AviationKenneth WebbJune 12, 2025Plzen, Mannheim, Frothblower, Chubb, 16-17 April 1943, Czechoslovakia, 76 Squadron, RAF 76Comment

RAF 76 RAF LOSSES 16-17 April 1943 Plzen Mannheim

AviationKenneth WebbJune 12, 2025Plzen, Mannheim, Frothblower, Chubb, 16-17 April 1943, Czechoslovakia, 76 Squadron, RAF 76Comment

AVIATION

ROYAL AIR FORCE BOMBR COMMAND

Operation Frothblower ~ Plzen Operation Chubb ~ Mannheim

RAF 76 RAF LOSSES 16-17 April 1943 Plzen Mannheim

Preface

The Price ~ the Ultimate Sacrifice

Of the 598 aircraft that participated in these two linked operations, the W R Chorley Record of Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses is, in 2025, still the definitive Record. The losses were originally set at 36, 12 per cent attrition. I well recall my father frequently quoting a newspaper headline Fifty-Three of our aircraft failed to return.

I was not sure of the accuracy. Thus, when I discovered the W R Chorley Series, at last I could identify these fifty-three aircraft and crews. Except that Mr Chorley’s Record gave me a total fifty-nine failing to return.

I and my family are, therefore, indebted to William Chorley and his team because he has enabled me to look at the two operations in April 1943 and January 1945 that provide our family with such a vivid and brutal insight into just what our parents’ brothers did on those two dates, and whilst they did not return, mercifully others did return, many as repatriated prisoners of war, and a sizeable number who successfully evaded capture. Evasion was not possible without the civilian populations of occupied countries as well as the organised resistance movements in those countries. From many the most terrible revenge was exacted by the Nazi occupiers. Those people, civilian and combatant alike are a central part of what we now call the Greatest Generation.That Generation enables me to sit here in peace and freedom in these beautiful Islands in 2025.

I am equally grateful to Peter Wilson Cunliffe’s A Shaky Do, the title being the well-known RAF wartime understatement to an operation that was anything but a little shaky, it was hell on earth. In Liverpool I had published my first anthology in September 2009 and which contained a poem in which I had tried to imagine the crew of my father’s brother’s aircraft and which I had called simply Raid on Pilsen. In time, I received an email, would I explain what my link was, if any, with the raid on the Skoda Works in Plzen (Pilsen)? I gave as much detail as possible from the family record, and for the first time, learned of Halifax Mk V DK165 MP-E. Furthermore, that Peter’s uncle, Flight Sergeant Dawson had been on the same operation, part of the MacFarlane Crew flying Lancaster Mk I W4317 QR-R. (Number 15 of the 59 Losses recorded here).

IG Heimatforschung Rheinland Pfalz, Deutschland

*Homeland Research Syndicate ~ The Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany ~ On the Trail of the Past.*

Of paramount standing is the work of Erik Wieman and the team of IG Heimatforschung Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland, whose tireless work has located and unearthed many lost aircraft. Their activity knows no bounds, as evidenced by the parachute jump over Dobrany in 2024 to commemorate the Milton Crew flying Avro Lancaster Mk I R5622 OL-C of 83 Squadron, RAF Wyton (Number 27 of the 59 Losses recorded here).

Every crash site results in the unveiling and consecration of a Memorial to the Crew. Families and descendants of the Crew gather at the Ceremony from the world over.

My family is indebted to Erik and his Team for many reasons. For instance, the navigator’s dividers have been returned to the nephew and next of kin of the Navigator, as too, to my family, flight instruments and even the helmet chin clasp found where the pilot’s wreckage was found.

Do please visit the website links. It stands alongside the vitally important International Bomber Command Centre in the City of Lincoln, Lincolnshire.

https://www.ig-heimatforschung.de/

https://internationalbcc.co.uk

Kenneth Webb
12 June 2025
Gloucestershire and Liverpool

The Manifest of the 59 Aircraft that failed to return from the Combined Operation on the Skoda Armament Works in Plzen Czechoslovakia and the upon the city of Mannheim, Germany on 16-17 April 2025

Battlefield Honours

Very often, Mr Chorley quietly reminds us of a military award being gazetted in the London Gazette on a date only a day or so after a death. This would be from a previous operation.
As I compiled this list of fifty-nine crews I became increasingly aware that such honours are Battlefield Honours in the fullest sense of the term.

LEST WE FORGET

The W R Chorley Manifest 1943 Volume

1

The Wood Crew

10 Squadron RAF Melbourne

Halifax II DT791 ZA-K

Op Plzen

Took off 2044 Melbourne

F/L J A Wood inj
Sgt Rooney inj
Sgt F Beare inj
P/O K F Whynes inj
P/O G C Stepney inj
Sgt G Walshaw inj
Sgt P G O’Kill inj
Sgt S Prebble inj

Mr Chorley reports that the Wood Crew were hit by flak in the port outer and after regaining the French coast further damage was caused, this time to the port inner. The Channel was crossed on two engines, followed by a crash-landing 0520 near Lewes, Sussex, where all were admitted to the local hospital. W R C

2

The Shiells Crew

15 Squadron RAF Mildenhall

Stirling III BF474 LS-H

Op Mannheim

Took off 2146 Mildenhall

P/O J L Shiells DFM +
P/O K M Piché RCAF +
Sgt J P Lacy +
F/S C B Perring +
Sgt L A James +
Sgt J Gould +
Sgt B J A Bessette RCAF +
Sgt D J A Hyde +

Mr Chorley reports that the Shiells Crew crashed at St-Erme-Outer-et-Ramecourt (Aisne), 20 km ESE of Laon, France. All lie in St-Erme Communal Cemetery Extension.

The DFM awarded to P/O Shiells was promulgated in the London Gazette on 1 June 1945.

F/S Perring’s brother, John Derek Perring, died on service, while F/S Piché RCAF was the adopted son of Alfred and Arlina Piché of Lake Linden, Michigan.
W R C

The Haycock Crew

15 Squadron RAF Mildenhall

Stirling III BK691 LS-F

Op Mannheim

Took off 2148 Mildenhall

F/L D H Haycock DFC +
Sgt N A Hobden pow
Sgt J S Blackburn +
Sgt H C Fiddes +
Sgt H Fortune +
Sgt T L Bromley +
Sgt J W Greenwood +

Mr Chorley reports that the Haycock Crew crashed at Hetzerath, 3 km NE of Föhren. Those who died rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

The Owen Crew

35 Squadron RAF Graveley

Halifax II W7873 TL-M

Op Plzen

Took off 2116 Graveley

F/L W R Owen pow
F/S W G Allen evd
P/O Cruickshank +
Sgt J R Martyn RCAF +
F/S D R Bradley evd
F/S C Bourne +
Sgt J W Young +

Mr Chorley reports that the Owen Crew were outbound at 16,000 feet, when they were hit by flak which badly damaged both outboard motors. They were forced to abandon the Halifax which crashed at 2258 in the vicinity of Liesse (Aisne), 15 km NE of Laon, France. Those who died rest in Liesse Communal Cemetery.

