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OBITUARY

Wireless Operator/Air Gunner 254 Squadron

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Article researched and written by Simon Muggleton © for Aircrew Remembered - June 2025

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There is little doubt that Coastal Command played a vital role in the Battle of the Atlantic in defeating the U-Boat menace, but that is just a small part played by the Command in the Second World War.

From May 1940 it was maintaining an o?ensive against German merchant shipping in North West European waters. The objective was to stop the high grade Scandinavian iron ore from getting into German hands upon which they were entirely dependent for the production of their weapons. It was regarded a top priority to blockade the sea routes across the North Sea and in the Baltic.

The Royal Navy was unable to meet all its commitments at the outbreak of war, so the Royal Air Force took on the responsibility for attacking German sea trade, along with protecting our fishing fleet and convoys. It was also a period in which anti-shipping was diverted to reconnaissance for the Norwegian campaign anti-invasion patrols. Seven squadrons of Blenheims and Hudsons were detailed with this work, but were soon easy prey to German fighters and anti-aircraft defences.

During 1940 the anti-shipping squadrons lost 161 aircraft with just six enemy vessels sunk and fourteen damaged. By the Spring of 1941 the anti-shipping squadrons had grown to 13 with enemy vessels sunk rising to 28. By mid 1941 many Norwegians who had escaped in 1940 were recruited as 'agents' by the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) and sent back to report on shipping movements and routines, types of cargo carried and most importantly the coastal Flak and Fighter defences. Valuable information also came from the Enigma cipher at Bletchley.

The German ships that Coastal Command feared the worst were the large merchantmen called Sperrbrechers (Barrier Breakers) these ships had guns on board ranging from small machine guns up to 105mm. Coastal Command Torpedo bombers had a 17.5% chance of surviving a first tour (set at 200hours) by an attack on one of these ships, as the aircraft had to keep a straight and level approach before releasing the weapon. Aircrews that were on a second tour had an even less chance, as the figure dropped to 3%, which prompted a vital review of anti-shipping tactics. This resulted in 'Strike Wings' being formed with new tactics, using the Beaufighter aircraft.

254 Squadron was one of these, originally under Fighter Command (transferring to Coastal Command on January 29th 1940), initially using the Blenheim IF fighter aircraft, with a gun-pack slung under the fuselage.

Reformed as a fighter squadron on the 30th October 1939 at RAF Stradishall, 254 began convoy patrols o? the East Coast in January 1940. Commencing reconnaissance missions in April, to Norway, from Bircham Newton, it provided fighter escorts for anti-shipping strikes. The squadron attacked Stavangar airfield on the 10th April from RAF Hatson in the Orkneys. On May 16th it moved to Sumburgh, Shetlands, just a grass field, with the other ranks living in tents. (16 Group) On the 20th June three aircraft bombed a U Boat and shot down a He 115 floatplane. However on July 6th 1940 two Blenheims were shot down over Norway by four Me110's, whilst escorting HMS Cossack.

In August the squadron began flying anti - invasion patrols and convoy escorts. By March 1941 the sortie rate was up to 133 a month.

In May 1941 the squadron moved from the East Coast to Aldergrove in Northern Island and continued with these type of 'ops'. In June 1942 it was based in Dyce, Scotland, converting to the Bristol Beaufighter and trained dropping torpedos from this aircraft, becoming operational in November, and joining the North Coates Strike Wing. It was the first Torbeau squadron flying its first attack mission on the 20th November 1942, and continued in this role until February 1945 when it began anti U- Boat patrols in earnest, now carrying depth charges, which were successful in destroying, or badly damaging several U- Boats.

A TorBeau in Flight

Alan Patrick Savage was a Radio Operator/Air Gunner with this squadron from it's inception, and would be awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) in 1941 for his gallantry in these dual roles during 1940.

Born on the 13th April 1913, in Putney, London to Edward and Beatrice Savage (nee Thomas) he had two elder sisters, Marjory and Elizabeth. The 1921 Census shows them living at 9 Old Cote Drive, Heston, Hounslow, London, his father Edward aged 41and 11 months, his mother Beatrice 34 and 9 months, Marjory 10 and 10 months, with Elizabeth 9 and 9 months, and Alan 8 years.

His father is shown as employing others in an Electrical and Iron Mongers business in Hounslow.

