The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. C F Fenn
Cecil Francis Fenn was born in Worcester on 26th December 1911 and educated in Selkirk and Gloucester. Before the war he worked in the aircraft industry at Brockworth.
He joined the RAFVR in August 1939 as an Airman u/t Observer. With his training completed, Fenn joined 248 Squadron at Dyce, probably in early May 1940.
He went to No. 1(C) OTU at Silloth on 31st May and rejoined 248 on 25th June 1940.
On 3rd October 1940 P/O AL Fowler was on a North Sea patrol in Blenheim T1808 with Fenn and Sgt. J Rourke. He engaged a Do215. Although wounded in the hand, face and eyes, he pressed home his attacks until the enemy broke off the engagement. He then flew his badly damaged aircraft back to base. A radio message was picked up from the Dornier, reporting that it was returning to base, badly damaged and with members of its crew killed and injured.
Fenn had been wounded by perspex splinters in his face and eyes after return fire from a Do215.
For this action Fowler was awarded the DFC (gazetted 24th January 1941).
Fenn served with 248 Squadron until June 1941. His subsequent service is currently undocumented until he was commissioned from Warrant Officer in May 1942.
Fenn was released from the RAF in late 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.
He died in April 1988 in Gloucester.
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