Charles John Mackenzie

A low Atlantic attack preceded vital airborne supply flights

Charles John Mackenzie served with the Auxiliary Air Force before and during the Second World War and was commissioned in No. 500 Squadron in March 1940. He flew coastal patrols in Ansons, Blenheims and Hudsons.

On 28 April 1942 he captained a Hudson on an antisubmarine patrol west of the Outer Hebrides. Using cloud and sun to approach a surfaced submarine, he attacked at low level with depth charges and gunfire. His Distinguished Flying Cross recommendation praised both the attack and his sustained operational work. The submarine’s fate was not confirmed.

As a flight commander with No. 233 Squadron, Mackenzie helped prepare Dakota crews for the Normandy airborne operations. He flew on the night of 5 June 1944 and participated in the Arnhem operation that September. His Air Force Cross recognised his leadership and the efficiency of his flight during D-Day operations.

Mackenzie remained in the RAF after the war, serving in Southeast Asia and reaching wing commander. In 1953 he took part in the RAF Coronation Review at Odiham. His substantive promotion to wing commander followed on 1 July 1954.

Distinguished Flying Cross recommendation, 16 May 1942

Flying Officer Mackenzie has been employed in an Operational Squadron since the outbreak of war and has completed over 400 hours operational flying in Anson, Blenheim, and Hudson aircraft, mainly on patrols to the enemy coast. He has at all times shown courage, determination, and devotion to duty of the highest order in carrying out any task allotted to him.

On the 28 April 1942 he was Captain and Pilot of Hudson aircraft K/500 carrying out an A/S patrol at 4,400 feet in the Western Approaches, when he sighted a ‘U’ boat on the surface 8 miles away. He made full use of all available cloud cover and sun, and made a dive bombing attack, pulling out at 60 to 70 feet and releasing 4 depth charges across the forward part of the still surfaced ‘U’ boat. The attack was almost certainly a successful one, the second charge exploding within 10 feet of the hull.

The depth-charge attack was followed by a front and rear gun attack, the ‘U’ boat then disappearing from sight stern first, leaving a very large patch of frothy brown disturbed water behind.

Flight Lieutenant Mackenzie exploited his sighting to the maximum and made a complete surprise attack. An award to this Officer is recommended in the strongest terms, both for general good work since the outbreak of war and for this excellent attack on an enemy undersea raider.