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 Victor Front stories.

1657 Issues....one by one.

Front Page of No1 February 25th 1961.

The Victor No1.

And once again the advertising of the Squirt Ring, it was strange as it hadn’t the war stories front that the slightly later Victor comics had and for what they became famous for.

It was however a comic that was to stay for many years and through in all 1657 issues, ending on November 21st 1992.

Front Page of No2 March 04th 1961.

The One Man Army.

In April 1944, the Japanese advance on India was halted by the gallant garrison of Kotima in Assam. During the battle a company of the Royal West Kent Regiment was pinned down by a Japanese machine post.

Front Page of No3 March 11th1961.

They died at their guns.

On the night of February 25th 1943, the 155th Battery of the Royal Artillery was dug in at Sidi Nuir in Tunisia.

Front Page of No4 March 18th 1961.

The man on the wing.

The man on the wing is Sergeant James Ward of the Royal New Zealand Air force. On July 7th 1941 a Wellington bomber of 75 Squadron was part of a force attacking Munster, in Germany.  The Wellington suffered a direct hit to its wing, Sergeant Ward the second pilot of the aircraft had an amazing scheme. With a rope tied around his waist Ward when outside the aeroplane. Making holes for his feet to go in he crawled precariously across the wing, buffeted by the slipstream, ward fought the flames. Tearing away the canvass covering, he eventually stopped the flames. The Wellington landed safely. Although without air brakes and flaps it carried away part of the fence around the airfield, Ward was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No5 March 25th 1961.

Two V.C.s for the Thrashers. 

Front Page of No6 April 1st 1961.

The Plymouth Argyll's. 

Front Page of No7 April 8th 1961.

One armed Mac. 

Front Page of No8 April 15th 1961.

The hunt for the Bismarck. 

Front Page of No9 April 22nd 1961.

The storming of Longstop Hill. 

Front Page of No10 April 29th 1961.

The plane that caught a U-boat. 

Front page of No11 May 6th 1966.

He won the V.C. twice! 

In May 1941, New Zealand troops in Crete; came under heavy fire from invading German forces. Lieutenant Upham, went off on his own and silenced a machine-gun post. Returning back after saving a corporals life, Upham went into action again, after being shot in the arm, he still continued to shoot at the enemy, his courage in Crete won Lieutenant Upham a V.C. Then 1942, Captain-Upham led his troops into action against the Germans at El Ruweisat, in the Western Desert. In this action Upham was shot through the elbow, some of his own men became trapped under fire, but he bravely brought them back to safety, days later and injured, he went back into action, this time being captured. Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham spent the rest of the war in a POW camp, but for his bravery, he gained a second V.C.

Front Page of No12 May 12th 1961.

Sefton stayed at his post.

In May 1941, the British hospital ship Aba was attacked in the Mediterranean by German dive-bombers. The Red Cross markings on the fore and aft decks were no protection. Unarmed and helpless the Aba was mercilessly bombed. An SOS was raised. The cruiser “Coventry” picked up the SOS and raced to the rescue. In one of the Coventry’s gun-direction towers, Petty Officer Alfred Sephton directed the guns. Although in great pain from a mortal wound, Sephton stayed at his post until the battle was won. Sephton at last left his post. He was rushed to the ship’s hospital but died next day, Sephton had sacrificed his life to save the Coventry and the Aba, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No13 May 29th 1961.

The Target was Turin. 

Story to follow. 

Front Page of No14 June 5th 1961.

The Radar Raiders. 

Story to follow.

Front Page of No15 June 12th 1961.

The Destroyer from under the sea.

Story to follow. 

Front Page of No16 June 19th 1961.

The End of the tirpitz.

Fast and tremendously powerful the German battleship "Tirpitz" was a constant menace to British shipping. When British intelligence heard that she was lying in Alten Fjord, in Norway, it was decided to end the menace once and for all. one morning in September 1944 R.A.F. Lancasters landed at the Russian aerodrome of Yagodnik after a nightmare journey.

Alten Fjord was out of range of the British bombers from Britain, so it was decided to strike from Russia.

Front Page of No101 January 26^th 1963.

Escape in the air.

One of the most daring escapes of the last war was made by a British aircrew from an Italian Cant sea plane. It all began when a Beaufort torpedo bomber torpedoed a ship in an Italian convoy in the Mediterranean on July 28^th 1942. The attack was successful but an enemy shell hit the plane, Lieutenant Strever of the South African Air Force was the pilot and he realised that the plane was doomed. Once in the sea they were quickly spotted by an Italian seaplane and picked up, they were entertained at the airbase and next day set off again but to a P.O.W. camp. On the way there a fight broke out and the enemy were overrun, forcing the seaplanes second pilot to help him Strever took over the plane and set course for Malta, very soon he found himself being shot at by Spitfires who mistook him for enemy, he had to put down. Strever repaid the Italians hospitality then took them to the P.O.W. camp.

Front Page of No102 February 02^nd1963.

Taranto.

