Kenneth Law Sumner – 57 Sqn

[Tony Gunby]

The Association has been informed of the passing of Kenneth Law Sumner who served as a Bomb Aimer with 57 Sqn 44 Sqn and 617 Sqn.  Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1923, Kenneth was just 18 years old when he joined the RAF and he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in 1944 while serving with 44 Sqn.  He was recommended for the award in early May 1944, shortly after being injured in a raid on Schweinfurt – his 26th operational sortie with the Sqn.  The recommendation reads:

On 26th/27th April 1944, he was bomb aimer in a Lancaster aircraft detailed to attack Schweinfurt.  When about 250 miles from the target, in the vicinity of Strasbourg, the aircraft was hit by flak.  This caused considerable damage to the aircraft including several hits on bomb bay and Bomb Aimer’s compartment.  Flight Sergeant Sumner informed his captain that he had been hit but stated that it was not serious and insisted on carrying on with his duties.  He continued dropping Window until the target area was reached and then successfully directed his pilot over the target on a good bombing run.  Then when the target was in his sights, he dropped his load and operated the camera in spite of damage to the bomb release wiring and the fact that the bombing release itself was shot away.  On the return journey he remained at his post dropping Window and assisted his pilot and navigator with pin-points and it was not until the aircraft had crossed the enemy coast that he would allow his injuries to be dressed.  Afterwards, he returned to his compartment and carried on for the remainder of the trip.  On landing, it was found that he was wounded in the hand and arm including one finger broken and it was necessary to remove him immediately to hospital where he is now under treatment.  His conduct in the incident described above came as no surprise to his crew and squadron colleagues to whom his devotion to duty, efficiency and high personal courage have invariably been an inspiration.

Kenneth passed away on 2 April 2020, aged 96 years.

RIP Kenneth

• This topic was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by Tony Gunby.

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