Ian Willoughby Bazalgette
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ian Willoughby Bazalgette, VC , DFC, (October 19, 1918 - August 4, 1944), was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He grew up in New Malden, England and attended Rokeby Preparatory school and then Beverley Boys Secondary school, before joining the RAF. He was 25 years old, and an Acting Squadron Leader in No. 635 Squadron RAF during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
[edit] Action
On 4 August 1944 at Trossy St. Maximin, France, Squadron Leader Bazalgette's Lancaster bomber was amongst a formation spearhead on a daylight raid on German positions. When near his target, his plane came under severe anti-aircraft fire from the ground, putting both starboard engines out of action and causing a serious fire. In spite of this, the squadron leader pressed on to the target, marking and bombing it accurately. He then attempted to bring the burning aircraft to safety, having ordered those members of his crew who were able to do so to bail out. Although he managed to land the plane, it immediately exploded, killing him and his remaining two wounded crew members.
His grave is at Senantes Churchyard, 13 miles north-west of Beauvais, France. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, England.
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