On their return, having successfully evaded capture, both F/S Allen and F/S Bradley were awarded the DFM, the exact details being Gazetted on 7 September 1943. F/S Allen was later commissioned, only to his life on 31 March 1944. He is buried in Hampstead Cemetery, London. W R C

The Bone Crew

49 Squadron RAF Fiskerton

Lancaster III ED 427 EA-O

Op Plzen

Took off 2114 Fiskerton

F/O A V Bone +
Sgt R N P Foster +
Sgt C W Yelland +
Sgt R J Rooney +
Sgt R C White +
Sgt R Cope +
Sgt B E Watt RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Bone Crew were lost without trace. All are therefore commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. W R C

The Penry Crew

49 Squadron RAF Fiskerton

Lancaster III ED441 EA-E

Op Plzen

Took off 2111 Fiskerton

Sgt D T Penry +
Sgt C G Bamford +
F/S A N Dixon +
Sgt G L James +
Sgt T C Robertson +
Sgt J F Fletcher +
Sgt H W G Kerr pow

Mr Chorley reports that the Penry Crew crashed at Camon (Somme) in the eastern outskirts of Amiens. Those who died rest in Camon Communal Cemetery.
W R C

The Day Crew

50 Squadron RAF Skellingthorpe

Lancaster III ED691 VN-K

Op Plzen

Took off 2131 Skellingthorpe

F/O H H Day +
F/O D A Footman evd
Sgt R C Salmon pow
Sgt H E Holland RAAF pow
Sgt G A E Hodgkinson pow
Sgt J A Rossbotham pow
Sgt M I Evans pow
Sgt S R A Symes pow

Mr Chorley reports that the Day Crew crashed at Epense (Marne), 36 km E of Châlons-sur-Marne, France. F/O Day is buried in Epense Communal Cemetery. Sgt Symes was repatriated in May 1944. W R C

The Elderfield Crew

50 Squadron RAF Skellingthorpe

Lancaster III ED800 VN-U

Op Plzen

Took off 2143 Skellingthorpe

Sgt H Elderfield +
P/O P C Cotter +
Sgt R Chambers
Sgt J M Laing
Sgt H Hinchcliffe +
Sgt R S Harman
Sgt J Hammond
Sgt H Webster

Mr Chorley reports that the Elderfield Crew were badly shot about by two Messerschmitt ME 110s and turned back from Saarbrücken. The Lancaster was further damaged by flak and, subsequently, was ditched 0400 off the French coast. Those who died are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The survivors were rescued at 0200 on 18 April by a Motor Torpedo Boat. P/O Cotter was a graduate from Oxford University. W R C

The Duncan Crew

50 Squadron RAF Skellingthorpe

Lancaster III ED800 VN-U

Op Plzen

Took off 2142 Skellingthorpe

Sgt J D Duncan +
Sgt J Speirs +
Sgt D M Smellie +
Sgt C Payne +
Sgt J A Bates +
Sgt A W Berry +
Sgt H R Barnes +

Mr Chorley reports that the Duncan Crew were shot down by a night-fighter (Hptm Alfred Haesler, I./NJG4) crashing 0400 into marshy ground and sinking into old mine galleries near Yves-Gomezée (Namur), 6 km NNW of Philippeville, Belgium. All attempts by the authorities to recover the Crew failed and their names are perpetuated by the Runnymede Memorial. Sergeant Duncan, Sergeant Speirs and Sergeant Smellie were Scottish; both air gunners – Sergeant Berry and Sergeant Barnes were Welsh, while Sergeant Payne and Sergeant Bates came from Lancashire. W R C

The Cox Crew

51 Squadron RAF Snaith

Halifax II DT561 MH-K

Op Plzen

Took off 2046 Snaith

Sgt E W Cox +
Sgt S J Briffett +
Sgt R C Burt +
Sgt F G McCardle RCAF
Sgt W A Rodgers +
Sgt L R Bray +
Sgt R A McLaren +

Mr Chorley reports that the Cox Crew crashed at Hadamar, 7 km NNW of Limburg. All lie in Durnbach War Cemetery. At 38, Sgt Bray was above the average age of operational aircrew. W R C

The Inch Crew

51 Squadron RAF Snaith

Halifax II DT670 MH-M

Op Plzen

Took off 2023 Snaith

Sgt D F Inch +
Sgt T F Hayden +
Sgt H Riley evd
F/O R F Clements +
F/S E L Lancaster RAAF +
Sgt F P Dards pow
Sgt R M Mumme +

Mr Chorley reports that the Inch Crew were hit by flak, damaging the engines, and crashed 0340 in the vicinity of Châlons-sur-Marne (Marne), France, where four of those who died lie at rest in the town’s East Cemetery. Sgt Lancaster RAAF rests in Choloy War Cemetery. Sgt Mumme, a Devonian by birth, had previously served with the Palestine Police and had enlisted in the Middle East.
W R C

The McCrea Crew

51 Squadron RAF Snaith

Halifax DT690 MH-A Bar

Op Plzen

Took off 2032 Snaith

Sgt J E McCrae evd
Sgt J Alderdice evd
P/O D G Spencer pow
Sgt C B Ings pow
Sgt J E C Simpson pow
Sgt D L Jones evd
Sgt A W Davis pow

Mr Chorley reports that the McCrae Crew flying outbound at 9,000 feet, when the Halifax was badly shot about by a night-fighter and an alternative target was bombed. Now homebound and flying at 7,000 feet, the DT690 was hit repeatedly by flak. Abandoned near Laon (Aisne) France, Sgt Jones actually landing within the confines of Laon-Athies airfield, from where he made good his escape. W R C

Note: I believe that the term ‘abandoned’ in the context of the Chorley War Records is a very precise term, meaning that the crew were able to abandon their stricken aircraft in flight when some or all crew were able to bale out. KTW

The Edwards Crew

51 Squadron RAF Snaith

Halifax II HR729 MH-R

Op Plzen

Took off 2043 Snaith

W/O J G Edwards +
Sgt A D Kitchen +
Sgt G E Roberts +
F/O W C Brisbane +
Sgt A O Lewis +
F/O J W Marriott pow
Sgt H Ray +
F/O L Walters +

Mr Chorley reports that the Edwards Crew who died rest in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. F/O Brisbane is also commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. W R C

The Stewart Crew

51 Squadron RAF Snaith

Halifax II HR784 MH-

Op Plzen

Took off 2042 Snaith

F/S R H Stewart RCAF +
Sgt W R McBriar +
W/O W R Keirnan DFM pow
F/O T C Robinson +
F/S D Axtell DFM +
Sgt D H Reid +
Sgt F M Thompson +

Mr Chorley reports that the Stewart Crew crashed at Maucourt (Somme) 3 km SW of Chaulnes. Those who died were laid to rest on 18 April in the French National Cemetery at Maucourt.

