THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

WATTS Stephen Delaney

NZ404008, Acting Wing Commander, Royal New Zealand Airforce

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 13 June 1944

One night in May 1944, Wing Commander Watts was a member of one of several crews of Mosquito aircraft which were detailed for a difficult and dangerous mine-laying mission.  The operation called for the highest standard of skill and accuracy.  In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, balloon defences and considerable searchlight activity, the attack was pressed home with great precision from low level.  That complete success was achieved in spite of such hazards is a high tribute to the calm courage and iron determination shown by those who participated as members of aircraft crews

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 24 June 1942

Throughout his tour of duty this officer has displayed courage and leadership of a high standard.  Om the night of the 6th September 1941, whilst returning from an operational sortie, his aircraft sustained much damage when attacked by an enemy fighter.  Although the starboard engine failed, Flight Lieutenants Watts evaded the enemy and succeeded in flying his damaged aircraft across the North Sea after losing height to 200 feet, and eventually making a forced landing on the Norfolk coast.  In October 1941 his aircraft was hit by shell fire which rendered the rudder useless.  Thus handicapped, Flight Lieutenant Watts skilfully flew his aircraft back to this country where he executed a crash-landing successfully.  This officer has participated in many attacks on highly defended targets including Kiel, Wilhelmshaven, Brest, Huls, Frankfurt and Hamburg.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 2 June 1943

For distinguished service with 24OTU RAF from April 1942.  During this time Wing Commander Watts flew a sortie to Bremen.

AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Distinguished Flying Cross

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

       Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 3 March 1916, Morrinsville, New Zealand

Killed on Air Operations 10 July 1944, Germany

No known Grave