Acting Flight Lieutenant B.J.V. Young MC

Flight Lieutenant Young was attached to the battalion headquarters throughout the whole campaign and rendered valuable assistance in Supply Dropping and, especially, Direct Air Support.

On the nights of 15th, 16th and 17th March, 1944, when Henu Block was attacked, everything depended on the success of the Supply Dropping. This officer supervised the lay-out of fire markers to guide the support aircraft. These fires were situated in positions exposed to enemy mortar and small arms fire. Despite this the fires were maintained.

On the night of 13th April, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Young was in an observation post at Henu Block ready to direct the Air Support at dawn. The observation post was knocked out during the night by enemy shell and mortar fire but this officer, although only 200 yards from the Bomber target, took up his position in the open and coolly directed the bombers to their objective. The enemy was wiped out and the position stabilised.

Again, at Mogaung on 8th June,1944, this officer's observation post was heavily shelled, causing a number of casualties, but he continued to direct the aircraft to enemy positions although he was in the open.

The coolness and accuracy with which he directed Air Support, on occasions within seventy yards of our men, greatly contributed to the morale of our troops, to the successful holding of the Henu Block and to the complete demoralization of the enemy.

Throughout the whole campaign Flight Lieutenant showed a complete disregard for his own safety.