W/O Kiernan had flown a tour of operations with the Squadron during the early part of the war, his DFM being Gazetted on 30 July 1940.

The DFM awarded to F/S Axtell was promulgated three days after his death.

W R C

The MacFarlane Crew

61 Squadron RAF Syerston

Lancaster I W4317 QR-R

Op Plzen

Took off 2113 Syerston

P/O W MacFarlane +
Sgt P J Keay RAAF +
F/O C F Williams +
Sgt E R Davidson +
F/S W Waller Dawson +
F/S J F Edwards DFM +
Sgt J V Rees +
Sgt D A Holdsworth +

Mr Chorley reports that the MacFarlane Crew were shot down by a night-fighter (Hptm Rudolf Altendorf, I./NJG4) and crashed 0430 just to the south of Givry (Hainaut), 10 km SE of Mons, Belgium. All were buried on 18 April in Chièvres Communal Cemetery; their average age was 22. Unusually, for an RAF Squadron, their flight engineer was an Australian. F/S Edwards DFM was Gazetted on 14 May 1943, and Sergeant Davidson was flying as a second navigator. W R C

Note: It would be remiss of me not to mention that Flight Sergeant William Waller Dawson is the uncle of Peter Wilson Cunliffe. Many families of the Crews on this night will know Peter to be the author of A Shaky Do (now in its second edition). Both Mr Chorley and Mr Cunliffe have provided us all with a depth of research that is, at times, difficult to comprehend, and I speak for my family when I say that we owe much to these gentlemen, and my family in particular to Mr Chorley’s research, for it was through the Chorley Bomber Command Losses Volume 6 1945, that we discovered that our mother’s brother’s crew had collided mid-air, fully laden, with another Avro Lancaster in 1945. Thank you, William, thank you, Peter. Your work will be of even greater importance centuries from now. Ken Webb KTW June 2025

The Debenham Crew

75 Squadron RAF Newmarket

Stirling I W7469 AA-O

Op Mannheim

Took off 2217 Newmarket

P/O K F Debenham RNZAF +
Sgt D Wainwright pow
WO2 R J Barnes RCAF +
Sgt D M T Watts +
Sgt P B Pearson +
Sgt J L Marlow +
Sgt J J Davis +

Mr Chorley reports that the Debenham Crew crashed at Katzenbach. Those who died are buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

The Groves Crew

75 Squadron RAF Newmarket

Stirling I BF451 AA-Z

Op Mannheim

Took off 2214 Newmarket

P/O K H G Groves RNZAF +
WO2 J O Way RCAF +
Sgt L C Cameron +
Sgt T G Shergold +
Sgt R F Wanstall +
Sgt R L Pierson +
Sgt R C Stone RNZAF +
Sgt L L Everden +

Mr Chorley reports that the Groves Crew is believed to have been shot down by a night-fighter, crashing between Rilly-la-Montagne and Chigny-les-Roses (Marne), 10 km and 11 km respectively south of Reims. All were taken for burial in Reims, but when the city was liberated by the Americans in 1944, arrangements were made for their bodies to be taken to Antilly. Since September 1944, there remains have been assumed and transferred to the Choloy War Cemetery. W R C

The Lowe Crew

75 Squadron RAF Newmarket

Stirling III BK664 AA-M

Op Mannheim

Took off 2200 Newmarket

F/L D C Lowe
Sgt C Logan
Sgt A G Warr
Sgt F Carswell
F/S S Ellis
Sgt A J Bodley
Sgt K Wilmer
Sgt B Welch

Mr Chorley reports that the Lowe Crew were hit by flak over the target and on return to base the pilot discovered he was not able to control the throttles. This resulted in the Stirling colliding with a partially built hangar and being damaged beyond repair. No one was seriously hurt in this incident. W R C

The Wedderburn Crew

76 Squadron RAF Linton-on-Ouse

Halifax Mk II DT575 MP-Y

Op Plzen

Took off 2049 Linton

Sgt B W E Wedderburn +
Sgt J Strachan +
Sgt B J Clinging +
Sgt F O Ross RCAF +
Sgt F C Fidgeon +
Sgt L Jonasson RCAF +
Sgt S H C Brown +

Mr Chorley reports that DT575 MP-Y crashed near Liesse (Aisne), 9 miles (15 km) NE of Laon, France. All lie in Liesse Communal Cemetery.

Sgt Jonasson RCAF came from Point Roberts in Washington State and at 17 years of age was amongst the youngest airmen killed on operational duties with Bomber Command in World War II. W R C

Note: There is an excellent Meta (Facebook) page in the name of Christian Jonasson, a direct descendant of Sgt L Jonasson RCAF on the 76 Squadron Association page and with an incredibly moving account of this last flight of the Wedderburn Crew and Halifax II DT575 MP-Y. Ken Webb KTW May 2025

20

The Wright Crew

76 Squadron RAF Linton-on-Ouse

Halifax Mk II JB800 MP-U Operation

Op Plzen

Took off 20:01 Linton

Sgt G C Wright +
Sgt A G C Read pow
P/O H E Smith +
P/O A N Cooper +
P/O J F Webb
Sgt D B Wombwell pow
Sgt F A Robb RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that JB800 MP-U crashed at Mundelsheim some 13.6 miles (22 km) NNE of Stuttgart. Those who died in the crash are buried in Durnbach War Cemetery. Sgt Read and Sgt Wombwell mercifully survived and became prisoners of war.

But the entry goes on to emphasise the magnitude, horror and tragedy of total war.

On 19 April 1945, Sgt Read was mortally wounded when Allied fighters strafed a prisoner of war column near Gresse. Sgt Read lies in the 1939-1945 War Cemetery at Berlin. W R C

21

The Illingworth Crew

76 Squadron RAF Linton-on-Ouse

Halifax Mk II JB870 MP-F

Op Plzen

Took off 2115 Linton

Sgt W Illingworth +
Sgt R Woodhall +
Sgt C G West +
P/O H D Dixon +
Sgt E G Thomas +
Sgt S W Patton +
Sgt D A Watkins +

Mr Chorley reports that JB870 MP-F was on loan from 78 Squadron. The aircraft crashed near Roye (Somme), France, where all seven crew are buried in the New British Cemetery.

