This excerpted account suggests that at age 21, Avant was the youngest Wing Commander in Bomber Command. If accurate that would mean at that tender age he would have commanded anywhere between 16-20 aircraft with seven crew members per aircraft. 140 men. Can anyone verify or contest that claim? Twenty one year old Wing-Commander A. F. (Al) Avant, D.F.C., born Hughton, Sask., September 1922; has been appointed to command R.C.A.F. bomber group's Bison 429 Squadron (effective May 1st 1944). He is the youngest man in the R.C.A.F. or R.A.F, to hold such a position. Injured in an air crash in July 1944, he spent the rest of the tour in a body cast. Awarded both the DFC and DSO, he had flown 44 sorties and accumulated 258 hours of combat flying by Aug. 1944. DFC Citation April 20, 1943 One night in March 1943, this officer captained an aircraft detailed to attack Berlin. Whilst over the city his aircraft was held in searchlights and subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. The bomber was repeatedly hit and one of its engines was damaged. Undeterred, Flight Lieutenant Avant executed his bombing run exactly as planned, releasing his bombs with precision. By skilful evading tactics he then succeeded in piloting the bomber out of a perilous situation although, in so doing, it sustained further damage and lost some height. Almost as course was set for the homeward flight, the damaged engine burst into flames. Efforts to extinguish the fire were successful and displaying fine airmanship, this captain flew the damaged bomber to an airfield in this country. Whilst over the airfield, one of the port engines became defective but Flight Lieutenant Avant effected a masterly landing with two engines unserviceable. This officer has at all times displayed high courage and outstanding determination in the face of the enemy. AVANT, W/C Alan Frederick, DFC (J10503) - Distinguished Service Order - No.427 Squadron - Award effective 28 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Award presented 13 February 1945. This officer has completed numerous sorties on his second tour of operational duty.� He is a highly skilled and fearless squadron commander, whose gallant leadership has been well reflected in the fighting qualities of the squadron.� His devotion to duty over a long period has been unfailing. NOTE: This appears to have begun as a recommendation for an American Silver Star, proposed on 4 August 1944 by G/C W.F.M. Newsom when Avant had flown 44 sorties (257 hours 45 minutes). Wing Commander Avant is nearing the completion of two tours of bomber operations against the most heavily defended targets in Germany and occupied territory during which he has displayed outstanding offensive spirit, gallantry and devotion to duty. By his skilful work and personal example he has contributed greatly to the high standard of operational efficiency of his squadron. In recognition of this officer's outstanding operational record, his qualities of leadership and fine efforts to further the Allied cause I recommend that he be awarded the Silver Star (United States of America)
I would have to agree with you despite what is said here: Remembering youngest bomber squadron commanding officer in the history of RAF
A matter of months. Remarkable achievements for both men, at that age. I am quite sure that the families had no real idea and were better off not knowing what amazing feats their young sons were responsible for.
