FINLEY, Peter Hamilton
| Service Number: | 412294 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 June 1941 |
| Last Rank: | Flight Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Temora, New South Wales , Australia, 6 December 1919 |
| Home Town: | Roseville, Ku-ring-gai, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Clerk |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 22 Jun 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 412294 | |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Sep 1945: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 412294 |
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation
Flight Lieutenant FINLEY and Pilot Officer EVANS were pilot and air bomber respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack railway sidings at Vaires in July 1944.
En route the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft shells which exploded in the fuselage rendering the rudders useless and the elevators almost ineffective. It was also probable that the aircraft might break in two, but nevertheless, it was finally decided to complete the mission.
In the interests of safety of the crew, Flight Lieutenant FINLEY advised them to leave by parachute and after consultation with Pilot Officer EVANS, who had not escaped by parachute, the pilot decided to attempt to bring his crippled aircraft back to base.
Pilot Officer EVANS was greatly instrumental in enabling the aircraft to be flown to this country. Over England, abandonment became essential and the aircraft was observed to disintegrate in mid air.
These officers have displayed great courage and devotion to duty, qualities which have characterised their numerous sorties against heavily defended German targets.
PRIVATE ADDRESS: 12 Camp Hospital NSW
[Pilot Officer Roger John EVANS 410202 Carrum VIC]
National Archives of Australia
Submitted 7 July 2025 by Deb Robinson
Click images to start slideshow.