"Esmonde" ADM 1/2460

Date, 17th February, 1942.

Unit, etc. 825 Squadron, F.A.A. R.N. Air Station, Lee on Solent.

Recommendation for Decoration or Mention in Despatches.

Full Surname. ESMONDE. R

Full Christian Names. Eugene.

Rank or Rating. Lieutenant-Commander (A) R.N

Whether already decorated. Distinguished Service Order. (London Gazette – 16th September, 1941.)

Whether already mentioned in despatches. Not by Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.

Whether previously recommended. Not by Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.

Recommended for award of Posthummous Decoration. – Immediate.

Description of Services for which Officer is recommended.

On the morning of Thursday the 12th February, 1942 Lieutenant- Commander (A) E. Esmond, D.S.O., R.N. as Officer Commanding No. 825 (F.A.A.) Squadron, a detachment which, comprising six Swordfish aircraft, was with him at a South Coast aerodrome, was informed that the “SCHARNHORST” “GNEISENAU” and “PRINZ EUGEN”, heavily escorted by some thirty surface craft, including destroyers, were approaching the Straits of Dover, and that he would be required to attack them with torpedoes as soon as possible before the ships could reach the protection of the sandbanks N.E. of Calais. Lieutenant- Commander Esmonde well knew the difficulties and dangers with which he was faced and that, in view of the fact that his little squadron of six had not flown together before, having had no collective training, leadership of an exceptionally high order would be required of him.

The six Swordfish took off at 1220 and set course for the enemy, accompanied by only one of the five Fighter Squadrons arranged to escort him. After ten minutes flight his small force was heavily attacked by Messerschmitts and F.W. 190's; despite these attacks, which had inflicted some damage on all his aircraft and separated him from his fighter escort, he flew on undeterred. He them encountered a withering anti-aircraft fire, which shot saw most of his port wing, but was observed to regain control of his aircraft , straighten up and fly on steadily towards the battle cruisers. In this manner he led the whole of his formation over the enemy destroyer screen into a position where they could launch their torpedoes. He was then seen to be attacked and shot down by an enemy fighter and his aircraft crashed into the sea.

His most conspicuous bravery, extreme devotion to duty and supreme self sacrifices inspired the remainder of his gallant flight to continue and rendered possible an attack from which none retuned and which resulted in one of the German battle cruisers being hit by at least one torpedo. Such bravery as was his is in keeping with the highest naval traditions and will remain through generations to come a stirring memory.

(Signed ) B.H. RAMSAY.

VICE-ADMIRAL