On the night of November 11^th 1940 Swordfish of the Fleet Air arm attacked the Italian battle fleet in its base at Taranto. Flying off H.M.S. Illustrious, the Swordfish attacked in two waves. With heavy air-sea battling going on, the small bi-planes were having a great time, after dropping several torpedoes the Swordfish completely demoralised the Italians, all the Swordfish except two returned home. Back at Taranto the scene was utter confusion. Half the Italian battle fleet, including three of her biggest battleships, had been put out of action.

Front Page of No103 February 09^th1963.

The Master Bomber.

On August 04^th 1944, Squadron leader L.W. Bazalgette was the “Master Bomber” of a Pathfinder Squadron detailed to mark an important target at Trossy St Maximan in France. As the force neared the target the “Deputy Master Bomber” was shot down.

Then Bazalgette plane caught fire, with the flairs dropped and successfully marked the target, the plane pilot then set about thinking what to do with the aircraft, with the whole of the starboard side ablaze, Bazalgette battled to keep the plane flying, with amazing airmanship the pilot put it down in a field, only for the plane to blow up, in maintaining his task Bazalgette was awarded the V.C.

Front Page of No104 February 16^th1963.

The Charge of Major Porteous.

On August 19^th 1942, the allies launched an attack on the German held port of Dieppe. One of the primary targets in the raid were the heavy coastal defence guns. Major P.A. Porteous of the Royal Artillery was acting liaison officer between two detachments when he saw a German sniper about to shoot a British sergeant. Porteous grabbed the German’s rifle and killed him with his own bayonet. Porteous then ran to help a detachment who had lost their leaders, he took over, was shot but still carried on, after the position was secured and the guns destroyed Major Porteous collapsed from a loss of blood , for his courage in leading an attack and gallantry he was awarded a Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No105 February 23^rd1963.

The Bayonet of Private Gurney.

On July 22 1942, an Australian infantry company came under heavy machine-gun fire at Tel-el-Eisa, in Egypt, and all its officers were killed. But one tough Aussie Private A.S. Gurney refused to be pinned down. With the Australians pinned down Gurney had other ideas, he got up and charged a machine post with his bayonet killing all inside, leaving the first machine-gun post, Gurney went on to silence another. A German grenade blew Gurney off his feet, but the Aussie wasn’t finished there, he wiped out a third post and then went out of sight to attack a fourth. Later when the Aussies advanced, they found him dead, but the German’s too.

Private Gurney’s heroism won him the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No106 March 02^nd1963.

The First Cross for South Africa.

Sergeant Q.G.M. Smythe was the first South African to win the Victoria Cross during the last war. On June 5^th 1942, at Alem Hamza in North Africa, when all officers were killed, Sergeant Smythe took charge of the platoon. Smythe stalked a machine-gun post and soon was in a position to strike, capturing the machine-gun crew. He continued to lead the advance and came under fire from an anti-tank gun. Alone he attacked the position. The South African fighting fury hit the gun position like a hurricane, in spite of German attempts Smythe lead his men to safety. He was decorated on the field by General Dan Peinaar, commanding 1^st South African Division in Sept 1942.

Front Page of No106 March 02^nd1963.

The First Cross for South Africa.

Sergeant Q.G.M. Smythe was the first South African to win the Victoria Cross during the last war. On June 5^th 1942, at Alem Hamza in North Africa, when all officers were killed, Sergeant Smythe took charge of the platoon. Smythe stalked a machine-gun post and soon was in a position to strike, capturing the machine-gun crew. He continued to lead the advance and came under fire from an anti-tank gun. Alone he attacked the position. The South African fighting fury hit the gun position like a hurricane, in spite of German attempts Smythe lead his men to safety. He was decorated on the field by General Dan Peinaar, commanding 1^st South African Division in Sept 1942.

Front Page of No107 March 09^th1963.

The Hero of X-Craft Seven.

On September 22 1943, midget submarines of the Royal Navy set out to attack the German battleship Tirpitz, anchored in Kasfiord, in Norway. The submarine X-7 was commanded by Lieutenant B.C.G. Place. On the way to the target, a mine became entangled in the tow rope between X-7 and the submarine “Stubborn”. Lieutenant Place went on the casing to free it. With the mine free, the X-7 went after the target. They set charges under the target but got fouled up in the net defences laid by the Germans. Lieutenant Place and another member of the X-7 escaped, but the other two died, damage to the Tirpitz was substantial. Place and Lieut. Cameron commander of X-6 were awarded V.C.’s

Front Page of No108 March 16^th1963.

The Charge of the Kiwis.

On July 15^th 1942 at Rusweisat, in Egypt Sergeant G. Elliot, New Zealand Military Forces, led a charge of six Kiwis, as the New Zealanders were nicknamed against German machine-gun posts. The battalion to which Sergeant Elliot belonged came under fire from the tanks on three sides. Elliot immediately set about leading his platoon to safety. Elliot took fifty prisoners. Then when the rest of the section returned, they came under heavy machine-gun fire from a post on the left flank, in spite of injuries, Elliot reformed his men and handed over his prisoners, over one hundred and thirty.