After leaving the local school Alan worked for his father as an electrician, which left him in good stead when he enlisted to join the RAF as a Aircrafts-man 2, (AC2) in November 1937 aged 24. After being 'kitted-out' AC2 Savage was sent for basic training, learning the rules of the RAF, marching and how to fire various weapons etc, then volunteering for aircrew as a wireless operator/air gunner. Several weeks after that he was sent on an initial wireless training course lasting 3 months, learning how to send and receive Morse-Code messages at 12 words per minute. He was then sent on an advanced course at RAF Yatesbury, where he finally gained his 'sparks' badge as a qualified wireless operator earning an additional 28 shillings a fortnight (about£1.40).

Left: Air Gunners in Ground Training with Motorised Gun Turrets

AC2 Savage was then sent on his Air Gunners course and six weeks later was awarded his Air Gunners badge of a 'winged bullet' (soon to be replaced with an AG Brevet wing) along with promotion to Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) and an additional 9 shillings a day (about 45p).

In the meantime, war clouds had been gathering, and by September 1939 World War 2 had been declared with Germany. LAC Savage (546368) had completed his time at an Operational Training Unit (OTU) before being posted to the newly formed Fighter Squadron No 254 Squadron in October 1939, to take up his dual wartime roles.

Above: Formation of Blenheims from 254 Squadron

With reference to the Squadron Operational Record Books (ORB's), LAC Alan Savage took part in these following sorties:

29.1.40 Blenheim L5659 1055-1315 Sgt Rose-Sgt Kendall LAC Savage - Fighter Patrol
10.2.40 " L6639 0815-1230 P/O Shaw-Sgt Emmerson - L/AC Savage - Fishing Patrol
15.2.40 " L8541 0835-0935 " " Kendall " Lighthouse Smiths Knoll
22.2.40 1114-1350 Flt/Lt Mitchell -Sgt Ravenscroft " Savage Fishing Patrol

26.2.40 L8840 1500-1800 Sgt Rose-Sgt Emmerson- L/AC Savage Convoy Patrol 29.2.40 0925-1307 Flt Lt Mitchell-P/O Baird " Fishing Patrol 7.3.40 0750-1225 S/L Fairclough-P/O Bain-Sgt Wicks /Savage Security Patrol 23.3.40 L8717 1802-1926 Sgts Ashby/Gory/Savage O?ensive Patrol Smith Knoll LV

25.3.40 L8842 1710-1820 "Protection Fishing Fleet

27.3.40 L8783 1555-1945 " Hughes/Ashby/Savage 40 Sq mile search enemy ships

28.3.40 1736-1935 P/O McKenzie Sgt Gory/Savage Protection Fishing Fleet

29.3.40 0712-1047 P/O Gaylard Sgts Brown/Cook L/AC Savage Finding Bouys 5.4.40 L8842 0630-1020 Sgts Hughes/Rees L/AC Savage Search for enemy vessels 1810-2000 Sgts Tubbs P/O Randall L/AC Savage Lightship Patrol Knoll

6.4.40
" 1146-1551 S/L Fairclough/Sgt Tubbs/Love/Savage Minelayer Escort
7.4.40 0740-1015 P/O McKenzie Sgt Wicks/Savage Investigate 30 vessels 8.40
1749-1949 Sgt Hughes/Clegg/Savage Light Ship Patrol
14.4.40 L8837 1628-1925 Sgt Cory/Norfolk/Constable/Savage Sweep Patrol
23.4.40 " R3629 1000-1230 Flt Lt Mitchell Sgt Nichols/L/AC Savage Anti Sub Patrol
24.4.40 " R3623 1705-2135 F/O Randall Sgt Nichols/Savage Escort 3 Destroyers
** Pages 24/25/29/30 of ORB unable to decipher.
2.5.40 " L3629 0655-1235 P/O Illingworth/Sgt Norfolk/Savage Escort surface vessel
10.5.40 " L9481 1736-2205 " Sgt Constable/Savage Escort HMS Kelly /Bulldog
31.5.40 " N3627 1020-1420 P/O Pattison Sgt Dixon/LAC Savage Recce Statlandet

** L/AC Savage now promoted to Sgt

The ORB's of 254 relating to June 1940 give the following accounts:-

Between 0445 and 1909 on the 1st June 1940, 254 Squadron were helping to protect the ships involved with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk (Op Dynamo). Several attacks against Ju 88's took place around the Goodwin Sands, one of these enemy aircraft jettisoning its bomb load and escaping in cloud at 3000 feet. Two Blenheims were attacked by 11 Me 109's whilst also engaging a number of Ju 87 (Stuka's), resulting in Blenheims L9481 and R3630 being shot down into the Channel. Six He 111's were seen dropping bombs onto merchant vessels, one of these from 1KG/4 being shot down at 1835 hrs.

