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A Short Sunderland of No. 10 Squadronon the water after alighting to rescue 3 survivors
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A Short Sunderland of No. 10 Squadronon the water after alighting to rescue 3 survivors
A Short Sunderland of No. 10 Squadronon the water after alighting to rescue 3 survivors from a Vickers Wellington of No. 172 Squadron RAF, clinging to a one-man dinghy (seen at right) after being shot down in the Bay of Biscay while attacking a German submarine on 26 August 1944. Although it was forbidden for flying boats to alight on the open sea in rescue attempts, the pilot of the Sunderland, Flight Lieutenant W B Tilley, decided the survivors could wait no longer for surface craft to arrive, and touched down to pick them up for a safe return to Mount Batten, Devon. A fourth member of the Wellington crew, Flying Officer R B Gray RCAF, refused to risk the lives of the other survivors by overloading the dinghy, although he was seriously injured. He succumbed during their fifteen-hour ordeal at sea and was awarded a posthumous George Cross. 27th August 1944
Official
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
Brest
France
Media ID 21894142
© Mirrorpix
1944 Air Sea Rescue Coastal Command Flying Boat France Royal Air Force
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful print captures a moment of bravery and sacrifice during the tumultuous days of World War II. In the vast expanse of the Bay of Biscay, an awe-inspiring Short Sunderland aircraft from No. 10 Squadron gently rests on the water after defying regulations to rescue three survivors clinging desperately to a one-man dinghy. These survivors were crew members of a Vickers Wellington from No. 172 Squadron RAF, which had been shot down while attacking a German submarine. Flight Lieutenant W B Tilley, the valiant pilot of this Sunderland, made a daring decision that day. Realizing that time was running out for these stranded men, he disregarded orders forbidding flying boats from alighting on open sea for rescue missions and touched down to save them. Despite serious injuries sustained by Flying Officer R B Gray RCAF, who refused to risk overloading the fragile dinghy with his comrades' lives, they all embarked on their harrowing journey back home. Tragically, during their fifteen-hour ordeal at sea, Flying Officer Gray succumbed to his injuries and became an unsung hero in this tale of courage. His selflessness earned him a posthumous George Cross award. This poignant image serves as a reminder not only of the immense sacrifices made by those serving in Royal Air Force's Coastal Command but also highlights humanity's unwavering spirit even amidst the darkest times in history.
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