Buried in a combined grave in Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Kalkara, Malta Plot F Grave 96
POLLOCK, Thomas Eric, Sergeant 402393, Royal Australian Air Force died 30 March 1942 aged 28. Son of George and Clara Millicent Pollock, of Gordon, New South Wales, Australia.
STEELE, Archibald Cooper, Pilot Officer 993840, 185 Squardron, Royal Air Force V R, died 31 March 1942 aged 26. Son of James and Harriet Haxwell Steele, of Carnwath, Lanarkshire. B.Com.
ELLIS, Michael Dennie, Leading Aircraftman, 944388, Royal Air Force V R, died 1 April 1942 aged 24. Son of Austin Dennie Ellis and Margaret Stewart Ellis, of Golders Green, Middlesex.
DAVID, Ronald Cameron, Corporal 974066, Royal Air Force V R, died 1 April 1942 aged 24. Son of Frederick Nicholas and Mary Elizabeth David, of Rhiwbina, Glamorgan.
HOSKIN, Stanley Francis, leading Aircraftman 1171811, Royal Air Force V R, died 1 April 1942.
OSBORNE, Albert Matthew, (George Cross) Leading Aircraftman, 1058637, Royal Air Force V R died 1 April 1942, aged 35. Son of Albert Edward and Annie Margaret Osborne, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire.
THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards: — GEORGE CROSS (POSTHUMOUS) L.A/C. A. M. OSBORNE. —During a period of fierce enemy air attacks on Malta, L.A/C Osborne has displayed unsurpassed courage and devotion to duty. In circumstances of the greatest danger he was always first at hand to deal with emergencies, whether in firefighting operations or in rescue work. The following are examples of his promptitude and gallantry. Rendered safe the torpedo of a burning torpedo aircraft, working three feet from the main petrol tank for ten minutes. Extinguished a burning aircraft during a heavy bombing attack. Attempted to save a burning aircraft, and subsequently removed torpedoes from the vicinity. Assisted in saving the pilot of a burning aircraft and extinguishing the fire. Saved an aircraft from destruction by fire. Attempted for six hours to extricate airmen from a bombed shelter, despite continued heavy bombing and danger from falling stone-work. Fought fires in two aircraft, his efforts resulting in the saving of one. Freed the parachute of a burning flare caught in an aircraft, enabling the pilot to taxi clear. Checked the fire in a burning aircraft, the greater part of which was undamaged.
The last three incidents occurred on the same day. L.A/C. Osborne was unfortunately killed on April 2nd, 1942. During an intense air attack, he led a party to extinguish the flames of a burning aircraft. A petrol tank exploded, and he was injured and affected by the fumes. On recovery, he returned to fight the fire, and was killed by the explosion of an air vessel while attempting to pour water over torpedoes which were in danger of exploding. This airman's fearless courage and great leadership on all occasions have been beyond praise. The Air Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Mediterranean, has stated that he was " one of the bravest airmen it has been my privilege to meet."
PITT, Joseph, Corporal 991595, Royal Air Force died 1 April 1942 aged 22. Son of Josiah and Harriett Winifred Pitt, of Stockton-on-Tees, Co. Durham.
POVEY, Frederick Robert, Flight Lieutenant 80867, Royal Air Force V R, died 1 April 1942.
WILLS, Dennis Lawrence, Corporal 938306, Royal Air Force V R, died 1 April 1942 aged 29. Son of Bernard Edwin and Amy Ellen Wills, of Northampton; husband of Mary Eliza Wills, of Northampton.
HAWKINS, John Douglas, Sergeant Observer 926333, Royal Air Force V R died 5 April 1942 aged 26. Son of G. E. Hawkins and Clara Hawkins, of Hove, Sussex.
SMITH, Edmond Patrick, Pilot Officer, Wireless Operator, Air Gunner, 403591, Royal New Zealand Air Force died 5 April 1942 aged 26. Son of Henry Washington Smith and Ruby Georgina Smith, of Auckland City, New Zealand; husband of Joan Armstrong Smith, of Avondale, Auckland.