After handing over his prisoners, Sergeant Elliot went for treatment. His amazing bayonet charges won him a Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No109 March 23^rd1963.

The Skua swooped to kill.

In the Second World War, during the campaign in Norway in 1940, captain R.T. Partridge, Royal Marines was in command of a Squadron of Skua fighters of the Fleet Air Arm. On April 25^th the squadron sighted a formation of Heinkel bombers and dived to the attack. Captain Partridge flew straight at one of the bombers. The Skua was shot too and crashed, miraculously the crew survived, they made their way over the mountains and eventually found a log cabin. They made a fire and settled down. Shortly after however the Germans from the Heinkel were there too.

The English men bluffed their way out of trouble, Partridge and a German walked to explore the area, they were intercepted by a Norwegian ski patrol. Both Partridge and his navigator had a job convincing the patrol they were British, but did and eventually found their way back to the British lines. Partridge was awarded a D.S.O.-the first decoration to be won by a marine in the last war.

Front Page of No110 March 30^th 1963.

The Courage of Lieutenant Cutler.

During the Second World War, from June 19^th to July 6^th 1941, the exploits of Lieutenant A.R. Cutler, Australian Military Forces, in Syria, became a legend. His first feat was the repair of a telephone line under heavy fire from Vichy French forces. Though being cut off by enemy forces, Cutler led the way to safety. Later at Damour on 4^th July, the Aussies were held up by heavy machine-gun fire; Cutler attempted to lay a telephone wire across lines, but was gunned down. He was shot in the leg, and 26 hours elapsed before Cutler could be rescued, by then though his leg was septic and had to be amputated. He was awarded a V.C.

Front Page of No111 April 06^th1963.

Faith, Hope and Charity.

In May 1940, the island of Malta had no planes for fighter defence. But three Gloster Gladiators were borrowed from the Navy. When Italy entered the Second World War on June 11^th 1940, the total air defence of the Mediterranean island fortress of Malta consisted of three of these fighter biplanes; they were nicknamed Faith, Hope and Charity. Having taken a successful part in defending the island, only one of the planes remained, this was on the 3^rd September 1943 presented to the Maltese people as a memorial to its heroic defence of the island, the three Gladiators and a handful of Hurricanes destroyed 37 enemy aircraft in short space of five months.

Front Page of No112 April 13^th1963.

Easter with the blues.

Some of the fiercest fighting of the First World War involved The Royal Horse Guards nicknamed “The Blues”. It all started at Easter 1917, when a dispatch rider from the 8^th Brigade H.Q. arrived at The Blues’ billet at Fruges in Northern France. When the 8^th Brigade arrived at Arras, it had already been captured and they were ordered to march towards Monchy-le-Preux, heavy snowfall impeded their way, but managed to advance up Orange Hill. Having taken the position, the Blues waited for the infantry to relieve them. But no relief came, after the Blues had held for four days, the infantry at last relieved them.

Front Page of No114 April 27^th1963.

Cobber Kain.

One of the first fighter pilots of the Second World War to be awarded the title of “Ace” was Flying Officer “Cobber” Kain, a New-Zealander. All his kills, recorded in only a few months were made in a Hawker Hurricane. Cobber passed his medical the second time around and was posted to the 73 Squadron. Then when war broke out in 1939 Cobber soon had his sights on a German bomber, but his gun jammed, on his 21^st birthday however he shot a German plane then was shot at himself but escaped. Cobber went on to become the R.A.F.’s top fighter pilot with over a dozen German aircraft to his record. Cobber was killed in June 1940 while performing aerobatics. He crash landed his aircraft.

Front Page of No115 May 04^th1963.

The Knife they fear.

Amongst the bravest soldiers of the Second World War were the Gurkha and the enemy dreaded these tough little fighters from Nepal. Most of all they feared the Kukri- the Gurkhas’ fighting knife. Seven V.C. s were awarded to the Gurkhas. Rifleman Bhannbhagta Gurung was one of them. On March 5^th 1945 Gurung’s company of the 2^nd Gurkha Rifles was ordered to attack a Japanese position in Burma known as Snowdon East. With a grenade in one hand and bayonet, Gurung, single-handedly accounted for four enemy fox-holes. Under Gurung’s command a small party manned the captured machine-gun post. Rifleman Gurung’s lone attack won him a V. C.

Front Page of No116 May 11^th1963.

Ace of Aces.

The Greatest air ace of the First World War was a Canadian William Avery Bishop. Bishop was one of the first fighter pilots to attack enemy dromes, the German pilots never got the chance to take off as he hit their aircraft. Bishops score of kills steadily mounted, his superiors were worried for his safety, he was awarded a V.C. and a staff job in London, that afternoon, Bishop shot down a further 5 aircraft, that was 72 enemy aircraft in total and made him top ace of the R.F.C.

Front Page of No117 May 18^th1963.

The Desert Phantoms.

