Frank Vernon Watkins

Born 8 Mar 1922 - Died 20 Dec 1942

Service number: NZ404847 AWMM
WWII 404847 AWMM
Also known as: —
Armed force / branch: Air Force AWMM
Last rank: Pilot Officer (Pilot) AWMM Royal Air Force, No. 156 Squadron AWMM
War: World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM

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Frank Vernon Watkins — Portrait, Weekly News 10 March 1943 - This image may be subject to copyright

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Biographical information

Son of Frank Arthur and Annie Watkins of Auckland

In 1998 Adriaan de Winter and Ton van Alphen undertook a project in the Reichswald Forest Cemetery photographing all the headstones of New Zealanders buried there.

Attended Ruawai District High School (Source: RNZAF Biographies (R17845617))

594 hours as Pilot (Source: RNZAF Biographies (R17845617)) AWMM
The Navigator (Squadron Leader Carter DFC) whom Warrant Officer Watkins instructed to bale out - before attempting the ill-fated crash landing later wrote :
"Had he not been so devoted to his friend he could have saved his own life by leaving the dying [bomb aimer] to his fate. Yet he refused to do this and attempted the alternative - crash landing ... his life was forfeited in the crash ... He willingly and selflessly gave his life in a forlorn effort to save his friend ... his actions were the most outstanding example of ... sacrifice. I am inspired by his memory.[4] "
Public - Jenifer - Researcher - 26 February 2019 - Wikipedia : Warrant Officer Frank Vernon Watkins MID : RNZAF 404847
On the evening of 20 December 1942, Watkins was flying his Wellington on a mission headed for Duisburg, in the Ruhr. Flying with Watkins that evening was navigator John Carter, a squadron leader with a Distinguished Flying Cross. In a letter written from Stalag Luft III on 5 January 1943 to the commanding officer of No. 156 Squadron, Tommy Rivett-Carnac, Carter described how they had taken direct flak directly over the target, with the bomb aimer Bill Brook-Norris being severely wounded.[4] Watkins and Brook-Norris had flown together for some time and had become close friends. Carter stated that they had intended to inject the wounded airman with morphine and then launch him from the aircraft by parachute. While preparing for this, the Wellington was hit again and suddenly the aircraft was too low and out of control. The rest of the crew had already jumped when Watkins ordered Carter out and said he was staying.[4] The Wellington crashed shortly afterwards killing both Watkins and Brook-Norris.[6][7] Watkins and Brook-Norris were found in the crash remains in the target area and now lie together in the Reichswald Forest Cemetery.[1][8] Watkins was 20 years old.[9]

For his actions on this last mission Warrant Officer Watkins was recommended to receive the Victoria Cross (VC) - the highest Commonwealth award for Bravery.

Reference for this recommendation Public Record Office Air 2/4890 "(This Officer) Displayed the highest qualities as a Captain of an aircraft. Firstly he ordered those crew who could be of no further assistance to him to bale out and then (he) waited until the last moment before he ordered the Navigator to bale out. When in his own mind he considered that he would be forced to make a crash landing. It would appear that at no time did the question of his own safety entered Warrant Officer Watkin's mind. It is clear that he went to his death in an attempt to land knowing full well the heavy odds against doing so - in a badly damaged aircraft, in enemy territory and at night - but hoping the Bombardier (Bomb Aimer Bill Brook-Norris) might after all be alive and that he (Watkins) might possibly effect a landing and thereby save his comrade's life. This act of unselfish sacrifice, cool devotion to duty and astonishing courage, in my opinion deserves the highest recognition by the award of the Victoria Cross (VC)".
Public - Jenifer - Researcher - 26 February 2019 - Mission details : Wikipedia Warrant Officer Frank Vernon Watkins RNZAF 404847.

Recommendation for Victoria Cross : 156 Squadron.com : Warrant Officer Frank Vernon Watkins : RNZAF 404847.

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Frank Vernon Watkins

Frank Vernon Watkins

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