"Osbourne" AIR 2/4857 (2)

(3) On 24th December, 1941, he was a member of a party which was endeavouring to save a Swordfish aircraft which was on fire as a result of a flare exploding. When it became obvious to L.A.C Osborne that the fire could not be subdued he was, with the-remainder of the party, instrumental in removing torpedoes which were burning nearby and at a time when they were subjecting themselves to great danger.

(4) During the first week of January, 1942, a Hurricane aircraft crashed on the aerodrome and caught fire. L.A.C. Osborne immediately rushed to the aircraft, and, as a result of his efforts and that of his companions, the pilot's life was saved and the fire in the aircraft extinguished.

(5) Again during January and after a bombing raid, a Hurricane aircraft caught fire. Owing to the prompt action of L.A.C. Osborne and other airmen the fire was extinguished, but if there had been a delay of two or three minutes in attacking same, the aircraft would have been destroyed. On this, as on other occasions, L.A.C Osborne was first in arriving at the scene of a fire.

(6) During February, after a particularly heavy raid, a Swordfish and a Hurricane aircraft caught fire. L.A.C. Osborne attempted to extinguish the fire in the Swordfish, but realising that his efforts would be of no avail, he attacked the fire in the Hurricane main plane in an energetic manner. He succeeded in preventing the fire from reaching the fuselage until the fire tender arrived and the fire was put out. But for his prompt action the Hurricane would have been destroyed.

(7) On the same day as the incident mentioned in paragraph (6) a Swordfish aircraft was being taxied when a flare which was being carried on same ignited and it parachute caught in the bomb rack. This prevented the pilot from taxying clear, and again with complete disregard for his own safety, L.A.C. Osborne freed the parachute and flung the flare clear, despite its extreme heat which badly scorched his clothing.

(8) Again on the same day, an Albacore aircraft was struck during a bombing attack on the aerodrome and as a result thereof, caught fire. L.A.C Osborne was first on the scene and succeeded in checking the fire to such an extent that the greater part of the aircraft was undamaged.

2. The above examples of the resource and initiative displayed by L.A.C Osborne in saving or attempting to save aircraft which were being subjected to heavy attacks from the air. His readiness to do all in his power to minimise the damage caused by the damage caused (sic) by the enemy was not, however, confined to putting out fires in aircraft. A splendid example of his devotion to duty and outstanding gallantry was exhibited during the afternoon when he was killed. I have referred to this already in my recommendation but would now add that after he recovered from the effects of the fumes he returned to fight the fire and decided to pour water over the war heads of the torpedoes which were in danger of exploding. Whilst approaching the torpedoes, one of the air vessels exploded and he was killed. During the intensive bombing of Hal Far by the enemy he was constantly taking his part in endeavouring to save equipment and explosives, and it is not an exaggeration to state that he was responsible for saving a great part of that which was saved from destruction.

3. One further example of L.A.C. Osborne's magnificent conduct was provided during a heavy raid by “Stuka” aircraft on the aerodrome. As a result of this raid, two shelters were struck by bombs and a number of airmen were entombed. Osborne worked without ceasing for a period of six hours in an endeavour to extricate his comrades. During this period Hal Far experienced some of the heaviest bombing that the personnel thereof have experienced. The bombing did not deter him and he did not slacken his efforts until he was instructed to desist, when it was obvious that it was not possible to rescue the personnel under the debris. During the greater part of the time he worked in this manner he was in