D.F.M. London Gazette 9.11.1943. Recommendation states 'This N.C.O. was Rear-Gunner of a Halifax detailed to attack Hanover on the night of 8 October 1943. On the fringe of the target defences, they were attacked from below by a Ju. 88. He spotted this enemy aircraft a split second before it opened fire and immediately took aim. The enemy aircraft opened fire and raked the Halifax with bullets and cannon shells, about three feet being shot out of the port elevator and several bullet holes penetrating the rear turret. In spite of the intensity and proximity of the enemy fire, this N.C.O. took accurate aim and shot down the Ju. 88 in flames and watched it explode as it hit the ground. The aircraft continued on to the target area, bombed its objective and returned without further damage to Base. For his coolness in the face of the enemy and for his skill which undoubtedly saved his crew and aircraft, he is most strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal'.

Sergeant George Muirhead Coggans, D.F.M., was serving with No. 78 Squadron at the time of the above described incident. He had already completed a dozen sorties, among them the famous strike against Peenemunde on the night of 17-18.8.1943.

NB
The recipient's name is erroneously spelt as 'Goggans' in his D.F.M. London Gazette entry.