Norm - Bomber Command: The story of Francis Norman 'Norm' Crouch, the first Australian to fly a Lancaster Bomber in World War II by Crouch James

Author:Crouch, James [Crouch, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Footprints Publishing
Published: 2020-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

Brighton Disciplinary Unit

B y the middle of October 1942, Norm was the most senior pilot left alive. During the previous 10 months, they had lost the squadron more than twice over. Despite having only one more mission to fly before completing his tour, he felt it was his responsibility to confront the Wing Commander and tell him his stupid ideas had completely destroyed the squadron and he should resign. The Wing Commander was furious that this Australian W.O. in his blue RAAF uniform was giving him a dressing down and in colourful language too. Norm’s red hair and blue eyes were accentuated by his temper in their confrontation. The Wing Commander would ensure that at last, this Australian would receive some overdue British Military discipline.

The next morning, at the old Albion Hotel in Brighton which had been converted by the RAF into a secured disciplinary unit, Warrant Officer Norm Crouch arrived; despite his record of 37 completed missions, being the most experienced pilot in 97 Squadron and also a recommendation for the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) to start his forced disciplinary course. Most of the others on the disciplinary course were Australians and some Canadians but few other nationalities. The first few days were hard; up at 0600, lights out at 2000, and they were locked in. There was physical training and drilling from dawn to dusk, being yelled at and insulted by a particularly aggressive Sergeant Drill Instructor who seemed to have a hatred of Australians and Canadians.

After a few days they found that a Corporal Instructor was sympathetic to them and on their side and for the next ten days the exit doors opened for 30 seconds after 2000 and the entry door did the same just before 0600. After that they had a great time in Brighton. At the completion of the course Norm, along with other Australians and Canadians made a visit to Australia House (Canada House to the Canadians) in London and claimed victimisation against one Sergeant Instructor from the course who Norm thought was a proper sadist. The result was the drill Sergeant lost his stripes. Norm then returned to 97 Squadron and reported to the Wing Commander. When he was asked if the course had done him any good Norm replied, ‘No, but I had a great time.’ The Wing Commander in exasperation told Norm, ‘Then you can go back and do another two weeks.’ Next morning Norm was back at Brighton Disciplinary School and only did two days there before a Humber staff car came and picked him up and returned him to his squadron. The Wing Commander was not there to greet him.

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