Edward Sismore

Air Commodore Edward Barnes Sismore (23 June 1921–22 March 2012) was a British air navigator during World War II and a fighter pilot and a senior Royal Air Force officer in the post-war years and the thirteenth Commandant Royal Observer Corps between 1971 and 1973.

During his time as Commandant ROC, Sismore travelled overseas to France, Germany and Scandinavian countries, visiting similar defence warning organisations. He established a close relationship with the Luftmeldekorpsett Danish Air Reporting Corps, a unit of the country's Home Guard.

World War II
Sismore started his service as an airman in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). However, on 29 August 1942 Flight Sergeant Sismore was given an emergency commission as a General Duties Branch Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Towards the end of the war, on 1 February 1945, he was awarded a permanent commission as a Flying Officer.

In February 1944 Sismore was involved in the planning of Operation Jericho but was prevented from flying with Air Chief Marshal Basil Embry because of their knowledge of the plans. Operation Jericho was a low-level bombing raid on Amiens Prison in German-occupied France. The object of the raid was to free French Resistance and political prisoners who were facing imminent execution. He also participated in the successful raid in late October 1944 against the Gestapo HQ in Århus, Denmark as navigator to Reynolds.

Notably in March 1945, whilst serving on No. 140 Wing, Sismore, by then an acting Squadron Leader took part in Operation Carthage, a precision raid on the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen Denmark. Sismore was the lead navigator in the Mosquito Mk.VI flown by the raid leader (Group Captain Robert Bateson). The raid, while not being completely successful with a large number of civilian casualties, succeeded in destroying the Gestapo HQ allowing some prisoners to escape. Sismore was awarded a bar to his DFC and was also honoured with the Danish Order of Dannebrog, Degree of Knight.

Post-war
Sismore remained in the RAF after the war, qualifying as a fighter pilot and occupying several senior officer posts. In 1947 Squadron Leader Sismore and former Dambuster pilot, Squadron Leader 'Mick' Martin, broke the London to Cape Town flying record, covering the 6,717 miles in only 21 hours and 31 minutes. They were subsequently awarded the Royal Aero Club's Britannia Trophy for 1947. From 1953/56 He commanded 29 Fighter Squadron. Sismore was promoted to Group Captain in 1962 and during the early/mid 1960s, he served as the Station Commander of RAF Bruggen in Germany. In the late 1960s he was the Senior Air Staff Officer of the RAF's Central Reconnaissance Establishment at RAF Brampton.

Royal Observer Corps
On 4 January 1971 on promotion to Air Commodore, Sismore was appointed as Commandant of the Royal Observer Corps taking over from Air Commodore D F Rixson. His final post was as the Director of the Air Defence Team, planning a new UK air defence environment system.

On 24 May 1973 Sismore handed command of the ROC to Air Commodore R K Orrock. He retired from the Royal Air Force on 23 June 1976.

Honours and awards
''On 30 January 1943, two forces of bombers were detailed to attack Berlin,to prevent a radio brodacast by Goering. To reach the German capital necessitated a flight of more than 500 miles, mostly over heavily defended territory.

This was following the attack on the Zeiss works at Jena which was his deepest low level daylight penetration of the war with Wing Commander Reynolds.
 * 16 February 1943 - Pilot Officer Edward Barnes Sismore (130208) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve of No. 105 Squadron RAF was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition as a result of this raid.


 * 18 June 1943 - Acting Flight Lieutenant Edward Barnes Sismore of No. 139 Squadron RAF awarded the Distinguished Service Order for the raid on JENA.


 * 15 December 1944 - Acting Squadron Leader Edward Barnes Sismore DSO DFC along with his pilot Acting Wing Commander Reynolds was awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

''As pilot and navigator respectively these officers have taken part in numerous sorties against a wide variety of targets. In October, 1944, they took part in a most successful attack on a vital German target. In this well executed operation, these officers displayed skill and resolution of the highest standard.''


 * 22 June 1945 - 2nd Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

"Acting Squadron Leader Edward Barnes SISMORE, D.S.O., D.F.C., (130208), R.A.F.V.R. In March, 1945, Squadron Leader Sismore was the navigator in the leading aircraft of a large formation detailed to attack the Gestapo headquarters at Copenhagen. The operation, necessitating a flight of more than 1,000 miles demanded the highest standard of navigational ability. In this direction, Squadron Leader Sismore's work was outstanding and contributed materially to the success obtained. Again, in April, 1945, this officer flew with great distinction in an attack against a similar target at Odense. This officer, who completed much operational flying, has rendered very valuable service".


 * 18 March 1949 - Squadron Leader Sismore was awarded the Danish Order of Dannebrog, Degree of Knight by Frederik IX, the King of Denmark.


 * 31 May 1956 - Squadron Leader Sismore was awarded the Air Force Cross whilst commanding No 29 Fighter Squadron.

Death
Sismore died on 22 March 2012 and was survived by his son and daughter.