NIBLETT, Jeffrey Peter

Rank: 
Captain
Unit / Base: 
3 Commando Bde. Air Squadron
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Captain Jeffrey Niblett, Officer Commanding 'B' Flight, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations in the South Atlantic (Operation Corporate, Falklands, 1982). The first ever D.F.C. awarded to a RM pilot.
Citation
"During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green, Captain Niblett led a section of two Scout helicopters, supplying ammunition and evacuating casualties for two days, often in the thick of battle and under enemy fire. 
During one mission both Scouts were attacked by Argentine Pucara aircraft. The helicopters evaded the first attack but one was subsequently shot down*. However with quite exceptional flying skill and superb teamwork with his aircrewman, Captain Niblett evaded three further cannon and rocket attacks, safely completing the mission. He then resolutely continued support and casualty evacuation operations until well after dark. 
His courage, leadership and flying skills were also demonstrated in an incident when he evacuated a seriously wounded Marine from Mount Challenger, flying in dark and misty conditions over most hazardous terrain.
Captain Niblett proved himself an oustanding Flight Commander and pilot. The superb support that his flight as a whole gave to the landing force reflects his exemplary and and dedicated service."
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12838.
* The pilot of this helicopter, Lieutenant Richard James Nunn RM, was killed in this attack, and posthumously awarded the D.F.C.
 

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