save a close comrade and for this action was recommended for the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.[2][3]
Early life
Watkins was born in
Second World War
Watkins sailed for Britain in June 1941. He was initially posted to No. 106 Squadron RAF where he flew five operations on Manchesters, and one with OTU, and then 21 operations flying Wellingtons with No. 150 Squadron RAF based at Snaith, Yorkshire.[4] Watkins was then chosen for the recently formed pathfinders, joining No. 156 Squadron RAF on 1 December 1942.[3] He was now an experienced and above average captain.[5]
On the evening of 20 December 1942, Watkins was flying his Wellington on a mission headed for
Recommendation for the Victoria Cross
In Carter's letter to Rivett-Carnac, he wrote:
Had he not been so devoted to his friend he could have saved his own life by leaving the dying [bomb aimer] to his fate. Yet he refused to do this and attempted the alternative crash landing ... his life was forfeited in the crash ... He willingly and selflessly gave his life in a forlorn effort to save his friend ... his actions were the most outstanding example of ... sacrifice. I am inspired by his memory.[4]
Recommending a
Group Captain Kirkpatrick, Commanding Officer of RAF Station Wyton, added his comments the same day, stating:
I heartily endorse the Squadron Commander's recommendation that the highest award be granted Warrant Officer Watkins. It was clear that he went to his death in an attempt to land knowing full well the heavy odds against his doing so in a badly damaged aircraft, in enemy territory, and at night, but hoping that the Bombardier might after all be alive, and that he might possibly effect a landing and thereby save his comrade's life. This act of unselfish sacrifice, cool devotion to duty and astonishing courage, in my opinion deserves the highest recognition by the award of the Victoria Cross.[5]
The recommendation was sent to the
References
- ^ a b Watkins, Frank Vernon. Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ a b Lambert, Max (17 October 2006). "Many war heroes denied top honour". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
- ^ a b Watkins, Frank Vernon. 156 Squadron RAF. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
- ^ ISBN 1-86950-542-5.
- ^ a b c Flying Officer Frank Vernon WATKINS MID. 156 Squadron RAF. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ Wellington Z1660 Information. World War II Lost Bombers Database. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ Air Casualties. Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 102, 1 May 1943, Page 6. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
- ^ "Frank Vernon Watkins". Auckland War Memorial Museum. Retrieved 7 July 2022 – via Online Cenotaph.
- ^ Gravestone of Frank Vernon Watkins. 156 Squadron RAF. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ "No. 37598". The London Gazette (Supplement). 4 June 1946. p. 2818.