Deed:
"On 24 June 1944 on sea patrol near the Faroes in the North Atlantic, Flight Lieutenant Hornell's twin-engined amphibian aircraft was attacked and badly damaged by an enemy submarine; nevertheless he succeeded in sinking it and then with superhuman effort managed to bring his aircraft down on the heavy swell, blazing furiously. There was only one serviceable dinghy, which could not hold all the crew so they took it in turns in the water. By the time the survivors were rescued after 21 hours, Flight Lieutenant Hornell was blinded and weak from exposure and cold. He died shortly after being picked up."Detailed Version:
"Flight-Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell, R.C.A.F. 162 Squadron, was captain and first pilot of a twin-engined amphibian aircraft engaged on an anti-submarine patrol in northern waters. The patrol had lasted some hours when a fully surfaced U-boat was sighted, travelling at high speed on the port beam. Flight-Lieutenant Hornell at once turned to attack.The U-boat altered course. The aircraft had been seen and there could be no surprise. The U-boat opened up with anti-aircraft fire, which became increasingly fierce and accurate. At a range of 1,200 yards, the front guns of the aircraft replied; then its starboard gun jammed, leaving only one gun effective. Hits were obtained on and around the conning tower of the U-boat, but the aircraft itself was hit, two large holes appearing in the starboard wing.
Ignoring the enemy fire, Flight Lieutenant Hornell carefully manoeuvred for the attack. Oil was pouring from his engine, which was, by this time, on fire, as was the starboard wing; and the petrol tanks were endangered. Meanwhile, the aircraft was hit again and again by the U-boat's guns. Holed in many places, it was vibrating violently and very difficult to control.
Nevertheless, the captain decided to press home his attack, knowing that with every moment the chances of escape for him and his gallant crew would grow more slender. He brought his aircraft down very low and released his depth charges in a perfect straddle. The bow of the U-boat was lifted out of the water. It sank and the crew were seen in the sea.
Flight-Lieutenant Hornell contrived, with superhuman efforts at the controls, to gain a little height. The fire in the starboard wing had grown more intense and the vibration had increased. Then the burning engine fell off. The plight of the aircraft and crew was now desperate. With the utmost coolness, the captain took his aircraft into the wind and, despite the dangers, brought it safely down on the heavy swell. Badly damaged, the aircraft rapidly settled.
After the ordeal by fire, came ordeal by water. There was only one dinghy and this could not hold all the crew. So they took turns in the water, holding on to the sides. Once, the dinghy capsized in the rough seas and was righted only with great difficulty. Two of the crew succumbed from exposure. An airborne lifeboat was dropped to them but fell some 500 yards downwind. The men struggled vainly to reach it and Flight-Lieutenant Hornell, who had encouraged them with his cheerfulness and inspiring leadership, proposed to swim to it, though he was nearly exhausted. The survivors were finally rescued after they had been in the water for 21 hours. By this time Flight-Lieutenant Hornell was blinded and completely exhausted. He died shortly after being picked up.
Flight-Lieutenant Hornell had completed 60 operational missions, involving 600 hours of flying. He knew the danger and difficulties attending attacks on submarines. By pressing home a skilful and successful attack against fierce opposition, and by fortifying and encouraging his comrades in the subsequent ordeal, this officer displayed valour and devotion of the highest order."
