The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J Price

James Price, of Cartref, Glamorgan, was born on 12th July 1919. He joined the RAFVR in October 1939 as an Airman u/t Air Gunner. With his training completed he joined 29 Squadron at Wellingore on 1st September 1940.

He was posted away to 7 (BAT) Flight on 1st February 1941.

Commissioned in April 1942, Price was awarded the DFM (gazetted 6th October 1942) for service as a Flight Sergeant with 38 Squadron in the Middle East.

The citation read:

This NCO joined 38 Squadron on 30th August 1941 and since that date has successfully completed 40 operational sorties. Before joining this squadron he had already completed 20 operational sorties of which 13 were with 29 Squadron on night flying interception over France, in Blenheim aircraft, and seven in 116 Squadron on Hampden aircraft, making a total of 60 operational sorties altogether.

During his operational tour with 38 Squadron, Flight Sergeant Price has shown keenness and devotion to duty which has been an inspiration to the Squadron.

On the night of 12th October 1941, when operating from Malta against motor transport and petrol installations in Tripoli, his ground strafing was so good that large fires were started from petrol ignited by his incendiary bullets.

On the night of 24th October 1941, when operating from Malta against searchlights at Naples, by very accurate firing from the rear-turret a great many searchlights were shot up and many forced to dowse, thereby contributing to the efficiency of the nights successful operations.

On the nights of 8th, 22nd and 24th May 1942, very successful operations by ground strafing were carried out against motor transport in convoy on the road outside Benghazi, and the convoys successfully hampered and disorganised by his very accurate fire.

Price was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant. He rejoined in 1956, in the Secretarial Branch, and retired on 12th July 1974 as a Flight Lieutenant.

Price died on 16th March 1988.