jim malley - pathfinder who flew 127 operations and later was … · 2021. 6. 29. · his...
TRANSCRIPT
JUNE 29
remembrance nI
Jim Malley - Pathfinder who flew 127 operations and later was Terence O’Neill’s wingman
One of his first operations was in the Vickers Wellington F for Freddie, which featured in a 1941 film. Jim Malley admitted he always felt afraid on operations.
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Jim Young Malley's service with the RAF during the Second World War extended to a remarkable 127 operations over enemy territory, including more than 30 raids over Berlin.
James Young Malley was the son of a farmer and merchant. He was educated at Dungannon Royal School and entered the Civil Service in Belfast as a clerk.
In 1940 he volunteered for the RAF and was commissioned as a navigator-bomb aimer. Remarkably, he was the eldest of three brothers to fly with Bomber Command. All three survived, in a business where the odds against survival were the most unfavourable of any branch of the Services.
One of his first operations was in the Vickers Wellington F for Freddie, which became a national byword after it featured in the wartime film Target for Tonight (1941). His last operations were in Mosquitoes of 139 squadron in which he flew 53 missions between September 1944 and April 1945, in one case flying on operations on ten successive nights. His assignments included more than 30 raids over Berlin, which was the most dreaded target because of the nine-hour flight, the fighter screen and the anti-aircraft fire.
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Later after leading a daylight raid on shipping in the heavily fortified harbour at Tobruk. He was promoted to squadron leader shortly afterwards, and returned to England to take charge of navigator training.
A bid to return to active operations failed on medical grounds, but on appeal a sympathetic chief medical officer-and fellow Irishman- Air Commodore O'Malley, pronounced that, while he could not pass him, he would not fail him.
Malley then embarked on his Pathfinder exploits with 139 Squadron from Upwood, Near Peterborough. For this he was awarded the DSO.
When he left the RAF in 1945 he was found to have a damaged lung, but it responded to treatment and he rejoined the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
A notably modest man, he never used his Air Force rank post-war and rarely talked about the operations which brought him a DSO and DFC and bar.
Terence O’Neill, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland
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When he resumed his career as a civil servant, Malley achieved distinction a second time when he held the pivotal post in the private office of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland at a moment in the mid-1960s when Terence O'Neill was attempting a rapprochement in difficult circumstances with the Government of the Irish Republic. It fell to Malley to conduct the delicate negotiations which preceded the groundbreaking meeting of the two Prime Ministers, Sean Lemass of the Irish Republic and O'Neill, at Stormont in January 1965.
After the resignation of O'Neill, Malley served as Registrar-General of Northern Ireland for nearly ten years, retiring in 1978. He was also actively concerned with the welfare of ex-servicemen and women.
A tall, gangling figure and modest to a fault, Malley retired from Civil Service in 1979. A dedicated outdoorsman, he was to be seen regularly on the moors of Antrim and Fermanagh, his retriever at his heels, shooting grouse and pheasant.
He once confessed to a friend that he never went on an RAF operation without feeling afraid - and doubted the word of those who claimed they did not.
Squadron Leader Jim Malley, DSO, DFC and Bar, wartime Pathfinder and civil servant, was born on July 24, 1918. He died on June 5, 2000 aged 81.
Jim ‘Zulu’ Malley - Promotions and Awards
Promotions: December 1st, 1940: Pilot Officer (probation)December 8th, 1941: Flying Officer (war sub)December 8th, 1942: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)? : Acting Squadron LeaderJim Malley received his DFC in 1941 and a Bar two years later.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officer 149 Squadron, Royal Air Force Awarded on November 21st, 1941 Recommendation:"P/O Malley has been employed as an Observer in this Squadron for the last six months. His ability as a navigator cannot be disputed, as he has successfully attacked the primary target on the majority of his raids, and some of the best night photographs taken by this Squadron during the past six months are due to his outstanding ability and the perfection of his training of the crew. On several occasions this Officer and his Captain have spent up to two hours trying to locate the primary target and then being unable to locate the primary target have flown at a very low altitude to find a railway and then followed it until an important junction has been reached when systematic bombing has been carried out.His determination to attack the primary target or, under conditions of adverse weather, a target of major importance, is an example to the other observers in the Squadron. The standard he has set is the perfection peak to be aimed at, and by his example he has assisted considerably our war effort.”
