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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Trotman, Percival John Povey (Service number: 143229) |
| Date of birth: | Unknown
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| Nationality: |
British |
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BIOGRAPHY:
John Trotman commenced pilot training in November 1940, and while still training at he took part in the thousand bomber raids on Cologne and Essen. On 24th June 1942 he was posted to 150 Squadron.
He completed a first Tour with 150 Squadron and then instructed at 81 OTU and 83 OTU before opting to begin a second Tour. He re-trained to fly Mosquitos with 1655 Mosquito Training Unit and was posted to 692 Squadron in October 1944 which was a Pathfinder unit.
On 5 December he was flying on Ludwigshaven when engine failure occurred, compelling his navigator Flying Officer ‘Tubby’ Tubbs to bale out over Lille. Trotman safely landed the defective Mosquito XVI also at Lille.
He wrote down his war time experiences in 'J for Johnnie'.
Promotions:
? Flight Sergeant
November 19th, 1942: Pilot Officer (probtion/emergency)
May 19th, 1943: Flying Officer (probation/war sub)
November 19th, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Flying Officer
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Unit:
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692 Squadron RAFVR
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Awarded on:
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February 13th, 1945
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Action:
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Citation:
"One night in December, 1944, Flying Officer Trotman was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Ludwigshaven. Shortly after leaving the target area, the starboard engine failed and soon after the port engine became defective and lost power. Considerable height was lost and it seemed as though the aircraft would have to be abandoned. The defective port engine suddenly resumed full power, however, and Flying Officer Trotman flew the aircraft to an airfield in France where he executed a safe landing with the undercarriage retracted. This officer has displayed commendable gallantry and outstanding skill and has at all times proved himself a cool and resolute captain."
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Flight Lieutenant
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Unit:
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692 Squadron RAFVR
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Awarded on:
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October 26th, 1945
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Action:
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Citation:
"Flight Lieutenant Trotman has participated in numerous sorties since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He has completed a second tour of operations against heavily defended targets in Germany including 19 attacks against Berlin. At all times he has set an inspiring example and as captain of aircraft, his skill and determination have been most marked."
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Details:
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Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
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