Squadron-Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette Plaque

On 4th August 1944 Squadron Leader Bazalgette was "Master bomber" of a Pathfinder Squadron detailed to mark an important target for the main bomber force. When nearing the target his Lancaster came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Both starboard engines were put out action and serious fire broke out in the fuselage and the starboard main-plane.

The bomb aimer was badly wounded. As the deputy "master bomber" had already been shot down, the success of the attack depended on Squadron Leader Bazalgette and this he knew. Despite appalling conditions in his burning aircraft, he pressed on gallantly, marking and bombing it accurately. That the attack was successful was due to his magnificent effort.

After the bombs had been dropped, the Lancaster dived, practically out of control. By expert airmanship and great exertion Squardon Bazalgette regained control. But the port inner engine then failed and the whole the starboard main-plane became a mass of flames. Squadron Leader Bazalgatte fought bravely to bring his aircraft and crew to safety.

The mid-upper gunner was overcome by fumes. Squadron-Leader Bazalgatte then ordered those of his crew who were able to leave by parachute to do so. He remain at the controls and attempted the almost hopeless task of landing the crippled and blazing aircraft in a last effort to save the wounded bomb aimer and helpless air gunner.

With superb skill and taking great care to avoid a French village, he brought the aircraft safely down. Unfortunately, it then exploded and this gallant officer and his two comrades perished. His heroic sacrifice marked the climax of a long career of operations against the enemy. He always chose the more dangerous and exacting roles. His courage and devotion to duty were beyond praise.

This plaque is one of 16 that were installed on Victoria Cross Boulevard in honour of Canadian Second World War Victoria Cross Recipients.

SQUADRON-LEADER IAN WILLOUGHBY BAZALGETTE

Ian Willoughby Bazalgette was born in Calgary, Alberta. His family moved
to Toronto Ontario five years later and then on to England. In 1940 he
received a commission in the Royal Artillery and the following year
transferred to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. In April 1944 he was
posted to No. 635 (Pathfinder) Squadron at the rank of Squadron Leader.
Prior to being awarded his Victoria Cross, Squadron-Leader Ian Bazalgette
had been decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in
Italy.

On 4th August 1944, Squadron Leader Bazalgette was master bomber of a
Pathfinder squadron detailed to mark an important target at Trossy St.
Maxim France for the main bomber force. When nearing the target his
Lancaster Bomber came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Both starboard
engines were destroyed, serious fires broke out in the fuselage and the
main bomb aimer was seriously wounded. As the deputy master bomber
had already been shot down, the success of the attack depended on
Squadron-Leader Bazalgette. Despite the appalling conditions in his
burning aircraft, he continued to the target, marking and bombing it
accurately. That the attack was successful was due to his magnificent effort.

After the bombs had been dropped the Lancaster dived, practically out of
control. By expert airmanship and great exertion Squadron-Leader
Bazalgette regained control. But the port inner engine then failed and the
whole of the starboard main-plane became a mass of flames.

Squadron-Leader Bazalgette fought bravely to bring his aircraft and crew to safety. The mid-upper gunner was overcome by
fumes. Squadron-Leader Bazalgette then ordered those of his crew who were able to leave by parachute to do so. He remained
at the controls and attemped the almost hopeless task of landing the crippled and blazing aircraft in a last didch effort to save the
wounded bomb aimer and helpless air gunner. With superb skill, and taking great care to avoid a small French village nearby, he
brought the aircraft down safety. Unfortunately it then exploded and this gallant officer and his to comrades perished.

Squadron-Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette is buried in Senantes Churchyard, Oise, France.