Friday, January 9, 2015

Gordon Mortimer Burns, P. Eng, D.F.C. - Course 72

At L.H.S.C. Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Gordon M. Burns at the age of 92. After a distinguished career as a war veteran, Gordon became a founding partner of Dillon Consulting Limited. Upon "retirement", Gordon held a private practice as a project manager until the age of 82. Gordon was passionate about many community and charitable organizations to which he gave selflessly to for many years. Distinguished Flying Cross Citation: "This officer has completed many operational sorties against such well defended targets as Stuttgart, Bremen, and Brunswick. On three separate occasions his aircraft has been attacked by an enemy fighter but by his skilful defensive tactics he was able to foil the attackers. In August 1944 his aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire while on the bombing run. Despite this, Flight Lieutenant Burns continued his run and pressed home his attack with the utmost determination. On leaving the target it was found that the bomb doors could not be closed and two of the fuel tanks were holed. With outstanding airmanship, this officer flew his damaged aircraft back to base where he executed a masterly landing. Flight Lieutenant Burns has always shown exceptional courage and devotion to duty." DFC Recommendation: "This officer has completed 30 operational sorties as Captain of Lancaster aircraft, having attacked such heavily defended targets as Stuttgart (twice), Bremen, Brunswick and Munchen Gladbach. On one occasion, on 18th August 1944, his sixteenth sortie, his aircraft was struck three times by flak, sustaining serious damage. This incident occurred on the bombing run and Flight Lieutenant Burns showed great determination in pressing home his attack. The port outer engine had been damaged and was feathered before the bombs were dropped. On leaving the target it was discovered that the bomb doors could not be closed owing to damage sustained in the hydraulic system. All the starboard fuel tanks were badly holed and after using as much fuel as possible from these the aircraft was flown back to base on the port tanks. When a safe landing had been made, the crew being in crash positions, it was discovered that the tail wheel had been shot away. On three separate occasions Flight Lieutenant Burns was attacked by an enemy fighter, but with skilful defensive manoeuvres was able to bring his aircraft safely through. His airmanship has been of a high standard, and he has always set a fine example of operational efficiency. For his devotion to duty, his coolness and courage in the face of the enemy, I strongly recommend this officer for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."

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