Sticky Murphy lover of life : Second World War clandestine Lysander and intruder Mosquito pilot Wing Commander Alan Michael 'Sticky' Murphy DSO and Bar, DFC, Croix de Guerre
Coley, James H.2018
Books, Manuscripts
In 1941 Sticky joined the 'cloak and dagger' 1419 (Special Duties) Flight, pioneering short take off and landings dropping agents into occupied Europe. It was extremely hazardous and daring work. On one flight his Lysander was ambushed by Germans, with Sticky having to fly home seriously wounded, and his exploits on a mission to rescue a comrade, John Nesbitt-Dufort, would earn him the DSO. Such feats made him a legend in the secret and clandestine circles in which he moved. In 1943 Sticky converted to Mosquitoes, and was posted to Malta and No. 23 Squadron. He soon took command of No 23 Squadron, and became loved for his humanity, daring leadership, and natural charm to all. In 1944 Sticky returned to the UK and Bomber Command's No. 100 Group, carrying out dangerous intruder operations against German night fighter bases, and it was on one such operation that Sticky flew his final fateful sortie.
Main title:
Author:
Coley, James H., author
Imprint:
Hitchin : Fighting High Publishing, 2018.
Collation:
240 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
ISBN:
9781999812843 (hbk)
Dewey class:
940.544941092
LC class:
D786
Local class:
940.544
Language:
English
BRN:
2317024