NORTHUMBERLAND AIR GUNNER'S "LUCKY 13" TRIP - when Sergeant Cavin, aged 20, of High Weldon Farm, Long Framlington, Morpeth, Northumberland, was making his 13th operational trip over enemy territory as rear gunner in an heavy bomber, his aircraft was attacked by three night fighters. Thirteen was certainly unlucky for the fighters, for the first was shot down in flames, the second was last seen diving away with its port engine on fire, and the third broke off the attack after receiving a determined burst from Sergeant's Cavin's guns. Picture (issued 1943) shows - Sergeant
NORTHUMBERLAND AIR GUNNER'S "LUCKY 13" TRIP - when Sergeant Cavin, aged 20, of High Weldon Farm, Long Framlington, Morpeth, Northumberland, was making his 13th operational trip over enemy territory as rear gunner in an heavy bomber, his aircraft was attacked by three night fighters. Thirteen was certainly unlucky for the fighters, for the first was shot down in flames, the second was last seen diving away with its port engine on fire, and the third broke off the attack after receiving a determined burst from Sergeant's Cavin's guns. Picture (issued 1943) shows - Sergeant Cavin. As air gunner, Pilot Officer Cairns has taken part in a large number of sorties and has displayed a high standard of skill and determination throughout. On one occasion he was a gunner in an aircraft detailed to attack Leverkusen. On the homeward flight the bomber was intercepted by 3 enemy aircraft. The first attacked from astern below but was struck by an accurate burst of fire from Pilot Officer Cairns's guns and fell to the ground, where it exploded. Almost immediately the second fighter closed in. Pilot Officer Cairns met it with a devastating burst, setting one of its engines on fire. The third enemy aircraft then flew off without attempting to attack. In this spirited action this gallant gunner defended his aircraft with exceptional skill. He has invariably displayed a high standard of courage and devotion to duty , Royal Air Force
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