Robert Edward "Bob" SpoonerRCAF F/L - DFC
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-------------------------------------------------- SPOONER, F/L Robert Edward (J23538) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.438 Squadron Since September 1944, this officer has completed numerous operational sorties including many low level attacks against heavily defended enemy transport, canal locks, railway sidings and bridges. On one occasion, Flight Lieutenant Spooner's aircraft was hit by the flying debris of an exploding ammunition train. Despite this and intense anti-aircraft fire from the enemy's defences he pressed home his attack on the remaining targets. As a flight commander this officer has always displayed brilliant leadership and a fine fighting spirit. This was particularly evident during the German offensive around St. Vith when he led his squadron on a number of low level attacks against heavily defended enemy transport convoys. --------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------- NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9088 has recommendation drafted by S/L J.E. Hogg, 5 March 1945 when he had flown 81 sorties (93 hours 45 minutes). Since joining the squadron in September 1944, Flight Lieutenant Spooner has 81 sorties against the enemy, many of which were low level and strafing attacks on transport, railways, troops, canal locks, V-1 and V-2 sites, marshalling yards and bridges. On his first operational sortie, this pilot had to fly through the flying debris of an exploding ammunition train. Despite the fact that his aircraft was hit, and in the face of moderate to heavy flak opposition, he pressed home his attack on remaining targets in the marshalling yard. At a very early time, Flight Lieutenant Spooner proved himself to be a cool and resourceful leader, both in the air and on the ground. While leading his section in a dive bombing attack on the bridge at Hilfarth, Germany, he showed particular coolness in positioning the squadron for the attack, despite very intense opposition from ground defences. Later in the day, Flight Lieutenant Spooner carried out the same operation in the face of a flak barrage which was no less intense. In November 1944, this officer participated in two long range bombing attacks on the Sneek and Gaarkueken locks in northern Holland, both of which sorties were successful. Having been appointed a Flight Commander, Flight Lieutenant Spooner continued to display the best qualities of a leader. His flying, bombing and shooting have been consistently good and particularly during the German offensive around St. Vith. He led the squadron a number of times and repeatedly strafed hotly defended enemy transport convoys. In other missions, which have entailed close support of our Armies, Flight Lieutenant Spooner has been very successful in pin-pointing and destroying difficult targets. As a leader in the air and on the ground, this officer is considered to be of the highest calibre. The recommendation was endorsed by W/C F.G. Grant (9 March 1945), by G/C A.D. Nesbitt (9 March 1945), and the Air Officer Commanding, No.83 Group (20 March 1945). Air Marshal A. Coningham approved the award on 13 April 1945. --------------------------------------------------
According to artist's notes accompanying Robert Bailey's painting Typhoon Fury - "In September 1944 he commenced operations against the enemy with 438 Squadron at Melsbroek, flying Typhoons. By November he was a Flight Commander, and flew support for the Nijmegan attack and in the Ardennes. Other adventures included train-strafing and a mid-air collision in cloud, with both aircraft returning safely to base. F/Lt. Spooner completed 97 sorties." --------------------------------------------------
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