Pilot Officer Dixon’s father was the Revd Henry Dixon MA of Manaccan Vicarage, Cornwall. Like his father, Pilot Officer Dixon was also an MA and had graduated from Magdalene College . W R C

There appears to be a typographical error in the Chorley Record which refers to Plt Off Dixon also as a sergeant. I have, therefore, used the Manifest. KTW

The rear section of the fuselage of DK165 MP-E broken amidships where the German soldier stands; above him, is the lower frame of the mid-upper turret, and it is from here that Sergeant Leslie Mitchell was rescued from. It is incredible to see that some of these young trees still stand. To the left off-cam would be the remains of the tail section of the Halifax Mk V. Mr Wieman confirms that the German soldier eventually was posted back to the western Front and did not return.

22

The Webb Crew

76 Squadron RAF Linton-on-Ouse

Halifax Mk V DK165 MP-E

Op Plzen

Took off 20:41 Linton

Sgt K E Webb +
Sgt S Braybrook +
Sgt K R G Williams +
Sgt J Kay +
Sgt A R Ross RCAF +
Sgt L B Mitchell pow
F/S G Brown +

Mr Chorley reports that DK165 MP-E crashed between Lachen and Speyerdorf, 3 miles (5 km) SE of Neustadt. Those who died rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery.

Mr Chorley also confirms an interesting note that will, I know, be helpful to those who have an eye for technical detail. The Chorley team writes:

“The Mk II Halifaxes lost from 76 Squadron were the last of this type to be reported missing from the Squadron, while the Mk V was not only the first to be lost from 76 Squadron but is believed to have been the initial loss of its type on a bombing operation. Previous Mk V casualties had been from the Special Duty Squadrons based at RAF Tempsford.”

— W H Chorley Bomber Command Losses 1943

The excellent 76 Squadron Royal Air Force ‘and in the morning…’ by Barry Hope (published 2021) incorrectly states that DK165 MP-E was a Halifax Mk II.

“As part of the Royal Air Force Special Duty Service, the [RAF Tempsford] airfield was perhaps the most secret airfield of the Second World War. It was home to 138 (Special Duty) Squadron and 161 (Special Duty) Squadron which dropped supplies and agents into occupied Europe for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). 138 (SD) Squadron did the bulk of the supply and agent drops, while 161 (SD) Squadron had the Lysander flight, and did the insertion and pick-up operations in occupied Europe.”

— Handley Page Halifax From Hell to Victory and Beyond by K A Merrick

W R C

This often occurs with this statistical compilation, and I regard the Hope Work on 76 Squadron as an equally vital part of my RAF and aviation library. KTW 2025

The body of Sergeant Brown was found 17 miles from the crash site, and this would have been as a result of the attack on the rear of the aircraft. Sergeant Webb ordered Sergeant Mitchell to go aft to check on injury and damage. As Sergeant Mitchell arrived, the aircraft was hit immediately below the mid-upper turret, the aircraft breaking in two, both sections landing in woodland. Sergeant Mitchell later recalled the descent in the rear section, the design of the twin tailfins causing the tail to spin. KTW

The rear section of the fuselage of DK165 MP-E broken amidships where the German soldier stands; above him, is the lower frame of the mid-upper turret, and it is from here that Sergeant Leslie Mitchell was rescued from. It is incredible to see that some of these young trees still stand. To the left off-cam would be the remains of the tail section of the Halifax Mk V.

A monument to the Webb Crew has been erected at Lachen Speyerdorf in Rheinland-Pfalz.

I confirm that the entry in the Chorley Record of Losses 1943, the correctly states Halifax DK165 MP-E as Mk V. The excellent 76 Squadron Royal Air Force ‘and in the morning…’ by Barry Hope (published 2021) states DK165 MP-E Halifax Mk II.

In 2015, I was contacted by Herr Erik Wieman of IG Heimatforschung and his team via the Gloucestershire Echo. The article reported that the Halifax DK165 MP-E crash-site had been located in Lachen Speyerdorf woodland.

The Memorial Consecration

On Saturday 4 August 2018. The Memorial stands
where the Cockpit of DK165 MP-E came to rest.

Frau Hedi Kraus

In 1943, Hedi’s mother quietly granted permission to her daughter to lay flowers on the graces of the crew in the Lachen Speyerdorf Cemetery.
And this continued until 1947 when the Crew were laid to rest at Rheinberg War Cemetery. To do this between 1943-1945 was an act of very great bravery and defiance in light of Hitler’s *Terrorflieger Direktiv*.

Even then, Hedi, you had already started rebuilding the bridge between civilisations. Vielen Dank Hedi. Jeden Segen Dir. Ken Webb and Family.

The Wall Crew

77 Squadron RAF Elvington

Halifax II JB908 KN-W

Op Plzen

Took off 2046 Elvington

F/S F S Wall pow
Sgt D I Pullen +
Sgt G R Fernee +
Sgt R M Tullett pow
Sgt A K Edgar +
Sgt L Johnson pow
Sgt R W Robinson +

Mr Chorley reports that the Wall Crew were forced to abandon the aircraft from very low altitude and three of the four who died perished as a result. The body of Sergeant Robinson was found in the wreckage and, along with his companions he rests in Durnbach War Cemetery. W R C

The Dowse Crew

78 Squadron RAF Linton-on-Ouse

Halifax II DT773 EY-

Op Plzen

Took off 2100 Linton-on-Ouse

F/L A P Dowse DFC +
Sgt T T Slatter pow
F/S R Des Jardins RCAF pow
Sgt H E Thompson pow
Sgt P Langsford RNZAF pow
Sgt A W Hoare pow
F/O A N Orr pow

Mr Chorley reports that the Dowse Crew were shot down from 12,500 feet by a Messerschmitt 110 and crashed near a Luftwaffe base at Nellingen, 10 km SSW of Geislingen an der Steige. Flight Lieutenant Dowse, who was on his second tour of bomber operations, is buried in Durnbach War Cemetery. Sergeant Thompson was, subsequently, repatriated as surgeons had to amputate one of his legs in order to save his life. W R C

The Mortenson Crew

78 Squadron RAF Linton-on-Ouse

Halifax II HR659 EY-A

Op Plzen

Took off 2051 Linton-on-Ouse

F/L E G Mortenson +
Sgt J A Bell pow
P/O R C W Dennis pow
F/O W G F Fisher pow
Sgt C A Steven pow
Sgt L C Minshaw pow
Sgt D A Pitman +

Mr Chorley reports that the Mortenson Crew were intercepted outbound at 12,000 feet and shot down by the combined fire from two aircraft ~ a Messerschmitt 109 and a Messerschmitt 110 ~ the Halifax crashing near Trier. Flight Lieutenant Mortenson and his tail-gunner Sergeant Pitman who died are buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

