W/Cdr Allan J.L Craig DSO MBE DFC AFC 1922-

W/C Allan Craig (left), OC 35 Squadron with S/L Harris, OC B Flight.

Flight crew L-R.

F/Lt Felgate, F/Lt Walton, F/Lt Hawes, F/Lt Kennedy, W/C Craig, F/Lt Davidson, F/Lt Cooper.

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Allan John Laird Craig was born in 1922 at Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. He was educated at Pulford Boys Elementary and Cedars Secondary Schools, Leighton Buzzard. He enlisted in the RAFVR in 1940 as a Leading Aircraftman.

Allan Craig was granted a commission as a Pilot Officer on probation, 103561, in the General Duties Branch of the RAFVR in 1941. He served with 7Sqn and 156Sqn during the war.

Craig was confirmed in his appointment as a Pilot Officer and promoted Flying Officer war substantive wef 30 Jul 1942, and to F/L war substantive wef 30 Jul 1943. He was promoted SL war substantive wef 10 Jul 1945. His appointment as a F/L (permanent), but retaining existing wartime rank wef 1 Sep 1945. He was awarded the MBE as a S/L on 1 Jun 1953 on the occasion of the Coronation.

His award of the DFC was gazetted on 21 July 1944 (Gazette No 36619 fifth supplement to 18 July 1944) and notes:

Flight Lieutenant Allan John Laird Craig (103561), RAFVR, 7 Sqn
This officer has completed a large number of sorties, many of them demanding a high degree of skill and resolution. Throughout his tour he has displayed exceptional keenness whilst his good judgement and outstanding ability have contributed in large measure to the success of many important missions in which he has taken part. His DSO was gazetted on 24 October 1944 (Gazette No 36761 fourth supplement to 20 October 1944) which gives no citation which gives him as an Acting Squadron Leader, still of No 7 Squadron.His award of an Officer of the National Order of the Southern Cross, conferred by the President of the United States of Brazil, was gazetted on 13 November 1945 (Gazette No 37347 fourth supplement to 9 November 1945), giving him as an Acting Wing Commander, with no unit given.

As of 7th September 1944 when he had flown 55 sorties (219 hours 30 minutes) of which 27 sorties (115 hours 45 minutes) has been since his previous award. Sortie list and submission follow; all trips from 9 April 1944 onwards were Pathfinder operations:

9 February 1944 - Special war operation, no details (2.50)
11 February 1944 - Special war operation, no details (2.00)
20 February 1944 - Special war operation, no details (1.30)
23 February 1944 - Special war operation, no details (1.45)
25 February 1944 - Air/Sea Rescue patrol (3.20)
5 March 1944 - Bombing, France (6.09)
6 March 1944 - Bombing, France (7.55)
9 April 1944 - Lille (2.55)
10 April 1944 - Laon (4.00)
11 April 1944 - Aachen (3.40)
18 April 1944 - Tergnier (3.40)
20 April 1944 - Cologne (5.45)
22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (4.30)
26 April 1944 - Essen (4.30)
1 May 1944 - Chambly (3.30)
6 May 1944 - Nantes (3.35)
21 May 1944 - Duisburg (4.30)
22 May 1944 - Dortmund (4.25)
24 May 1944 - Aachen (3.30)
27 May 1944 - Rennes (4.30)
3 June 1944 - Calais (2.05)
5 June 1944 - Franceville-Merville (4.10)
7 June 1944 - Massy-Palaiseus (3.35)
8 June 1944 - Fougeres (4.55)
10 June 1944 - Dreux (4.20)
12 June 1944 - Amiens (3.15)
14 June 1944 - Le Havre (2.45)
16 June 1944 - Renescure (2.25)
21 June 1944 - Pas-de-Calais (2.40)
23 June 1944 - Coubronne (2.15)
25 June 1944 - Goron Fles (3.30)
6 July 1944 - Flying Bomb site (3.05)
12 July 1944 - Flying Bomb site (3.20)
15 July 1944 - Chalons-sur-Marne (6.30)
18 July 1944 - Cagney (3.15)
23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.10)
24 July 1944 - Stuttgart (7.50)
28 July 1944 - Stuttgart (7.00)
30 July 1944 - West Villers Bocage (3.05)
1 August 1944 - Acquet (2.55)
3 August 1944 - Foret-de-Nieppe (2.35)
4 August 1944 - Bordeaux (7.55)
6 August 1944 - Battle area (2.50)
7 August 1944 - Caen (3.10)
9 August 1944 - Foret-de-Mormal (2.50)
12 August 1944 - Paris (4.20)
14 August 1944 - Falaise (3.20)
15 August 1944 - Volkel airfield (3.05)
16 August 1944 - Kiel (5.50)
18 August 1944 - Bremen (5.40)
29 August 1944 - Stettin (9.05)
1 September 1944 - Lumbres (2.25)
3 September 1944 - Venlo (3.15)
5 September 1944 - Le Havre (2.40)
6 September 1944 - Emden (4.00)

"On 3rd September 1944, Squadron Leader Craig was detailed to mark a target at Venlo airfield and to act as Master Bomber. On his marking run, at the opening phase of the attack, the aircraft received a direct hit by predicted heavy flak which damaged the starboard fuel system causing a serious petrol leak and defective engines. Disregarding this he pressed home his attack and accurately marked he target.

"Despite the fact that fuel was leaking into the fuselage causing considerable discomfort, Squadron Leader Craig continued giving his instructions until, when the position became acute, he handed over to his deputy. By this time it was found that the fuel system was damaged to such an extent that the starboard engines could not be run from the port tanks. The aircraft at this time was at 5,000 feet and he decided that the only way to bring his damaged aircraft safely back on the two remaining engines was at very low engine conditions which would probably mean loss of height.

"He decided to set course for an emergency landing field in this country involving a long sea crossing during which time height was gradually lost and to maintain the aircraft in the air all moveable and jettisonable equipment was thrown overboard. By supreme efforts Squadron Leader Craig, although at an extremely low height over the sea, completed his hazardous flight by making a safe landing with his wheels down. It was found on inspection after landing that sufficient fuel for only a few more minutes flying remained.

"This action is typical of the spirit consistently displayed by this gallant officer, whose example, at all times, has been outstanding and who has, throughout his operational tour in this squadron, given distinguished service.

"This officer has proved himself to be an outstanding captain of aircraft. He has been employed in the capacity of Master Bomber and Deputy Master Bomber on 30 occasions, by day and night.

"On all raids that this officer has controlled, which have varied between such heavily defended targets as Kiel and tactical targets in support of the Army, he has shown outstanding fearlessness, coolness and judgement. Every attack he has controlled has been highly successful and the success of these operations, often in difficult circumstances, can be attributed in no mean way to Squadron Leader Craig’s masterly handling of all situations.

"He has, by disregard of personal danger, carried out his own marking with accuracy and precision and he has carried out all his instructions with the utmost sincerity, having one thing in mind at all times - to ensure that the raid should be, at all costs, a success."

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Post war he flew Avro Lancaster TL-F-Serial No. TW880 on the 35Sqn Goodwill Tour of USA in 1946.