10.6.40

" R3627 0355-0715 Sgt Brown/Dixon/Savage Recce Bergen
12.6.40

" L8842 1100-1700 F/Sgt Cory/McVeigh/Savage Photo

14.6.40

" R3622 0250-0630 P/O McKenzie Sgt Constable/Savage " "

16.6.40

" R3622 1625-2035 P/O Pattison Sgt Constable/Savage Weather Report N Sea

21.6.40

" R3526

0521-1140

"

"

"

Search for enemy ship

23.6.40

" N6950

0615-1205

"

"

"

" " " "

Above: Combat Report of P/O Pattison for Sortie 23 June 1940

3.7.40 Blenheim N6950 1330-1605 P/O Pattison Sgts Constable/Savage along with 6 Skua a/c A Raid on Bergen

Around 0200 hours on the 5th July 1940 HM Submarine Shark was on the surface during a patrol o? Skudesnes, South West Norway, when a German seaplane was sighted astern. The submarine executed a 'crash drive' but was not low enough in the water when two bombs exploded by the stern area, followed by two more, causing extensive damage. With no steering gear, and the hydro-planes jamming, the subs bow broached the surface, only to be met with more bombs. The submarine Commander, Lt Cdr Peter Noel Buckley RN, sent out a distress call, resulting in the light cruiser HMS Southampton, AA cruiser HMS Coventry, along with destroyers HMS Fame, Fortune and Maori departing from Scapa Flow to go to the submarines aid.

The sub began to sink, before all high pressure air was used to get back to the surface, and make way again on the main engine. Unfortunately the submarine was sighted again, and subjected to another attack by the seaplane, which caused a hole in No 4 ballast tank. The seaplane radioed in more enemy aircraft to attack, and finally the submarine Commander was forced to surrender to save the lives of his crew.

By 0400 hours on the 6th July, three German minesweeping trawlers (M-1803, M-1806, M-1807) arrived on the scene and took the submarine in tow, but the damage was so critical it finally sank by the stern 25 miles o? Egersund, Norway, all the crew becoming prisoners of war.

Above: HM Submarine Shark under tow by German trawlers

As it was now getting light, the Royal Navy was concerned that the rescue ships would also come under some form of attack, and

requested help from HQ No 18 Group RAF.

Two Blenheim's were despatched as a Fighter Protection Escort, at 0830 hours from 254 Squadron stationed at Sumburgh, Shetlands, these were P6950 and L8842.

Blenheim P6950 (QY-V) piloted by Pilot O?cer VJ Pattison, with A/ Sgt RD McLaren (Navigator) and W/Op/AG A/Sgt AP Savage, led the other Blenheim - L8842 (QY-R), piloted by Sgt AW Tubbs, Sgt RA MacVeigh (Navigator) and W/OP/AG AC Johnston.

The two of them finally rendezvoused with the naval force 50 miles o? Stavanger at 1000 hours. After travelling 4 miles further northward, at around 1052 hours, the Blenheim's were caught unaware, and were 'jumped' by 4 Me110's from 3/ZG76 carrying out stern attacks from out of the sun. Blenheim L8842 was hit in the port petrol tank and starboard oil tank forcing Sgt Tubbs to ditch near HMS Cossack, who immediately sent a launch to pick the crew up ( sadly Sgt MacVeigh had been wounded in the attack, and later died of his wounds, and was buried at sea). Meanwhile, Blenheim QY-V had also been hit in the attack, killing the pilot Vincent James Pattison, sending the aircraft out of control, with the Navigator, Robert Donald McLaren, was also seriously wounded, whilst being thrown out of the doomed aircraft, via the entry hatch.

By now, the port petrol tank had also caught fire, but Sgt Savage remained in his turret and continued firing at the enemy aircraft until just before the aircraft hit the sea at 1102 hours. ( position 57.40'N 3.20'W)

The Air Ministry Casualty File AIR/81/1030 held in the National Archives gives a vivid account:-

'The pilot appeared to be unconscious, and the port petrol tank was on fire, the aircraft made a steady descent from 300 feet into the sea, with no attempt at landing and struck with the port wing. The pilot was presumed killed.The Air Observer was seated near the pilot and had opened the cockpit roof. He was not secured and was thrown out through the roof receiving injuries to his arm and side, as well as burned hands. The Air Gunner then left his turret and held on to the turret uprights and entry ladder. The fuselage hatch was not open and became jammed, so the Air Gunner escaped through a hole in the broken side of the fuselage. The dinghy was not used and the aircraft was still floating with one tip and top of the rudder visible when the destroyer

(HMS Fortune) which picked up the crew, left 30 minutes later'

Pilot O?cer Pattison was aged just 21yrs and his body was never recovered (Remembered on the Runnymeade Memorial), Sgt McLaren was eventually admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital South Queensferry, Rosyth, with Sgt Savage escaping uninjured.

