Lancaster mid-upper gunner’s D.F.M. group  Flight Sergeant G. A. Hillier, 57 Squadron, with Flying Logbook, recommended part way through his tour for his gallantry in engaging an Me. 109, on the way back from a raid on Dusseldorf, 2/3 November 1944 ‘The enemy’s first attack was made coming in to port and slightly below and cannon fire put the rear gunner’s turret out of action and seriously wounded the gunner. The fighter made further attacks, but Sergeant Hillier, by vigourous offensive action, eventually drove him off. During the action, the mid-upper turret was damaged and, in the latter part of the engagement, Sergeant Hillier fired his guns manually. The situation was exacerbated by the elevator and starboard rudder being damaged to such an extent that the only tactical manoeuvre that the pilot found possible to make was a slight diving turn. Sergeant Hillier’s running commentary to the pilot was exceptional and he was undoubtedly responsible for the safe return of the crew and aircraft to this country.

Distinguished Flying Medal, (GVI -Sgt.),  1939/45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal,  War Medal

With Royal Air Force Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book (20 December 1943 – 15 January 1945), and a photographic image of recipient in uniform.

G.A. Hillier

D.F.M. London Gazette 20 /02,1945.

Recommendation states:

‘This Air Gunner has completed 18 sorties with No. 57 Squadron. Included in these sorties are attacks against highly defended targets in Germany and enemy occupied territory. He has shown great keenness and courage on all occasions. On the night of 2nd/3rd November, 1944, he was mid-upper gunner of a crew detailed to attack Düsseldorf in a Lancaster aircraft. Shortly after he left the target on the return flight, the aircraft was attacked by an Me. 109. The enemy’s first attack was made coming in to port and slightly below and cannon fire put the rear gunner’s turret out of action and seriously wounded the gunner. The fighter made further attacks, but Sergeant Hillier, by vigourous offensive action, eventually drove him off. During the action, the mid-upper turret was damaged and, in the latter part of the engagement, Sergeant Hillier fired his guns manually. The situation was exacerbated by the elevator and starboard rudder being damaged to such an extent that the only tactical manoeuvre that the pilot found possible to make was a slight diving turn. Sergeant Hillier’s running commentary to the pilot was exceptional and he was undoubtedly responsible for the safe return of the crew and aircraft to this country. Sergeant Hillier has always displayed great coolness and courage in the face of danger. He has been keen to operate on every possible occasion and has been a fine example to the other gunners in the squadron. He is strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

George Albert Hillier was born in Bedminster, Bristol. He was an A.T.C. cadet prior to enlisting in the Royal Air Force at the end of 1943.  Hillier was posted for operational flying with 57 Squadron (Lancasters), East Kirkby in August 1944. He flew in 31 operational sorties with the Squadron, including: Brunswick (2); Konigsberg (2); Bergeuneuse Ville, 31 August 1944, ‘Damaged by Flak’; Stuttgart; Boulogne; Bremerhaven; Munchengladbach; Munster; Karlsruhe; Kaiserslautern; Wilhelmshaven; Walcheren; Nuremberg; Homberg, 1 November 1944, ‘Damaged by Flak’; Dusseldorf, 2 November 1944, ‘Shot Up. Emergency Landing Woodbridge (Me. 109) D.F.M.’; Dortmund Ems (3); Hamburg, 11 November 1944, ‘Returned Three Engines’; Duren; Trondheim, 22 November 1944, ‘Hit Sea. Lost Tail Wheel’; Munich; Heimbach Dam (2); Oslo Fjord, Gardening; Royan; Leuna and Siegen.

Flight Sergeant Hillier was discharged, 12 February 1947.