During the Second World War, the Special Air Service under Major David Stirling, known to the Germans as Phantom Major, carried out many attacks behind the enemy lines in North Africa. One of the most daring raids was the attack on Sidi Haneish, one of the Germans’ main staging aerodromes in August 1942. A plan was devised that 18 jeeps would simultaneously attack the air-base, at the signal of Verey light, the jeeps took up their pre-arranged formation, they hit the Germans hard, this with only the loss of one jeep. In all they grounded between 40-50 planes, including 14 of the precious troop carrier type.

Front Page of No118 May 25^th1963.

Attack on the Lutzow.

On the night of June 12^th/13^th 1941, during the Second World War, a Beaufort from No42 Squadron R.A.F. attacked the German battleship “Lutzow” off Stavanger, in Norway. The pilot of the Beaufort was Sergeant Pilot Loveitt. The weather was atrocious, there were three planes that took off and two were separated and had decided to return to base. This was signalled to Loveitt who too decided to abort, Loviett however had a lucky break, on returning he spotted a fleet of enemy ships, he flew low, the enemy though him to be one of their own fighters put up a light called a “Star Shell” it actually showed him them better, he torpedoed a craft them returned home. Loviett was awarded a D.F.M.

Front Page of No119 June 01^st1963.

The Charge of Fusilier Jefferson.

During the Second World War, on May 14^th, 1944, when the Allies were attacking the Gustav Line in Italy, a company of Lancashire Fusiliers were attacked by German infantry supported by tanks. But Fusilier Jefferson refused to let the tanks have it all their own way. With no regard for his own safety, Jefferson got into a position where he could fire at the two German tanks. With one tank down the other tank soon retreated, Fusilier Jefferson’s action held up the German counter-attack long enough for the British tanks to arrive. For his bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No120 June 08^th1963.

The End of the E15.

On April 17^th 1915, during World War One, the British submarine E-15 was reconnoitring a newly laid mine field in the Dardanelle’s Straits when she ran aground. Turkish searchlights pinpointed her position and their coastal batteries open fire. The E-15 could not move and the crew had no option other than to abandon sub. The Turks then started to take anything that would come in handy off the submarine, they were prevented however by the British battleships Majestic and Triumph, Majestic herself went down but the crew of the Triumph were quick at hand, keeping the secrets of the E-15 from the Turks eyes.

Front Page of No121 June 15^th1963.

A V.C. for the Green Howards.

During the Second World War, the Allies landed in France on D-Day, the 6^th of June 1944. A company of Green Howards had mounted to take the battery at Mont Fleurs. Coming behind the advance platoon. Company Sergeant-Major S. Hollis and the company commander noticed that two pill boxes had been by-passed. C.S.M. Hollis leapt to the attack. He took over the box, but later in the day the company again came under fire. Again Hollis went to the attack, and saved two trailing men who were stuck in a house. For his daring and gallantry throughout the whole of D-Day, C.S.M. Hollis was awarded the V.C.

Front Page of No122 June 22^nd1963.

The Navy’s Fighting Carrier.

Converted from a German steamer captured in the second World War. H.M.S. Audacity was one of the first British escort carriers. She carried six Marlet fighters of the Fleet Air Arm on her deck, as there was no hanger. In 1941 she set out on her first trip escorting a convoy to Gibraltar. When Focke-Wulf Kurier attacked the convoy, the Martlets set out for revenge. Thy had a great time of it, one actually hit a Focke-Wulf and caused damage to its wing, the Marlet then returned to the carrier with part of the wing embedded on its tail. Turn of fate, a U-boat snuck up on the Audacity and sank her. She had done a great service though in her short lived career.

Front Page of No123 June 29^th1963.

The Tank Killer of Colito.

On May 19 1941 during the Second world War, Sergeant N.G. Leakey of the King’s African Rifles was in charge of a section of mortars supporting the crossing of the River Billate near Colito in Italian held Abyssinia. Going it alone, Leakey took charge of an Italian tank, though found it useless when he wasn’t able to shoot shells as he had planned. Deserting the tank, he then ordered his company to help in his plan of stalking more tanks, he ran up to one, climbed on top and shot dead one of the crew, then the tank behind shot him. For his valour, Leakey was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No124 July 06^th1963.

Insall’s Epic Patrol.

In November 1915, during the First World War, Second Lieutenant G.S.M Insall took off on a patrol that was to earn him a place in Air Force history. With Insall was Air Mechanic T.H. Donald, who acted as gunner in the Vickers fighter. Just after starting off they sighted a German Plane. It was a trap; the German plane was to lead Insall’s onto rocket batteries they had set below. The rockets missed Insall and he downed the enemy aircraft, he then set off again for base, and was shot, he had to down about 100 yards behind the front line, the Germans were quick in getting range, but didn’t direct hit. Donald worked all night repairing the plane, and at dawn they took to the skies once more. For the epic patrol, he was awarded a V.C.

Front Page of No125 July 13^th1963.

Safari on patrol.

