Leslie Gordon (Les) KNIGHT DFC, MID

KNIGHT, Leslie Gordon

    Service Number: 401449
    Enlisted: 3 February 1941
    Last Rank: Flight Lieutenant
    Last Unit: No. 617 Squadron (RAF)
    Born: Camberwell, Victoria, Australia, 7 March 1921
    Home Town: Camberwell, Boroondara, Victoria
    Schooling: Not yet discovered
    Occupation: Clerk, David Balding & Co., Melbourne, Victoria
    Died: Lost in the Raid on Dortmund-Ems Canal, Netherlands, 16 September 1943, aged 22 years
    Cemetery: Den Ham General Cemetery
    Grave 765
    Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial
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    World War 2 Service

    3 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 401449, Aircrew Training Units, Enlisted at Melbourne
    3 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 401449
    27 May 1941: Embarked Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Sergeant, 401449, Aircrew Training Units, Embarked at Sydney for UK
    28 May 1943: Honoured Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Air War NW Europe 1939-45, Citation reads: On the night of 16 May 1943, a force of Lancaster Bombers was detailed to attack Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of the aircraft crews
    16 Sep 1943: Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 401449, No. 617 Squadron (RAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45, Dortmund Ems Canal Raid. Aircraft hit a tree, Knight climbed the aircraft to allow the rest of the crew to safely bail out of the aircraft but was unable to save himself.
    1 Jan 1945: Honoured Mention in Dispatches, Citation reads: In recognition of distinguished service

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    Biography contributed by Carol Foster

    Son of William Henry Harold and Nellie Marsom Knight of 51 Bowen Street, Camberwell, Victoria

    Took part in the Dam Busters raid flying Lancaster N-Nan which attacked, hit and broke the Eder Dam.  He was killed later that year when taking part in the Dortmund Ems Canal raid. After his Lancaster JB144 was damaged by flying into a tree he was able to gain enough height for the rest of the crew to bail out but was unable to land the plane safely

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