John Dering Nettleton Gazette Entry Hides A Powerful Story
- 01. What the Gazette entry says
- 02. Key facts from the citation
- 03. Short numbered chronology
- 04. Gazette citation (essence)
- 05. Compact data table - citation metadata
- 06. Statistical and contextual indicators
- 07. Why the Gazette entry matters
- 08. Direct quotation from the citation
- 09. Research and verification notes
- 10. How historians use the Gazette entry
- 11. Suggested citation for researchers
- 12. Further reading and primary sources
Answer: The London Gazette published Squadron Leader John Dering Nettleton's Victoria Cross citation on 28 April 1942, recording his leadership of the low-level daylight raid on the MAN diesel works at Augsburg on 17 April 1942 and describing the extreme odds, heavy fighter and flak attacks, and his successful return - the formal citation text was printed in that Gazette issue and is the authoritative record of the award.
What the Gazette entry says
The Gazette entry for 28 April 1942 reproduces the official VC citation for John Dering Nettleton, describing the Augsburg raid of 17 April 1942, the scale of opposition faced, and the specific acts of leadership and bravery that justified the award.
Key facts from the citation
- The raid target: MAN diesel works, Augsburg, Southern Germany, critical to U-boat engine production.
- Date of operation: 17 April 1942.
- Gazette publication date of citation: 28 April 1942.
- Aircraft and unit: Lancaster heavy-bombers, No. 44 Squadron (lead formation); Nettleton commanded one formation as Squadron Leader.
- Opposition encountered: approximately 25-30 enemy fighters and concentrated anti-aircraft fire over the target.
Short numbered chronology
- 17 April 1942 - Nettleton led a daylight, low-level raid against the MAN works at Augsburg over ~1,000 miles of hostile territory, encountering intense opposition.
- 17 April 1942 - Formation was attacked; only two of the original formation survived to reach the target, both pressing home the attack at roof-top height.
- 17 April 1942 - The second bomber was lost over the target; Nettleton's Lancaster returned heavily damaged to the UK.
- 28 April 1942 - The London Gazette published the official Victoria Cross citation for Nettleton describing the action and awarding the VC.
- 1 November 1942 - The VC formally presented to Nettleton by King George VI (ceremony date recorded in service records and contemporary accounts).
Gazette citation (essence)
The London Gazette entry states that Squadron Leader Nettleton "displayed unflinching determination as well as leadership and valour of the highest order" while leading his formation to and from the Augsburg target, and that his crew and aircraft sustained severe damage while still completing the objective; this language mirrors the official citation text reprinted in service records and memorial sites.
Compact data table - citation metadata
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service number / Rank | Squadron Leader John Dering Nettleton |
| Squadron / Aircraft | No. 44 Squadron, Avro Lancaster heavy bomber |
| Action date | 17 April 1942 |
| Gazette publication | 28 April 1942 |
| Award | Victoria Cross (gazetted and later presented) |
| Presentation date | 1 November 1942 (Buckingham Palace) |
Statistical and contextual indicators
The Augsburg operation is often singled out in statistical summaries of early-war Bomber Command daylight efforts because only a small fraction of the force returned; contemporary records and later analyses suggest that of the two formations of six Lancasters detailed, approximately 83% of aircraft (10 of 12) were lost or rendered unserviceable on that sortie when counting immediate combat losses and those forced down - the Gazette citation highlights that only one aircraft from Nettleton's original six came back intact, emphasizing how exceptional the return was.
Why the Gazette entry matters
The London Gazette entry is the formal public record of state honours and is used as the primary source for medal citations; for historians and genealogists the 28 April 1942 entry is the primary documentary proof of Nettleton's VC and summarizes the operational facts that underpin his award.
Direct quotation from the citation
"Squadron Leader Nettleton was the leader of one of two formations of six Lancaster heavy bombers detailed to deliver a low-level attack in daylight on the diesel engine factory at Augsburg in Southern Germany on April 17th, 1942... With great spirit and almost defenceless, he held his two remaining aircraft on their perilous course and after a long and arduous flight, mostly at only 50 feet above the ground, he brought them to Augsburg... Squadron Leader Nettleton... displayed unflinching determination as well as leadership and valour of the highest order."
Research and verification notes
The London Gazette is the legal record for honours; independent service records, unit war diaries, and contemporary press accounts corroborate the Gazette wording and dates for Nettleton's VC entry, making the 28 April 1942 Gazette notice the definitive primary source for the award announcement.
How historians use the Gazette entry
Historians treat the Gazette citation as a concise operational summary and legal record; it is typically cross-checked with squadron operations records, mission reports, and after-action assessments to reconstruct the raid's tactical details and casualty rates.
Suggested citation for researchers
When citing the VC in academic or genealogical work, reference the London Gazette issue dated 28 April 1942 and, when available, include the page or column number from the Gazette reproduction to ensure precise sourcing for the citation text.
Further reading and primary sources
- London Gazette issue (28 April 1942) - official VC citation for John Dering Nettleton.
- Squadron Operation Record Books (ORBs) and Bomber Command reports - operational context and loss returns for the Augsburg raid.
- War diaries and later biographies - fuller life and career context including his death on 13 July 1943.
Expert answers to John Dering Nettleton Honored In 1942 But What Happened queries
Was the citation actually printed on 28 April 1942?
Yes - the London Gazette carried the formal Victoria Cross citation for John Dering Nettleton on 28 April 1942, which is the official gazette date commonly referenced by service records and memorial registers as the gazetting of his VC.
Where can I read the Gazette entry?
You can consult the London Gazette archives or official online repositories of service citations where the 28 April 1942 issue and the VC citation text are reproduced; official memorial pages and Bomber Command records also quote the same Gazette text.
Did Nettleton survive the war?
No - Wing Commander John Dering Nettleton was lost the following year when his aircraft failed to return from operations; his death is recorded as 13 July 1943 and he is commemorated on memorials for aircrew with no known graves.
What makes the Augsburg raid historically significant?
The Augsburg raid combined long-range daylight penetration, very low-level attack profile over enemy territory, and a high-value industrial target that directly affected German naval capabilities; its rarity and danger helped frame Nettleton's deed as both strategically bold and personally courageous in the Gazette citation.