Cover Design by:

121Creative Lower Ground Floor, Ethos House, 28-36 Ainslie Pl, Canberra ACT 2601 phone. (02) 6243 6012 email. [email protected] www.121creative.com.au

Printed by:

Kwik Kopy Canberra Lower Ground Floor, Ethos House, 28-36 Ainslie Pl, Canberra ACT 2601 phone. (02) 6243 6066 email. [email protected] www.canberra.kwikkopy.com.au

Compilation Alan Storr 2006 The information appearing in this compilation is derived from the collections of the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives of Australia.

Author : Alan Storr Alan was born in Melbourne Australia in 1921. He joined the RAAF in October 1941 and served in the Pacific theatre of war. He was an Observer and did a tour of operations with No 7 Squadron RAAF (Beauforts), and later was Flight Navigation Officer of No 201 Flight RAAF (Liberators). He was discharged Flight Lieutenant in February 1946.

He has spent most of his Public Service working life in Canberra – first arriving in the National Capital in 1938. He held senior positions in the Department of Air (First Assistant Secretary) and the Department of Defence (Senior Assistant Secretary), and retired from the public service in 1975.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Melbourne University) and was a graduate of the Australian Staff College, ‘Manyung’, Mt Eliza, Victoria.

He has been a volunteer at the Australian War Memorial for 21 years doing research into aircraft relics held at the AWM, and more recently research work into RAAF World War 2 fatalities.

He has written and published eight books on RAAF fatalities in the eight RAAF Squadrons serving in RAF Bomber Command in WW2.

He is a member of Canberra Legacy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Author acknowledges and thanks Kerrie Leech, currently Curator, Private Records, at the Australian War Memorial, for the great contribution she has made ensuring compatibility between my laptop and an AWM computer, so that research material on my laptop can be downloaded, and for her expertise in solving any computer problem that has arisen during the project. Without her contribution, the project would not have got off the ground.

Alan Storr. A WW2 photo of the Author

REFERENCE SOURCES :

Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour Print Outs.

AWM 237 (65) RAAF WW2 Fatalities by Squadrons

AWM 237 (63) Airmen and (64) Officers : Register of Deaths and Burials of RAAF Personnel who died on service 1939-1947

AWM 65 ( ) Citations held by Australian War Memorial

(NAA) National Australian Archives at East Block, Canberra :: Series A705 RAAF WW2 Casualty files. Series A9300 and A9301 RAAF Members WW2 Service records files.

Micro Film No 463 OAFH ) Office of RAAF Air Force History.

Veteran Affairs Nominal Roll 1939-1947 RAAF members .

Commonwealth War Graves records.

RAAF WW2 POW Files held at the Australian War Memorial : File Ref Series A54 File 779/3/129, Parts 1 to 30.

W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Volumes 1939 to 1947.

Michael Maton : DFC’s for Australians in World War 2

Ian Tavender : DFM Registers for WW2 Volumes 1 and 2.

SECOND WORLD WAR OVERVIEW : ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

The Royal Australian Air Force was expanding when war broke put, having 12 Squadrons formed, or in the process of forming. Most were located in Australia, but Australian airmen would end up serving in every theatres of war.

At the outbreak of war, 10 Squadron RAAF was in Britain collecting Sunderland flying boats purchased by the RAAF. The squadron was offered to Britain to serve as part of the Royal Air Force Coastal Command, flying anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic Ocean for the duration of the war. 11 Squadron was stationed at Port Moresby with Catalina flying boats, flying long-range reconnaissance patrols over northern Australia and north of Papua New Guinea. In 1940, 3 Squadron was posted to the Middle East as an army co-operation squadron with the Australian Imperial Force, but became a fighter squadron.

Plans had been made to raise and send more squadrons overseas but the Australian Government then signed up to the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), under which the Royal Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Air Forces would train aircrews to be loaned to the Royal Air Force. Most would serve in British squadrons, though some would be posted to ‘Article XV’, or ‘400-series’squadrons. These squadrons were raised by the RAF but with their nationality officially recognised – for instance 460 Squadron RAAF, to which the famous Lancaster G for George at the Australian War Memorial belonged. Many aircrews who survived their tours of duty returned to Australia to serve in RAAF Squadrons as instructors.

Training of EATS recruits took place in Australia, Canada, Rhodesia and Britain. By war’s end almost 40,000 Australians had been sent overseas under this scheme., serving in Europe, the Middle East, Burma and other places. Many men in Australia and overseas died in training accidents. Many who graduated from courses flew with Bomber Command, which had the highest operational loss rate of any British Commonwealth force in the war. The RAAF also sent ground crews to serve in most of the Article XV squadrons (as well as 3 and 10 Squadrons), most serving up to four years service overseas. Hundreds of RAAF members became prisoners of war in Germany and Italy, as well as a smaller number in the Far East.

The majority of RAAF personnel remained in Australia. The massive expansion of the forces required extensive administration, training, supply and maintenance services, and there was also a strong commitment to ‘home defence’, so many men and most women who volunteered for the RAAF never got a chance to serve overseas. To assist in meeting the demand for manpower within Australia, the RAAF formed the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force in 1941, recruiting women to serve in administrative roles and to perform routine maintenance on aircraft, serving alongside men, in non-operational units (mostly training establishments) in Australia.

In 1940, the RAAF sent three squadrons to Malaya; in 1941 these were joined by an Article XV squadron, 453, raised at Bankstown, New South Wales, along with some EATS graduates posted to British squadrons. They were the first to see action against Japanese forces.About 200 RAAF men, mostly ground staff, were taken prisoner by the Japanese. By the end of 1942, RAAF squadrons also had seen extensive operational service in northern Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and Papua New 2.

Guinea. Other squadrons flew anti-submarine patrols over the shipping lanes around Australia. .

The majority of RAAF personnel who saw active service served in these campaigns against Japan. A few had previously served in Europe or the Middle East. Along with flying squadrons, RAAF members served in various supporting units including headquarters, supply depots, communications flights, medical aerial evacuation units, radar stations and airfield construction squadrons – some of the latter two types of units serving in the Philippines in 1945 with American forces. The RAAF also played a part in the repatriation of prisoners of war at the end of the war. The only RAAF servicewomen to see active service were members of the RAAF Nursing Service.

Source : Veteran’s Affairs World War 2 Nominal Roll

Note : There were 11,061 RAAF fatalities in World War 2.. (Australian War Memorial Fact Sheet No 19 refers).*

comprising 5,117 fatalities in RAAF members attached to RAF (primarily) or in some instances other Air Forces (Source : Count of fatalities in AWM 237 (62) Register of Deaths. and 5,944 fatalities in RAAF Squadrons and support units..

* Source AWM 148 Roll of Honour cards, RAAF, Second World War.

466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 22 December 1942.

Source: AWM 64 !/356 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 391 Radio call sign: HD – Y Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE391 failed to return to base from a defence cooperation exercise of the night defences of Sheffield and Leeds, UK involving eight aircraft from the Squadron. All the aircraft took off on scheduled times from RAF Driffield between 1725 and 1746 hours, and all landed except HD – Y which was not seen again. Reports from other aircraft of a fire in position 54.05N 00.25E resulted in an extensive ASR search being carried out by fourteen aircraft and three surface vessels, but these were unsuccessful The route and estimated times of the exercise were : RAF Driffield 1720 – coast 1739 – Sheffield 1850 – Mablethorpe 1909 – posn 35 miles east of Flamborough Head 1926 – coast 1945 – Leeds 2012 – Fleetwood 2042 – Holyhead 2118 – Seagull Island 2131 – Shrewsbury 2153 – Worksop 2215 _ Goole 2225 – RAF Driffield 2233.hours.

Crew: RAF Sgt R Egerton, (Pilot) RAF FO Sellars, G L (Navigator) RAF Sgt D Dorn (Bomb Aimer) RCAF WO Class 11 D L Hogben (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Davison, (Air Gunner)

No trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. These were the squadrons first casualties since the Squadron was formed.

1 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Accident : 31 December 1942.

Source: AWM 64 1/356. NAA : A705, 166/40/27. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 286, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 149 Radio call sign: HD – J Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: HE149 crashed at 1935 hours on 31 December 1942 in Southburn Lane, Hutton Cranswick, 8 miles NNE of Beverley, Yorkshire, whilst on a training exercise. The aircraft had a propeller failure when carrying out night flying practice and after misjudging his emergency approach the aircraft was forced to crash land in a field in darkness. The aircraft was wrecked and the only member of the crew injured was Flt Sgt Norton, Air Gunner, who suffered a fractured thigh.

Crew: RAAF 406585 Sgt C F Tozer, (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt J R Norton (Air Gunner)

On 2/1/1943 the Station Commander ordered that night flying be suspended pending the results of an investigation into the propeller failure. The investigation included discussions with a representative from the manufacturer of the type of propeller used in the squadron aircraft. On 3/1/1943 the following instruction was issued: “Before engaging in night flying all aircraft should have the wiring in the constant speed units inspected.”

2 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Accident : 31 December 1942.

Source: AWM 64 1/356. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : page 286, Volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 383 Radio call sign: HD – W Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: HE383 crashed on 31 December 1942 in the RAF Leconfield circuit, coming down on Swine Moor some 2 miles NE of the centre of Beverley, Yorkshire. The aircraft had a propeller failure. There were no fatalities in the crash.

Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Belton, J S DFC (Pilot) (in command of ‘B’ Flight) (No other crew details are available from the records.)

On 2/1/1943 the Station Commander ordered night flying to be suspended pending results from an investigation into the propeller failure in the above accident and a similar accident on the same day. On 3/1/1943 the following instruction was issued, “Before engaging in night flying all aircraft should have the wiring in the constant speed units inspected”.

3 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 14 January 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 19, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 152 Radio call sign: HD – L Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE152 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1621 hours on the night of 14/15th January 1943 to carry out a mining operation in the Nectarines area off the island of Ameland on the northern coast of Holland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seven aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and one of these HE152 failed to return.

Crew: RAF Sgt R V Babington, Captain (Pilot) RNZAF Sgt J A Austin, (2nd Pilot) (a member of 196 Sqn) RAF Sgt L H Tabner (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt H W Stewart, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt M Harris (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A J Chester (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed into the sea west of Ameland and all the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Stewart is buried in the Vlieland General Cemetery. Vlieland is one of the Frisian islands lying off the north coast of Holland. The Cemetery is located on the north-west outskirts of Oost-Vlieland, about 1km from the quay. Locality Friesland, Netherlands.

The remaining members of the crew are listed as missing and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

Sgt Babington and crew was the first crew of the Squadron to be lost on an operational ‘gardening’ mission.

4 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 21 January 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 25, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 410 Radio call sign: HD – T Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE410 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1640 hours on the night of 21/22nd January 1943 to carry out mining operation off the Terschelling Island lying off the northern coast of Holland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Six aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and of these HE410 failed to return.

Crew: RNZAF Flt Sgt G Emerson Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt T R Fisher (2nd Pilot and member of 196 Sqn) RNZAF Flt Sgt G Whitla, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R G Prior, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt W D D Watts, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt H Hughes, (Air Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft was hit by flak in the starboard wing which effected the performance of the engine. The aircraft strayed from track and flying at low level clipped a telegraph pole near Mantgum before finally crashing at 1820 hours north of Wirdum (Friesland) and 5kms SSE from the centre of Leeuwarden, Holland.

Five of the crew became POW’s and Sgt Fisher was killed. He is buried in the Leeuwarden (Wirdum) Protestant Churchyard in Holland.

5 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 26 January 1943.

Source: AWM 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 27 Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 368 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE368 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1704 hours on the night of 26/27th January 1943 to carry out a bombing mission against Lorient, France. The aircraft completed the mission but on return it crashed at 2300 hours due to engine failure at Sutton Railway station, 2kms NNW of Retford, Nottinghamshire. Crew: RNZAF Sgt D M L McKenzie, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W C Bush, (Navigator) RAF FO Bonest, H E (Bomb Aimer) RNZAF Sgt C C Brownlee, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A R Ferris, (Air Gunner)

Sgt McKenzie, FO Bonest, and Sgt Brownlee are buried in the Finningley (Holy Trinity and St Oswald) Churchyard Extension, Nottinghamshire, UK. Sgt Bush who died of his injuries on 27 January 1943 is buried in the Southgate Cemetery, Middlesex, UK. Sgt Ferris was injured but survived the crash.

6 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 30 January 1943.

Source: AWM 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 397 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE397 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1106 hours on a daytime mission on 30 January 1943 to bomb Emden, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eight aircraft took part in the raid and two of these including HE397 failed to return.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Simmonds, C J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G C Baker, (Navigator) RAF Sgt A George, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt A E Rew (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt G E Watts (Air Gunner)

The ORB records the following by crews who returned from the raid “ The bombing was made under cloud cover from a low level. On the way out CU and SCU 8/10ths, base at 2500ft to 6000ft with occasional rain showers. Base falling to 700ft tops to 6000ft over target. Visibility good below cloud. Sharp and accurate bursts of light flak experienced.”

Post war no trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

7 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 30 January 1943.

Source: AWM 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 471 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE471 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1114 hours on the 30 January 1943 to carry out a daytime bombing mission against, Emden, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eight aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HE471 failed to return.

Crew: RAF Sgt C F Axby, Captain (Pilot) RNZAF Sgt D Durham, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J H A Beath, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt W Jackson, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF FO Watson, T G (Air Gunner)

On 25 February 1943 Sgt Beath’s remains were found on Malmo Island, and he is buried in the Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery. Esbjerg is a major port on the west coast of Jutland, Denmark. No trace of the other four members of the crew could be found and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

8 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 6 February 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 38, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 393 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE393 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1637 hours on the night of 6/7th February 1943 to carry out a mining operation off the coast of Brest, France. Six of the Squadron aircraft took part in the mission and all returned. HE393 however could not identify the mine dropping points and returned to base with its load of mines intact. The aircraft when landing overshot and crashed into trees beyond the runway at 2334 hours.. A spark from underneath ignited, a fire developed and the mines exploded. There were no fatalities and no injuries were reported. Crew: RAF Sgt J R Murdoch, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt M S Roberts, (Navigator) RAF Sgt P A Taylor, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt D W Williams, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J S Morgan (Air Gunner)

9 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 14 February 1943.

