Maurice Pettit (photograph above kindly supplied by his son Mr Pete Pettit) was born in 1920 and lived in Toronto where he enlisted on 6th January 1940. After training with 20 OTU (arrived 12 Jan 42 and 1651 HCU (arrived 22nd July 42), he was posted to 218 Squadron on 7th September 1942. He received his Commission in 1942. He completed his first Tour with 218 Squadron and was awarded the DFC for this, with the award effective from 24th March 1943. When this was presented is not known although this could have been 9th April 1948. The citation reads..

"This officer, who has completed twenty-seven operational missions, has displayed great keenness and tenacity. On two occasions towards the end of 1942 he displayed great resolution in pressing home his attack on certain targets after his aircraft had been badly damaged by enemy action. In February 1943 he took part in an attack on Cologne. Whilst over the city his aircraft was held in the searchlights and hit by anti-aircraft fire. One engine was put out of action and two windows beside the pilot were blown in. Despite this, Flight Lieutenant Pettit successfully bombed his target. His exemplary conduct has been worthy of high praise."

Maurice Pettit was then posted to 432 Squadron and completed a second Tour. He was awarded the Bar to the DFC, effective of 4th November 1944, he was recommended for this on 28th July 1944 when he had flown forty six operational flights including twenty since his DFC. The period of service being from 10th September 1942 to 11th March 1943 (twenty six operational flights) and 18th March to 24th July 1944 (twenty further operational flights). The citation for his Bar to the DFC reads...

"Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Squadron Leader Pettit has completed many attacks on heavily defended targets. He has displayed outstanding qualities of courage, skill and determination. His operational record during both of his tours has set an inspiring example to all the members of the squadron."

"This officer has completed very many sorties on his second tour of operational duty. He is a cool, confident and skilful air gunner and has displayed a worthy part in the defence of his aircraft. One night in July 1944, whilst over enemy territory, his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88. In the ensuing fight, Pilot Officer Bullivant co-operated excellently with his co-gunner {Doug Penny} and their good shooting caused the destruction of the enemy aircraft."

After the War he returned to Canada but in 1947 married a girl from Sacramento, California where he lived for the rest of his life. He died on 3rd December 2000.

Douglas Penny (photographed above) was born in 1923 and he enlisted in Regina on 23rd April 1942. He was awarded the DFM with 432 Squadron and for the same occurance as Ralph Bullivant. Penny's DFM was effective from 26th September 1944 although it was not presented until 2nd November 1946. The citation reads..

"As rear gunner this airman has participated in very many sorties, most of which were against targets in Germany. He is a fearless and efficient member of aircraft crew whose devotion to duty has been unfailing. One night in July 1944, when returning from Hamburg, his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88. In the ensuing fight his excellent evading directions and good shooting assisted in the destruction of the enemy fighter."

He returned home and he later served as National President of the Ex-Air Gunners Association from 1990 to 2000. It is believed that he is still going strong in Canada.

"This Non-Commissioned Officer has taken part in 28 successful sorties over a wide variety of targets in France, and some of the most heavily defended in Germany, such as Frankfurt, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Bremen and Hamburg. During this tour he has always displayed a fine offensive spirit and proved a valuable member of his crew. For his loyalty, high technical ability and splendid record this Non-Commissioned Officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."