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Flight Lieutenant 178 Squadron, Royal Air Force Awarded on July 23rd, 1943 Recommendation: "F/Lt., Malley has now completed 487 hours operational flying in the European and Middle East theatre of war. His work in this Squadron both on the ground as Navigation Officer and in the air has been most praiseworthy. His cool determination in attacking the target in adverse weather conditions and in the face of heavy opposition has made his work outstanding and an excellent example for his fellow squadron members. On the 6th Aug. 42 he was Navigator (B) in the leading aircraft of a formation which attacked shipping in Tobruk harbour in daylight. Despite intense anti-aircraft he achieved excellent results."
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Distinguished Service Order DSO
Acting Squadron Leader 139 Squadron, Royal Air Force Awarded on October 26th, 1945Recommendation:"Since being awarded a First Bar to the D.F.C. after completing 74 heavy bomber sorties, this Officer has completed a further 53 operational sorties on Mosquito aircraft, making a total of 127. Many sorties carried out on this tour have been against the most heavily defended targets in Germany, including Berlin, which he has attacked on 27 occasions. All his sorties on this tour have been in the important role of primary blind marker.
“Throughout this lengthy period he has had many arduous experiences and many times has his aircraft been hit by flak. Invariably his courage, coolness and accurate navigation under the most difficult circumstances have largely contributed to the successful completion of his task, and safe return to base. In spite of his long operational career, and numerous harrowing experiences he has never tired, and his keenness to operate and his courage and tenacity at all times have been a shining example and a source of confidence and pride to the whole Squadron. I strongly recommend the non-immediate award of the D.S.O.”
On this Day - June 29
1916
At Champagne the German first and second line trenches are taken at Tahure.
At Verdun the German attack on Hill 304 is repulsed.Page 6
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1917
German attacks on the Chemin des Dames front causes the French to lose ground north-east of Cerny.
1918
The disarmament of Bolsheviks at Vladivostok took place by Royal Marines from HMS Suffolk, under the command of Captain J A Bath RMA.
1940
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Operation Fish - The UK Gold reserve was shipped to banks in Canada and USA. Five Royal Navy ships and some merchant ships including HMS Enterprise, Emerald,
Bonaventure, Resolution and Revenge transfer the bulk of UK gold and securities wealth to Canada for safe keeping in several vaults, one was Royal Sun Life, Montreal
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Japan declares the South Seas to be in its sphere of influence.President Roosevelt signs the Alien Registration Act; 5 million foreigners will register and be fingerprinted.
1941 Lord Beaverbrook becomes Minister of Supply in Cabinet reshuffle. Goering is named Hitler’s successor.Russian defense Committee is formed with Stalin, Molotov, Voroshilov, Malenkov and Beria.The German 20th Mountain Army launches Operation ‘Silver Fox’, an offensive to capture the Soviet port of Murmansk, while the Finnish Karelian Army activates its offensive towards Leningrad.Local Finnish forces attack along the border in southern Finland.Romanian troops conduct a pogrom against Jews in the town of Jassy, killing 10,000.Germany demands that Japan launches an attack against Russia. The Japanese consider this, but in the end only agree to strengthen their forces in this area.
1942 The drive on the Caucasus roars on as German columns kick up dust clouds that can be seen 40 miles away and leave behind burning villages and town. “It is the formation of the Roman Legions, now brought up to date in the 20th century to tame the Mongol-Slav horde,” exults German propaganda. In Sevastopol, German troops attack from their bridgehead, while more forces blast in across the Fedyukhin Heights, forcing the Russians back.Rommel takes Mersa Matruh after heavy fighting and captures 6,000 prisoners along with large quantities of
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supplies. British disarray increases as German advance units mix with British rear units which are reatreating as fast as possible for the relative safety of the El Alamein defensive position. Mussolini arrives at Derna in Libya to prepare for the triumphal entry into Cairo. Alexandria is bombed.Two ships leave the port of Shanghai carrying more than four hundred North and South American Diplomats and their dependents. The passengers are to exchanged for and equal number of Japanese nationals being held in the Western Hemisphere.
