OLD AZURIANS

This entry was first made in 2014 as a centenary tribute to Malcolm Kemp Sewell, another of our Old Azurian heroes, who was born lin Littlehampton on 22 March 1914.

 

After leaving school he joined the RAFVR, and was appointed Acting Flight Lieutenant on probation on 4 June 1938. This appointment was confirmed to substantive rank on 4 April 1939. He served with 70 Squadron RAF flying Vickers Wellington bombers in North Africa in support of the 8th Army.

 

The following citation for his award of the DFC comes from the London Gazette of 11 JULY, 1941:-

 

One night in June, 1941, this officer carried out a flight for the purpose of dropping essential provisions to personnel in Crete. Extremely adverse weather conditions prevailed over the area but finally, in response to an S.O.S. which was flashed from the ground, Flying Officer Sewell descended to 1000 feet in an attempt to drop the provisions. He was unable to do this at the first attempt as the wind, which had risen to gale force, was blowing his aircraft at a line of cliffs. Nevertheless,  Flying Officer Sewell succeeded in dropping over 300 Ibs. of provisions at the second attempt. He then patrolled the coast in an effort to pick up further signs or signals. Returning to his original objective Flying Officer Sewell, again observing an S.O.S. light, descended to 900 feet and dropped further stores along the beach. He then flew to the hills north of the beaches and dropped 16 sacks weighing 60 Ibs. each. Altogether, Flying Officer Sewell made 14 runs over his objective in an effort to ensure success. He displayed great flying skill, courage and determination.

 

As a Wing Commander Malcolm was also awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) in the Birthday Honours List of 24 June 1946. In 1953 he was posted to Air HQ Malta for air staff duties, and in 1956 he took over command of RAF Bishops Court.

 

He died in Sussex in 2003. School years 1924-30.