Reginald James Hayhurst

Pilot Officer · 128419 · United Kingdom

Fate

Unknown

Biography

Awards

• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) — gazetted 9 April 1943

  One night in March, 1943, Wing Commander Burnside and Pilot Officer Hayhurst were captain and bomb aimer of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. When nearing the target area, the bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire. One of the crew was killed and another severely wounded, while the aircraft sustained damage. The aileron control was affected and the windscreen de-icing glycol tank burst drenching Pilot Officer Hayhurst and filling the forward part of the bomber with suffocating fumes. Despite this, Pilot Officer Hayhurst directed his captain to the target which was successfully bombed and a good photograph obtained. The aircraft was held by searchlights for a few minutes but Wing Commander.

Source: London Gazette notice — Issue 35976, Page 1681 →