During the Second World War, British submarines operating from Malta were the scourge of the German supply routes to North Africa. On patrol in 1942, H.M.S. Safari, one of the most successful of our submarines, spotted a coastal brigantine and surfaced to engage it with gunfire. Safari sank the enemy, she stayed still after diving again and the following morning spotted several more boats, she fired four more torpedoes, and scored direct hits, the enemy started setting off depth charges, and once again Safari dived. She hit the bottom of the bed and stopped, some hours later she started once again, but found herself among more depth charges. Safari made good her escape and returned to her base.

Front Page of No126 July 20^th1963.

Fighting Paddy Finucane.

During the Second World War, one of Britain’s greatest air aces was a fighting Irishman-Paddy Finucane. In September 1941, he led a flight of Spitfires on a strafing mission over German-occupied France. After shooting up a train, the three Spitfires from 452 Squadron headed for home. A few days later, paddy was attempting to get his 21^st plane before his 21^st birthday, he did it, but ran out of ammo, his sergeant however helped him out by taking care of the enemy ME109.Finucane was awarded a D.S.O. and the D.F.C. on his very last mission Paddy was returning home when enemy fire hit his radiator, he crashed in the sea and was killed. He was one of the R.A.F. s top aces.

Front Page of No127 July 27^th1963.

Across the Melfa.

During the Second World War, on May 24^th 1944, Allied troops started to cross the River Melfa in Italy. The troops were a company of the Canadian Westminster Regiment (Motor), under Major J.K. Mahony. They were to cross the river and establish a bridgehead for the remainder of the regiment. Despite being under fire Mahony attacked the enemy, he helped trapped English soldiers get to freedom and despite the concentrated German fire around him, Major Mahony continued to stand up and direct his men. After that, the Canadians held out against the Germans and secured a vital bridgehead. For his bravery and leadership, Major Mahony was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No128 August 03^rd1963.

The Sinking of the Konigsberg.

On April 10^th 1940, during the Second World War, Skua dive bomber of the Fleet Air Arm attacked the German heavy cruiser Konigsberg, as she lay alongside the mole at Bergen. When news of the Konigsberg’s plight came through 600 and 603 Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm, under Lieut. Lucy, R.N., and Captain Partridge, Royal Marines, asked for permission to attack. One after another the Skua dive bombed the cruiser. Suddenly there was a terrific explosion as flames reached the cruiser’s magazine. Then the Konigsberg turned over and sank. The Skuas flew back down the fiord shooting up German shipping, all this with the loss of only one aircraft.

Front Page of No129 August 10^th1963.

The Siege at Arnham.

On September 17^th 1944, during the Second World War, British paratroops were dropped near the Dutch village of Arnham in an attempt to capture the bridges over the River Rhine before the Germans could blow them up. The forces met vast competition from the Germans. They were forced to retreat back to Oosterbrook, a place where Lance-Sergeant Baskeyfield was in charge of a six-pounder anti-tank gun. Baskeyfield continued to fire his gun until it was put out of action by a shell, he the turned his sights on another gun and began firing away, the Germans how ever scored a direct hit, killing the man outright. For his bravery and devotion to duty, Lance-Sergeant Baskeyfield was awarded the V.C.

Front Page of No130 August 17^th1963.

Flames in the sky.

On January 1^st 1945, during the Second World War, a force of ten Lancaster bombers from No9 Squadron attacked the Dortmund-Ems Canal, in Germany. Flight Sergeant George Thomson was the wireless operator in the bomber piloted by Flying-Officer Denton. After an uneventful flight out, the Lancs ran into anti-aircraft fire around the target. After being hit the aircraft caught fire, with the crew too injured to bail out, the pilot set down safely. Flying Officer Denton managed to put the aircraft down safely, and was awarded a D.F.C. for his disregard of his own safety. Flight Sergeant Thomson was awarded the V.C., but unfortunately died of his injuries he received.

Front Page of No131 August 24^th1963.

Torpedo Attack.

During the Second World War, on the night of March 31^st 1943, British M.T.B.s operating from Bone attacked a German convoy off cape Zebib in North Africa. At 17.00hours, four M.T.B.s Nos 316,265, 266 and 315 left Bone. Later 265 had to turn back, then 316 too, the two remaining carried on. With a fleet of ships in sight, the torpedoes were shot from 266, more were fired from 315 all contacted, with four torpedoes, the two M.T.B.s had sunk two merchant ships without suffering any casualties and both returned safely to bone.

Front Page of No132 August 31^st1963.

Rescue from No-Man’s Land.

During the First World War, on June 11^th 1915, Scottish troops of the Highland Light Infantry attacked the German positions at Givenchy, in Northern France, and ran into a hail of small arms fire. One Lieutenant Martin was trapped wounded in No-Man’s Land, a volunteer L-Cpl, William Angus decided to go retrieve him. Finding the Lieutenant injured he set about taking him back to his own company, the enemy however heard the two of them and threw over a bomb that narrowly missed. They both made it back, for his gallantry in rescuing an officer under fire, L-Cpl; Angus was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No133 September 07^th1963.

