Tragic letter by crewmate of VC hero on blazing bomber mission
Sgt climbed out on wing to battle fire
A LETTER from the Second World War discovered in a loft has revealed an incredible story of RAF bravery.
Flight engineer Sergeant Norman Jackson climbed out on to the burning wing of his Lancaster bomber flying at 200mph, at 20,000ft, to try to put out the blaze with an extinguisher.
He was shot twice in the legs and swept off, but survived thanks to his smouldering parachute and was later awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery.
Sgt Jackson’s heroic story has been retold following the discovery of a poignant letter written by crewmate Flt Sgt Norman Johnson.
The 20-year-old rear gunner was on the same plane and tragically lost his life.
Just a month before his death Flt Sgt Johnson wrote to his parents saying:
“My dear mother and father, this is just a note I’m writing to you in case anything unfortunate happens to me while I am flying on operations.
“The only regrets I shall have on my life ending are those of being parted from you all, my very dear family...”
The message, which was to be read in the event of his death, was recently found along with his war medals.
They were discovered by a woman who bought a house that once belonged to Flt Sgt Johnson’s brother. The Lancaster was raiding a factory in Germany in April, 1944, when it came under Nazi attack and caught fire.
The citation for Sgt Jackson’s VC read: “This airman’s attempt to extinguish the fire and save the aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands was an act of outstanding gallantry. To venture outside, when travelling at 200 miles an hour, at a great height and in intense cold, was an almost incredible feat.”
Sgt Jackson broke his ankle on landing and was taken prisoner.
The rest of the crew successfully bailed but Flt Sgt Johnson and the pilot Flying Officer Tony Mifflin were killed.
To venture outside, at 200mph, at a great height & in intense cold, was an almost incredible feat CITATION FOR JACKSON’S VC