Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Air Commodore P G Jameson (37813)

A New Zealander, he learned to fly whilst working as a clerk, before travelling to Britain, where he joined the RAF in 1936.  Following training he was posted to No 46 Squadron, having become a flight commander by 1940.  Commanded by Sqn Ldr K B B Cross (later ACM Sir Kenneth), the squadron was advised that it was to reinforce the RAF in France and Pat Jameson together with his CO went over to France to recce the available airfields.  However returning from France the squadron was almost immediately sent to reinforce the British forces operating in North Norway around Narvik.  Carrying out their task under extremely trying conditions, they were eventually told to destroy their aircraft and proceed by boat back to HMS Glorious.  However, Cross and Jameson were determined not leave their precious aircraft and secured permission to attempt landing them on the deck of the carrier.  Jameson led the first three aircraft and after making a successful landing which was repeated by the other two pilots, he sent the signal that it was possible to land Hurricanes on a carrier and the rest of the squadron followed suit.  Unfortunately, whilst returning to Scotland, the Glorious was sighted, attacked and sunk by the Scharnhorst with the loss of all the aircraft (including the Gladiators of No 263 Squadron), and almost the whole of the ships company and the personnel of the two squadrons.  Jameson rescued a marine after the sinking and together with Cross was able to find a raft, which eventually held 37 survivors.  They drifted in this raft for three days and two nights until picked up by the Norwegian trawler, SS Borgund, by which time only seven of the original survivors remained alive.  Following this ordeal, he spent six weeks in Gleneagles Hospital.  

By the end of WW2 he has  amassed a score of nine destroyed, one probable and another shared, two damaged and two destroyed on water.  Following retirement, he suffered from tuberculosis, resulting from his wartime service and when he recovered he returned to New Zealand .

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

“Acting Flight Lieutenant Patrick Geraint JAMESON (37813).

This officer led his flight with determination over completely strange country during operations in the Narvik area.  He discovered and set on fire, two four-engined enemy flying boats which were concealed against the almost vertical side of Rombaksfjord, in a position most difficult to attack.  No trace of them was found during a reconnaissance shortly afterwards.  The following morning he destroyed a Junkers 88 over Ofotfjord.  During the previous seven months he has led his flight with skill and determination, both by day and by night, often in extremely bad weather conditions.  His example has been an inspiration to the rest of the squadron.”

(London Gazette – 23 July 1940)

Citation for the award of the Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

“Acting Wing Commander Patrick Geraint JAMESON, D.F.C. (37813), Reserve of Air Force Officers, No.266 Squadron.

This officer has set a high standard in the performance of his duties.  He is a fine leader whose unsparing efforts have contributed to the excellent fighting spirit of his fellow pilots.  Wing Commander Jameson has destroyed six enemy aircraft, one being shot down at night, and he has damaged two others.  His bearing in the face of the enemy has been of the highest order.”

(London Gazette – 7 October 1941)

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Service Order

“Acting Wing Commander Patrick Geraint JAMESON, D.F.C. (37813).

Since December, 1942, this officer has led the wing on 21 sorties in which 13 enemy aircraft have been destroyed.  Early in February, 1943, over France, the wing was attacked by some 60 enemy fighters.  During the combat, Wing Commander Jameson was attacked by 8 of the enemy aircraft but he fought his way clear and eventually led the wing back to base without loss.  Some days later, whilst acting as escort to a force of bombers, the wing engaged a large formation of enemy fighters and shot down 7 of them,2 being destroyed by Wing  Commander Jameson.  By his inspiring leadership and fine fighting qualities, this officer has won the complete confidence of all with whom he has flown. Wing Commander Jameson has destroyed 9 enemy aircraft, 2 of them at night.”

(London Gazette – 9 March 1943)

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