1943 US Marines land on Nassau beach near Lae in New Guinea during Operation ‘Cartwheel‘.The US Army Air Force insignia changed to “stars and bars,” with a red border around bar.
1944
The RAF carries out a saturation raid (250 Lancasters) against the 2nd and 9th SS Panzer Divisions at Villers-Bocage near Caen.
The US VII Corps captures the last harbour fort at Cherbourg, but the port rendered completely useless for three weeks.
70,000 troops of Army Group Centre that are encircled near Bobruisk surrender to the Red Army. The Russians report that 16,000 Germans have been killed and 18,000 captured near Minsk.
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Chateau la Londe, near Caen. The square mile within which it is situated is one of the most fought over areas in Normandy.
HMS Belfast is off shore Normandy providing artillery support.
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Roll of Honour - June 29 Representing their comrades who died on this day
1915
+CASEY, Samuel1st Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Private.17465. Died 29/06/1915. From Ballymoney. Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Panels 190-196
+MONTGOMERY, William Longmore
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers,1st Btn. Private.11753. Died 29/06/1915 in Birmingham Hospital. Wounded at the Dardanelles. Aged 18. Enlisted in Cookstown. Son of Agnes Montgomery, of Upperlands, Co. Derry, and the late Robert Montgomery. Ahoghill (Trinity) Presbyterian Churchyard
+PATTERSON, Robert
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 1st Btn. C Coy. Private. 8401. Died 29/06/1915. Age 26. Son of Mrs. J. McDonald (formerly Patterson), of 47, Thorndyke St., Albert Bridge Rd., Belfast, and the late John Patterson. Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli)
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1916
+BERRY, W J
Royal Irish Rifles,13th Btn. C Coy. Rifleman. 17261. Died 29/06/1916. Age 27. Son of Mary and the late James Berry of Culcavey, Hillsborough. Forceville Communal Cemetery and Extension, France
+BROWN, Thomas
Royal Irish Rifles,13th Btn. C Coy. Rifleman. 77. Died 29/06/1916. Age 19. Son of William and Margaret Brown, of Dromore. Forceville Communal Cemetery and Extension, France
+HARRISON, R
Royal Irish Rifles,13th Btn. C Coy. Rifleman. 17839. Died 29/06/1916. Age 24. Son of the late John and Ann Jane Harrison, of Hillsborough. Forceville Communal Cemetery and Extension, France
+MANSON, James
Royal Irish Rifles,12th Btn. A Coy. Rifleman. 12/18430. Died 29/06/1916. Age 19. Son of the late William Hugh and Mary Manson, of Carrickfergus. Hamel Military Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel, France
+McDOWELL, Robert
Royal Irish Rifles,12th Btn. Rifleman. 825. Died 29/06/1916. Age 29. Son of Mrs. Lizzie McDowell, of 13, Mission Lane, Lame. Hamel Military Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel, France
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Theipval Wood Page 14
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+MORRISON, James
Royal Irish Rifles,16th Btn. Rifleman. 6321. Died 29/06/1916. Age 18. Son of George and Eliza J. Morrison, of Lisbane, Comber. Theipval Memorial, Somme, France
1918
+BUNTING, William JohnRNR. Signal Boy. 2086SB. HMS Vivid. Died of pneumonia 29/06/1918. Aged 17. Son of Joseph and Mary Ann Bunting, Seaview Street, Belfast. Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.
+LYNAS, William John
12th Royal Irish Rifles. Rifleman. 17/1552. Died while POW on 28/06/1918. Aged 21. Son of William and Mary Lynas, Cambrai Street, Belfast. Premont British Cemetery Aisne, France. Named on headstone in Ballymena Old Cemetery, Church Street, Ballymena
+O'NEILL, William Woods
Royal Irish Rifles, 12th Btn. Rifleman. 435. Died 28/06/1918. Age 24. Born at Ballyclare. Son of Agnes O'Neill, of 3, Hanwood St., Memel St., Belfast, and the late Joseph Craig O'Neill. Berlin South-Western Cemetery, Germany
1940
+WALKER, WJ RNR. Lieutenant (E). Died 29/06/1940. Age 28. HMS Willamette Valley . Served an apprenticeship with Harland and Wolff. In service of Union Castle Line when he
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volunteered for naval service. His father, Robert, had served with the Royal Artillery in WW1. Son of Robert and Annie Walker, Torrens Ave., Belfast. (Belfast Weekly Telegraph 31/08/1940). Liverpool Naval Monument
1941
+DOLAN, Victor Frank DouglasRN. AB. P/JX 142717. Died 29/06/1941 while undergoing treatment for typhoid in the Civil Fever Hospital, Newtownards. Aged 21. HMS Pegasus attached to HMS Caroline, Belfast. Born on 02/08/1919. Son of Mrs. I Dolan of Southsea, Hampshire. Belfast City Cemetery, Glenalina Extension
1944
+STEWART, James Geddis
RAFVR. Corporal. 1001179. Died 29/06/1944. Aged 22. Son of William and Martha Stewart, of Belfast. Runnymede Memorial, Panel 241.
