Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John James OSMOND, Mt. Magnet, WA

The citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross reads as follows: 'Pilot Officer McCarthy has participated in many operations against heavily defended targets in enemy territory. On one occasion in September 1943, he was Bomb Aimer in an aircraft detailed for an attack on Mannheim. He reached the target early and, despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and illumination by searchlights, he guided the pilot in and around the defences until he was able to complete his mission successfully. At all times Pilot Officer McCarthy has set a splendid example by his courage and determination to complete his allotted task.' The citation for the award of a Bar to the DFC reads as follows: 'Flight Lieutenant McCarthy has displayed great coolness and determination as a Bomb Aimer. This officer has operated in this capacity over most of the heavily defended objectives in enemy territory. Under very trying circumstances and in the face of heavy opposition, he has invariably displayed courage of a high order and unfailing accuracy.'

John James Osmond (23), single, who was discharged from the RAAF recently with a distinguished record of flights over Germany, was killed instantly  in Mt Magnet on Saturday night when a motor cycle he was riding collided with the rear of a stationary motor truck. He had 93 operational flights over  Germany and was awarded the DFC and bar.
The truck concerned in the accident had stalled in the middle of the road. The driver was questioned and was charged later with drunken driving.
Osmond was educated at the Mt Magnet State School and the Geraldton High School. At the time of his enlistment in 1941, he was employed in the offices of the Youanmi goldmine. Completing his training, he went to England in 1942, and took part in many sorties as a member of a Pathfinder squadron.