Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Saturday 31 July 1943, page 10

SYDNEY PILOT'S HEROISM

C.-in-C.'s Order on Self-sacrifice

LONDON, July 30 (A.A.P.).The gallantry of Flight-sergeant M. B, Fettell, of Marrickville, who saved the lives of the crew of a Wellington bomber at the cost of his own, has been brought to the notice of all ranks of Bomber Command by a special order of the Commander-in-Chief, Air Chief. Marshal Sir Arthur Harris.

Flight-sergeant Fettell was the pilot and captain of a Wellington, which collided with a Lancaster at 10,000 feet.
The Wellington's starboard engine was thrown off, a large hole was torn in the fuselage, the forward entry hatch was forced open, and all the electrical equipment failed.

Flight-sergeant Fettell ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft, and then discovered his own parachute was missing. Although realising that he had to remain with the plane. Flight Sergeant Fettell checked over the equipment of two of the crew and assured himself that the rest of the crew were preparing to abandon the plane. Alf the crew bailedout and descended safely.

Flight-sergeant Fettell then attempted to land the plane. but crashed among trees and was killed.

It is believed that Flight-sergeant Fettell's parachute fell out when the forward entry hatch was forced open.

Flight-sergeant Mervyn Byron Fettell. aged 26, was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Fettell, of Kays Avenue, Marrickville. He had been a member of the R.A.A.F. for three years, and left Australia for oversea service on October 15 last year.

His only brother. Allan, is serving with the A.I.F. in New Guinea. Flight Sergeant Fettell was married shortly before he left Australia.