John Cedric Addy 103 Sqn.WELLINGTONS "Since joining the squadron in March 1941, this N.C.O. has been outstanding by his consistent keenness as his operational record shows. He has, since becoming a captain, only abandoned his mission twice; once by unavoidable engine trouble and, on the second occasion, his aircraft was seriously hit by flak over Delmonhurst and one engine put out of commission. On this occasion, Sergeant Addy jettisoned his bombs and by skilful piloting brought his aircraft safely back to Bircham Newton.By his determination in the air and his quiet coolness on the ground, Sergeant Addy sets a particularly fine example to the remaining aircrews of the squadron. I have every confidence in this N.C.O. as a pilot and strongly recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal which I consider his fine record deserves." In fact the serious flak incident over Germany was commented upon by the bomb aimer (Sqd Ldr R. N. Ayles DFC /DFM ) who in his log book stated: " On 2 August 1941 the Wellington ran into trouble on the way to Hamburg, Hit by flak at Delmenhorst. Kite holed in 80 places. Jettisoned bombs and returned to make forced landing at Bircham Newton. Port motor cutting on landing.[The Attack on "Gneisenau, "Scharnhorst & Prinz Eugen]On 12th February 1942, Flt/Sgt Addy was captain of one of five aircraft which were detailed to cause damage in daylight to Battle Cruisers "Gneisenau" and "Scharnhorst" and Cruiser "Prinz Eugen" in the North Sea. Also on the raid was Sqd/Ldr Ian Cross. He was forced to ditch his aircraft into the North Sea and was picked up and captured by the Germans..
After two years as a POW in Stalag Luft III ( Sagan) he was to tragically lose his life in 1944 after taking part in the 'Great Escape' on the evening of March 24th. When recaptured he was one of those 50 officers murdered by Gestapo agents Lux and Scharpwinkel on the 31st March and was cremated in Gorlitz near today's border of the Czech Republic and Poland. His ashes were later taken to Poznan in Poland and buried in the Old Garrison Cemetery in Citadel Park. 
Flt. Sgt. J.C. Addy, D.F.M. was killed when piloting his Anson N5030 on a night Navex from Lichfield (27 OTU), crashing on Snaefell on 17 January 1942. Four of his crew members survived.Flt/Sgt Addy took off from Lichfield on a night navigational exercise accompanied by an Assistant Meteorologist, Mr Glyn Halford. At 20:15hrs his aircraft, a navigational / meteorological trainer (Avro Anson N5053) flew into the cloud covered slopes of Snaefell (2,038 ft above sea level) on the Isle of Man. John Addy's DFM was gazetted on 24 October 1941, after service with 103 Squadron. Also Killed in the accident were;Flt /Sgt McManaman RCAF. Mr Glyn Halford.(The Meteorologist)Addy & and McManaman rest in Jurby (St Patrick Churchyard). The three injured were: W/O A S Patterson,Flt/Sgt H Johnston, Sgt K H Livett RAAF Sgt N Dann RAAF,who were all admitted to the Island's military hospital at Douglas. W/O Patterson was destined to lose his life during the unit's involvement with the Düsseldorf raid in late July 1942. Mr Halford the meteorologist, also killed, has his name commemorated at the Bracknell Met' Office HQ on the Roll of Honour inside the main building. A very unusual and early DFM to a man who was decorated for his gallantry during some of the earliest & most "technically risky" Wellington bomber raids of the war. These early raids in the twin engine Wellington were literally 'wing & a prayer' events in many cases and took part in the opening months of the war with highly rudimentary and basic navigational techniques and via dead reckoning procedures. The losses were high and these early DFM's were seriously well earned during some exceptional flying by some outstanding aviators.John Addy was the son of Guy Cedric & Jessie Addy of Halstead, Essex. He was just 21.A GREATLY SOUGHT AFTER & WONDERFUL AWARD WHICH WOULD MAKE AN ATTRACTIVE & PROUD ADDITION TO ANY R.A.F. COLLECTION. DFM IS EF+ AND STILL ON ITS ORIGINAL ISSUE RIBBON AND MOUNT. Other medals & ribbons are practically Mint State £3995, with part exchanges very welcome. Call us: 01342-870926....or.....dragonbrit@aol.com