Springbok V.C.

During the Second World War, on August 31^st 1944, Lieutenant G.R. Norton of the South African Forces was in charge of a platoon of the HampshireRegiment. While advancing on the village of Monte Grindolfo in Italy, Norton’s platoon came under fire from German machine-gun positions. Norton dealt with matters himself, he threw a grenade amongst the enemy and then set about another gun point, taking prisoners, and he marched them back to his brigade. Norton and his platoon moved on and cleared several more German machine-gun posts before the village was taken. For his gallantry and leadership, Lieutenant Norton was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No134 September 14^th1963.

Crash Dive.

On the morning of April 27^th 1915, during the First World War, Lieutenant Commander E.C. Boyle set out in the submarine E-14 to pass through the Dardanelle Straits and into the Turkish controlled Sea of Marmara. His mission was to disrupt the Turkish sea traffic. The E-14 shot at a boat and sank it, then whilst charging their batteries they sighted a destroyer, they “Crash Dived” and lay dormant for a while. The Turkish destroyer passed above, later the E-14 sighted a Turkish convoy and fired two torpedoes at it, hitting the Gag Denial, which was carrying 6000 troops and a battery of field guns. The E-14 spent a total of 21 days in the sea of Marmara, completely disrupting traffic. When she came out, Lieut. Commander Boyle was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No135 September 21^st1963.

Attack on Amsterdam.

On the 3^rd May 1943, Venturas of 487 Squadron attacked the power-station at Amsterdam in German-occupied Holland. Over the target, they ran into heavy aircraft fire. The eleven crews were to fly the Venturas were briefed by Squadron-Leader Trent, who was to lead the raid, before taking off. Despite losing touch with their escort, the Venturas pushed on towards the target. The German fighters swooped down on the unprotected bombers and soon six were blazing wrecks. Pushing ahead, Trent’s bombs hit a power-station, but before the deputy leader could drop his he was shot down, Trent’s plane was pounced on by Messerschmitt and shot down, but Trent and his navigator were thrown clear. Squadron Leader Trent was awarded a V.C.

Front Page of No136 September 28^th1963.

The Battle on Butler Hill.

On December 19^th 1941, during the Second World War, the Japanese attacked the British troops guarding Mount Butler which overlooks Hong Kong. The Japanese won the crest of the hill, but part of a company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, led by Company Sergeant-Major J.R. Osborne, counter-attacked with fixed bayonets. With the Japanese repeatedly attacked the position held by Osborne’s men, but each time they were driven back. Several times, Osborne threw back Japanese grenades. But not reaching one, Osborne threw himself on it and was killed, for his courage and self sacrifice he was awarded the V.C.

Front Page of No137 October 05^th1963.

Stand-By to Ram!

On the night of 24^th/25^th September 1943, during the Second World War, German E-boats laid a minefield off the east coast of England. On their way back to base, they met a British trawler and opened fire. Two British motor launches, M.L.’s 145 and 150, were on patrol not too far away from action. One of the launches rammed the E-boat, another then joined in the fun, but was quickly dealt with by the British, after picking up survivors from the blazing E-boat the two M.L.’s headed for home. The trawler had been avenged.

Front Page of No138 October 12^th1963.

Furness of the Guards.

In the Second World War, during the period 17^th-24^th May 1940, Lieutenant the Honourable Christopher Furness was in charge of a Bren-gun carrier platoon of Welsh Guards, defending the town of Arras, in Northern France. On the night of 23-24^th May they were ordered to withdraw. Fearlessly Lieutenant Furness engaged the enemy inn hand-to-hand combat, but eventually he was killed. The convoy escaped and Furness was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery.

Front Page of No139 October 19^th1963.

The Zeppelin Killer.

On June 7^th 1915, during the First World War, Sub-Lieutenant R.A.J. Warneford, R.N. became the first airman in history to destroy a Zeppelin in flight, when he blew one up over Ghent, in Belgium. Taking off early from his air-base, Warneford soon had a Zeppelin in his sights, the Zeppelin saw him and opened fire, it then cast off its ballast and climbed at a fast rate. Warneford had a job catching it but despite being shot at he managed to rise above it. Once above he dropped a bomb, it hit the Zeppelin and the airship exploded. Warneford’s plane was caught in the blast, but he managed to maintain his flight. He then ran out of fuel, he had to put down behind enemy lines; he refuelled and returned to base. For destroying the Zeppelin he was awarded the V.C. and the French Legion of Honour.

Front Page of No140 October 26^th1963.

The Camel Corps V.C.

On August 10^th 1940, during the Second World War, Captain E.C.T. Wilson, East Surrey Regt., was in charge of a machine-gun post manned by soldiers of the Somaliland Camel Corps in British Somaliland. The post on Observation Hill was a key position on the Tug Argon Gap in East Africa and was heavily attacked by advancing Italian Army. For the next four days the Italians continued to shell the machine-gun post, but Captain Wilson kept firing, although he was wounded and suffering from malaria, Then on August 15^th, The Italians overran the post, Captain Wilson was taken Prisoner. For his continued fighting though wounded and suffering from malaria, Wilson was awarded a V.C.

