Lance Neville Ahern

World War II broke out he volunteered, becoming a pilot with the RAAF's 451 Squadron. Later Ahern was seconded to the RAF's 112 Squadron, flying Kittyhawks, Spitfires and Mustangs. He had one of the most distinguished service records, earning the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation for the DSO read: "Squadron-Leader Ahern has taken part in the campaigns in the Western Desert, North Africa, Sicily and Italy. His ability as a pilot has been outstanding. On several occassions his aircraft sustained severe damage from anti-aircraft fire, and once he was forced to make a crash landing, fortunately just behind our own lines. Since he has been in command of his squadron, he has led many successful and spectacular missions that have resulted in the destruction or damaging of numerous mechanised vehicles, tanks, railway bridges, and a number of ammunition dumps which exploded. He has personally destroyed three enemy aircraft on the ground and damaged two FW190s in air combat. The high standard of efficiency and superb example of courage set by Squadron Leader Ahern has been beyond praise." His first crash landing occurred in the Western Desert where he was stranded upside down in his aircraft. A tank appeared; Ahern was not immediately sure to which side the tank belonged. Ahern remained as still as possible. The tank hatch opened and a very English voice inquired, "I say, old chap, do you have a screwdriver?" He stayed the rest of the day in the tank, caught in a crossfire. He remembered the day as one of his most terrifying of the war. On the other occassion, while strafing German troops in Italy, his aircraft was badly damaged by ground fire, and rather than bale out over the enemy, he glided his aircraft to behind Allied lines. His physical decline in later years would be linked to back injuries sustained in those forced landings.

COMBAT REPORTS

Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Flying Cross London Gazette issue 36500, 2 may 1944 page 2 0f 4, Flight Lieutenant Lance Neville AHERN (Aus.4O278i),Royal Australian Air Force, No. 112 Squadron. This officer has completed a very large number of sorties and has invariably displayed a high degree of skill and courage, qualities which have been well illustrated on many recent occasions. One day in April, 1944, he flew with much distinction in a successful attack on ground targets. The next morning, Flight Lieutenant Ahern led a formation of aircraft in an attack on shipping during which an enemy motor vessel was, sunk. The same afternoon he led the squadron in an engagement against a number of fighters, 3 of which were shot down. By his inspiring leadership and outstanding determination, Flight Lieutenant Ahern contributed materially to the successes obtained.

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No.112 Sqn RAF

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