The McNichol Crew

83 Squadron RAF Wyton

Lancaster I R5484 OL-V

Op Plzen

Took off 2117 Wyton

F/O G A McNichol RCAF +
W/O G C Mott pow
F/O H H F Beaupre RCAF pow
F/O T W Lewis RCAF pow
F/O G S MacFarlane pow
Sgt H R Willis pow
F/S C W Hobbs pow

Mr Chorley reports that the McNichol Crew was last heard on W/ T at 0411 advising that the Lancaster was trying to make base on two engines. However, the aircraft crashed at Pontavert (Aisne) 28 km SE of Laon, France. Flying Officer McNichol RCAF lies at rest in Pontavert Communal Cemetery. W R C

The Milton Crew

83 Squadron RAF Wyton

Lancaster I R5622 OL-C

Op Plzen

Took off 2129 Wyton

P/O F C Milton +
F/S R Beaven DFM +
F/O W B Wells +
F/O N M McLellan RCAF +
Sgt A Podolsky RCAF +
F/S J Rodgers +
Sgt M Kleinhorn +

Mr Chorley reports that the Milton Crew came down in Czechoslovakia at Dobrany, one of only a few Bomber Command aircraft known to have been lost over Czechoslovakia (now Czechia). All are buried in Prague War Cemetery, on the north side of the city's Olsany Cemetery, and in its eastern outskirts. On 14 May 1943, the London Gazette published Flight Sergeant Evans's Defence Forces Medal. W R C

On 2024 Mr Erik Wieman, a Dutch Marine Paratrooper, and the leader of the IGHF Team bailed out over Dobrany to honour and remember the Milton Crew. Mr Wieman and his Team have conducted further Memorial bail-outs and these can all be found on the IGHF link.

The White Crew

90 Squadron RAF Ridgewell

Stirling III BK725 WP-M

Op Mannheim

Took off 2200 Ridgewell

P/O P D White pow
Sgt W E Phillips RCAF evd
Sgt A Smith evd
P/O S F Everiss evd
P/O D G Ross evd
Sgt E G Gaisford evd
Sgt J B Ford evd
Sgt W J Fitzgerald evd

Mr Chorley reports that the White Crew were shot down by a night-fighter and crash-landed 0214 at Commenchon (Aisne), 6 km NW of Chauny, France. Sergeant Fitzgerald was engaged on the final sortie of his first tour of operations.
W R C

This entry highlights the efficiency of the French Resistance and the very dangerous situation facing French civilians (as in all occupied countries as well as Nazi Germany) and that seven of the eight aircrew successfully evaded capture.

Note by Ken Webb:

Hitler's infamous terrorflieger direktiv was issued on 11 August 1940 during the Battle of Britain which authorised the Luftwaffe to target downed aircrews of the RAF. Hitler's directive was enforced with vigour until the end of the Second World War, leading to numerous instances of RAF and USAAF aircrews being shot upon after bailing out of their aircraft, or, upon capture, summarily executed on the basis that they were shot whilst trying to escape. The directive removed the protection of the Geneva Convention from all allied aircrew.

Halifax Down by Flight Lieutenant Tom Wingham DFC is a remarkable account of himself and his crew when they were shot down in 1944. The treatment of captured British and Commonwealth aircrew and American aircrew makes for very grim reading.

KTW

The Atkinson Crew

100 Squadron RAF Grimsby

Lancaster III ED563 HW-G

Op Plzen

Took off 2122 Grimsby

Sgt D K Atkinson RNZAF +
Sgt N Vanston +
Sgt I S Brown RCAF +
Sgt J Rutter +
Sgt R F Clutterbuck +
Sgt P Rudick RCAF +
F/S P V Monk RAAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Atkinson Crew crashed near Saarbrücken. All lie at rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

Mr Chorley also highlights a vitally important point when he writes that a crew comprising of airmen from the air forces of the RAF, RAAF, RCAF and RNZAF although not unique was, nonetheless, unusual.KTW

30

The Milliken Crew

100 Squadron RAF Grimsby

Lancaster III ED564 HW-H

Op Plzen

Took off 2120 Grimsby

F/L R E Milliken RNZAF +
Sgt T E Jones +
Sgt W H George RCAF +
Sgt W H Walton +
Sgt R E J Hunt +
Sgt G J Wood +
Sgt M Whitby +

Mr Chorley reports that the Milliken Crew crashed at Nalbach, 8 km NNE of Saarlouis. Funeral services were conducted at Nalbach on 20 April, and the Milliken Crew now all lie at rest together in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

The Menzies Crew

101 Squadron RAF Holme-on-Spalding-Moor

Lancaster I ED379 SR-F

Op Plzen

Took off 2121 Holme-on-Spalding-Moor

Sgt C K Menzies RAAF +
Sgt H A Upton +
Sgt H Evans +
P/O T M Taylor RAAF +
Sgt L Green pow
Sgt J H Fitch RCAF +
Sgt J Monks +

Mr Chorley reports that the record Menzies Crew all lie at rest at Durnbach War Cemetery. W R C

As the years pass, and records come to light, often haphazardly, we find that the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire is our foremost landing strip. I respectfully quote from the website:

In 2009, the then Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth CVO, formed a Trust to realise the dream of building a memorial that commemorated not only the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and supported Bomber Command, but also to officially recognise the significant contribution of Lincolnshire to the outcome of WWII. The website link is here. https://internationalbcc.co.uk/ When these are married up with the Chorley War Records and the individual books and authors that I have previously referred in this Paper, families have, at last, the opportunity to shine light upon their histories. I write this in respectful recognition of the Menzies Crew ~ the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the RAF. KTW

The Lashbrook Crew

102 Squadron RAF Pocklington

Halifax II HR663 DY-T

Op

Took off 2049 Pocklington

S/L W I Lashbrook DFC DFM evd
F/S D C Knight pow
F/O K J Bolton evd
F/O A Martin DFC evd
Sgt W R Laws evd
Sgt L Neill pow
F/O G G Williams GM +

Mr Chorley reports that the Lashbrook Crew were homebound at 9,000 feet when they were attacked by a night-fighter, which set fire to the bomber’s port wing and both engines.

The crew abandoned the Halifax, which crashed at Eppe-Sauvage (Nord), 22 km SE of Maubeuge, France where Flying Officer Williams rests in the Centre Cemetery.

Squadron Leader Lashbrook, whose DFM had been gazetted on 18 April 1941 for service with 51 squadron, had just begun his second operational tour having until recently commanded the squadron’s conversion flight.

Along with Flight Sergeant Knight he had joined the Royal Air Force as an apprentice at Halton on 15 January 1929, their service numbers being 563198 and 563197 respectively. W R C

The DFM would have been awarded during service as a non-commissioned officer and the DFC as a commissioned officer. Flying Officer Williams had been awarded the George Medal. KTW

The Mooney Crew

103 Squadron RAF Elsham Wolds

Lancaster I W4848 PM-L

Op Plzen

Took off 2112 Elsham Wolds

Sgt J O B Mooney RNAZF +
Sgt S Biggs pow
P/O A H Gipson RCAF +
Sgt H J D Rouse pow
P/O F J Hudson +
Sgt V J Merefield +
Sgt R W Harley +

Mr Chorley reports that the Mooney Crew lie at rest in Durnbach War Cemetery.
W R C

As the years pass, and records come to light, often haphazardly, we find that the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire is our foremost landing strip. I respectfully quote from the website:

In 2009, the then Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth CVO, formed a Trust to realise the dream of building a memorial that commemorated not only the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and supported Bomber Command, but also to officially recognise the significant contribution of Lincolnshire to the outcome of WWII. The website link is here. https://internationalbcc.co.uk/ When these are married up with the Chorley War Records and the individual books and authors that I have previously referred in this Paper, families have, at last, the opportunity to shine light upon their histories. I write this in respectful recognition of the Menzies Crew ~ the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the RAF. KTW

The Andersen Crew

156 Squadron RAF Warboys

Lancaster I W4854 GT-

Op Plzen

Took off 2126 Warboys

P/O H R Andersen DFC +
Sgt P L Brougham-Faddy +
P/O K W Bordycott DFC DFM +
Sgt B H Gooding +
P/O F Smith DFM +
Sgt J T Stephens +
F/S W O Woolnough +

look out the link for the Warboys news reel

Mr Chorley reports that the Andersen Crew crashed at Brimont (Marne) 10 km NNW of Reims, France. All lie at rest in Brimont Churchyard.

Pilot Officer Bordycott and Pilot Officer Smith had previously flown a tour of operations with 150 squadron, their DFMs being promulgated on 26 May and 30 January 1942 respectively.

Sergeant Brougham-Faddy was 18 years of age and was one of the youngest airmen killed on Bomber Command operations in 1943. W R C

The Gonce Crew

156 Squadron RAF Warboys

Lancaster I W4930 GT-

Op Plzen

Took off 2125 Warboys

Sgt H B Gonce +
Sgt M Mck Muirhead +
Sgt J G K Dean +
P/O M C Anastassiades +
Sgt H D Rowe +
Sgt J Boyd +
Sgt L E Corley RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Gonce Crew crashed at Aigny (Marne) 14 km NW of Châlon-sur-Marne, France, where six lie at rest in the town’s East Cemetery. Sergeant Dean rests 16 km to the NW at Conde-sur-Marne Communal Cemetery, thus suggesting the Lancaster may have exploded. His father, Captain Josiah Dean MC, had formerly served in the Royal Field Artillery. Sergeant-Pilot Gonce’s parents lived in Walters, Oklahoma, while Pilot Officer Anastassiades was a Cypriot serving in the Royal Air Force. W R C

The Jay Crew

158 Squadron RAF Lissett

Halifax II HR758 NP-Y

Op Plzen

Took off 2032 Lissett

F/O B P Jaay RAAF +
Sgt F E Holmes pow
Sgt G D W Scholes pow
P/O K A Barrett +
Sgt A Ford pow
Sgt R Newdick pow
Sgt C D Fawcett RCAF pow

Mr Chorley reports that the Jay Crew crashed near Saarbrücken. Flying Officer Jay and Pilot Officer Barrett lie at rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

37

The Bertera Crew

158 Squadron RAF Lissett

Halifax II HR779 NP-Z

Op Mannheim

Took off 2111 Lissett

F/O D Bertera evd
Sgt F R Berkeley pow
Sgt A J Fuge pow
Sgt W J Jenkins evd
Sgt J W E Lawrence evd
Sgt W J Barber evd
Sgt E Durant pow

Mr Chorley reports that the Bertera Crew were outbound at 15,000 feet in bright moonlight, when they were attacked by two Ju 88s and crash-landed 0035 in a field near Void (Meuse) 8 km SSE of Commercy, France. Upon their return Sergeant Lawrence and Sergeant Barber were both awarded DFM, details being promulgated in the London Gazette on 10 August 1943. It is believed that Sergeant Jenkins became separated from his companions and may have made his way to Switzerland. W R C

The Lupton Crew

166 Squadron RAF Kirmington

Wellington X HE862 AS-L

Op Mannheim

Took off 2119 Kirmington

F/O S J Lupton +
F/O R A Lord
Sgt J P Merton RCAF inj
Sgt W F Whitfield +
F/O E O Hadingham

Mr Chorley reports that the Lupton Crew developed engine trouble and ditched off Cayeux-sur-Mer, a small French coastal town on the southern side of the Somme estuary. It is believed that Sergeant Merton RCAF survived the initial impact, but died shortly afterwards from his injuries. Along with the pilot Flying Officer Lupton and Sergeant Whitfield, he is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Flying Officer Lupton had achieved a 1st Class Honours Degree in English at Leeds University. The two survivors, Flying Officer Lord and Flying Officer Hadingham were eventually rescued, exhausted, but otherwise unharmed. W R C

39

The Morgan Crew

196 Squadron RAF Leconfield

Wellington X HE387 ZO-Z

Op Mannheim

Took off 2109 Leconfield

P/O I M P Morgan +
F/S R Hill +
P/O A W A Trevarthen +
Sgt N Bruce +
Sgt L Pickford +

Mr Chorley reports that the Morgan Crew crashed at Couvron-et-Aumencourt (Aisne), 12 km NNW of Laon, France. All five Crew lie at rest in Couvron-et-Aumencourt Communal Cemetery. W R C

40

The Duguid Crew

196 Squadron RAF Leconfield

Wellington X HE469 ZO-

Op Mannheim

Took off 2104 Leconfield

W/C A G Duguid
P/O E H Swain
P/O F Darbyshire
Sgt A M Long RCAF
Sgt L Pickford

Mr Chorley reports that the Duguid Crew were homebound, when they ran out of fuel and successfully abandoned the Wellington at 0400 near Croydon, Surrey, and that no injuries were reported. W R C

41

The James Crew

214 Squadron RAF Chedburgh

Stirling III BK653 BU-A

Op Mannheim

Took off 2150 Chedburgh

F/O D E James evd
Sgt W G Grove evd
Sgt J Hall evd
F/S J A Smith pow
Sgt C G Walton pow
Sgt R W Adams evd
Sgt G B Gallagher pow
Sgt E M Lee +

Mr Chorley reports that the eight members of the James Crew were badly shot about by three Messerschmitt BF 109s and abandoned. The Stirling crashed at 2346 at Bonneuil-les-Eaux (Oise), 28 km NNW of Beauvais, France. Sergeant Lee, the tail-gunner, lies at rest in Poix-de-la-Some Churchyard.

Sergeant Grove, having evaded capture, was later commissioned and was killed on operation to Berlin on 24 March 1944, while flying with 15 Squadron. He lies at rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

42

The Howlett Crew

218 Squadron RAF Downham Market

A Stirling III BF514 HA-X

Op Mannheim

Took off 2200 Downham Market

P/O D F Howlett +
Sgt L W Canning evd
P/O K S Bird +
Sgt D E Roberts RCAF +
Sgt W Hamilton evd
Sgt F J Knight +
Sgt E J Longstaff RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Howlett Crew is believed to have crashed near Raucourt-et-Flaba (Ardennes), 12 km SSE of Sedan, France. Those who died lie at rest in Choloy War Cemetery.

Sergeant Longstaff RCAF was an American from Denver, Colorado. W R C

43

The Guay Crew

408 Squadron RAF Leeming

Halifax II BB343 EQ-X

Op Plzen

Took off 2057 Leeming

WO1 J J A Guay RCAF +
Sgt H W Fill RCAF +
Sgt F R Pilon RCAF +
Sgt L G Haines RCAF +
Sgt R H Winter +
Sgt I MacDonald RCAF +
Sgt A P Gielty +

Mr Chorley reports that the Guay Crew crashed near Liesse (Aisne) 15 km NE of Laon, France. All lie at rest in Liesse Communal Cemetery. W R C

The Sergent Crew

408 Squadron RAF Leeming

Halifax II DT752 EQ-W

Op Plzen

Took off 2100 Leeming

F/O JRL Sergent RCAF +
Sgt H G Machell RCAF +
Sgt G M Hill +
Sgt F R Cocks +
Sgt D F Gargrave +
Sgt W Kwasney RCAF +
Sgt C D Heming RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Sergent Crew was shot down by Hptm Ludwig Meister, I./NJG4, a night-fighter, the Halifax crashing at 0408 near Nassogne (Luxembourg), Belgium.

Sergeant Kwasney RCAF, whose body was not found until 6 May, lies at rest in Florennes Communal Cemetery. The remaining members of the Sergent Crew lie at rest at Heverlee Cemetery, having been brought here from St-Truiden.

A monument to the Sergent Crew has been erected at Nassogne. W R C

45

The Heming Crew

408 Squadron RAF Leeming

Halifax II JB854 EQ-D

Op Plzen

Took off 2105 Leeming

Sgt G C Heming RCAF +
Sgt A C Cantley RCAF +
F/S R Birchall RCAF +
Sgt D Zaleschuk RCAF +
Sgt R W Mason +
Sgt S J Jorgensen RCAF +
Sgt S Archie RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Heming Crew crashed at Louppy-le-Château (Meuse), 13 km NW of Bar-le-Duc, France. All lie at rest in Louppy-le-Château Communal Cemetery.

Albert Birchall, brother of Flight Sergeant Birchall RCAF, died on active service.
W R C

46

The Hatle Crew

408 Squadron RAF Leeming

Halifax II JB925 EQ-R

Op Plzen

Took off 2104 Leeming

F/L C O Hatle RCAF +
P/O T H O’Connell RCAF +
Sgt W G Kapuscinski RCAF +
P/O L H Holmes +
Sgt S F Osmond +
Sgt H Richmond RCAF +
Sgt J W Gibson RCAF +
Sgt A A Tschantre RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Hatle Crew crashed into a wood between Bierfeld and Nonnweiler, some 28 km SE of Trier. All lie at rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery.

Sergeant Tschantre RCAF was an American from Thomasville in Georgia. W R C

On this night four Halifaxes took off from RAF Leeming between 2057 and 2105, just seven minutes. As was always the custom on all stations, Ground Crews and Station Staff would have given them all a heartfelt wave-off at the edge of the runway. Four crews totalling 29 airmen. None that night returned home, all were killed in action.

It is vitally important to keep in mind the introduction on page 7 by Mr Chorley of volume three 1943, paragraph 3 of which we read:

As Squadron Leader Gilbert Howarth wrote, men went missing during the night, but the replacements were on site by 0800 hours the following day. No gaps were ever visible in the ranks. There was no question, or doubt, that Bomber Command had the capacity and the resolve to continue the momentum of the campaign.

Then consider that this is just one of thirty-two squadrons from 31 Stations over twelve Counties. Now consider the coordination, planning and extreme skill required to form a total of 598 aircraft in the skies above eastern Britain, again to meticulous timing, and then at a preset time, all aircraft heading out across the North Sea. KTW

47

The Horahan Crew

420 Squadron RAF Middleton St George

Wellington X HE682 PT-T

Op Mannheim

Took off 2114 Middleton St George

Sgt L M Horahan RCAF +
Sgt J E Isaacs RCAF +
Sgt L K Plank RCAF +
Sgt H S P Radford +
Sgt K T P Allan RCAF pow

Mr Chorley reports that the Horahan Crew was shot down, outbound, by Ofw Rahner, I./NJG4, a night-fighter, exploding near Froid-Lieu (Luxembourg), 3 km W of Wellin, Belgium. Three bodies were found and taken for burial at St-Truiden. Since the liberation their remains have been exhumed and taken to Heverlee War Cemetery.

Sergeant Plank RCAF, however, rests in Sohier (Froid-Lieu) Communal Cemetery. W R C

In the Luftwaffe, the rank abbreviation Ofw stood for Oberfeldwebel, a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank, and equivalent in the Royal Air Force to Warrant Officer Class II (WO2) or possibly a senior Flight Sergeant (F/S), depending on the specific duties and experience. (Data obtained online). KTW

The Bujold Crew
425 Squadron RAF Dishforth

Wellington X HE475 KW-E

Op Mannheim

Took off Dishforth (time not stated)

Sgt P L Bujold RCAF pow
Sgt W Harris pow
P/O H Gray +
Sgt W F Redding RAAF pow
Sgt J M Leblanc RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Bujold Crew were flying outbound when the Wellington crashed and caught fire near Lötzbeuren, 8 km ESE of Traben-Trarbach. Pilot Officer Gray and Sergeant Leblanc both lie at rest in the Süd Friedhof at Köln.

Mr Chorley reports further that 425 Squadron was one of three RCAF bomber squadrons detached to the Middle East for operations with 205 Group and the five casualties were the last sustained by the Squadron, prior to its departure for Kairouan-Zina in Tunisia. W R C

The Thompson Crew

426 Squadron RAF Dishforth

Wellington X HE591 OW-

Op Mannheim

Took off 2115 Dishforth

Sgt L Thompson +
Sgt J C Kennedy RCAF +
P/O R G Wood +
Sgt J Parkinson +
F/S E A Whalen RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Thompson Crew were shot down by a night- fighter and crashed at St on the K, 12 km NNE of Bitburg. All lie at rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

The Tomyn Crew

427 Squadron RAF Croft

Wellington X HE547 ZL-D

Op Mannheim

Took off 2115 Croft

Sgt S Tomyn RCAF +
Sgt G W Hall pow
Sgt A T Symons pow
Sgt A F Johnson pow
Sgt W Ostaficiuk RCAF pow

Mr Chorley reports that Sergeant Tomyn RCAF lies at rest in Rheinberg War Cemetery. W R C

The Chambers Crew

427 Squadron RAF Croft

Wellington X HE745 ZL-E

Op Mannheim

Took off 2114 Croft

Sgt B K Chambers RCAF inj
F/S R Moore RCAF inj
F/S B L Owen RCAF inj
Sgt L H McCormick RCAF inj
Sgt B H Garoutte RCAF inj

Mr Chorley reports that the Chambers Crew crash-landed at Twinwood Farm airfield, Bedfordshire. None of the injuries are thought to have been serious.
W R C

The Holmes Crew

429 Squadron RAF East Moor

Wellington III BK162 AL-B

Op Mannheim

Took off 2123 East Moor

S/L F A Homes DFC +
Sgt J R Milne evd
P/O J McMaster +
Sgt D S Ritchie RCAF +
F/S G Gill +
F/L G A Lunn RCAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the Holmes Crew were Homebound at 12,000 feet when they were hit by flak near Reims. Moments later the Wellington was attacked by a night fighter and crashed 0215 at Septmonts (Aisne), 8 km SE of Soissons, France. Those who died lie at rest in Septmonts Churchyard.

Mr Chorley also adds a most helpful note. Not only was BK162 AL-B the last Wellington Mk III reported missing from 429 squadron, but it was also the last of its type to be lost during a Main Force bombing operation. W R C

The Sutterby Crew

431 Squadron RAF Burn

Wellington X HE379 SE-H

Op Mannheim

Took off 2110 Burn

Sgt H Sutterby pow
P/O W E Paton RCAF pow
Sgt R G Rudd RCAF pow
Sgt P F Cartwright pow
Sgt M R Hadland +

Mr Chorley reports that Sergeant Hadland rests in Rheinberg War Cemetery.
W R C

The Miller Crew

460 Squadron RAF Breighton

Lancaster I W4331 UV-R

Op Plzen

Took off 2106 Breighton

Sgt I G Miller RAAF +
Sgt D Curtis +
Sgt N P Richmond +
Sgt M G W Capon +
Sgt G J Wilson +
Sgt R A Hall +
Sgt R F Beaumont +

Mr Chorley reports that the Miller Crew crashed at Ludwigshafen-Oggersheim. All lie at rest in Durnbach War Cemetery. W R C

The Williams Crew

460 Squadron RAF Breighton

Lancaster I W4942 UV-F

Op Plzen

Took off 2106 Breighton

Sgt J N Williams RAAF +
Sgt J C Bell RAAF +
Sgt E R King RAAF +
Sgt E C Ebbott RAAF +
Sgt L C Smith +
Sgt E J Ablewhite +
Sgt A W Clark +

Mr Chorley reports that the Williams Crew crashed at Worms-Horchheim. All lie at rest in Durnbach War Cemetery. Their average age was 23. W R C

The White Crew

460 Squadron RAF Breighton

Lancaster III ED711 UV-U

Op Plzen

Took off 2059 Breighton

F/S D E White DFM RAAF +
Sgt J S Stewart RAAF +
Sgt B Knilands RAAF +
W/O W R K Charlton RAAF +
F/S F H Ward DFM RAAF +
F/S A K Parker RAAF +
F/S A K Smith +
F/S R H Baker RAAF +

Mr Chorley reports that the White Crew all rest in Durnbach War Cemetery. Flight Sergeant White RAAF and Flight Sergeant Ward RAAF had been awarded immediate DFMs and which were Gazetted on 16 April 1943, the citation for both affirming their display of great skill and fortitude during operations to St-Nazaire in March 1943. W R C

Lancaster ED711 UV-U was a Royal Australian Air Force Crew apart from Flight Sergeant Smith being RAF and emphasises the dovetailing that was a hallmark of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War. All Commonwealth air forces were working as one, and the bond was quite incredible. KTW

On this night, twenty-one airmen failed to return to 460 Squadron, all being killed in action. KTW

This was an almost entirely Royal Australian Air Force Crew apart from the Mid-Upper Gunner Flight Sergeant Smith RAF. KTW

The Tozer Crew

466 Squadron RAF Leconfield

Wellington X HE501 HD-J

Op Mannheim

Took off 2117 Leconfield

F/S C F Tozer RAAF +
F/S G K Young RCAF +
Sgt H E Jones +
Sgt R K White +
Sgt G Errington +

Mr Chorley reports that the Tozer Crew crashed at Seraincourt (Ardennes) 16 km NW of Rethel, France. All, whose average age was 20, lie at rest in Seraincourt Churchyard.

Alongside them are the graves of three airmen from 7 Squadron whose Stirling crashed nearby the previous December. W R C

No. 7 Squadron RAF was a bomber squadron based at RAF Oakington, notably the first to operate four-engine bombers, specifically the Short Stirling, and later the Avro Lancaster. KTW

The Stuart Crew

467 Squadron RAF Bottesford

Lancaster I ED780 PO-

Op Plzen

Took off 2133 Bottesford

Sgt R C Stuart RAAF +
Sgt T Martin +
F/O B R McNair DFC +
Sgt A F McDonald +
Sgt R C Anderson RZAF +
Sgt P L Boase RAAF +
Sgt R J Johnson +

Mr Chorley reports that the Stuart Crew lie at rest in Poix-de-la-Somme Churchyard, France.

The Wilson Crew

467 Squadron RAF Bottesford

Lancaster III ED651 PO-Y

Op Plzen

Took off 2125 Bottesford

Sgt B C Wilson RAAF pow
Sgt R H Pallender +
P/O F J Boswell pow
P/O R Stitt pow
Sgt H F Goode inj
Sgt R Dunn +
Sgt W W Bannatyne +

Mr Chorley reports that the Wilson Crew all lie at rest together in Rheinberg War Cemetery, with Sergeant Goode dying from his injuries on 23 April.