Acting Sergeant Savage quickly returned to duty after his traumatic time on the 6th July, but it would take another year before his heroic actions on that day were o?cially recognised by his commanding o?cers.

On the 18th July 1941, his name was put forward to be recommended for a Distinguished Flying Medal, with another two months going by before being o?cially published in the London Gazette of 26th September 1941, and also reported in the Middlesex Chronicle and The Scotsman newspapers of 11th October 1941. **Shown in 254 Squadron ORB's 2nd October 1941.

Why this award took so long is unexplained, maybe the Air Ministry wanted the full facts from those involved, or, was he was at first, recommended for a Mention in Despatches, which was later upgraded to a DFM?

The offcial recommendation is shown thus:-

This N.C.O. has been a member of this unit since its formation in October 1939, and has been the Wireless Operator/Air Gunner on 76 operational sorties totalling 267 hours. He has always been an example to the other aircrews, and has taken part in the majority of this unit's operations over Norway. By his accurate fire, he has driven o? enemy aircraft in many engagements and his careful instructions to the pilot as to the avoiding action to be taken has enabled the aircraft to escape under cover of cloud.

On the 6th July 1940, his section of two Blenheims was acting as escort to our own Naval force 100 miles east of Stavanger and was engaged by four Me 110's.

Both Blenheims were shot down after a hot fight, and though the aircraft in which Flight Sergeant Savage was Air Gunner was in flames, he continued firing until it struck the sea. He was picked up by one of our cruisers and returned safely.

** Post war records from the Luftwa?e archives reveals confused reports on what unit and pilots actually shot down these two Blenheims.

Most sources have Untero?cer Eric Zickler of 3/Zerstorergeschwader/76 flying Bf 110 M8+GL shooting down Blenheim P6950 (P/O Pattison), at 1050 hrs west of Stavanger, whilst Oblt Wilhelm Moritz of 4/JG77 was the victor of Blenheim L8842 ( Pilot Sgt Tubbs)

** Info from author, Jochen Prien work on the unit history of JG/77 (JFV series)

Sgt Savage is not shown flying in the ORB's for August 1940, a month of Convoy Escorts for the squadron, with the 27th August noted for reports of an imminent invasion by the German Army/ Navy.

The next date showing Sgt Savage on operations is the 13 September, the only op he is shown for this month, where he is flying with Sgt Rose and Taylor from 1000-1330 and 5 other Blenheims on a Fighter Escort for Force M&X.

8.10.40 R3827 1520-2035 F/O Harrison Sgt Constable/Savage Escort damaged naval vessel

10.10.40 R3888 1705-1900 Sgt Tubbs/Constable/Savage Patrol Convoy Route

27.10.40 R3827 1635-1905 " " Fighter Escort convoy Montrose-Hayling Island

28.10.40 " 1057-1504 " " " " SS Roonufild to Wick

19.11.40 L8840 1530-1800 F/O Harrison Sgt Constable/Savage Escort Convoy W/40

23.11.40

R3527 1520-1738

"

"

Escort Convoy EN30 -Early return W/T U/S

25.11.40

T1941 1524-1724

"

"

Escort Convoy EN31

1.12.40

R3623

1050-1405

" " Escort Convoy 14 vessels EN 34

13.12.40

T1941

1535-1742

Sgt Jacques/Constable/Savage Protective Cover RN40

24.12.40

Z5953

0900-1209

F/O Harrison Sgt Webb/Savage " " Dyce-Flamborough

20.1.41

R3888

09351310

F/O Shaw Sgt Constable/Savage Shipping Recce Stadlandet

21.1.41

L8840

1910-1200

S/L Hoskins Sgt Constable/Savage " " "

22.1.41

"

" "

" " " Shipping Recce - Stadland

23.1.41 R3888 0900-1100 F/O Shaw Sgt Constable/Savage Ship Recce - Bergen chased 3 109's down to 1000' - lost in cloud

21.2.41 L5953 0900-1100 Flt Lt Galloway P/O Creasey Sgt Savage Patrol Outer Skerrires Not shown in March ORB's

3.4.41 V5735 1000- 1328 P/O Rose Sgt Southern/Savage Recce Stab South 1 M/V 4K tons seen

4.4.41 L9313 0940-1335 Sgt Larkin/ Southern/Savage Ex Yenkro Ju 88 seen - unable to catch

7.4.41 L9406 1300-1752 Sgt McAdam /Wood/Savage Close Escort Single M/V

13.4.41 T2123 0630-0551 P/O Ashe Sgt Ravenscroft/Savage Patrol H Bert Area

3.5.41 V5735 0429-0721 F/O Rose Sgt Clegg/Savage Interception Patrol Nothing Seen

6.5.41 N3609 0037-0440 " " " Security Patrol - Bombs dropped on Factory Heavy Flak around Sandelberg E/A Seen - Bombs Dropped on Enemy Vessels - Near Miss

