General Information

Award Citations

Distinguished Flying Cross

In November 1944, Flying Officer OWEN and Warrant Officer WOODS were captain of aircraft and air bomber respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack a synthetic oil plant at Wanne Eichel.

During the boming run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and Flying Officer OWEN was severely wounded in the face but, although bleeding profusely, he remained at the controls to execute a successful bombing run. He was then assisted from his seat and given first-aid treatment.

Warrant Officer WOODS although not experienced as a regular pilot took over his injured captain's place at the controls and a course was set for home. During the return flight, high cloud and icing conditions were encountered which rendered certain navigational aids temporarily unserviceable.

Despite this, Warrant Officer WOODS flew the aircraft safely back to base where Flying Officer OWEN, although suffering severe pain and weak through loss of blood, resumed control and brought the aircraft safely to the ground.

In the face of most difficult circumstances, these officers displayed a high standard of skill, courage and devotion to duty.

Archival Material

National Archives of Australia

Series No.	Control Symbol	Item Title	Digitised Item	Item ID
A9300	WOODS L W	WOODS LAWRENCE WILLIAM : Service Number - 408463 : Date of birth - 26 Dec 1922 : Place of birth - DELORAINE TAS : Place of enlistment - HOBART : Next of Kin - WOODS ARIEL		5252714

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