Major EDWIN SWALES
South African Air Force
582 Sqdn.
Died 23 February 1945
Age 29 years old
- Country of Service South African
- Awards Victoria Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Additional Info Son of the late Harry E. and Olive M. Swales, of Durban Natal, South Africa.
- Personal Inscription IN PROUD MEMORY FROM COMRADES OF THE NATAL MOUNTED RIFLES AND S.A. AIR FORCE
- Additional Citation note
The citation in the London Gazette of 20th April, 1945, gives the following detail: Captain Swales was the `master bomber' of a force of aircraft which attacked Pforzheim on the night of 23rd February, 1945. Over the target the aircraft was repeatedly attacked by an enemy fighter and severely damaged, two engines being put out of action. Captain Swales remained to issue aiming instructions until he was satisfied that the attack had achieved its purpose. By skilful flying he was able to bring the aircraft back to friendly territory, where he ordered the crew to bale out. The aircraft became gradually more difficult to control and, as the last of the crew jumped, it plunged to earth; Captain Swales was found dead at the controls. Intrepid in attack, courageous in the face of danger,he did his duty to the last, giving his life that his comrades might live.
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