My Uncle Stuart was in the RAF. He flew as a navigator with the elite group of Pathfinders No. 7 Squadron, who lit the way for the bombers with flares. The mortality rate was very high, so the fact that he survived 43 operations was nothing short of miraculous.
He was 22 when he enlisted, the same age as my son, and he was 25 when he flew his first mission in 1944.
This is the day he came home after the war. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
"Flight Lieutenant Patchet has always displayed exceptional skill and coolness without consideration for personal safety, whereby he has set himself a high standard of efficiency. His unconquerable sense of duty, courage, endurance and initiative have set a magnificent example to the squadron and are worthy of the highest praise."