Source: AWM 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 43, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 156 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE156 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1832 hours on the night of 14/15th February 1943 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Nothing was heard form the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HE156 failed to return.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Kirk, W J R Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Mason, J E (2nd Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt W E Smith, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R E Bentley, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt N Leonard, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T W Reynolds (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2030 hours some 2kms south east of Meerhout (Antwerpen) and north of the Albert Kanaal, Belgium. Three of the crew Flt Lt Kirk, PO Mason and Flt Sgt Smith were killed and the other three members were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Schoonselhof Cemetery, Antwerpen, Belgium. Antwerp is 57 miles north of Brussels on the E19 and 59kms north east of Gent on the E17 motorway.

10 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 15 February 1943.

Source: AWM 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 153 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE153 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1825 hours on the night of 14/15th February 1943 to bomb Cologne, Germany. The aircraft bombed the target at 2020 hours from a height of 14,000ft. On its return HE153 crashed at Warter Priory near RAF Pocklington at 0001 hours due to a fuel shortage because of difficulty manipulating the fuel cock. Sgt Robson the Rear Gunner was killed in the crash and the other members of the crew survived but were injured and hospitalised.

Crew: RAAF 404837 Flt Sgt W R Martin, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J F Loudon, (2nd Pilot) RAF PO Harmer, H J S (Navigator) RAF Sgt B D hall (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J J Robson, (Rear Gunner)

Sgt Robson is buried in the Winlaton (St Patrick) Churchyard and Hookergate Cemetery, Durham, UK.

11 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 19 February 1943.

Source: AWM 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 531 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE531 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1820 hours on the night of 19/20 February 1943 to bomb Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Eight aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and all returned to base. HE531 however crashed on landing.

The ORB report is as follows “ Weather hazy with poor visibility. Green flares and red markers seen. Bombs dropped at 2009 hours, Ht 16,500 feet. One really good fire seen. We were attacked twice by an ME110 and the nose of the aircraft caught fire. Sgt Crowhurst (Bomb Aimer) baled out from the front escape hatch and the Nav and WOP were wounded by cannon shells. The fire was extinguished by the draft from the front hatch by which the Bomb Aimer had baled out. After the second attack the ME110 passed within 300 yards astern of HE531 and the tail gunner Sgt Wilcock fired a long and accurate burst which set the stbd wing of the enemy A/c on fire and both Rosser and Wilcock saw the A/c hit the sea still burning. This was the Squadrons first claim to have destroyed an enemy aircraft. The main petrol tanks were holed and the pilot flew on nacelle tanks for 90 minutes. The engines cut out as the aircraft reached RAF Kirmington and a successful belly landing was made. A good trip and a good show by all the crew.”

Crew: RAF Sgt R V Rosser, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D Livingstone, (Navigator) RAF Sgt E F Crowhurst, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt F J Brown (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H Wilcock (Rear Gunner)

Sgt Crowhurst is listed as missing and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

12 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 1 March 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 376 Radio call sign: HD – R Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE376 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1908 hours on the night of 1st/2nd March 1943 for a mining operation in the Heligoland Bight off the German coast.. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Five aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and one of these HE376 failed to return.

Crew: RAF Sgt W H Barrow, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R W Paull, (Navigator) RAF Sgt W H Evans, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt J Harvey, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J W Newton, (Rear Gunner)

Post war searches and investigations found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. The names of the missing crew members are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

The Operation Order No 35 issued on 1/3/43 for the above mission was as follows : Aircraft : 5 Wellingtons from 466 Sqn and 5 Wellingtons from 196 Sqn Target : Gardening (Rosemary) Datum Pt “Ink” Route : Base – Hornsea – 54.00N 0720E – Spiegeroog (enemy coast) - Target – Flamborough – Base. Vegetable Load for 10 Aircraft : 12 x B200 7 x C300 1 x C302. Dropping Interval : 5 and 10 seconds alternately. Pinpointing and dropping of mines to be from 4000feet to 6000 feet.

13 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 5 March 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356. Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 68, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 270 Radio call sign: HD – Q Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE270 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1915 hours on the night of 5/6th March 1943 to carry out a bombing raid against Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these HE270 failed to return. Crew: RAF Flt Sgt A C Yielder, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C J H Smith (Navigator) RAF Sgt R D Baker (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt J W Gould, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Linacre, (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the target area and all the crew were killed. Sgt Gould is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, which is located 40 miles north west of Duisberg, Germany. The other four crew members are missing and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

Operation Order No 37 for the above mission stated : Target : Essen Night 5/6 March 1943. Aircraft : 12 Wellingtons from 466 Squadron and 12 from 196 Squadron. Route : Base – 53.47N 00.02W (North of Withernsea) - Egmond – Dalsten – Target – Turn left – Haltern – Egmond – Flamborough – Base. All aircraft to carry - 3 x 500, 4 S.B.C (90 x 4) 6% X–Type. 2 S.B.C (8 x 30)

14 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 11 March 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: LN 404 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington LN404 took off from RAF Leconfield on 11 March 1943 on a night defence exercise over Hull, Derby, Leeds, Sheffield. At the time the weather was fine and clear, visibility 8 to 10 miles, and south west winds of 10/15 mph.

At 2117 hours Sgt Illingworth flying LN404 experienced a total port engine failure, misjudged the single engine landing and crashed in a field near the Leconfield airfield. The aircraft was severely damaged but there were no reports of any injuries to the crew. The records do not reveal the crew on board in the above accident, but the ORB records Sgt Illingworth’s crew on a mission on 9/3/43 as ::

Crew: RAF Sgt R A Illingworth, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt M S Roberts, (Navigator) RAF Sgt T H Sproulle, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R M Jackson, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F A R Hay (Rear Gunner)

15 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 8 April 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 155 Radio call sign: HD – H Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE155 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2132 hours on the night of 8/9th April 1943 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eight aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HE155 failed to return. Other aircraft on the mission reported the weather extremely poor with severe icing conditions. The target area was completely obscured by layers of cloud and no bombing results were observed. The flak opposition was scattered but two of the aircraft were severely damaged.

Crew: RAF PO Wood, S M Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Kneeshaw, A C (Navigator) RAF Sgt J G Chalmers, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt A D Pennycord, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RCAF WO11 L R Crowe, (Rear Gunner)

Post war searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

16 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 10 April 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 Commonwealth War Grave records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 506 Radio call sign: HD – N Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE506 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2315 hours on the night of 10/11th April 1943 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Thirteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these HE506 failed to return. The ORB records crew reports as follows “Strato-Cu cloud 10/10ths. Base 3000ft tops 6000ft . Visibility good. Wind north west 15mph at take off. Navigation was accurate but 10/10ths cloud at target made observation impossible. PFF technique employed did not produce a good concentration.” Wellington HE 570 flown by Flt Lt Reynolds collided with an unknown aircraft 50 miles from target on return but reached base with a badly damaged tailplane.

Crew: RAF PO Booy, F E Cptain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D L Gage, (Navigator) RAF Sgt G Myers, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt D W Willaims, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RNZAF Sgt J G Morgan (Rear Gunner)

Post war searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

17 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 15 April 1943. Source: AWM 64 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 256 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington HZ256 took off from RAF Leconfield at night on 14/15th April 1943 being one of eleven Squadron aircraft detailed to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. One aircraft returned after 3 hours due to illness of the Rear Gunner. The other 10 aircraft including HZ256 completed the mission, but the Rear Gunner of HZ256 was killed. Sgt Field (Rear Gunner) is buried in the Littlehampton Cemetery, Sussex, UK.

A Combat report of 21 April 1943 records the following : At 0040 hours in a position between Mannheim and Karlsruhe on a course of 101deg true at 1500ft, 200mph HZ256 was attacked by an enemy night fighter At the time searchlights were over Mannheim and Karlsruhe but were not in the immediate vicinity of HZ256. Visibility was excellent with three quarters moon and no cloud. The first indication the pilot had of the attack was tracers passing overhead coming from directly astern. The pilot immediately turned to port and dived. Contact could not be made with the Rear Gunner and it was later discovered that the fighters first attack had wrecked the turret and seriously injured the Rear Gunner. An unidentified twin engine A/c again attacked from the port quarter It was seen by the WOP in the astrodome. The pilot immediately turned to port and dived and the A/c was not seen again. HZ256 went on bombed the target and landed back at RAF Ford owing to the casualties and petrol shortage. The rear Gunner died of his wounds shortly after being removed from the turret and the Nav and B/A were both wounded in the shoulder and the WOP in he leg. Crew: RAF Sgt E F Hicks, Captain (Pilot) Awarded CGM RAF FO Clayton, R F (Navigator) Awarded DFC RAF PO Hopkins, R T (Bomb Aimer) Awarded DSO RAF Sgt F C Blair (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) Awarded DFM RAF Sgt E J Field, (Rear Gunner) Killed. On 30/4/1943 the ORB records the above awards for gallantry for their part in the attack on Stuttgart as being the first honours to be awarded to the Squadron : Sgt Hicks (Pilot) for skilfully evading the enemy aircraft and carrying on in a severely damaged aircraft, assisted by the Navigator, Bomb Aimer and WOP all of whom were wounded to bomb and photograph the target and then return safely to UK. The aircraft was flown and navigated back to a diversionary drome successfully despite the damage and injuries to the crew. All the surviving members distinguished themselves by carrying on after the attack to bomb their objective and navigate the aircraft back. PO Hopkins suffered a compound fracture of the arm but went forward to the bombsight, directed the pilot to the target and dropped the bombs. After which he went back and joined the Navigator and WOP in an effort to assist the Rear Gunner who had been fatally wounded.

18 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 16 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 237 (64) Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 501 Radio call sign: HD – J Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington HE501 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2117 hours on the night of 16/17th April 1943 to bomb Mannheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these HE501 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 406585 PO Tozer, C F Captain (Pilot) RCAF Flt Sgt G K Young, (Navigator) RAF Sgt H E Jones, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R K White, (Wireless operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G Errington, (Rear Gunner) Operation Order No 56 issued by RAF Station Leconfield ordered: Bomb loads : All aircraft to carry 6 x 500lb MC. Overload tanks : One to be carried on each aircraft Route : Base – Goole - Colne point – Whitstable – Dungeness – 50.10N 01.30E – 49.37N – 02.05E – 49.20N 07.00E – 49.20N 08.35E – Target – Turn Left – 49.37N 02.05E – St Valery – Ford – Advanced Base.

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Seraincourt (Ardennes), 16kms north west of Rethel, France, and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Seraincourt Churchyard. Seraincourt is a village and commune 42kms south west of Mezieres and 16kms north west of Rethel on the N46 road from Rethel to Montcornet and Marle. Locality Ardennes, France.

PO Tozer was the first Australian member of 466 Sqn to be killed in action. A summary of his service while a member of 466 Sqn is as follows : 20/11/1942 : Sgt C F Tozer, Sgt Young and Sgt Jones of his crew posted in to 466 Sqn. 10/12/1942 : 2nd Pilot in a raid on Turin, Italy, with No 10 Sqn RAF. Sgt Tozer became the first Australian member of 466 Sqn to take part in an offensive operation. 31/12/1942 : Sgt Tozer survived a night crash landing in HE149 due to propeller failure. The Rear Gunner was injured. 5/3/1943 : During raid on Emden, Tozer flew Wellington HZ256 back to base with great difficulty after colliding with Wellington HE396 of 196 Sqn RAF 30 miles from the enemy coast at 1000 feet. The 196 Sqn aircraft completed the mission. 12/3/1943 : Bombing attack on Essen. WAG wounded over target by shrapnel. 16/4/1943 : PO Tozer and crew killed in raid on Mannheim. Tozer together with his Navigator and Bomb Aimer had flown 12 missions and this was their 13th mission.

19 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 5 May 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356. AWM 237 (63) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 14,

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 530 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE530 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2233 hours on the night of 4/5th May 1943 to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HE530 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 414299 Sgt L F James, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414212 Sgt R E Dolby, (Navigator) RAAF 413214 Sgt R L Lutton (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R J Baxter, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 412543 Sgt F G Latham, (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0058 hours on 5th May at De Wijk (Drenthe), 10kms ESE of Meppel, Holland. Four of the crew were POW’s and Sgt Latham was killed. He is buried in the De Wijk General Cemetery, Brabant, Holland.

In a 1945 statement the then WO James reported “the aircraft was shot down at 18,000 feet when approaching Datum near the German border. The starboard engine was damaged and lost. There was fire in the bomb bays and rear of the aircraft and the controls were jammed. Gave bale out order at 10,000 feet The B/A, Nav and WOP baled out of the front escape hatch. The WOP was in the astrodome during the attack and received slight bullet and shrapnel wounds. The Nav and B/A were uninjured. The Rear Gunner was not in the turret and had spoken over the I/C after the attack. I told him to attempt to extinguish the fire and if unable to succeed to escape. The aircraft was diving out of control below 10,000ft. It was some seconds before I could attempt to bale out and I eventually made the front escape hatch at approx 5000ft. The aircraft crashed some 2kms from Raalte, Holland. I was uninjured and evaded capture for 3.5 days. Travelled west and south approx 60/70kms making for Belgium then France before capture. Was told by the Germans that the Rear Gunner had been killed. Released 16/4/45.”

20 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 13 May 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 237(63) NAA : A705, 166/40/38 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 530 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE530 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2233 hours on the night of 12/13th May 1943 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these HE530 crashed on return at Towthorpe Wold, an area of high ground, 10kms north west of Driffield, Yorkshire, UK. All the crew were killed. .

Crew: RAAF 411970 Sgt C W Trinder, Captain (Pilot) RNZAF Sgt D A M Davidson, (Navigator) RAF Sgt H Russell, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt D Traill (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E G L:Giggs, (Rear Gunner)

A report on the accident on the above Casualty file at Archives stated “ The aircraft returned from the operational sortie and after contact on R/T it was given instructions to land at Leconfield. About 20 minutes later the aircraft crashed 15 miles north-west from the airfield while flying in a south easterly direction. The height of the ground was 450ft and the cloud base probably close to that height. The aircraft hit the hillside and was scattered over a large area completely wrecking it. The port wing was burnt. The accident occurred in conditions of low cloud and very poor visibility. The aircraft was given a diversion to Linton but this was rejected as A/c unable to get there due to shortage of fuel. Between 0441 and 0531hours 11QDM,s were passed to the A/c. Also the aircraft had not positioned itself on either of the two beams (Driffield and Breighton) that were available in the Leconfield area.