1946
+LEITCH, WilfredREME. Craftsman. 046457. Died 29/06/1946 at Waringfield Military Hospital, Moira. Aged 40. Born 17/05/1906. Son of Thomas Leitch and Mary Jane Leitch of Camlough, Co. Armagh. In 1934, he married Annie Elizabeth Eileen Cleland of Newtownards. The couple had 5 young children. Movilla Cemetery, Newtownards.
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VETERANS
DAVIS, William RN. ERA II. M19347. Enrolled 14/03/1916 for hostilities. Victory II and Royal Sovereign 20/04/1916 - demob 29/06/1919. Born Islandmagee 22/06/1879. ADM 188/1056/19347
GORMAN, JohnRN. Leading stoker. 298770. Enrolled 05/10/1901 for 12 years. Served to 04/10/1913. Joined RFR 05/10/1913. Served from 07/08/1914 in Vivid II, Aurora, Andromache and Pylorus. Demobbed 29/06/1919. Born Londonderry 10/10/1878. ADM 188/484/298770
KELLY, MatthewRN. Seaman. J72460. Enrolled 29/06/1917 for hostilities. War service in Vivid I, Defiance, Diligence and Woolwich. Demobbed 14/03/1919. Born Antrim 22/03/1892. ADM 188/791/72460
KIRK, JamesRN. AB. 222472. Enrolled 29/06/1905 for 12 years. War service in Vengeance, Pembroke I, Dido, Conqueror and Attentive II (Records ceases 07/03/1917). Born Belfast 29/06/1887. Coyle Street, Belfast. Clifton Street - PCI RH. ADM 188/391/222472
McCARTEY, SamuelRMLI. Private. 17074. Plymouth Division. Enlisted 02/09/1914. In Royal Arthur, Cyclops II, and Marlborough. Served to 19/02/1920. Born Belfast 29/06/1896. Nephew of Miss Dackie, Manderson St., Connswater, Belfast. Welland
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Street, Belfast. Megain Memorial - PCI RH. ADM 159/160/17074
McCULLOUGH, EdwardRN. Stoker I. K9969. Enrolled 10/01/1911 for 12 years. War service in Pembroke II, Natal, Prince George and Indomitable. Served to 10/01/1923. Born Lisburn 29/06/1891. ADM 188/886/9969
WHITE, Francis James RNAS. Petty Officer Mechanic. F6301. Armoured Car Division. Enrolled 29/06/1915 for hostilities. In France 19/07/1915. In Russia 01/10/1916 - 07/01/1918. To Machine Gun Corps 18/01/1918. Born Newry 03/06/1887. ADM 188/572/6301
WILLIS, Robert Sydney RNAS. AM I. F6302. Enrolled 29/06/1915 for hostilities. Served in Crystal Palace, No.5 Wing in France, Campania and Icarus. Transferred to RAF 31/03/1918. Born Banbridge 07/04/1895. ADM 188/572/6302
WHITFIELD, Charles Alexander RAMC. Colonel. MiD. QUB MB 1918. Served ASC 1914 - Aug 1917. Lieutenant RAMV 05/09/1918. Lt. Colonel 1940. Served in France from 01/10/1915 - 1917 and 1918 - 19, Germany 1919, Mesopotamia 1920 - 21, India 1921. Born 1890. Son of Henry and Mary, Lambeg. Died 29/06/1962, Chatham
Every day is a Remembrance Day
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