The Battle of Britain – a tale of two medals

On August 15, 1940, as part of a major Luftwaffe raid across the north of England, RAF Driffield was attacked.

Sergeant Dupee's citation.

Two members of Catterick-based 219 Squadron, Sergeant Oswald Dupee and his air gunner Sergeant Thomas Banister, were scrambled in their Blenheim night fighter to intercept the incoming bomber force.

Sergeant Oswald Dupee.

Off the coast of East Yorkshire, they engaged a Junkers JU-88*. After an exchange of fire, the German plane’s rear gunner initially fell silent. Dupee, thinking the enemy aircraft was now out of the fight, closed in. Suddenly, the Junkers opened fire again, shattering the Blenheim’s front windscreen and severely wounding Dupee in the arm.

With Dupee unable to control the damaged Blenheim, their situation was critical. Banister, who had no formal flight training, bravely crawled forward to help his wounded pilot from his seat to take the controls. Despite his failing strength from blood loss, Dupee was able to guide Banister, giving him instructions to get them back to Driffield.

Sergeant Banister's mention in the London Gazette.

Against all the odds, Banister managed to perform a difficult forced landing at RAF Driffield, bringing the plane down with its wheels up and causing only minor additional damage.

For their incredible bravery and teamwork, both Dupee and Banister were awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.

*Some reports mention the German aircraft being a Heinkel H111, however it seems most likely it was a Junkers JU-88 from the force that attacked RAF Driffield.

See this and more inspiring stories of bravery during the Battle Of Britain.