7.5.41 N3612 1930-2359 F/O Rose Sgt Clegg/Savage Grid Patrol

9.5.41 L6088 1735-2220

12.5.41 V5801 0640-1140

"

"

"

"

" Escort MV Samaria - Mines Machine gunned

" Grid Patrol

3.6.41

R

1800-2340

Sgts Larkin/Tilling/Savage Escort Convoy CB329 Watch for periscope

4.6.41

W

1325-1830

" " " Grid Patrol

10.6.41

Q

0500-1110

"

"

"

"

Landed Prestwick

5.7.41

G

0435-0832

Sgt Holton/Harker/Savage

Escort Convoy WN49 (N/A ADM 199/13)

9.7.41

X

0612-1152

" " "

A/A Escort to SC35

11.7.41

J

0835-1325

" " "

" to Force LR ( Crew15 days leave)

20.7.41

G

0800-1240

P/O Tully/Daniels Sgt Savage Grid Patrol - W/T U/S - Return early

** It would seem something may have occurred after this sortie (the crew only having had 9 days leave from the 12th, before being operational once more) also with the W/T being unserviceable. Sgt Savage position is taken by Sgt McLean on the next two missions on the 24th and 26th July with the crew of Sgt Tully and Daniels, both of these being A/A Patrols in the early hours.

The ORB's Summary for the 26th July reveals the following interesting incident:-

LAC JM Hempstead (540151) (Flight Mechanic) awarded 28 days detention by Group Captain GW Bentley DFC for :-'Whilst on Active Service, striking his superior o?cer, in that he struck Flt Sgt Savage (546368) in the face'

Was this an altercation between the two of them over the radio set not working on the 20th July or for some other reason, an issue that will never be known?

In the Summary for August 1941 A/Flt/Lt Illingsworth is shown as recalled from leave on the 19th in order to attend a Court Martial at RAF Aldergrove, after which he is given 6 days leave on the 22nd. On the 14th October 1941 A/Flt Lt Illingsworth is admitted to RAF Halton Hospital where he stays until the 2nd November, no further details given.

Sgt Savage is not shown on any further missions with 254 Squadron from that day on, or being posted elsewhere, the only mention of him is in the Squadron Summary for October 1941, this being the 2nd October 1941:-

'Sgt Savage awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal'

He is not shown in either the Records or Summaries of 254 Squadron from that date onwards. However, in his e?ects is a shield for 519 (Met) Squadron, to which he may have been posted, unfortunately the ORB's for this squadron are unavailable from the National Archives.

Alan Savage was promoted from Warrant O?cer to Flying O?cer on the 28th June 1945 and given an o?cer number of 56987, with an extended stay as shown in the London Gazette until 29th May 1947, but continued serving in the RAF until his retirement on the 29th May 1954.

Flying O?cer Savage was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, the 1939/45 Star, the Atlantic Star, and 1939/45 War Medal, by the close of WW2.

On the 22nd September 1954 Alan Savage name appears as a RAF O?cer on the passenger list of the Shaw Saville ship New Australia setting sail from Southampton and recorded as an immigrant to Australia, where he eventually settled in Melbourne, Victoria.

He is again shown on the passenger list of the Norwegian ship SS SKaubryn, this time as a clerk, returning back to the UK, landing at Plymouth, on the 25th March 1957.

He is recorded living alone at 4, Wharfedale Street, Kensington SW10, London in 1968. At some stage Alan Savage moved from London and settled in East Devon working as a telephone operator in one of the Army barracks in that area.

In his final years Alan Savage lived in the Bay Court Nursing Home in Budleigh Salterton, East Devon, where he died on the 18th June 2002. The location of any marker for him is not known.

May have married Linda E Harnett in March 1965 in Willesdon London

Acknowledgements:-

Dr Christina Goulter - Kings College info on Coastal Command
National Archives
Wing Commander Jim Routledge RAF (retired)
Devon Registry O?ce
Ancestry Website
RAF Medal office Gloucestershire - Keeley Aston
Janet McNamara - Brentford Local History Group
London Gazette
Aviation Safety Network
RAF Museum London
Dominique Lloyd - Bay Court Nursing Home Budleigh Salterdon

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• Last Modified: 06 June 2025, 15:52 •