William Arthur Beits

· 108861 · United Kingdom

Fate

Unknown

Biography

Awards

• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) — gazetted 4 April 1944

  One night in March, 1944, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed for a sortie over Southern France. When nearing the objective the aircraft was attacked by a fighter and sustained serious damage. The throttle "controls to both the port engines were affected thus making the engines uncontrollable. A number of instruments were rendered useless. The pilot's escape hatch was shot away while the mid-upper turret' was damaged. One of the petrol tanks was set alight but a little later the flames died away. The aircraft gradually lost height. Nevertheless, Flight Lieutenant Betts set course for home and, displaying superb airmanship, eventually reached an airfield where he effected a masterly lan.

Source: London Gazette notice — Issue 36459, Page 1615 →