BURNLEY [DFC], Bernard

POW - Japanese Killed 1/6/1943 by hostile villagers of Sihaung Myauk Awarded DFC. Plane was a Blenheim Z7912 of No. 11 Squadron shot down on an operation to bomb Kalemyo, Burma. The aircraft crash landed at Kabani Sakan 22.48N 93.58E,[ with no graves or bodies located after a search] killing some crew with others murdered as POWs. DFC Citation: "Flight Lieutenant Burnley took part as air gunner in operational sorties in the Western Desert, Ceylon and Burma. He also completed the duties of Squadron Gunnery Leader with diligence and efficiency. His steadiness and reliability made him a source of confidence to the whole Squadron and, on several occasions, when attacked by fighters, his directions made it possible for his pilot to avoid the enemy and lead the formation to attack the enemy target. His work was outstanding for steadiness and consistent keenness and he invariably displayed courage and devotion to duty."

Last Name
BURNLEY [DFC]
Given Names
Bernard
Service Number
407097
Distinguished Flying Cross
YES
Date of Birth
01/01/1911
Birth Location
Gladstone S.A
Enlistment Date
27/05/1940
Enlistment Location
Adelaide
1Wags Start Date
28/05/1940
Course Details
WAGS Course 2
Intake Date
28/05/1940
Finish Date
14/12/1940
To
1BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
01/06/1943 (Killed)
Discharge Unit
11 SQN
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Operations
Flying battle India
Date of Death
01/06/1943
Age
32
Cemetery / Memorial
Singapore Memorial
Medals
Distinguished Flying Cross 23/4/1943
Prisoner of War
POW
Notes

POW - Japanese Killed 1/6/1943 by hostile villagers of Sihaung Myauk Awarded DFC. Plane was a Blenheim Z7912 of No. 11 Squadron shot down on an operation to bomb Kalemyo, Burma. The aircraft crash landed at Kabani Sakan 22.48N 93.58E,[ with no graves or bodies located after a search] killing some crew with others murdered as POWs. DFC Citation: "Flight Lieutenant Burnley took part as air gunner in operational sorties in the Western Desert, Ceylon and Burma. He also completed the duties of Squadron Gunnery Leader with diligence and efficiency. His steadiness and reliability made him a source of confidence to the whole Squadron and, on several occasions, when attacked by fighters, his directions made it possible for his pilot to avoid the enemy and lead the formation to attack the enemy target. His work was outstanding for steadiness and consistent keenness and he invariably displayed courage and devotion to duty."

Posting on Death
11 Squadron
NAA Status
NOT YET EXAMINED
1WAGS - BURNLEY Bernard - Service Number 407097 (edited-1)

Acknowledgements

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