Sgt Trinder, Sgt Davidson and Sgt Traill are buried in the Driffield Cemetery, Yorkshire. Driffield is located in the East Riding 30 miles east of York, UK.

Sgt Russell is buried in the Treshunt New Burial Ground, Hertfordshire, UK. Sgt Giggs is buried in the Hammersmith Cemetery, Sussex, UK.

21 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 14 May 1943. Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 7 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: MS 473 Radio call sign: HD – Q Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington MS473 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2356 hours on the night of 13/14th May 1943 to bomb Bochum, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and MS473 did not return to base. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these MS473 failed to return and HZ271 crashed on return.

Crew: RNZAF PO Sampson, T Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt C W Jones, (Navigator) RAAF 403633 Flt Sgt J F Cahill, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403621 Flt Sgt K S Murphy, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J T Lester (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was concluded that the aircraft came down in the North Sea. Four of the crew were POW’s and the body of PO Sampson was found on the 10th August 1943 near Scheveningen. He is buried in the Westduin General Cemetery. Westduin is a suburb in the south-west district of the Hague. Location Zud, Holland.

In a later report the then Flt Lt Cahill stated “The aircraft set course from base for target 15 minutes late. Engines were overheated in endeavouring to reach target on time. The starboard motor packed up. Hit by light flak. Baled out at 2500ft. All except Pilot baled out between 2/3000ft. Pilot remained in A/c. A/c in control when pilot ordered bale out. Walked about 30kms on own at night. Captured by German policeman at 0700 hours on 15 May about 20kms west of Alpen. Liberated 2/5/1945 by British Army.”

The then WO Murphy reported “Was told engines were not performing well at Dutch coast. On reaching target area the A/c only at 14,000ft. On release of bombs A/c dived to 9000ft due to engine failure. Pilot ordered prepare to bale out and acknowledged. A/c losing height until at approx 5000ft bale out ordered and then retracted immediately as engines picked up a little. Engines failed again and bale out ordered. Acknowledged. A/c still losing height and engines misfiring. Ht 2,500/5,000ft. All four baled out except Pilot. I approached two civilians whom I believed belonged to an aid organization. They took me on a bike to Rhineberg and handed me over to the local police. Released 16/4/45.”

22 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash: 14 May 1943

Source: AWM 64 1/356

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 271 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HZ271 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2353 Hours on the night of 13/14th May 1943 to bomb Bochum, Germany. The ORB then records the Captains report as follows “HZ271 bombed from 17,000ft at 0232 hours on T/I’s but the T/I’s went out before reaching the target area. So had to bomb on fires, six large ones being seen in the bombsight. Target area seemed well ablaze. Port engine developed trouble soon after leaving target area. Starboard engine gave trouble later. Had great difficulty in reaching land due to propeller failure A/c force landed in a field in Norfolk, 1 mile west of Winterton, three members of crew having baled out. No one seriously hurt.”

Crew: RAF Sgt E F Hicks, CGM Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Clayton, R F DFC (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt H L Fyfe, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt F C Blair, DFM (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt S Robbins, (Rear Gunner)

The above decorations were awarded to the three crew members following a previous mission to Stuttgart on 15 April 1943.

23 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 16 May 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 237 (63) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 151, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 386 Radio call sign: HD – Z Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE386 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2159 hours on the night of 16/17th May 1943 to carry out a mining mission in the Jellyfish area off Brest, France. Six aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and HE386 failed to return. At the time the aircraft were expected back monitoring stations picked up faint W/T signals. By 0120 hours an ASR was under way, the search eventually extending to an area 70 miles south of the Lizard. No trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found.

Crew: RAAF 8686 Flt Sgt J W Lawson, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414642 Flt Sgt R D Carne, (Navigator) RAAF 413256 Flt Sgt R L Robertson, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt D C Robertson, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G E Harmes, (Rear Gunner)

The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

RAF Leconfield Operation Order No 70 of 16 May 1943 laid down : Mines Load : All aircraft to carry 2 x F616/4. Dropping intervals 3 and 6 seconds alternate aircraft. Route : Base – Goole – Abingdon – Lyme Regis – Start point – 49.00N 0530W – 48.10N 0530W – Target – 48.10N 0530W – 49.00N 0530W – Lands End – St Eval. All A/c to land at St Eval.

24 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 21 May 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356. AWM 237 (63) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 153, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 257 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HZ257 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2210 hours on the night of 21/22nd May 1943 to carry out a gardening mission in the Nectarines area off the western tip of Schiermonnikoog Island off the northern coast of Holland. Five aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission from which HZ257 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 409306 Flt Sgt E T Horner Captain (Pilot) RAAF 24818 Flt Sgt A D M Ross, (Navigator) RAF Sgt A F Lane, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 409727 Flt Sgt O P Morton, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 412892 Flt Sgt T J Brassel, (Rear Gunner)

The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

The route for the mission was : Base – Hornsea – 53.50N 0530E – Target – 53.50N 06.20E – Flamboro – Base. All aircraft to land at Chivenor.

25 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 30 May 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 Commonwealth War Graves records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 172, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 212 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE212 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2223 hours on the night of 29/30th May 1943 to bomb Wuppertal, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Fourteen aircraft took part in the raid and three of these including HE212 failed to return.

Crew: RAF PO Lloyd, H S R Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hendon, W R (Navigator) RAF PO Harper, A V (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt S C Luke, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W J Blundell, (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0400 hours at Vollezelle (Brabant), 26kms WSW of Brussels. All the crew are buried in the Brussels Town Cemetery located in the north east corner of Brussels in the district of Evere, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.

26 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 30 May 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 269 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HZ269 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2211 hours on the night of 29/30th May 1943 to bomb Wuppertal, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and three of these including HZ269 failed to return.

Crew: RAF PO Launder, J C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt R Hutton (Navigator) RAF Sgt R Willis, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt F L J Hall (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt I Farquhar, (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that the had aircraft crashed, and that all the crew survived and were POW’s.

The route for the mission was : Base – Goole – Cottesmore – Orford Ness – 51.34N 03.30E – 50.59N 06.26E – Target – 51.20N 07.21E – 50.33N 0723E – 50.38N 06.00E – 51.22N – 03.20E – Orford Ness – Cottesmore – Goole – Base.

27 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 30 May 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 54 779/3/129, Part 16 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: MS 494 Radio call sign: HD – Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington MS494 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2226 hours on the night of 29/30th May 1943 to bomb Wuppertal, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and the aircraft did not return to base. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and three of these including MS494 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 411972 Sgt L O H Upjohn, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J R Paterson, (Navigator) RAF Sgt W V Garfield, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R H Napier (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F Hay, DFM (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0034 hours near Beesel (Limburg), 12kms north-east of Roermond, Holland. Four of the crew were POW’s and Flt Sgt Hay was killed. He is buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, which is located in the south-west part of the town of Nijmegen which is south of Arnhem. Locality Gelderland, Netherlands.

In a later statement the then WO Upjohn reported “ The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter. Prepare to bale out order acknowledged and jump also acknowledged. The aircraft was out of control on fire and the controls all shot up. Believe the Rear Gunner was killed in the fighters first burst and unable to bale out. I baled out at 8000ft. A/c crashed approaching Dutch frontier near Eindhoven I believe. I landed in trees near woods without any boots. After search found a small hut and some clogs. Accosted by a civilian who seemed very friendly. He indicated I was to follow him which I did but we met a body of Wehrmacht and I was captured.”

28 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 12 June 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/16/100 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 180, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 154 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE154 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2314 hours on the night of 11/12th June 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Sixteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HE154 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 408829 Flt Sgt F W R Green Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414782 Flt Sgt K E Fletcher, (Navigator) RAF Sgt A S Jones, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420233 Flt Sgt E D Milliken (Wireless Operator) RAAF 413631 Flt Sgt J F Mell, (Rear Gunner)

It was later established from German records that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at 0230 hours on the 12th June 1943 near Muiden.. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the New Eastern Cemetery, which is located in the southeast district of Amsterdam, in Kruislaan, a road in the Watergraafmeer area of the city.

29 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 12 June 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 237 (63) Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 150 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE150 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2316 hours on the night of 11/12th June 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Sixteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HE150 failed to return.

Crew: RAF FO Mackelden F, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413315 Flt Sgt R W Maroney, (2nd Pilot) RAF FO Roxburgh, S (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt T C Herbert, (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Gold, E M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt A G Rawlins (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Munchen Gladbach. German eye witnesses stated that the aircraft on being hit by ack-ack fire exploded in the air and all the crew were killed. FO Mackelden, Flt Sgt Maroney, FO Roxburgh, and PO Gold are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. The Cemetery is located 3kms from the centre of the town of Rheinberg which is located 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms South-west of Wesel, Germany. Flt Sgt Herbert and Sgt Rawlins are listed as missing and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK..

30 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 23 June 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 W R Chorley : RAF Losses of the Second World War : Page 202, Volume 1943.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 326 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE326 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2325 hours on the night of 22/23rd June 1943 to bomb Mulheim, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HE326 failed to return.

Crew: RAF PO Ford, A L Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Hewitt, C W (Navigator) RAF PO Amesbury, R L (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Fox, R W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF PO Richardson, A H (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Hamminkeln, 8kms NNW of Wesel, Germany. Four of the crew were killed and PO Fox was a POW. The four members killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, which is 40 miles north west of Duisberg, Germany.

31 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 26 June 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/3/173, 166/3/174.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HF 544 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HF544 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2349 hours on the night of 25/26th June 1943 to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eight aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HD544 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 406634 WO A B R Airy, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414960 FO Riley, W E (Navigator) RAF Sgt G C Green, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt T M Atkinson, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G R Johnson (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed in the vicinity of the Island of Urk in the Zuider Zee area, Holland.

The body of FO Riley was washed ashore near the Island on July 5th 1943 and he is buried in the New Eastern Cemetery which is located in the south-east district of Amsterdam in Kruisland, a road in the Watergraafsmeer area of the city.

No trace was found of the other four crew members who have no known grave and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

32 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 30 June 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/356 AWSM 237 (63) Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HE 481 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HE481 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2322 hours on the night of 29/30th June 1943 to carry out a mining mission off the coast of France in the vicinity of Lorient. Four aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and of these HE481 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 413826 Flt Sgt G S Colless, Captain (Pilot) RNZAF Flt Sgt R T Smit (Navigator) RAAF 401503 Sgt E O Gregory, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420152 Flt Sgt B K Conroy, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 413555 Flt Sgt D A Dunn, (Rear Gunner)

Post war searches found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

RAF Leconfield Operational order No 97 for the above mission lays down : Mine Load: 1 x D400, 1 x D204. per aircraft. Vegetables to be planted from 1000ft. Dropping intervals 3 and 8 seconds for alternate aircraft. Route : Advanced Base (Harwell) – Bridgeport – Start Point – 48.30N 0530W – 47.30N 0430W – Pinpoint (Aven) – Garden – 47.30N 04.30W – 48.30N 0530W – Bridgeport – Harwell – Goole – Base, Four aircraft from 196 Sqn RAF also took part in the mission.

33 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 4 July 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/357 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HF 569 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HF569 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2254 hours on the night of 3/4th July 1943 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HF569 failed to return.

Crew: RAF PO Edmonds, J W DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Halliday, C (Navigator) RAF Sgt P V Cook (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO F H Levi, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF PO O’Brien, P P G (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that all the crew were killed and they are buried in the Haverlee War Cemetery which is located 30kms from Brussels, and 3kms south of Leuven. Locality Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.

The above mission was PO Edmonds 30th and last trip of his operational tour.

34 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 6 July 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/357 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HF 601 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HF601 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2211 hours on the night of 5/6 July 1943 to carry out a mine-laying mission off Brest, France. Eight aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and of these HF601 failed to return.

Crew: RAF Wg Cdr Owen, J J MID Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Swain, E H (Navigator) RAF FO Darbyshire, F (Bomb Aimer) RCAF PO Long, A M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF PO Ray, J F (Rear Gunner)

Following post war searches and enquiries it was presumed the aircraft crashed in the target area. All the crew were killed. FO Darbyshire is missing and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. The other four crew members are buried in the Le Conquet Communal Cemetery. Le Conquet is a coastal village and commune about 21kms west of Brest. Locality Finistere, France.

Wg Cdr Owen who joined the RAF in 1926 was 35 years of age and was on attachment to the Squadron from Group Headquarters, while the other crew members came from 196 Sqn RAF.

35 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 14 July 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/357 NAA : A705, 166/16/165 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: LN 288 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington LN288 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0001 hours on the night of 13/14th July 1943 to bomb Aachen, Germany. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these LN288 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 413856 Flt Sgt W A Gunning, Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt H C Jordan, (Navigator) RAAF 422157 Flt Sgt R Feakes, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt D W Covell, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T F Cummins (Rear Gunner)

A post war investigation by the Missing Research and Enquiry Unit including interrogation of local inhabitants established that the aircraft crashed at Baudour presumably as a result of enemy action. Baudour is approx 6 miles south east of Chievres, Belgium. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Chievres Communal Cemetery (Comrades), which is located 15kms north west of Mons on the N525 road leading from the N56 connecting Mons to Ath. Location Chievres, Hainaut, Belgium.

36 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 26 July 1943

Source: AWM 64 1/357 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/39/106 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HX 580 Radio call sign: HD – C Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HX580 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2246 hours on the night of 25/26th July 1943 to bomb Essen Germany. Bomb load 2 x 500lb, 3 SBC 90 x 4, 4 SBC 8 x 30. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these HX580 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 416794 Flt Sgt R E Thorpe, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410459 Flt Sgt C R Cowan, (Navigator) RAAF 410177 Flt Sgt D P Speechley, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 415379 Flt Sgt W Harper, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 400392 WO J Harrison-Owen, (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft crashed into the sea and all the crew were killed. No trace could be found of Flt Sgt Thorpe and Flt Sgt Harper and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. Flt Sgt Cowans body was recovered from the shore at Noordwijk-Katwijk on 10 August 1943 and he is buried in the General Cemetery at Noorwijk which is situated to the north of Den Haag on the coast. Locality Zud-Holland, Netherlands. Flt Sgt Speechley and WO Harrison-Owen are buried in The Hague (West Duin) General Cemetery which is located in a suburb in the south west district of The Hague (Den Haag) . The Cemetery is in Ockenburgstraat in Loosduinen. Locality Zud-Holland, Netherlands.

37 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 12 August 1943

Source: AWM 64 1/357 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/14/78 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: LN 442 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington LN442 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2356 hours on the night of 11/12th August 1943 to carry out a mining mission in French coastal waters off St Nazaire. Eight aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and of these LN442 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 403045 WO E D Fogden, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409046 Flt Sgt F N Hamood, (Navigator) RAAF 409265 Flt Sgt W V B Winchester, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt R G Woosnam, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R W Richardson, (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that all the crew were killed and they are buried in the Guidel Communal Cemetery, Morbihan, France. Guidel is a village 60kms WNW of Vannes and 10kms north west of Lorient. Locality Morbihan, France.

The Leconfield Operational Order 115 of 11/8/43 required : 8 A/c of the Squadron gardening off St Nazaire on the night of 11/12th August 1943. Route : Harwell – Bridgport – Start Point – 49.00N 05.30W – 48.00N 05.30W – 47.30N 04.30W – Pinpoint – Garden – 47.30N 04.30W – and return by same route as above to start point then Bridgport – Harwell – Goole – Base. Aircraft to take off from Harwell Advanced base after refuelling. Drop height of mines between 700/1000ft. Mine loads : Various to individual aircraft.

38 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 31 August 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/357 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/38/261. Commonjwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: HZ 531 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington HZ531 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0017 hours on the night of 30/31st August 1943 to carry out a bombing attack on Munchen-Gladbach, Germany. Fifteen aircraft of the Squadron took part in the mission and two of these HZ531 and LN292 failed to return.

The two aircraft were involved in a collision at 5000ft over Goole Yorkshire when en route to the target. Both aircraft crashed and both crews were killed. HZ531 crashed at 0025 hours on 31st August at Sound Farm, Howden, approx 2 miles north of Goole. The night was clear and dark and the orders were that the aircraft should turn at Goole between 2000 and 6000ft and navigation lights were to be on.

Crew: RAAF 416798 Flt Sgt M J Smart, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407349 Flt Sgt N H Fuss, (Navigator) RAAF 420353 Flt Sgt J B McLachlan, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410436 Flt Sgt E H Berry, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J T Eccleston, (Rear Gunner)

The four RAAF members of the crew are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK. Sgt Eeccleston (RAF) is buried in the Widnes Cemetery, Lancashire, UK.

39 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 31 August 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/357 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: LN 292 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Wellington LN292 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0013 hours on the night of 30/31st August 1943 to carry out a bombing attack on Munchen-Gladbach, Germany. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and two of these LN292 and HZ531 failed to return.

The two aircraft were involved in a collision over Goole, Yorkshire when en route to the target. LN292 crashed in the centre of the town into Carlile St, Goole. All the crew and one civilian were killed and seven civilians were injured.

Crew: RAF Sgt J L Harwood, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G G Payne, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J Noar, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt F P A Elliott, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt T D McCann (Rear Gunner) (an American)

Sgt Harwood is buried in the Selby Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK Sgt Payne is buried in the Thurnby (St Luke) Churchyard, Leicestershire, UK. Sgt Noar is buried in the Rainsough Jewish Cemetery, Lancashire, UK. Sgt Elliott is buried in the Wandsworth (Earlsfield) Cemetery, London, UK. Sgt McCann is buried in the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK.

40 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 3 November 1943

Source: AWM 64 1/357 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/38/326.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: DT 554 Radio call sign: HD – J Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax DT554 took off from RAF Leconfield on 3 November 1943 to carry out an air to sea firing practice training exercise. While engaged in the exercise the aircraft exploded and crashed into the sea off Flamborough Head, Humber, UK, and all the crew were killed.

Crew: RAAF 415056 PO Smily, F W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt D Drury, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405645 PO North, C P (Navigator) RAAF 413862 PO Harris, A G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410504 PO Lucas, S J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 425322 Flt Sgt W W Johnston, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 426066 Sgt N W Dowie, (Mid Upper Gunner)

The body of Sgt Drury was picked up by a steam trawler and re-buried at sea but no trace of the other crew members was found. The names of all the crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

The above were the Squadrons first casualties since converting to Halifax A/c.

41 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 2 December 1943

Source: AWM 63 1/357

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 235 Radio call sign: HD – D Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX235 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1638 hours on the night of 2/3rd December 1943 to carry out a gardening mission in the waters off Terschelling Island, Holland. The ORB records that the aircraft carried out the primary mission, the drop position being located by Gee fix. Cloud was 7-8/10ths with tops at 5000 feet. On return the aircraft crashed on landing at Catfoss in very poor visibility. The aircraft was a write off but no injuries were reported.

Crew: RAAF 414452 Flt Sgt E Schuman, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409703 Flt Sgt L J Hodder, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt G P Tomlins, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt S G Waller, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 422176 Flt Sgt R J Harding, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt J A Hilton (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R J Constable (Flight Engineer)

The Leconfield Operation order 126 required : 12 Aircraft from 466 Sqn. Target : Nectarines 1. Route : Base – Hornsea – 53.40N 04.20E – Garden – Flamboro – Base. Bomb Load : 1 x B202 and 3 x B200. Drop Intervals 4 and 7 seconds.

42 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 16 December 1943

Source: AWM 64 1/357 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/12/57. Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 296 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX296 took off from RAF Leconfield on a cross-country H2S training flight during the afternoon of 16 December 1943. Soon after take off the aircraft made an emergency crash landing at Decoy Farm, Watton near Hutton Cranswick airfield, Yorkshire. The aircraft was not long airborne when the starboard outer engine caught fire and spread to the starboard mainplane. Three of the crew were killed and the five other members were injured.

Crew: RAAF 409072 PO Bermingham G R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G E Kent (Flight Engineer) RAAF 413577 PO Gribble, E H (Navigator) RAAF 409527 PO Evans, J E (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt E J Roynon, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F C Brown (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt C W Angus (Rear Gunner) RAF Flt Lt Thompson, V M B (Navigation Instructor)

PO Gribble and Sgt Roynon are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK. Flt Sgt Angus is buried in the Consett (Benfieldside) Cemetery, Durham, UK.

43 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 20 December 1943.

Source: AWM 64 1/357 AWM 237 (63) AWM 54 779/3/129, Part 12.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 273 Radio call sign: HD – W Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX273 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1648 hours on the night of 20/21st December 1943 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Sixteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX273 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 413748 Flt Sgt P J Edwards, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410143 Flt Sgt R G Brett, (Navigator) RAAF 409226 Flt Sgt R S Parsons, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421353 FO Loane, B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt R E F Spalding, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 419441 Flt Sgt F S Cahir, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R S Hall (Flt Engineer)

It was later established that the aircraft crashed and Flt Sgt Edwards was killed and all the other crew members were POW’s. Flt Sgt Edwards is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. In a 1945 statement the then WO Parsons reported “A night fighter attacked after we bombed the target, setting the inner engine and wing on fire. The Captain ordered bale out after an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish the fire. All the crew were uninjured and acknowledged. I baled out first at 12,000 feet with the aircraft diving steeply and out of control. I estimate the A/c crashed approx 20/30 miles north east of Frankfurt. Five others baled out OK and have met them. I presume the Pilot was still in the plane when it crashed. I was captured by the German Home guard on 23/12 and released by the Russians on 23/4/45.”

44 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 20 December 1943

Source: AWM 64 1/357 AWM 237 (63) Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 236 Radio call sign: HD – J Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX236 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1703 hours on the night of 20/21st December 1943 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 2000lb, 9 SBC’s 90 x 4lb, 4 SBC’s 8 x 30lb. Sixteen aircraft from the Squadron took off for the raid and two of these including HX236 failed to return.

Crew: RAF FO Scales, J Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt W Ferris, (Navigator) RAF Sgt R T H Headford, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt J R G Matthews, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF FO Lunnis, R H (Rear Gunner) RAAF 419319 Flt Sgt A M Le Grand, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T G Townson, (Flight Engineer)

Following post war enquiries it was believed that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Weisbaden, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Rheinberg is located 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south west of Wesel.

45 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 20 January 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 part 1. AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/396. Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 278 Radio call sign: HD – Z Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX278 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1641 hours on the night of 20/21st January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HX278 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 412473 Flt Lt Baldwin, W G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408796 FO Clemo, W L (2nd Pilot) RAF WO J P Morrow, (Navigator) RAF PO Sparrow, M R (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt J T Gilchrist, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F Rushworth, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 408595 WO K E Rimington, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J McM Fleming, (Flight Engineer)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Weitsche which is a village approx 12 miles north of Salzwedel, Northern Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, which is 13kms south east of Soltau on the west side of the Hamburg to Hanover road. Locality Soltau. Wedersachsen, Germany.

46 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 22 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 22. Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 312 Radio call sign: HD – K Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax HX312 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2004 hours on the night of 21/22nd January 1944 to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 2000, 2 x 500lb bombs, Clusters 7 x 90 x 4lb, 4 x 8 x 30lb.Sixteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HX312 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 412066 Flt Sgt C G Johnston, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420161 Flt Sgt L Doust, (Navigator) RNZAF Flt Sgt J E Dobson, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt L W Wykes, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 422757 Flt Sgt J K Thompson, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt J F Morgan (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt S Henman, (Flight Engineer)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at De Lutte (Overijssel), a village practically on the Dutch/German border, and 4kms ESE of Oldenzaal. Five of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Doust and Flt Sgt Dobson were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Losser (De Lutte) Roman Catholic Cemetery. Losser is a small town 9kms north east of Enschede only 2kms from the German border. De Lutte is a village administered by Losser and is 9kms NNE of the town. Locality Overijssel, Netherlands.

In a 1945 report the then WO Doust stated “ On the way back from Magdeburg we were to port of track and I altered course again to port to avoid the flak around Hanover mistaking it for Bremen. The Pilot was weaving when one engine received two direct hits and he ordered the Flight Engineer to feather the propeller. The Flt Eng said he could not feather the prop. The Pilot gave to Bale out order I bent down to open the escape hatch and received a blow on the side of the head which made me unconscious. I don’t remember opening the escape hatch or baling out but the Bomb Aimer told me that I did it. Dobson was taken prisoner and I was in camp with him. The rest of the crew were killed. The A/c crashed on the Dutch border west of Osnabruck. I was wounded and asked a farmer for a doctor. He obtained a doctor and the police. Released by Army on May 2nd 1945.”

47 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Accident : 22 January 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 247 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX247 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2028 hours on the night of 21/22nd January 1944 to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Sixteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. HX247 completed the mission and landed at 0338 hours. On touchdown the starboard wing of HX247 dropped and as a result the aircraft swung to starboard smashing the undercarriage in the process. There were no fatalities in the accident.

Crew: RAAF 417255 Flt Sgt C R Wilson Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422110 Flt Sgt A F Baldick, (Navigator) RAAF 418195 Flt Sgt A M Stark (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt P H Stainer (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 426140 Sgt G K McDowell, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 427169 Flt Sgt W F Towler, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt L H Cary, (Flight Engineer)

The ORB recorded “ Primary attacked from 20,000 feet at 2312 hours (215deg M, 152 IAS). Identified by Red T I’s and confirmed by H2S. Bombed 4 Red T I’s. Broken cloud at target.

48 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 29 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/142/353. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 233 Radio call sign: HD – C Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax HX233 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0024 hours on the night of 28/29th January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Fourteen aircraft took part in the raid and three of these including HX233 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 412463 Flt Lt Mack, F W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 421250 Flt Sgt Cowin, D J (2nd Pilot) RAF PO Ward, N E (Navigator) RAF PO Hunt, H G (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt C J Barron, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 420109 Flt Sgt D S Alexander, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 429601 Flt Sgt A Morgan, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H J Wright, (Flight Engineer) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter after bombing the target. HX233 exploded in the air and crashed in fields near the village of Hirschfelde, approx 18 miles north east of Berlin. Six of the crew were killed and two PO Ward and PO Hunt were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the 1939-45 War Cemetery, Berlin.

PO Ward in a later report stated “ The aircraft was probably hit by ack-ack over Berlin. Then shortly after leaving we were attacked at 19,000ft by a night fighter. The aircraft was on fire and bale out ordered. Believe the Mid Upper Gunner was killed by fire from the night fighter. The WAG seems to have baled out but nothing further heard of him. The Bomb Aimer a POW. Nothing known re rest of crew. The Germans said four were in the wrecked aircraft.”

Leconfield Operation order No 136 for the above mission required : 466 Sqn : Sixteen aircraft (fourteen A/c took off) Target : Berlin Route : Base – Flamboro – 55.10N 07.00E – 55.10N 10.35E – Target – 52.23N 13.45E – 52.35N 14.05E – 55.10N 10.10E – 55.10N 07.00E – Flamboro – Base. All aircraft to carry 2 x 1000lb 2 x 500lb bombs Clusters 5 SBC (90 x 4) 3 SBC (8 x 30) All aircraft to carry Monica. All aircraft except D and Z to be equipped with H2S.

49 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 29 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (64) AWM 54 779/3/129 Parts 1 and 19 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 294 Radio call sign: HD – A Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX284 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0007 hours on the night of 28/29th January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and three of these including HX294 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 376 Sqn Ldr McCormack, A O Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406223 PO Tylor, J W (Navigator) RAAF 410755 Flt Sgt G Walker, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 415763 Flt Sgt J R Clark, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 417026 Flt Sgt R Whitfield, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 424310 Flt Sgt S L Smith, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R Collings, (Flight Engineer)

Post war it was established that the aircraft came down in the Baltic between the Danish Islands of Tasinge and Stryno. PO Tylor’s body was washed ashore at Nakkebolle Fjord and he is buried in the Extension Cemetery Faaborg. Faaborg is a small town on the south coast of the Island of Fyn, which lies between Jutland and Zealand, Denmark. The other six crew members were POW’s.

In a 1945 statement Sqn Ldr McCormack reported “Returning after having bombed. Engines cut out over Denmark. Could have been water in the petrol or tanks holed by night fighter which we fought. Ordered bale out all acknowledged. All crew baled out. A/c in control when I baled out at 3000ft. A/c crashed east of the Island of Langeland in Baltic. Tylor’s body was washed up at Faaborg, Denmark. All others POW’s. Released by British at Lubeck.” In 1945 Flt Sgt Whitfield reported “On night Jan 19th on return from target trouble with the petrol tanks. Captain ordered bale out and acknowledged. All baled out between 3/4000ft. A/c under control and not any damage. None in A/c when I baled out. I was last out following the Captain. As I did not have mae west on Captain waited until I was OK then jumped and I followed. Normal jump front hatch. Crashed somewhere east coast of Denmark. On landing rested for several hours. I was on an island. Went to farm house for help. Handed over to Danish police who handed me over to the Germans. Danish people scared to help. Liberated by English troop on 2/5/45.”

50 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 29 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1. AWM 237 (64) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 2 Commonwealth War Graves records Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 345 Radio call sign: HD – Y Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax HX345 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0025 hours on the night of 28/29th January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Fourteen Aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and three of these including HX345 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 205836 PO Coombes G B, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 417305 Flt Sgt R D Hughes, (2nd Pilot) RAAF 414121 PO Anderson, L D (Navigator) RAF PO Last R R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420516 Flt Sgt P P Balderston (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 409617 PO Trotman, C J (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt R Nelson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J T Causier (Flight Engineer) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter from 20,000ft and crashed at Biesdorff, 10kms ESE from the centre of Berlin. Three of the crew were killed and 5 were POW’s. PO Anderson and PO Trotman are buried in the 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Berlin and Sgt Nelson who is missing has his name commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

In 1945 the then FO Coombes reported “The stbd inner failed when crossing the German Baltic coast – oil pump. Attacked and shot down by an ME210 running in on the target. Seven attacks resulting in loss of stbd outer and port outer. Aileron controls damaged. Ordered bale out I/C cut out before crew could acknowledge. Rear Gunner acknowledged by call light. Remained with A/c from 13,000 to 7000ft and baled out. Five had already baled out but not sure of Trotman and Nelson as I had been unconscious for a while and a little hazy. A/c descended in a spiral. No fire. Crashed near Berlin. Met PO Last in hospital who was wounded in back. I had cannon shell wound in left leg and shrapnel wound in forehead. Landed in small field on outskirts Berlin. Captured immediately by Germans manning searchlights. Released by British Army 10/4/45.”

Leconfield Operational order No 136 required : 16 Aircraft from 466 Sqn (14 took off) Target Berlin Night 28/29th January 1944. Route : Base – Flamboro _ 55.10N 07.00E – 55.10N 10.35E – Target – 52.23N 13.45E – 52.35N 14.05E – 55.10N 10.10E – 55.10N 07.00E – Flamboro – Base. All Aircraft to carry 2 x 1000, 2 x 500lb. Clusters 5 SBC (90 x 4) 3 SBC (8 x 30) All A/c to carry Monica. All A/c except D & Z equipped with H2S.

51 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 29 January 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 239 Radio call sign: HD – G Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX239 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0020 hours on the night of 28/29th January 1944 to bomb Berlin. HX239 bombed the primary target from 19,000 feet at 0331 hours but homebound ran low on fuel with the fuel system defective and port outer U/S. A forced landing was attempted at Matlaske airfield Norfolk. The approach was made downwind and as the aircraft touched down at 0843 hours, the pilot realised he was heading for a group of workmen. In order to avoid a tragedy he ground looped and in so doing collided with a partially constructed hangar injuring some of the crew. There were no fatalities. Crew: RCAF PO Graham, D D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410376 Flt Sgt F C Pope, (2nd Pilot) RAAF 414273 PO Studders, A F (Navigator) RAAF 420953 PO Manning, M F (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Robb, J C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 420156 PO Cunningham, J M (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt R E Catt, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Ellis (Flight Engineer)

Leconfield Operation Order No 136 required : 16 Aircraft from 466 Sqn (14 took off) Target Berlin Night 28/29th January 1944 Route : Base – Flamboro – 55.10N 07.00E – 55.10N 10.35E – Target – 52.23N 13.45E – 52.35N 14.05E – 55.10N 10.10E – 55.10N 07.00E - Flamboro – Base. All aircraft to carry 2 x 1000, 2 x 500lb. Clusters 5 SBC (90 x 4) 3 SBC (8 x 30) All A/c to carry Monica. All A/c except D and Z equipped with H2S.

52 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 15 February 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/44/104.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 293 Radio call sign: HD – F Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX293 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1711 hours on the night of 15/16th February 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX293 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 420326 Flt Sgt J D Wormald, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412869 Flt Sgt F K Williams, (Navigator) RAAF 426168 Flt Sgt C Sheldon, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410191 Flt Sgt H C L Thomas, (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 427076 Flt Sgt T F Eastcott, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 423003 Flt Sgt R J Newell, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J T Darwood, (Flight Engineer)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed on the outskirts of the village of Opeinde 32kms WSW of Groningen, Holland. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Grootegast Protestant Churchyard, Opeinde, Holland.

Leconfield Operation Order No 138 laid down : Bomb load each aircraft : 2 x 500lb, Clusters 480 x 4 I B, 60 x 4 ‘X’ Type, 32 x 30lb I B: Route : Base – Flamboro – 55.25N 07.00E – 55.10N 10.00E – 54.30N 12.30E – Target – 52.10N 12.50E – 52.40N 11.00E – 52.40N 08.55E – 53.40N 04.00E – Base.

53 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 15 February 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 17. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 336 Radio call sign: HD – M Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax HX336 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1706 hours on the night of 15/16th February 1944 to bomb Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX336 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 403904 Flt Lt Cairns, J D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414847 PO Shine, P (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt W N Wiffen (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 414319 Flt Sgt C Rigby, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 414159 WO A C H Oliver, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 426835 Flt Sgt J W French, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G E D Haggard, (Flight Engineer)

The aircraft was abandoned in the vicinity of Papenburg due to engine failure brought about by malfunctioning overflow pumps. All the crew survived and were POW’s.

In a 1945 report Flt Lt Cairns stated “ On the way to target the overload tank pump (presumably) failed and only 60 gallons was able to be drained. However I decided to carry on as there was sufficient fuel to get back safely. After leaving the target it was found when we changed tanks that No 2 port and No 4 stbd refused to feed and the engines kept cutting and packing up. At times we flew on three engines and sometimes two. I carried on trying to get the fuel system working but to no avail, so with 20 minutes flying left I turned south to get out of the stream and told crew to prepare to abandon. I then began circling still trying to get fuel feeding and six of the crew baled out of the front hatch. The A/c was flying straight and level when I left at 7000ft..I landed near the A/c and was picked up 8 hours later on the outskirts of Papenburg. All the crew were POW’s. I was released on 16/4/45 by 2nd British Army.”

Leconfield Operation Order No 138 required : Bomb Load each aircraft : 2 x 500lb, Clusters 480 x 4 I.B, 60 x 4 ‘X’ type, 32 x 30lb I.B Route : Base – Flamboro – 55.25N 07.00E – 55.10N 10.00E – 54.30N 12.30E – Target – 52.10N 12.50E – 52.40N 11.00E – 52.40N 08.55E – 53.40N 04.00E – Base.

54 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 20 February 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/28/248.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 781 Radio call sign: HD – H Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV781 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0017 hours on the night of 19/20th February 1944 to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Fourteen aircraft took part in the raid and all returned except LV781.

Crew: RAAF 415168 WO J F Moran Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412261 WO A N D McPhee, (Navigator) RAAF 423178 FO Pepper, M G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 425449 Flt Sgt L A Laver (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt E Harper, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt G E Brown (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R F Banks, (Flight Engineer)

Following post war enquiries it was believed that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed in the North Sea off Harlingen, Holland. All the crew were killed.

The bodies of Sgt Harper and Sgt Brown were washed ashore near Harlingen and they are buried in the General Cemetery at Harlingen, which is a town on the seaboard of Waddenzee, 38kms west of Leeuwarden and 28kms north west of Sneek. Locality Friesland, Netherlands. It was presumed that the four RAAF members of the crew and Sgt Banks (RAF) lost their lives at sea, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

55 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 16 March 1944

Source: AWM64 1/360 Part 1

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 521 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LW521 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1859 hours on the night of 15/16th March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Seventeen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including LW521 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 420433 Flt Sgt J C Bond, Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Chrimes, O K (Navigator) RAAF 426112 Flt Sgt J N Keys, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 409855 Flt Sgt B L Sheean (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 427047 Sgt C Y Warren (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt D K Messenger, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J A White, (Flight Engineer)

The ORB records the following : “Attacked primary Bombed Red & Green T.I’s. Attacked and damaged by fighter on run up to target. Short of petrol and ditched 30 miles south of Portland Bill, Navigator missing. All others picked up”

The name of the missing navigator FO Chrimes (RAF) is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

56 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 16 March 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 16

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 341 Radio call sign: HD – D Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX341 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1845 hours on the night of 16/16th March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Seventeen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX341 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 412787 FO Wills, H C Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Fitch, R A (Navigator) RAAF 16489 Flt Sgt H E Dawson (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt F Cunliffe, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt H W Clark, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 424549 Flt Sgt J F Wood, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R W Jackson, (Flight Engineer)

All the crew survived the crash and were POW’s.

In 1945 FO Wills recorded the following “About 100 miles on home run A/c attacked by fighter from stbd beam which scored hits immediately in the centre section behind the engineers panel and in overload petrol tank. A/c burning furiously and on pulling out of evasive action at18,000/17,000ft ordered abandon. No acknowledgement received as had to remove helmet and mask because of burns received .On replacing same the I/C was dead. Remained circling til approx 4000ft then baled out. A/c in fair control until baling out then commenced spin and crashed on edge of Hagenan Forest. A/c was on fire all the way down and exploded on contact. All crew successfully baled out and have now returned to UK. WAG evaded capture and returned home via Switzerland. No injuries apart from self. Landed on hill overlooking small village about one quarter of a mile away. About one & half hour later made my way down to village and entered Police Hdqrts. Identified as RAAF Officer and handed over to Luftwaffe. Transferred to Prison Hospital Strasbourg for treatment and then prison camps. Released by Russians 1/5/45.”

57 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 18 March 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/8/399. Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: ZW 369 Radio call sign: HD – F Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax ZW369 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1931 hours on the night of 18/19th March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and three of these including ZW369 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 286104 Flt Lt Curnow L D Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Taylor S R (Navigator) RAAF 415197 PO Trewern, W C (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Garbutt, R H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt W Forrester, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 424811 Flt Sgt L C Williamson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt E T Stallard, (Flight Engineer)

Post war enquiries and investigations by a Missing Research and Enquiry Unit reported that the aircraft crashed near Pfungstadt on 18 March 1944 presumably as a result of enemy action. Pfungstadt is approx. 5 miles south west of Darmstadt, Germany. Six of the crew were killed and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz a town 48kms south of Munich.

Sgt Forrester (RAF) who was a POW reported “ The Germans told me that five of the crew got out and one body was in the aircraft. They gave me the names of all of them with the exception of PO Taylor. So he must have been the one left in the aircraft. The rest got out but their chutes did not open apparently. I was told by a German doctor that I could see where they were buried but was moved before I could walk. Resting place about 6kms west of Darmstadt.”

58 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 18 March 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/43/562 Commonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 827 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV827 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1918 hours on the night of 18/19th March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and three of these including LV827 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 420314 PO Watson, M D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410253 Flt Sgt E S Newell, (Navigator) RAAF 414775 WO G E Doggett, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt C Roberts, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 406618 FO Gream, L A (Rear Gunner) RAAF 403750 F O Lees W H, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H G Price, (Flight Engineer)

It was later established that all the crew were killed in the crash. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz a town 48kms south of Munich. PO Watson was on his sixth operational mission, and was one of three sons in the RAAF (air crew) all of whom were killed in WW2.

59 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 19 March 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) AWM 54 779/3/129 Parts 19 and 24

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 231 Radio call sign: HD – B Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX231 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1908 hours on the night of 18/19th March 1944 to bomb Frankfurt, Germany. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and three of these including HX231 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 415357 Flt Sgt J E Richards, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422654 Flt Sgt K M Wilson, (Navigator) RAAF 417152 Flt Sgt R S Bray, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 414774 WO G R De Fraine, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 426059 Flt Sgt J Dansie, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 434463 Flt Sgt N J Lees, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt D F Woolridge, (Flight Engineer)

Four of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Wilson, Flt Sgt Bray and Sgt Woolridge were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the War Cemetery, Rheinberg, which is located 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south west of Wesel, Germany.

In a 1945 report the then WO Bray reported “The A/c was hit by gun fire from an unknown source. My I/C was shot away so no orders were received by me except by visual signals from the WOP. Nav left by front escape hatch some minutes before me. I baled out next from 19,000 feet. A/c under control. No fire observed, but due to lack of oxygen was not a competent observer of such facts. WOP still in aircraft when I left. Lying in snow and picked up by German Home guard. Later made contact with Nav and Engineer. Germans said four of the crew had been killed. Thigh and stomach muscles torn and spent time in hospital then in prison camps. Liberated by British Army 25th Group on 15/4/45.”

60 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 25 March 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705 : 166/38/463 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 136 Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 900 Radio call sign: HD – H Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV900 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1851 hours on the night of 24/25th March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 6 x 8 x 30 SBC, 6 x 90 x 4 IB. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and all returned except LV900.

Crew: RAAF 416706 Flt Sgt R L Robertson, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422321 Flt Sgt H F Smith, (Navigator) RAAF 426022 Flt Sgt V W Bath, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 402599 FO Iveson, E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 417812 Flt Sgt R I Cummings, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt H Hughes, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Strathearn (Flight Engineer)

It was later established from German records that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed approx 4kms north of Werne, 11kms NNW of Nordhausen.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, which is 40 miles north west of Duisberg, Germany.

61 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 11 April 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 23 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 169 Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 274 Radio call sign: HD – X Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX274 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2103 hours on the night of 10/11th April 1944 to bomb the Marshalling yards at Tergnier, France. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX274 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 400387 FO Lamb C N Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422524 FO Slatter, S M (Navigator) RAAF 420203 Flt Sgt H A Jacob (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 418779 Flt Sgt R S Westerman, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 418954 Flt Sgt R A Ince, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 426822 Flt Sgt P J Bourke, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A S Harman, (Flight Engineer)

It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Rogecourt (Aisne), 24kms from St Quentin, France. Six of the crew were killed and FO Slatter was a POW.

AWM 237 records that the five RAAF members killed are buried in the Aisne Communal Cemetery (Versigny), France. Commonwealth War Graves records all the crew (except FO Slatter) are buried in the Communal Cemetery at Rogecourt a small village and commune 24kms south east of St Quentin and 5kms east of Lafere, France.

In a 1945 report the then Flt Lt Slatter stated “Fighter attack. A/c shot down over target near St Quentin Northern France. “All out, give me my chute WOP” ordered the Captain. Not acknowledged. Don’t know if any injured. A/c was out of control. Don’t think on fire. I baled out at 10,000ft. I was unconscious. Last I saw of crew was in the A/c but don’t think any escaped. Germans said they were all killed and that the aircraft attempted a crash landing but exploded 100 feet off the deck. Released by Russians May 1945”.

62 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 11 April 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 875 Radio call sign: HD – F Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV875 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2058 hours on the night of 10/11th April 1944 to bomb Tergnier marshalling yards, France. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including LV875 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 420433 Flt Sgt J C Bond, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412562 WO J H Maunder, (Navigator) RAAF 426112 Flt Sgt J N Keys, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 409855 Flt Sgt B L Sheean (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 427047 Flt Sgt C Y Warren, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt D K Messenger, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J A White, (Flight Engineer)

It was later established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed near Rosieres-eu-Santerre (Somme) 15kms north west of Roye, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Meharicourt Communal Cemetery, Rosieres-eu-Santerre. Locality Somme, France. Meharicourt is a village and commune 32kms ESE of Amiens and some 7kms south of the road from Amiens to St Quentin,

63 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 19 April 1944.

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM 237 (63) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 26

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 956 Radio call sign: HD – R Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halfax LV956 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2116 hours on the night of 18/19th April 1944 to bomb marshalling yards at Tergnier, France. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including LV956 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 420638 Flt Sgt B W Casey, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 423364 Flt Sgt J R Wallace, (Navigator) RAF Sgt A Weizman, (Bomb Aimer) (a Polish National serving in the RAF) RAAF 426781 Flt Sgt B R Richards (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 419234 Flt Sgt J E Swan, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 419661 Flt Sgt W B Lyall, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A J Camp, (Flight Engineer)

It was later established that the aircraft crashed some 500 metres south of Forges-les- Eaux (Seine-Maritime), France. Flt Sgts Casey, Swan and Lyall were killed and they are buried in the Poix-de-la-Somme Churchyard, Somme, France. Flt Sgt Wallace and Sgt Camp evaded capture and returned to the UK, and Sgt Weizman and Flt Sgt Richards were POW’s.

In a 1945 statement the then WO Richards reported “A/c was hit by flak in the bomb bay. The I/C and electrical system were destroyed. A/c began to burn immediately. No order to bale out because I/C U/S. Assumed later that both Gunners were killed by flak. The Nav, B/A and Engineer went before me. The Pilot and 2 Gunners were still in the aircraft when I left at approx 4000ft. A/c was in a steep dive and all but the nose burning fiercely. A/c crashed near Beauvais. Landed in field and captured next morning. Met B/A after capture. Germans said 3 killed in aircraft. Nav and Engineer escaped to UK. Released by British Army 30/4/45.”

64 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 23 April 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1 AWM (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/36/251.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 337 Radio call sign: HD – W Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax HX337 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2216 hours on the night of 22/23rd April 1944 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these HX337 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 410122 FO Russell, W N T DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410379 WO D Purcell, (Navigator) RAAF 21111 Flt Sgt G B Hall, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410820 FO Sigmont, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 410869 Flt Sgt W M Cashman, (Rear Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt C R Draper (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G P Holder, (Flight Engineer)

A post war report by a Missing Research and Enquiry unit stated that the aircraft crashed at Bethleen, 3kms north east of Sorrine-la-Longue. Both FO Russell and Flt Sgt Cashman were killed and they are buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Louvain. Heverlee is 30kms from Brussels and 3kms south of Leuven. Location Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. WO Purcell, Flt Sgt Draper and Sgt Holder were POW’s and Flt Sgt Hall and FO Sigmont evaded capture and returned safe to the UK.

In a report by WO Purcell he stated “ Before reaching the target when at a height of 19,000ft the aircraft collided with another aircraft causing it to become uncontrollable and go into a dive. The order to bale out was given. I left the aircraft followed by FO Sigmont at approx 10/12,000ft. Sigmont saw no other chutes in the air but he made contact with Hall a week later and the Resistance Movement informed him that Russell and Eastman had lost their lives.”

Leconfield Operation Order No 155 required : 16 (15 took off) aircraft from the Squadron Bomb Load : All aircraft carry 1 x 2000lb, 69 x 41B ‘X’ type, 56 x 30 IB, 480 x 4 IB. Route : Base – Orfordness – 51.50N 02.23E – 50.28N 0245E - 50.25N 06.02E – Target – 51.17N 06.48E – 51.30N 06.20E – 51.50N –03.00E - Orfordness – Base.

65 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 1 May 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 1

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 791 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV791 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2120 hours on the night of 30/4-1st May 1944 to bomb Acheres marshalling yards. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid, and one of these LV791 failed to return to base. All the crew survived the crash and there were no fatalities.

The ORB records the following “ Primary attacked from 12,500ft at 2354 hours, 144degM. Bombed white GM clear. The Pilot’s report stated “At approx 2215 hours the Mid Upper Gunner discovered that a piece of the front part of the fin approx 12 x 5 inches was torn and flapping, but I decided to continue as did not think that damage would extend. Aircraft fully under control until approx 40 miles from own coast on return. For rest of journey almost completely out of control, vibrating violently and alternately losing and gaining height. I managed to get inland crossing Selsey Bill and ordered crew to bale out from 8000ft approx 0100 hours. By this time front part of fin had disappeared. I was thrown about and slightly burned and eventually thrown clear and landed safe. Flt Sgt Evans injured his foot. Remainder safe and unhurt.”

Crew: RAAF 207838 Flt Lt MacDermott, B J Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt L T Sanders, (Navigator) RAAF 422181 Flt Sgt W A Hines, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt T Evans, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt W V Dodd, (Rear Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt W S Shoemaker (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt N McA Brown, (Flight Engineer)

66 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 7 May 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 14. NAA : A705, 166/18/35.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 943 Radio call sign: HD – G Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax LV943 took off from RAF Leconfield at 0011 hours on the night of 6/7th May 1944 to bomb the marshalling yards at Mantes-Gassicourt. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these LV943 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 420882 PO Hourigan, E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414205 WO C R Cullen (Navigator) RAAF 415738 Flt Sgt R W Perry, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 414863 WO O J Doherty, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 423094 Flt Sgt L J Garske, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 417524 Flt Sgt L N Schulz (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J E Dickens, (Flight Engineer)

It was later established that the aircraft was attacked by a night fighter south of the target area and set on fire. All the crew baled out and survived. There were no fatalities. PO Hourigan, Flt Sgt Schulz and Sgt Dickens evaded capture and returned safe to UK. The other four crew members became POW’s.

In a 1945 report the then FO Cullen stated “ A night fighter attacked. The aircraft was under control but set on fire. Captain ordered normal bale out. Crew acknowledged. I went first at approx 13000ft. Aircraft crashed 20 miles west of target. Evaded for two days then captured at farm while trying to obtain food. Released British Army 2/3/1945,”

In a further report by PO Hourigan and others it was recorded ”The engines were running perfectly. The Engineer could not detect any petrol leak on the gauges. Both Gunners left their turrets and came forward. The Mid Upper was dazed and cut on the face. The Pilot continued to corkscrew until after the third attack from the port beam. He saw tracer going past him in this attack and felt the aircraft shudder but had no knowledge of any further damage. Gave order to bale out and all crew baled out of the front hatch. When the Engineer baled out the Pilot left his seat, the port wing dropped and the plane went into a steep dive. He got tangled up in his I/C but eventually got free and baled out. There was a smell of fire in the fuselage.”

67 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 13 May 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) Commmonwealth War Graves records

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 826 Radio call sign: HD – J Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV826 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2153 hours on the night of 12/13th May 1944 to bomb Hasselt marshalling yards. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including LV826 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 425000 PO Gaggin, E H captain (Pilot) RAF PO Jennison, G C (2nd Pilot) RAAF 413886 WO L J Nichols, (Navigator) RAAF 417507 Flt Sgt P W Nicholls, (Bomb Aimer) RAF FO Brookes, J R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 420434 Flt Sgt D A Bowern (Rear Gunner) RAAF 419321 Flt Sgt N E Locklier, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H Forbes, (Flight Engineer)

Post war searches and enquiries found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

RAF Leconfield Operation order No 164 required : 15 A/c from 466 Squadron. Target : Hasselt Route : Base – Orfordness – 51.50N 0230E – 51.32N 04.28E – Target – 50.52N 05.26E – 50.56N 05.34E – 51.32N 04.28E – 51.50N 02.30E - Orfordness – Base. Bomb load for HD – J 18 x 500lb. H2S fitted to all aircraft except ‘M’.

68 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 13 May 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 224, Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 919 Radio call sign: HD – O Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV919 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2151 hours on the night of 12/13th May 1944 to bomb marshalling yards at Hasselt. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including LV919 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 418332 FO Barnett, L V Captain (Pilot) RAAF 424212 FO Pinn, G P (Navigator) RAAF 410515 Flt Sgt H J Smith (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 427460 Flt Sgt W Gertzel, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 429924 FO Chinnery, L E J F (Rear Gunner) RAAF 429849 Flt Sgt W A Gillard, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A M Berry, (Flight Engineer)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0400 hours on 13 May 44 at Zondereigen (Antwerpen), 10kms NNW of Turnhout and practically on the border with Holland. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Antwerp (Schoonselhof) Cemetery, Belgium. The cemetery is located in Wilrijk a suburb of Antwerp, 57kms north of Brussels on the E19 and 59kms north east of Gent on the E17 motorway. Locality Antwerpen, Belgium.

69 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 28 May 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomb Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 247, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 267 Radio call sign: HD – U Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX267 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2349 hours on the night of 27/28th May 1944 to bomb the military camp at Camp Bourg Leopold. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and all returned except. HX267.

Crew: RAAF 409584 PO Page, K C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 415395 WO J E Browne, (Navigator) RAAF 415396 WO L W Cain (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 412360 WO W W Beavan, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 428256 Flt Sgt W J Moody, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt W Impey, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt A J Cox, (Flight Engineer)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at 0203 hours on 28th May 1944 at Zemst (Brabant), 5kms south from the centre of Mechelen in the neighbouring province of Antwerpen, Belgium. Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Cox (RAF) became a POW. Those killed are buried in the Brussels Town Cemetery, Locality Evere, Vlaams- Brabant, Belgium.

70 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 3 June 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/8/491.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 242 Radio call sign: HD – L Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX242 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2220 hours on the night of 2/3rd June 1944 to bomb the railway yards at Trappes, France. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX242 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 418810 Flt Sgt K G Coleman, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 424928 Flt Sgt O L Tyte, (Navigator) RAAF 425752 Flt Sgt J T Ridgway, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 419165 Flt Sgt B J Dowling, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 411336 Flt Sgt J E T R Kingham, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 410560 Flt Sgt J Oshlack, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J J George, (Flight Engineer)

Post war enquiries by a Missing Research and Enquiry Team established that the aircraft was seen approaching the village of St Armand des Hautes, Terres, province Eure, France, at approx 0200 hours on 3 June 1944. The aircraft suddenly exploded in mid air presumably due to enemy action and wreckage fell in a field 3 miles west of the village.

All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Communal Cemetery at Tourville-la- Campagne, which is a village and commune 10kms south west of Elbeuf a town 18kms south of Rouel. Locality Eure, France.

71 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 3 June 1944 Source: AWM 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 54 779/3/129 Parts12 and 19.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 271 Radio call sign: HD – V Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax HX271 took off from RAF Leconfield at 2222 hours on the night of 2/3rd June 1944 to bomb the railway yards at Trappes, France. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX271 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 422309 PO Smith, A L Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408346 FO Campbell, D R (Navigator) RAAF 417168 Flt Sgt H C Evans, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 412306 WO M M Bettington, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 430299 Flt Sgt L J Pulbrook, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 428454 Flt Sgt V W Phillips, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt F W Sowerby, (Flight Engineer)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at Dannemarie (Yvelines) 4kms SSE of Houdan. Four of the crew were killed and FO Campbell, Flt Sgt Evans and Flt Sgt Pulbrook were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Communal Cemetery at Dreux, which is a town in the sub- Prefecture in the Department of Eure et Loire about 25kms north of Chartres, France.

In a 1945 statement the then Flt Lt Campbell reported “ Two consecutive attacks by fighter aircraft. A/c on fire and controls badly damaged. Order to abandon given after second attack. Height about 6000ft. Can only recall B/A acknowledge. A/c diving under partial control with starboard inner on fire. Don’t know if anyone injured. Believe I left first at about 5000ft. A/c crashed about 7 miles north of Coulam, ESE of Paris. Landed safely. Met Evans and started to walk south. Captured by Germans 12 hours later. Met Rear Gunner when POW. Believe others killed. Released 22/4/45.”

The then WO Pulbrook in 1945 reported “Attacked by fighter A/c. A/c out of control and on fire. Bale out order given. Don’t know if acknowledged. Nav and R/G baled out before me at 4000ft. My chute opened just before I hit the ground. Don’t think any one left after me. A/c crashed near Collompes near Dreux. Walked for 15 hours south in direction of Spain, then captured by Germans. Met up with Campbell and Evans. Released by Russians.”

72 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 8 June 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/32/402

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 283 Radio call sign: HD – F Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax MZ283 took off from RAF Driffield at 2248 hours on the night of 7/8th June 1944 to bomb the railway junction at Juvisy, France. Fourteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these MZ283 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 417228 Flt Sgt W R Pearce, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401941 WO J W Godfrey, (Navigator) RAAF 417475 Flt Sgt P B Giles, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 426841 Flt Sgt W N Heywood, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 29888 Flt Sgt R Beard, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 432670 Flt Sgt J R Cottle, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt K B Woodman, (Flight Engineer)

Following post war enquiries by a Missing Research and Enquiry unit it was established that the aircraft crashed at 3am local time at Illeville, France. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Churchyard at Illeville-sur-Montfort which is a village and commune, 6kms north east of the town of Montfort-sur-Risle. Locality Eure, France.

73

466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 14 June 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/37/439 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : page 280, Volume 1944,

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 305 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax MZ305 took off from RAF Leconfield at 1314 hours on 14 June 1944 to carry out a cross country training flight. The aircraft crashed at 1443 approx one mile SSE of Meopham Green, 5 miles south of Gravesend, Kent. UK Five of the crew were killed in the crash, and Sgt Wren (RAF) who was injured died later on 23 June 1944. Sgt Tosh (RAF) survived the crash.

The four RAAF members of the crew and Sgt Humphreys (RAF) are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. From the records available it has not been possible to established the burial place of Sgt Wren (RAF)

Crew: RAAF 414603 PO Scott, T W M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410657 WO I F Gould, (Navigator) RAAF 414812 Flt Sgt D C Martin (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 418403 Flt Sgt R A Harrip (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt H W C Humphries, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt J Tosh (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H Wren (Flight Engineer)

An extract from a subsequent Court of Inquiry which appears on Casualty file 166/37/439 refers to the following : “Sgt Tosh stated that no trouble was experienced in the aircraft except for unknown trouble of starboard engines at 25,000ft. The air temperature was not excessively low –38degC. If coring did occur, the pilot used the wrong procedure when he feathered the props and stopped the engines.” An opinion was also expressed (by whom is not stated) that “the aircraft stalled and the engines failed to respond immediately to the throttles because of congealed oil in the CSU’s and the low oil temperature in the engines due to prolonged flying from a high altitude with the engines throttled back.”

74 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 22 June 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/26/489 Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 297, Volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 116 Radio call sign: HD – X Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax LW116 took off from RAF Driffield at 1323 hours on 22 June 1944 to carry out a daylight mission to bomb a flying bomb site at Sirracourt, France. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these LW116 failed to return. The ORB records that the aircraft was hit by flak and some of the crew (at least two) were seen to bale out. The aircraft was seen to hit the ground and explode. Crew: RAAF 406660 Sqn Ldr McMullan, J F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422680 PO Parker, M B (2nd Pilot) RAAF 413117 WO T Harrison, (Navigator) RAAF 417200 WO C A Jones, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 425074 WO H W Sedgwick (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 414753 FO Bowman, N E (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt C M Dawson, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G E Kent (Flight Engineer)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at approx 3pm on 22/6/44 near Houvin-Houvigneul, which is 37 miles south west of Lille, France. The six RAAF members of the crew were killed and they are buried in the Houvin- Houvigneul Parish (Pas-de-Calais) Churchyard, France. W R Chorley records that Sqn Ldr McMullan at age 22 was ‘amongst the youngest Australian Flight Commanders on bomber operations in the entire war’.

Sgt Kent (RAF) and Sgt Dawson became POW’s. In a later report Sgt Dawson stated “ A/c hit by flak when flying at 16,000ft. Port inner caught fire then whole wing. I/C working. Captain ordered bale out. Only self, Bowman and Kent acknowledged. Kent and I baled out through the rear. Saw Bowman in his turret before we left. We were then at 15,000ft in a shallow dive. Kent and I interrogated in same camp. The Germans told us all rest of crew were dead. Kent told me he had seen Sedgwick lying back in the aircraft apparently dead or unconscious. Parker was also seen struggling with the front hatch.”

75 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 18 July 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2. AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 13.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 313 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax MZ313 took off from RAF Driffield at 1522 hours on 18 July 1944 on a daytime mission to bomb marshalling yards at Vaires, France. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these MZ313 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 412294 Flt Lt Finley, P H Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Abbott, L C (Navigator) RAAF 410202 PO Evans, R J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410686 PO G J Mitchell, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 426402 Flt Sgt K M Tranent, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt J P T Finn (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt T W Wild, (Flight Engineer)

The ORB records that the aircraft was hit by flak over the target area and 5 of the crew baled out in the Paris area. Flt Lt Finley and PO Evans flew back to the UK and baled out over Lympne. The aircraft blew up on abandonment and disintegrated. The ORB further records “Abortive OET. Received direct hit from H/F about 12/15 minutes from T/A. Five of crew baled out on orders from captain. Bomb jettisoned about 20 miles north of Paris. Pilot and Bomb Aimer brought A/c back to Dungeness area then both baled out. A/c disintegrated in the air soon after they abandoned it.

There were no fatalities. Of the five who baled out PO Mitchell and Flt Sgt Tranent (RAAF) were POW’s and FO Abbott, Sgt Finn and Sgt Wild evaded capture and returned safe to UK.

In a 1945 report the then FO Mitchell stated “ Flak seriously damaged the tail unit and fuselage of the aircraft. Ordered to put on chutes, then jump. Acknowledged. Aircraft under control with great difficulty. I baled out between 13/14,000ft. The aircraft was flown back to UK by the pilot and bomb aimer. Others 2 POW’s and three evaded.”

76 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 25 July 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A707, 166/37/483 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: HX 243 Radio call sign: HD – D Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax HX243 took off from RAF Driffield at 2115 hours on the night of 24/25th July 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including HX243 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 427155 PO Shaw, H B Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt P J Birt, (Navigator) RAAF 418816 Flt Sgt S H Davies, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 424165 Flt Sgt J H Elder, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 27289 Flt Sgt A G Jasper, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 432200 Flt Sgt A O Beazley, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R England, (Flight Engineer)

Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry Unit reported that the aircraft collided with another aircraft (Halifax LV833 of 466 Sqn) and crashed near the village of Bonlanden, which is approx 9 miles south of Stuttgart.

All of the crew in HX243 were killed and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery.. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz a town 48kms south of Munich, Germany.

77 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 25 July 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/43/784, 166/37/483. Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 833 Radio call sign: HD – P Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax LV833 took off from RAF Driffield at 2122 hours on the night of 24/25th July 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including LV833 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 420087 FO Walsh, R J DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 424855 PO Croft, W D (2nd Pilot) RAAF 422722 PO K B Smith, (Navigator) RAAF 423220 Flt Sgt K W Campbell, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 426541 Flt Sgt P J Conway, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 415563 Flt Sgt M S Whiteley, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt H N Lloyd, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt R Palmer, (Flight Engineer)

Post war a Missing Research & Enquiry unit reported that the aircraft collided with another aircraft (HX243 of 466 Sqn) and crashed near the village of Bonlanden, which is approx. 9 miles south of Stuttgart.

Seven of the crew in LV833 were killed and Flt Sgt Campbell (RAAF) became a POW. Four of the crew FO Walsh, PO Croft, PO Smith and Flt Sgt Conway are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery. Durnbach is a village 16kms east of Bad Tolz a town 48 kms south of Munich, Germany. Flt Sgt Whiteley, Sgt Lloyd and Sgt Palmer are missing and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

FO Walsh had received an immediate award of the DFC on 7 July 1944.

In 1945 Flt Sgt Campbell reported that “ the aircraft was hit by flak and exploded with all members of the crew being thrown out immediately. The Germans told him that all the others were dead and buried at Bonlanden near Stuttgart.” Campbell later reported that “when the aircraft was hit it went out of control and crashed approx 35 miles south of Stuttgart. The Germans had informed him that two bodies had been identified and five unidentified.”

78 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 9 August 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/360 Part 2 AWM 237 (64) AWM 54 779/3/129 Parts 21,23,24 and 26. Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 368 Radio call sign: HD – X Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax MZ368 took off from RAF Driffield at 1129 hours on 9 August 1944 on a day mission to bomb a P-Plane site at Coquereaux, France. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these MZ368 failed to return. The ORB records that “the aircraft was shot down by heavy flak over the target area. The aircraft bombed the target and then exploded in the air. Four of the crew (and possibly six) were seen to bale out five miles west of the target.” Crew: RAAF 421636 PO Burrow, L F W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 426421 Flt Sgt M M Johnston, (Navigator) RAAF 421414 Flt G Surgeoner, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 423709 Flt Sgt H R Goodsell, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 419880 Flt Sgt R B Lusted, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 425862 Flt Sgt G W V Lusk, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt P G Mackay, (Flight Engineer) It was later established that two of the crew were killed, PO Burrow and Sgt Mackay. They are buried in the La Boissiere-St Martin Communal Cemetery, Somme. France. Flt Sgt’s Johnston, Surgeoner, Goodsell and Lusted were POW’s. In a 1945 report the then WO Goodsell stated “Flt Sgt Lusk who baled out ahead of me, was hurt baling out, was captured and placed in hospital, but later released by the underground and returned to England.” In a 1945 report the then WO Johnston stated “The A/c damaged by flak in the run up to the target and caught fire in several places 1.5 minutes before ETA. The Captain ordered crew to carry on bombing run then prepare to abandon. All acknowledged. No injuries to crew from flak although believe the Mid Upper hit tail plane when baling out and badly battered. A/c under control and well alight, but out of control shortly after bale out. R/Gunner left before me. He out of the back exit and me the front exit. Rest of crew in aircraft when I left at approx 11,000ft. All got out except the Pilot and Engineer. A/c crashed about 5 miles north east of target. Released by Russians on 22/4/45.”

RAF Driffield Operation Order No 77 laid down : Aircraft : 18 aircraft from 466 Sqn Target : Coquereaux. Route : Base – Reading – 50.20N 00.20W – 49.53N 00.48E – Target – Turn left – 50.30N 00.00 – 51.30N – 00.50E – Base. Bomb Load : 9 x 1000, 4 x 500lb bombs.

79 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 16 September 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/358 AWM 237 (63) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Page 427 Volume 1944.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 915 Radio call sign: HD – T Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax MZ915 took off from RAF Driffield at 2200 hours on the night of 15/16th September 1944 to bomb installations at Kiel, Germany. Thirteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these MZ915 failed to return.

Crew: RAF Flt Lt Hutchison, A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 427768 Flt Sgt C W Thomson, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt J T Leitch, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 426265 Flt Sgt K C Donald, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt J Gill (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt W H Francis, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt B D Warren (Flight Engineer)

It was later believed that the aircraft crashed on the island of Als, at Elstrup, 2kms east of Guderup, Denmark. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Aabenraa Cemetery, Denmark. Aabenraa is a town on the south east coast of Jutland about 25kms north of the German border.

80 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 6 October 1944

Source: AWM 64 1/358 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/22/333

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 372 Radio call sign: HD – C Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LW372 took off from RAF Driffield at 1406 hours on 6 October 1944 on a day mission to bomb Sterkrade, Germany. Sixteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the braid and of these LW372 failed to return. The ORB records that “The aircraft was seen to be shot down and two chutes were seen by other crews on the mission” Crew: RAAF 426439 FO Kenyon, T J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408486 PO Lord, P R (2nd Pilot) RAAF 429581 Flt Sgt R C Klezel, (Navigator) RAAF 425241 Flt Sgt B De B White, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429612 Flt Sgt T A McManus, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 419540 Flt Sgt N F Robinson, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 434645 Flt Sgt F M Herne, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt P D Jack, (Flight Engineer)

Sgt Jack (RAF) became a POW and the other seven crew members were killed. They are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany. Cleves is located 40 miles north west of Duisberg, Germany.

Sgt Jack later reported the aircraft had crashed near Duisberg and that he was blown out of the aircraft.

81 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 15 October 1944

Source: AWM 1/358 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/28/425 Commonwealth War Graves records.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: MZ 299 Radio call sign: HD – H Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax MZ299 took off from RAF Driffield at 1742 hours on the night of 15/16th October 1944 to bomb Willhelshaven, Germany. Eleven aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and all returned except MZ299.

Crew: RAAF 426647 FO Munroe, A H Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt H R Harris, (Navigator) RAAF 426709 PO Thompson, E (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 408462 PO Williams, T L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt G W Dawson, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt T W N Kemp, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF PO Stones, W (Flight Engineer)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Jackstede some 7kms WSW from the centre of Wittmund. Germany.

Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Kemp survived the crash. Those killed are buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg. Sage is a village 24kms south of Oldenburg, a town 43kms west of Bremen and 27kms north of the main road from Bremen to Holland. : Locality Oldenburg, Nedersachsen, Germany.

82 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 4 November 1944. Source: AWM 64 1/358 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 26 Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 936 Radio call sign: HD – D Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax LV936 took off from RAF Driffield on the night of 4/5th November 1944 to bomb Bochum, Germany. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including LV936 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 425697 Flt Lt Herman, J B Captain (Pilot) RAAF 423855 FO Nicholson, W (Navigator) RAAF 437236 PO Underwood, D (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 38367 PO Duncan, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 432611 PO Wilson, M McI (Rear Gunner) RAAF 432023 Flt Sgt J M Vivash, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H W Knott, (Flight Engineer)

Four of the crew were killed and three Flt Lt Herman, Flt Sgt Vivash and Sgt Knott were POW’s. Those killed are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, which is located 40 miles north west of Duisberg, Germany.

In a 1945 statement Flt Lt Herman reported “Dropped bombs on T. Five minutes after leaving target hit by ack-ack shell behind rear spar. A/c on fire. Took evasive action. Ordered Engineer to investigate fire. Then received two more shells in the wings. Both wings on fire. Ordered bale out. Mid Upper hit in leg and asked for assistance. Told Engineer to help him. Rear Gunner said going out and then I/C faded out. Nav, B/A and WAG left A/c and I tried to waggle my wings to get attention of Engineer and Mid Upper who were trying to put out the fire but found controls out of order. I left my seat to get them out and get my chute from Engineers compartment. I had just left my seat when the starboard wing tore off, the plane flipped over on its back and exploded. Then at 17,500ft. Did not have chute on at time but fortunate enough to catch hold of Mid Upper on way down and we both came down on his chute. The aircraft crashed approx 15/20 miles south west of Bochum. Self and Mid Upper evaded capture from 4/11 to 9/11. Travelled at night and slept in barns and forests in daylight. On 9th went to farmhouse for help. Farm people did not help with our wounds, but handed us over to civil police. Germans said three of crew had been killed and one other POW. Mid Upper, Engineer and self were POW’s. Nav, B/A and WOP baled out before A/c exploded Released 6/4/45.”

83 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death: 5 November 1944 Source: AWM 64 1/358 AWM 237 (63) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 28 Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NR 132 Radio call sign: HD – Z Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax NR 132 took off from RAF Driffield at 1717 hours on the night of 4/5th November 1944 to bomb Bochum, Germany. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and two of these including NR132 failed to return.

Crew: RAAF 428517 PO Dodgson, N C R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 436485 Flt Sgt E M Ryder, (Navigator) RAAF 433279 Flt Sgt H J Tolhurst, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 425408 PO McCasker, E A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 415695 WO R D Stopher, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 434647 Flt Sgt J S McLay, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt F Caffrey, (Flight Engineer)

It was later established that six of the crew were killed and one PO Dodgson became a POW. All those killed are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany. Rheinberg is located 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south west of Wesel, Germany.

In a 1945 report by the then FO Dodgson he stated “ I did not bale out but was blown out by the explosion. The first fighter attack set fire to the fuselage and I told the Engineer to try to put out the fire and warned the crew to put on chutes. Another attack set fire to the starboard outer, I feathered the prop but fuel was leaking out and burning. The fire got worse and I told the crew to jump. A few minutes later the starboard wing broke off at the outer engine nacelle and the aircraft spun. I put on my chute and the aircraft exploded but did see the front crew position and it was empty with the front escape hatch open. Before the explosion I used the call light for the jump and continued to call jump on I/C later tossing off my helmet and yelling likewise. Received acknowledgement from the Mid Upper Gunner only. Had no indication that any of the crew were injured. The aircraft crashed in about the centre of a triangle Koln, Duren, Dusseldorf. I fell near an Ack-ack battery and caught almost immediately. Landed besides the burning aircraft. A German interrogation officer said all the crew were dead found with their parachutes on but all failed to open. A Russian worker in the hospital said that some aircrew had been killed by civilians the night before (4/11) in the town about 4 miles from the crash. Released 22/5/45.”

84 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 22 December 1944.

Source: AWM 64 1/358 AWM 237 (64) AWM 54 779/3/179 Part 20

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 975 Radio call sign: HD – H Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax NP975 took off RAF Driffield on the night of 21/22nd December 1944 to bomb marshalling yards at Bingen, Germany. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and all returned except NP975.

Crew: RAAF 421192 FO Feilberg, R F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 419358 FO Walker, L A (Navigator) RAAF 429367 FO Wood, A (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 423109 FO Hanson, W A R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 435097 Flt Sgt C C G Scafe, (Rear Gunner) RAAF 435497 Flt Sgt B W Horrocks, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgs S Chard, (Flight Engineer)

Six of the crew were POW’s and FO Feilberg was killed. He is buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium. Hotton is located south of Liege on the NE16. Locality, Hotton, Luxembourg, Belgium.

In 1945 the then Flt Lt Walker reported “ The plane was shot down by a JU8 height 17,000ft. Two port engines and port wing were on fire. Order to abandon given within one minute of being hit. All acknowledged. Nil injuries except Captain who did not get out. Body found by Germans in tail of aircraft. I baled out first at 7000ft, over ground 4000ft high. Aircraft getting out of control due to port tail fin and middle shot away. Aircraft crashed near St Vith, Belgium. Landed in forward Army camp of German Army and captured after landing. Liberated 2/4/45.”

85 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 16 January 1945

Source: AWM 64 1/359 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/5/897

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 969 Radio call sign: HD – Q Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax NP969 took off from RAF Driffield at 1847 hours on the night of 16/17th January 1945 to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.

Crew: RAAF 422922 FO Barrett, L F B Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt C F White, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt H F King, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 424609 Flt Sgt W T Simpson, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt F W Lee, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt J Powell, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W E C Mount, (Flight Engineer)

Post war a Missing Research and Enquiry unit reported that the aircraft crashed at Olvenstedt, 4kms north west of Madgeburg. German documents recorded that the aircraft exploded in mid air at 2145 hours on the 16 January 1945.

Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt White became a POW. Those killed are buried in the 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Berlin.

86 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 4 March 1945

Source: AWM 64 1/359 AWM 237 (63) (64) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 105, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NR 179 Radio call sign: HD – C Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax NB179 took off from RAF Driffield at 1823 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945 to bomb Kamen. NR179 completed the mission but on return to base was shot down in the circuit area by an enemy intruder aircraft Seventeen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and of these NR179 and NR250 were shot down on return to base.

Crew: RAAF 428602 FO Shelton, A P W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 436464 Flt Sgt P J Hogan (Navigator) RAAF 437965 Flt Sgt R R Johnson, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 428968 Flt Sgt G W Dixon, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 431933 Flt Sgt V D Bullen (Rear Gunner) RAAF 115148 Flt Sgt G D Laing, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W E Welsh, (Flight Engineer)

The ORB records “ Primary attacked from 20,000ft at 2203 hours. Aircraft crashed after intruder attack near base. Three of crew baled out.”

Four of the crew were killed. PO Shelton, Flt Sgt Johnson and Flt Sgt Dixon are buried at the RAF Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK, and Sgt Welsh is buried at the Welsh- Melcombe Regional Cemetery, Dorset, UK.

W R Chorley records : “ ‘C’ on return to base was obliged to go around again and while doing so the airfield lights were extinguished. NR179 climbed to 4000ft and set course for an alternative airfield only to fall to a JU88 at about 0110 hours and crash at Fridaythorpe 9 miles WNW from Great Driffield, Yorkshire.”

87 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Crash : 4 March 1945

Source: AWM 64 1/359 W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 105, Volume 1945.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NR 250 Radio call sign: HD – N Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax NR250 took off from RAF Driffield at 1849 hours on the night of 3/4th March 1945 to bomb Kamen. NR250 completed the mission but on return to base was shot down by an enemy intruder aircraft Seventeen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and of these NR250 and NR179 were shot down on return to base. All the crew in NR250 baled out safely and there were no fatalities.

Crew: RAAF 434508 FO Schrank, A E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 434509 Flt Sgt J W Tobin, (Navigator) RAAF 435005 Flt Sgt J A Todd, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 432788 Flt Sgt J A Hadlington, Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 442299 Flt Sgt J H Kernaghan, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt P Stewart, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J W Hodgson, (Flight Engineer)

The ORB records “Primary attacked at 20,000ft at 2205 hours . Aircraft crashed at Skellingthorpe UK when shot down by enemy intruder aircraft. Crew baled out safely.”

W R Chorley records “On return NR250 was attacked about 0040 hours by an enemy intruder. All baled out safely. Stewart injured but not seriously. What happened to the aircraft is a mystery. Squadron records merely indicate that the aircraft crashed at Skellingthorpe. Other sources suggest it fell on a cottage at Friskney, 8 miles south west of Skegnes in Lincolnshire, whilst Thirkleby Wold near West Luton, 10 miles north west of Great Driffield, Yorkshire is also quoted.”

88 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 5 March 1945

Source: AWM 64 1/359 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/35/485.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LV 949 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LV949 took off from RAF Driffield at 1649 hours on the night of 5/6th March 1945 to bomb Chemnitz, Germany. Fifteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid but LV949 was forced to turn back because of icing trouble. The Captain baled out the crew and safely landed the plane at Carnaby. There was one fatality.

Crew: RAAF 422911 FO Swain, R S Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt C B Harrison, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt R E Roff (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 434011 Flt Sgt F C H Ray, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt F Bristow, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt L J Hocking, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt E G R Gates, (Mid Upper Gunner)

Flt Sgt Ray was killed and he is buried in the RAF Cemetery (Harrogate) Yorkshire.

FO Swain reported “ I was climbing through cloud when at approx 8000ft the engines became iced up and lost power. I immediately changed to hot air, but the airframe was also beginning to ice up. The aircraft stalled at 160mph IAS and later stalled again at 180mph. The aircraft then came completely uncontrollable. I ordered the crew to abandon. I then attempted to leave myself with the aircraft still out of control and in cloud, but was unable to leave the seat. So I decided I would stay and make an attempt to crash-land the aircraft. I broke cloud at 800ft and at 400ft I regained part control and was able to land at Carnaby without damaging the aircraft.”

An inquiry into the incident found “the Pilot acted correctly in baling out the crew and is to be congratulated on his good airmanship in landing the aircraft safely at Carnaby.”

89 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 8 April 1945

Source: AWM 64 1/359 AWM 237 (64) AWM 54 779/3/129 Part 30.

Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: NP 968 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax NP968 took off from RAF Driffield at 1945 hours on the night of 8/9th April 1945 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and of these NP968 failed to return and one crashed on return.

Crew: RAAF 421587 FO Forrest, R R N MID Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt B M Frankal, (Navigator) RAAF 436640 Flt Sgt J M Dyer, (Bomb Aimer) RNZAF WO A S Caddie, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt D Smith, (Rear Gunner) RAF Sgt F N Bridger, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt P R Woodmore, (Flight Engineer)

It was later reported that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed approx 20/30 miles south of Hamburg. FO Forrest and Sgt Frankal were killed and the other five crew members were POW’s. FO Forrest is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. Sgt Frankal is missing and his name is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

Flt Sgt Dyer (POW) reported “The aircraft was attacked by a night fighter, but although an ME410 was seen below us no one saw the attack. The Captain ordered prepare to abandon and then abandon. The aircraft appeared to be going down to port but not completely out of control but on fire from the rest position backwards and the rudder controls were shot away. The port inner was on fire. The aircraft crashed some 20/30 miles south of Hamburg. The Mid Upper was wounded in the leg but baled out. The Eng. Nav and WOP also. The Captain had not baled out and did not know if the others had baled out. Not heard of Nav since he baled out. Met up with MID Upper, Rear Gunner and Engineer. Landed in open country. Captured next evening by civilians. Released By British 21st Army 2/5/45.”

90 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death: 9 April 1945

Source: AWM 64 1/359 AWM 237 (64) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War : Page 157, Volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: LW 172 Radio call sign: HD – F Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF

Summary: Halifax LW172 took off RAF Driffield at 1946 hours on the night of 8/9th April 1945 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. LW172 completed the mission and on return encountered fog and while trying to locate the airfield the aircraft flew into trees and crashed at 0115 hours at Kirkburn Grange Farm some 2 miles west of the drome. All on board were killed. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one of these failed to return and LW172 crashed.

Crew: RAAF 417914 FO Watson, D J Captain (Pilot) RAF PO King, R S (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Lt Patterson, W A C DFC (Navigator) RAAF 427322 PO Halliday, G A (Bomb Aimer) RAF FO Gale, R M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 426550 PO Damm, A J (Air Gunner) RAF FO Flynn, W G DFM (Air Gunner)

Both FO Watson and PO Halliday are buried at The RAF Cemetery (Harrogate) Yorkshire. PO Damm is buried at the Dalnettar Cemetery, Clyde, Scotland. PO King is buried at the Southend-on-Sea (Sutton Road) Cemetery, Essex, UK Flt Lt Patterson is buried at the Hexham Cemetery Northumberland, UK FO Gale is buried in the Roundhay (St John) Churchyard, Yorkshire, UK FO Flynn is buried at the Manchester Southern Cemetery, Lancashire, UK.

91 466 SQUADRON RAAF WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 18 September 1945 Source : AWM 64 1/359 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/26/1125 Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Liberator Serial number: KN 736 Radio call sign: HD - Unit: 466 Sqn RAAF Summary: Liberator KN736 was detailed on 18 September 1945 to carry out exercises (2 and 3 engine flying) overshoots and landings with Sqn Ldr Spiller as instructor and Fl Lt McNulty as pupil pilot. The aircraft took off from RAF Bassingbourn, near Royston, Hertfordshire, at 1546 hours GMT.

An initial Report of the Flying Accident dated 20/9/45 stated : “LN736 had done three landings and after taking off for a fourth time at 1541 hours GMT it was heard that the aircraft had crashed six miles WNW of the drome near Cockayne Hatley. The above two pilots were killed in the crash and their report is not available. The 2nd pilot FO Doak is in hospital recovering from injuries. The causes for the crash are at present unknown and are to be investigated by a Court of Inquiry. But one thing is certain. Both 2 and 3 engine flying was being carried out at approx 1000ft contrary to Pilots order No 16 Para 2. The aircraft could not apparently maintain height and before the two engines could be unfeathered the aircraft hit a small copse and crashed.”

Crew: RAF Sdn Ldr Spiller E J J (Instructor Pilot) RAAF 426286 Flt Lt McNulty P J DFC (Pupil Pilot) RAAF 419770 FO Doak, F G (2nd Pilot) RAAF 428664 FO Gilmour, N P (Navigator) RAAF 434008 WO J R Potter (Wireless Operator) RAF Flt Sgt R V Carling (Instructor Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt D R Turner (Flight Engineer)

Sqn Ldr Spiller, Flt Lt McNulty and WO Potter were killed in the accident. Sqn Ldr Spiller is buried in the Edmonton Cemetery, Middlesex, UK. FO McNulty and WO Potter are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. Flt Sgt Turner died of his injuries and is buried in the Lowestoft (St Margaret) Churchyard, Suffolk, UK. The other three although classified seriously or dangerously ill survived the crash.

The above training flight was being carried out as part of a conversion programme to convert 466 Sqn crews from Halifax V1 aircraft to Liberators. In May 1945 the Squadron transferred from RAF Bomber Command to RAF Transport Command.

92