Front Page of No141 November 02^nd1963.

The War of Sailor Malan.

One of the R.A.F.’s greatest air aces of the Second World War was a South African, “Sailor” Malan. Although not specially trained as a night fighter, on one occasion Malan took his Spitfire up at night and shot down two German bombers. As a youngster, Malan joined the Royal Naval Reserve, which earned him his nickname of “Sailor”. Malan joined the R.A.F. before war broke out and his squadron was one of the first to be equipped with Spitfires. Sailor was soon in the thick of it and was awarded the D.F.C. After crashing, Sailor quickly recovered from his wounds and was soon back in the fray, he shot down 32 German planes and won a D.S.O. and bar and the D.F.C. and bar.

Front Page of No142 November 09^th1963.

Surprise Attack.

On November 5^th 1942, during the Second World War, two squadrons of armoured cars of the Royal Dragoons broke through the Germans lines, in North Africa. The Germans were in full retreat after the battle of El Alamein, and the Dragoons caused havoc in their lines of communications. The Germans threw everything at them in vain attempt to stop them. For days the Dragoons played havoc with supply convoys in the German rear areas. For days, the squadron had operated behind the German lines. By disrupting communications and destroying supplies, they had German troops after them who were badly needed at the front.

Front Page of No143 November 16^th1963.

The End of the Emden.

In August and September 1914, the German cruiser, Emden, caused havoc among the British shipping in the Indian Ocean. On one occasion she even shelled the oils tanks at Madras. The British H.Q. decided enough was enough, it was time to silence the Emden, on board the “Sydney”, a cruiser escorting a convoy about 100 miles from Cocos Island, a sighting was made of the Emden, soon she fired on the Sydney, but out of rage she missed, the Sydney returned fire and were soon hitting the target. Captain Von Muller of the Emden ran her aground on the North Keeling Island to prevent her from sinking. The Captain of the Sydney Captain Glossop was made companion of the Bath and six of his crew were awarded the D.S.M.

Front Page of No144 November 23^rd1963.

Swordfish Attack.

On May 23^rd 1943, during the Second World War, a Swordfish from H.M.S. Archer found a German U-boat on the surface in the Atlantic and attacked it with rockets. The U-boat was hit and quickly sank. Before flying on his patrol, the pilot of the Swordfish dropped his dinghy to the survivors of the U-boat, U572, was the first to fall victim to a British escort carrier and the first to be sunk by rockets.

Front Page of No145 November 30^th1963.

On September 19^th 1944, during the Second World War, the paratroopers fighting at Arnhem in Holland were in dire need of supplies. The supplies were flown in by Dakotas of Transport Command-and one of the pilots, Flight-Lieutenant D.S.A. Lord, pressed home his attack regardless of heavy anti-aircraft fire. The Dakota was hit, but the supplies had been dropped, before the pilot could jump the wing of the Dakota fell off and the plane plunged into the ground, but one member was thrown clear, Flying Officer King. For pushing on to his objective despite all obstacles, flight-Lieut, Lord was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No146 December 07^th1963.

Over the Top!

On June 30^th 1918, during the first World War, Company Sergeant-Major Nelson Victor Carter was in Charge of an assault wave of the Royal Sussex Regiment attacking the German trenches at Richebourg L’Aroue in Flanders. Carter and his men made their way back to the British trenches without further incident. Carter helped several more wounded men back before he himself was fatally wounded. For his gallantry, company Sergeant-Major Carter was awarded Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No147 December 14^th1963.

Burma V.C.

On the night of 16^th-17^th February 1945, during the Second World War, the Japanese attacked the positions held by the 13^th Frontier Force rifles of the Indian army at Kenian Ywathit in Burma. The main part of the attack was launched against the sector under Jemandor Parkish Singh. When the attack started Singh was away from his position and was wounded. But started to make his way back, once back he returned to the fight, though wounded he helped his men once again to repel the Japanese, after the Japanese had been driven off, Singh was wounded again and died. For his bravery, Jemandor Singh was awarded a V.C.

Front Page of No148 December 21^st1963.

The Raid on Christmas Day.

During the First World War, on Christmas Day, 1914, planes of the Royal Naval Air Service carried out a reconnaissance over the German fleet as it lay at Cuxhaven. The planes dropped bombs to add to the confusion they caused. On the way back one of the aircraft ran out of fuel, he was forced to ditch in the ocean, straight away a submarine showed, it was an E-9, a British sub, he picked up the crew. The British planes had carried out a valuable reconnaissance and done some damage to dock installations. All the British pilots eventually returned safety.

Front Page of No149 December 28^th1963.

The Messerschmitt Killer.

