Donald Wallace SIMPSON (1912-

Name:	SIMPSON, Donald Wallace
Nationality:	Canadian
Regiment/Service:	Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank:	Flying Officer
Service No.:	J/11110

SIMPSON, F/O Donald Wallace (J11110) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.426 Squadron - Award effective 19 May 1943 as per London Gazette dated 1 June 1943 and AFRO 1187/43 dated 25 June 1943. Born Stratford, Ontario, 1912; home in Islington; enlisted in Toronto, 12 February 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 3 July 1941), No.12 EFTS (ceased training 15 August 1941), No.6 BGS (graduated 28 February 1942), No.9 AOS (graduated 16 January 1942) and No.2 ANS (graduated 30 March 1942). Commissioned 1942. Navigator in WO P.C. Mariies' crew, but on night of cited action (26 April 1943) was with W/C L. Crook. Cited with F/L F.P. Marsh (RCAF, WOP). See below for citation. Invested with award by King George VI, 1 February 1944.

MARSH, F/L Francis Peter (J15643) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.426 Squadron - Award effective 19 May 1943 as per London Gazette dated 1 June 1943 and AFRO 1187/43 dated 25 June 1943. Born 1918 in Toronto; home there; enlisted there 1 July 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 10 October 1940), No.1 BGS (graduated 15 February 1941), and No.2 WS (graduated 20 January 1941). Commissioned 1942. Killed in action 17/18 August 1943 (Lancaster DS681); buried in Germany [Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery - Berlin, Germany] . Medal presented to next-of-kin. Cited with F/O D.W. Simpson (RCAF, navigator).

One night in April 1943, these officers were wireless operator and navigator, respectively, of an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg. When nearing the target area the bomber was engaged by an enemy fighter and sustained severe damage. On the return flight Flying Officer Simpson displayed exceptional navigational ability in most difficult circumstances, and Flight Lieutenant Marsh, who skillfully obtained bearing, rendered him valuable assistance. Both these members of aircraft crew displayed great coolness and skill in a perilous situation.