Francis Edwin MATHERS CGM

Francis Edwin MATHERS CGM Update Details

If you confirm that you want to proceed with the update, this record will be locked for editing by all other users until you have finished. You will have 7 days to complete your changes before they will be automatically submitted.

Do you want to proceed?

MATHERS, Francis Edwin

Service Number:	413221
Enlisted:	16 August 1941
Last Rank:	Pilot Officer
Last Unit:	No. 77 Squadron (RAF)
Born:	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 8 November 1921
Home Town:	Sydney, City of Sydney, New South Wales
Schooling:	Not yet discovered
Occupation:	Not yet discovered
Died:	Flying Battle, Germany, 6 September 1943, aged 21 years
Cemetery:	Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany Grave 6. D. 21. Personal Inscription "ONLY PAST ALL SORROW" WHILE WE REMEMBER YOU, YOU HAVE NOT DIED,
Memorials:	Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial

World War 2 Service

16 Aug 1941:	Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 413221, Aircrew Training Units
10 Sep 1941:	Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 413221, Aircrew Training Units, Empire Air Training Scheme
17 Jul 1943:	Honoured Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, Air War NW Europe 1939-45, For actions on 22 June 1943 during a raid on Mulheim Germany 77 Squadron RAF
6 Sep 1943:	Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Pilot Officer, 413221, No. 77 Squadron (RAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45

Awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal

Sydney Morning Herald Army News Monday 19 July 1943 Wednesday 21 July 1943 Pilot Officer Francis Edwin Mathers Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY MEDAL (FLYING) Francis Edwin Mathers (413221) Royal Australian Air Force 77 Squadron One night in June, 1943, Sergeants French and Spedie were the wireless operator/air gunner and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Mathers, which attacked Mulheim. Whilst over the target area, the bomber

50 was subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences and was repeatedly hit. Two engines were rendered unserviceable in quick succession. While the starboard aileron control was shot away and 3 petrol tanks were pierced, all of which leaked rapidly. In spite of this, Flight Sergeant Mathers flew clear of the defences and set course for this country. On the return flight, the bomber gradually lost height and all movable equipment, including the guns of the mid-upper turret and some ammunition, were jettisoned. Shortly after crossing the enemy coast, the disabled aircraft was intercepted by an enemy fighter. In the ensuing engagement, Sergeant Spedie skilfully used his guns and, eventually with a devastating burst from close range, he shot the attacker down into the sea. The bomber was down to 500 feet but, displaying superb airmanship, Flight Sergeant Mathers, receiving much assistance from Sergeant French who diligently worked his wireless apparatus to obtain direction fixes, struggled on to reach an airfield near the coast. Although the undercarriage could not be lowered, this pilot successfully effected a crash-landing. In most harassing circumstances, Flight Sergeant Mathers displayed exceptional skill, courage and fortitude, while Sergeants French and Spedie displayed conduct worthy of the highest praise. Sergeants Edward George Owen French and William Spedie were both awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal Francis Mathers father was presented with his CGM at Government House, Sydney on 13 April 1946 by the Governor General of Australia, Lord Gowrie.

Biography contributed by Steve Larkins

Francis Edwin MATHERS (1921-1943)

https://docplayer.net/57197404-77-squadron-raf-raaf-airmen-killed-whilst-on-active-service-with-77-squadron-raf-world-war-ii.html

FRANCIS EDWIN MATHERS AWM SUK10985 The son of Francis and Eunice Mathers of Pagewood, New South Wales. rec ords not digitized Francis Mathers was posted to 77 Squadron in May On 22 June 1943 Flight Sergeant Mathers and his crew successfully dropped their bomb load over Mulheim but unfortunately as they turned for home they were hit by flak. The starboard outer engine burst into flames a few minutes

48 later they were hit again and the port inner engine took fire. The fuel tanks were damaged and began to leak. The fires were extinguished but after having crossed the coast the Halifax was attacked three times by a Me110 (Ref: 77 Squadron ). The Messerschmitt was shot down by the rear gunner Sergeant William Spedie. The aircraft suffered further damage when it made a wheels-up landing at Marlesham Heath. For his devotion to duty on this operation Flight Sergeant Mather was immediately awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) the only one to a member of 77 Squadron and soon after was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. Promulgated London Gazette 16 July 1943

Pilot Officer Mathers and his crew were shot down and all killed on a raid on Mannheim, Germany, on 6 September 43. Halifax JB839 had taken off from Elvington. CREW: Pilot Officer F E Mathers CGM - Pilot Sergeant K A A Adams - 2 Pilot Sergeant R Gough - Flight Engineer Flying Officer W R Simpson - Navigator Flight Sergeant W Goldsbrough - Air Bomber Sergeant E G O French, DFM - Wireless Air Gunner Sergeant G A Muffet - Mid Upper Gunner Flight Sergeant W F Spedie, DFM - Rear Gunner A 1946 report by a Missing Research & Enquiry team stated a local priest reported that an aircraft was seen at approximately 1 am approaching from the direction of Bruchsal flying at a very low altitude. It crashed in swampy ground between the villages of Rheinjhasen and Oberhausen, Germany. All the crew are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. Pilot Officer Mathers is buried in 6.D.21. Flight Sergeant Francis Mathers is remembered with Honour at the Australian War Memorial and the Roll of Honour in Sydney.

Virtual
War Memorial
Australia