Donald Kingaby joined the R.A.F. before the outbreak of the Second World War. At the time of the Battle of Britain in August-September 1940, he was a sergeant-pilot and had become known as a specialist in shooting down Messerschmitt fighters. He was at his air-base of Manston one day when a ME109 mounted an attack, though unable to get airborne, Kingaby vowed to pay it back, soon after he down four in one outing. Then early in 1941, he was flying over Belgium, when shot at and hit, despite the damage to his engine, Kingaby made his way back to base safely. As a sergeant-pilot Kingaby was awarded the D.F.M. and two bars, and after he was commissioned won the D.S.O.

Front Page of No150 January 04^th1964.

The sinking of the Pinguin.

On May 22^nd 1940, during the Second World War, the German raider, Pinguin, left Germany to attack the British trade routes. She operated in the Atlantic, Indian and Antarctic Oceans with considerable success. Then on May 7^th 1941, she attacked the merchantman, British Emperor, off the east coast of Africa. The British Emperor signalled H.M.S. Cornwall, a cruiser some 500miles away. The British Emperor was hit by the Pinguin and sunk, but on the 8^th May the Cornwall entered its waters, the Pinguin decked with screens to change her appearance shot at the Cornwall. Despite having he steering shot, the Cornwall shot back, and a direct hit sank the Pinguin, from the wreckage 22 British prisoners and 60 German survivors were plucked from the sea.

Front Page of No151 January 11^th1964.

Stuka Attack.

On July 4^th 1940, during the Second World War, German bombers attacked H.M.S. Foylebank in Portland Harbour, but they were met by stiff fire from Leading Seaman J.F. Mantle, manning a pom-pom anti-aircraft gun. The bombers were sighted as they swooped from the skies, Mantle hurried towards the gun, but before Mantle could score a hit on the Stuka, the German released his deadly load. Mantle stayed at his gun till the last German bomber left, despite being wounded again. He died of his wounds and his gallantry won him the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No152 January 18^th1964.

On November 21^st 1942, during the Second World War, German tanks attacked the British positions at Sidi Rezegh, south of Tobruk in North Africa. A battery of twelve anti-tank guns of the Royal Horse Artillery were attached to the Rifle Brigade, holding the position, but it was four of the guns, under Second-Lieutenant G.W. Gunn, which bore the brunt of the attack. Despite the heavy fire, Gunn drove from gun to gun in an armoured vehicle. The Germans continued to score hits on the British guns. The British position was held until reinforcements-arrived. But for 2^nd Lieutenant Gunn’s example of extreme courage, the German tanks would almost certainly have over-run the British positions at Sidi Rezegh. For his bravery, Gunn was awarded the V.C. posthumously.

Front Page of No153 January 25^th1964.

Typhoon Johnny.

The R.A.F.’s greatest Typhoon pilot of the Second World War was Commander Johnny Baldwin. On July 17^th 1944, he helped to defeat the Germans in France with one decisive blow when he shot up a convoy of staff cars in Normandy. Baldwin now Wing-Commander, briefed his pilots for a sweep over France. The soon set about shouting at a German convoy. The convoy the Baldwin shot up carried the famous German, Field Marshal Rommel. Rommel was seriously wounded and his absence weakened the German defences. Baldwin finished the war with two D.F.C.’s and two D.S.O.’s.

Front Page of No154 February 01^st1964.

Salerno V.C.

On September 25^th 1943, during the Second World War, company Sergeant-Major Peter Wright won the first V.C. of the Italian campaign. The 3^rd battalion of the Coldstream guards were attacking a wooded hill near Salerno when they came under heavy fire from German positions. It was noticed and reported that three spandaus were doing all the damage. C.M.S. Wright went into action, he was covered as he went single-handed and shot out three machine-gun posts, the Germans counter-attacked but under Wright’s inspiring leadership, the Guards drove them off. For his action, C.S.M. Wright was awarded the D.C.M., but later, on the insistence of King George VI, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Front Page of No155 February 08^th1964.

H.M.S. Pepper Pot.

In March 1942, during the Second World War, the cruiser H.M.S. Penelope was lying in Grand Harbour, Valetta Malta. She became the focal point for all the German raids on the island, as the Germans were determined to sink her. Because of the numerous small holes made in her by shell splinters and bomb fragments, the Penelope was nick-named H.M.S. “Pepper-Pot”. On 8^th April 1942, the Germans again set about sinking her, they missed on all counts and the Penelope eventually reached Gibraltar where she received a tumultuous welcome.

Front Page of No156 February 15^th1964.

The Fighting Lady.

On October 04^th 1941, during the Second World War, the armed trawler Lady Shirley forced a U-boat to surface near the Canary Islands and engaged her with gun-fire. The action begun when the U-boat was sighted on the surface. The trawler dropped a pattern of depth-charges. A hit was made and the U-boat surfaced, Forty-four survivors from the U-boat were picked up and taken to Gibraltar. For tackling such a much larger adversary and sinking her, the captain of the trawler, Lieutenant-Commander, A.M. Callaway, was awarded the D.S.O.