Distinguished Flying Medal : Flight Sergeant D J W Renno RAAF, 100 Squadron RAF

Distinguished Flying Medal (Geo VI). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

411381 Flight Sergeant James Darcy William Renno, RAAF, served in 100 Squadron, RAF (Lancasters). Born in Sydney in 1918, he joined the RAAF from Grafton, NSW, and trained in Australia as a Wireless/Air Gunner befor transferring to the RAF in England. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in May 1943 for the courage he displayed during an attack on Bochum, Germany. The citation reads 'One night in May [13/14], 1943, Wing Commander [R V] McIntyre and Flight Sergeant Renno were captain and wireless operator/air gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack Bochum. When nearing the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Two engines were put out of action, while other equipment was damaged. Despite this, Wing Commander McIntyre continued to the target and bombed it. Not until the task was accomplished did Flight Sergeant Renno inform his captain that he had been wounded in the stomach and thigh. Although the aircraft was difficult to control, Wing Commander McIntyre skilfully flew the aircraft back to this country on 2 engines and effected a crash-landing at an airfield. Despite his injuries, Flight Sergeant Renno worked his wireless apparatus on the return flight, obtaining bearings which were of great assistance. Both these members of aircraft crew displayed great courage and determination.' After recovering from his wounds Renno returned to 100 Squadron and on the night of 2/3 August took part in a raid on Hamburg. The 740 bombers taking part encountered a severe thunderstorm and many were forced to turn back. Renno's aircraft failed to return to base. His father wrote, in the 1950s, 'We lost our Only Son in the last war...I wanted to know if you could arrange to have [his medals] in the War Memorial...He was the last of the name and it will die out now. I am asking for his sake and Sacrifice.'