Sgt. Mellin's DFM appeared in the London Gazette on 23 April 1943 (Supplement 35989, Page 1856): "One night in February 1943, this airman was the navigator of an aircraft detailed for a mine-laying mission off the Frisian Islands. In the course of the operation an enemy fighter engaged the aircraft raking its fuselage with machine-gun fire. The flight engineer and the rear gunner were killed while Sergeant Mellin was hit in the leg by a bullet which caused a compound fracture to the fibia and tibea bones. Despite the severity of his injuries, this airman assumed the duties of the flight engineer, while other members of the crew were quelling flames which had broken out in the bomber. He afterwards returned to his navigational duties, proving of great assistance to his pilot who flew the damaged aircraft to an airfield in this country. Although he had lost much blood and was in intense pain, it was only when the aircraft was about to be landed that Sergeant Mellin would consent to leave his post. His exemplary conduct and great fortitude were worthy of the highest praise." |
Barrington was born at Vancouver on 9 April 1922. Both parents were born in England; his father, who nwas a welder, in London. His mother was deceased by the time Barrington enlisted. He had one married sister, Mollie (Philps). Barrington attended White Rock school 1927-1934, Lord Fisher Jnr. High 1934-1937, followed by Trapp Technical High School, 1937-1939. His sport interests were tennis, badminton and swimming and his hobby was machine work. He worked as a machinist for Ray Adams for three months and enlisted on 25 March 1941. |
After training, Barrington was posted to the U.K. and embarked from Canada on 7 October 1941 arriving at 3 PRC on the 19 October. He then continued to 410 Sqn. 31 October 1941, 1659 CU 27 November 1942 and 419 Squadron on 28 January 1943. Sadly Barrington was to lose his life on 27 February 1943. |