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For Valour: Acting Squadron Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette

2 August 2024 By Norman Brice: Volunteer in Aviation Historian

A portrait of a man in a Royal Air Force (RAF) uniform, likely Squadron Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette, a decorated RAF officer.

Location: 4 August 1944, over France

Who: Acting Squadron Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette (118131) VC, DFC, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 19 October 1918 – 4 August 1944

During the period leading up to and immediately after Operation Overlord (Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944, colloquially, though incorrectly, called D-Day), Bomber Command was placed under the control of the Supreme Allied Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force, General Dwight D Eisenhower. Its role switched from predominantly strategic bombing of German cities to tactical support of the Allied armies in France.

The VC medal

On 4 August 1944, Squadron Leader Bazalgette of 635 Squadron, Bomber Command, was appointed as one of the leading target markers of the Path Finder Force for a raid by 61 Lancasters against V-1 flying bomb facilities at Trossy St Maximin, northern France. [The Gazette citation giving him the role of Master Bomber on this mission was incorrect, though he had been for previous raids.] He was captain and pilot of Lancaster serial ND 811, coded F2-T. based at RAF Downham Market.

A photograph of an Avro Lancaster bomber, a British Second World War heavy bomber.

Avro Lancaster

The London Gazette 17 August 1945

“The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA CROSS on the under-mentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery: — Acting Squadron Leader Ian Willoughby BAZALGETTE, D.F.C. (118131), R.A.F.V.R., 635 Squadron (deceased). On 4th August, 1944, Squadron Leader Bazalgette was ” master bomber” of a Pathfinder squadron detailed to mark an important target at Trossy St. Maximin for the main bomber force. When nearing the target his Lancaster came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Both starboard engines were put out of action and serious fires broke out in the fuselage and the starboard main-plane. The bomb aimer was badly wounded. As the deputy ” master bomber” had already been shot down, the success of the attack depended on Squadron Leader Bazalgette and this he knew. Despite the appalling conditions in his burning aircraft, he pressed on gallantly to the target, marking and bombing it accurately. That the attack was successful was due to his magnificent effort. After the bombs had been dropped the Lancaster dived, practically out of control. By expert airmanship and great exertion Squadron Leader Bazalgette regained control. But the port inner engine then failed and the whole of the starboard main-plane became a mass of flames. Squadron Leader Bazalgette fought bravely to bring his aircraft and crew to safety. The mid-upper gunner was overcome by fumes. Squadron Leader Bazalgette then ordered those of his crew who were able to leave by parachute to do so. He remained at the controls and attempted the almost hopeless task of landing the crippled and blazing aircraft in a last effort to save the wounded bomb aimer and helpless air gunner. With superb skill, and taking great care to avoid a small French village nearby, he brought the aircraft down safely. Unfortunately, it then exploded and this gallant officer and his two comrades perished. His heroic sacrifice marked the climax of a long career of operations against the enemy. He always chose the more dangerous and exacting roles. His courage and devotion to duty were beyond praise.”

'French villagers view wreckage of Bazalgette's Lancaster'.

French villagers view wreckage of Bazalgette’s Lancaster.

Here is the detailed transcription of the page from Bazalgette's Flying Log Book: Year: 1941 Month: October Date: 21 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 463 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/O Welch 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: No. 2 XCTY - Passenger Date: 22 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 460 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/L Laud 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: Passenger Date: 22 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 460 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/L Laud 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: I.F. Circuits, Landings Date: 22 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 460 Pilot or 1st Pilot: Self 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: F/O Welch Duty: I.F. Circuits, Landings Date: 23 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 407 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/L Farrow 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: No. 2 XCTY. Land Syreston Date: 23 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 407 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/L Farrow 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: No. 2 XCTY. Syreston - Cranwell Date: 24 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 1889 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/L Laud 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: 13:14 Date: 24 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 1889 Pilot or 1st Pilot: Self 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: S.O.O. Duty: 13 Date: 24 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 6284 Pilot or 1st Pilot: Self 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: LAC Smith Duty: No. 3 XCTY Gainsborough Date: 27 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 407 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/L Laud 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: 13:14 Date: 28 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 1889 Pilot or 1st Pilot: Self 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: F/O Welch Duty: W.S.D. Date: 29 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 1889 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/O Welch 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: W.S.D. - Passenger Date: 30 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 6284 Pilot or 1st Pilot: Self 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: F/O Welch Duty: Camera Obscura Date: 30 Aircraft Type: Oxford No.: 6284 Pilot or 1st Pilot: F/O Welch 2nd Pilot, Pupil or Passenger: Self Duty: Cam. Obs. - Passenger The log book also contains a stamp from the Central Depository, Royal Air Force, dated April 1946, with a note stating "Death Presumed."

Bazalgette’s Flying Log Book – note last official entry ‘Presumed dead’.

The delay between the date of the action (4 August 1944) and the Gazette award (17 August 1945) was because the only witnesses to his heroism were his fellow crew members, who had been in a PoW camp.

The gravestone of Squadron Leader I.W. Bazalgette, commemorating his service and his death on August 4, 1944.

Squadron Leader Bazalgette is buried under a Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s headstone at Senantes Churchyard, Oise Departement, France.

His Victoria Cross is held by the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, London.

Credits:

Citation: The London Gazette 17 August 1945

Additional biographical details: For Valour: The Air VCs Chaz Bowyer, Grub Street Publishing.

 

Photos

Squadron Leader Bazalgette: RAF Museum

Lancaster: RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Memorial: The War Graves Photographic Project (www.twgpp.org)

About the Author

Norman Brice: Volunteer

Volunteer Norman Brice

It all started very many years ago when, lying in my pram, I was awoken by what I later knew as Spitfires on their finals to RAF Biggin Hill, just a handful of miles away. As a schoolboy I was captivated by the annual September Battle of Britain Days at Biggin Hill with a vast range of visiting aircraft, including all three V-Bombers in gleaming anti-flash white.

Fast forward very many years past retirement I joined the RAF Museum London as a volunteer as a Vulcan and Cold War tour guide.