TRIGG Lloyd Allan

NZ413515, Flying Officer, Royal New Zealand Air Force, attached 200 Squadron, Royal Air Force, WW2

     TRIGG was an experienced Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot attached to the R.A.F. Coastal Command's 200 Squadron. He was flying his first

operational flight in a B-24 Liberator (having previously flown Hudsons), over the Atlantic from his base in Bathurst, West Africa (now The Gambia),

on 11 August 1943 when he engaged a German U-boat, U-468, under the command of Klemens Schamong.

His aircraft received several catastrophic hits from the anti-aircraft guns during his bombing runs and was on fire as Trigg made his final attack. It

then crashed, killing TRIGG and his crew, so the only witnesses to his high courage were the U-boat crew members.

CITATION

Victoria Cross

Gazetted 4 November 1943

On August 11, 1943, Flying Officer TRIGG undertook, as captain and pilot, a patrol in a Liberator bomber, although he had not previously made any

operational sorties in that type of aircraft. After searching for eight hours, the Liberator sighted a surfaced U-boat. Flying Officer TRIGG immediately

prepared to attack.  During the approach the aircraft received many hits from the submarine's anti-aircraft guns and burst into flames which quickly

enveloped the tail. The moment was critical. Flying Officer TRIGG could have broken off the engagement and made a forced landing in the sea, but

if he continued the attack the aircraft would present a no-deflection target to deadly anti-aircraft fire and every second spent in the air would increase

the extent and intensity of the flames and diminish his chances of survival.  There could have been no hesitation or doubt in his mind. He maintained

his course in spite of the already precarious condition of his aircraft and executed a masterly attack.  Skimming over the U-boat at less than 50 feet, with anti-aircraft fire entering his opened bomb doors, Flying Officer TRIGG dropped his bombs on and around the U-boat, where they exploded with devastating effect. A short distance further on the Liberator dived into the sea with her gallant captain and crew.  The U-boat sank within 20 minutes and some of the crew were picked up later in a rubber dinghy that had broken loose from the Liberator.  The Battle of the Atlantic has yielded many fine stories of air attacks on underwater craft, but Flying Officer Trigg's exploit stands out as an epic of grim determination and high courage."  It was on the enemy's testimony that the award was given.  The U-boat sank, but the seven survivors were rescued by a Royal Navy vessel and the captain reported the incident, recommending Trigg be decorated for his bravery. The Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously.  He was the only Allied serviceman in either World Wars 1 or 2 to be recommended for a Victoria Cross by the enemy.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 16 June 1943

This officer has taken part in a large number of shipping reconnaissances and convoy escorts.  In March 1943 he was detailed to provide anti-submarine escort to a convoy that was being attacked by several U-Boats.  When in the vacinity of the convoy, Pilot Officer TRIGG sighted an enemy submarine and although in an unfavourable position, delivered a vigorous and effective attack.  Two days later he sighted another U-Boat and immediately made a determined attack, one of his depth-charges exploded on the bow of the enemy vessel.  During the course of a fine operational career this officer has set a conspicuously good example of keenness to fly under all conditions

KNOWN AWARDS

Victoria Cross

Distinguished Flying Cross

1939-45 Star

Atlantic Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOITES

Born 5 May 1914, Houhora, New Zealand

Died 11 August 1943, Killed in Action

Buried no known grave

Memorial - Malta Memorial, Ir-Re Dwardu VII, Floriana, Malta (Panel 12, Column 1)

THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT