WORLD WAR ll ~ BRITISH BOMBER SAVED BY SGT. JOHN HANNAH ~ VICTORIA CROSS - 1940

Description

Dramatic official period press photograph (stamped 10-8-40) shows the destruction caused by an anti-aircraft shell that hit the Hadley Page Hampton bomber on a raid over Antwerp Belgium.
Full caption on back (see scan).
On 15 September 1940 over Antwerp, Belgium, after a successful attack on German barges, the Handley Page Hampden bomber (serial P1355) in which Sergeant Hannah was wireless operator/air gunner, was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire, starting a fire which spread quickly. The rear gunner and navigator had to bail out and Sergeant Hannah could have acted likewise, but instead he remained to fight the fire, first with two extinguishers and then with his bare hands. He sustained terrible injuries, but succeeded in putting out the fire and the pilot was able to bring the almost wrecked aircraft back safely.
The Canadian pilot of the aircraft, Flying Officer Clare Connor, recommended Hannah receive the Victoria Cross. Connor himself was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. King George VI presented the decorations to Hannah and Connor at an investiture in Buckingham Palace.
Eighteen years old at the time of his Victoria Cross action, Hannah was the youngest recipient of the medal for aerial operations and the youngest for the Second World War.
Photograph measure 7 x 9 inches and is in excellent condition with no bends, tears, or creases and has strong tones with good contrast and clarity.
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