A good Second War 1944 ‘immediate’ D.F.M. group of five awarded to Lancaster Flight Engineer, Sergeant W. T. Stokes, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, who flew in at least 26 operational sorties with 467 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron - including ‘on the night of 4th November 1944, Sgt. Stokes’ crew were detailed to attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal. Some thirty miles short of the target, his aircraft was attacked by enemy night fighters. As a result, the bomb aimer was seriously wounded and his aircraft was badly hit in the port wing. Sgt Stokes rendered first aid to the wounded bomb aimer and took over his duties. On arrival in the target area, Sgt. Stokes guided his pilot to the target, which he bombed with great accuracy’

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (1591903. Sgt. W. T. Stokes. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally very fine or better (5) £1800-2200

D.F.M. London Gazette 6 March 1945:

‘As flight engineer, Sergeant Stokes has taken part in very many operational missions, including attacks on such targets as Stuttgart, Bremen and Brunswick. One night in November, 1944, he participated in an attack on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. When nearing the target the aircraft sustained damage and a member of the crew was wounded in an engagement with a fighter. Displaying great coolness, Sergeant Stokes rendered first aid to his comrade and afterwards rendered as much assistance to his captain in the run-up to the target which was bombed with accuracy. This airman proved himself to be a cool, resourceful and devoted crew member.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Sergeant Stokes is a flight engineer, who has completed twenty-six operations with Bomber Command. These operations include attacks on heavily defended targets at Darmstadt, Konigsberg, Stuttgart, Bremen and Brunswick.

On the night of 4th November 1944, Sgt. Stokes’ crew were detailed to attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal. Some thirty miles short of the target, his aircraft was attacked by enemy night fighters. As a result, the bomb aimer was seriously wounded and his aircraft was badly hit in the port wing. Sgt Stokes rendered first aid to the wounded bomb aimer and took over his duties. On arrival in the target area, Sgt. Stokes guided his pilot to the target, which he bombed with great accuracy. In difficult circumstances, this N.C.O. displayed courage and devotion to duty worthy of the highest praise. At all times, Sgt. Stokes has proved a reliable crew member, and his initiative and skill has been an invaluable contribution to the success of his crew. In recognition of his outstanding efforts and consistent courage, I recommend the award of the D.F.M.’

William Tetley Stokes served as Flight Engineer with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second War. He flew in at least 26 operational sorties with 467 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron (Lancasters), Waddington, between August - November 1944. These included: Givors; Russelheim; Caen; Gilze-Rijen; Stettin; Isle Adam; La Pallice; Darmstadt (2); Konigsberg (2); Rollencourt; Le Havre; Stuttgart; Boulogne; Bremerhaven; Munchen Gladbach; Wilhelmshaven; Bremen; Brunswick; Nuremburg; Flushing; Bergen; Homberg; Dusseldorf and the Dortmund-Ems Canal.

Stokes particularly distinguished himself during the raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, 4 November 1944. His pilot for the raid was an Australian - Flying Officer S. V. George. The latter was awarded the D.F.C. for his gallantry during the raid, with his citation offering the additional details:

‘One night in November, 1944, he piloted an aircraft in an attack against the Dortmund-Ems Canal. On the outward flight the aircraft was attacked simultaneously by two fighters. Damage was sustained and a member of the crew was badly wounded. In spite of this, the enemy aircraft were evaded and Flying Officer George went on to the target which was successfully bombed. On the return journey, his aircraft was twice engaged by fighters but Flying Officer George manoeuvred with much skill and enabled his gunners to drive off the attacks.’

The above raid, carried out by 174 Lancaster and 2 Mosquitoes of 5 Group, is described in The Bomber Command War Diaries:

‘The Germans had partly repaired the section of the canal north of Münster after the 5 Group raid in September, so this further attack was required. The banks of both branches of the canal were again breached and water drained off, leaving barges stranded and the canal unusable. A report from Speer to Hitler, dated 11 November 1944, was captured at the end of the war and described how the bombing of the canal was preventing smelting coke from the Ruhr mines reaching 3 important steelworks - 2 near Brunswick and 1 at Osnabrück. In his post-war interrogation, Speer stated that these raids on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, together with attacks on the German railway system, produced more serious setbacks to the German war industry at this time than any other type of bombing.’