Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35474/supplements/1007. Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Kingsmill Esmonde, Royal Navy (825 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm). On 12th February 1942 in the Straits of Dover, Lieutenant-Commander Esmonde led his squadron of six swordfish to the attack of two German battle cruisers and the cruiser Prinz Eugen, which were entering the Straits strongly escorted by surface craft. Detached from their escorting fighters (just 10 in number) by enemy fighters, all the aircraft of the squadron were damaged, but even after Lieutenant-Commander Esmonde's plane sustained a direct hit he still continued the run-in towards his target until it burst into flames and crashed into the sea. The squadron went on to launch a gallant attack, but none of the six aircraft returned. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35275/supplements/5357. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35424/supplements/341.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35474/supplements/1007. Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Kingsmill Esmonde, Royal Navy (825 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm). On 12th February 1942 in the Straits of Dover, Lieutenant-Commander Esmonde led his squadron of six swordfish to the attack of two German battle cruisers and the cruiser Prinz Eugen, which were entering the Straits strongly escorted by surface craft. Detached from their escorting fighters (just 10 in number) by enemy fighters, all the aircraft of the squadron were damaged, but even after Lieutenant-Commander Esmonde's plane sustained a direct hit he still continued the run-in towards his target until it burst into flames and crashed into the sea. The squadron went on to launch a gallant attack, but none of the six aircraft returned. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35275/supplements/5357. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35424/supplements/341.