Simon Glancey has submitted the following:
Pilot Officer Tate was killed when Lockheed Hudson V AM799 NR-V of 220 Squadron was lost when it suffered an engine failure whilst attacking shipping near Stavanger, and crashed with the loss of all three crew members.
Flying Officer Ernest William TATE (83733), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 220 Squadron. In October, 1941, whilst off the Norwegian coast, Flying Officer Tate attacked an enemy escort vessel in the face of heavy fire from the ship. He scored two direct hits with bombs and, as the enemy continued to fire, Flying Officer Tate attacked with his machine guns until all the ship's guns were silenced. This officer has carried out over 300 operational flying hours on routine patrols and convoy escorts and has participated in many attacks on enemy shipping. He has shown great courage and determination throughout.
The award was reported in the Newcastle Journal and North Mail of Monday 03/11/1941:
NORTH OFFICER WINS D.F.C.
Flying Officer Ernest William Tate (21), of Bedlington, is awarded the D.F.C. in the list of R.A.F. honours issued last night.
When off Norway he attacked an enemy escort vessel and silenced its guns. Flying Officer Tate was born in 1920 in Newcastle. He enlisted in the R.A.F.V.R. in June, 1939, was commissioned in 1940, and promoted Flying Officer in 1941. His home is at Bedlington.
