RAAF Bomber Losses 460 Sqdn

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Compilation Alan Storr 2006The 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.

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 17 February 1942 Source: AWM64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: V 1327 Radio call sign: UV - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington V 1327 took off at 1920 hours on 17/2/1942 from RAF Breighton on a night cross country training flight. The route was Breighton – Peterborough – Harwell – Pershore – Sywell – Breighton. Wireless communication was established between the aircraft and Holme HF/DF Station until 2222 hours. At 2228 hours the aircraft crashed into a hillside at Farnley Tyas near Huddersfield and was completely destroyed by fire. The crew were all killed. These casualties in this non-operational training flight were the first WW 2 casualties in the Squadron. Crew: RAAF 402897 Sgt Ware, J H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 402894 Sgt Tresidder, R L (2nd Pilot) RAF Sgt Ashplant, W L (Observer) RAF Sgt Davies, C C (1st Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Dutton, F (2nd Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Dickeson, C R (Rear Gunner) Both Sgt Ware and Sgt Tresidder are buried in St. John the Baptist & All Saints Churchyard, Holme-on-Spalding, Yorkshire. UK.

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460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death : 13 March 1942 Source: AWM64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/169/81 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: X 1251 Radio call sign: UV – X Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington X 1251 took off at 1934 hours on 13/3/1942 from RAF Breighton to bomb Dunkirk, France. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Five aircraft of the squadron were engaged on the mission. Crew: RNZAF Sgt Cooney, J P D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404688 Sgt Turnock, J S (2nd Pilot) RAAF 400413 Sgt Hart, I E (Observer) RAF Sgt Woodward, J (1st Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Winter, G N (Front Gunner) RAF Sgt Pascoe, W A (Rear Gunner) It was later established that the aircraft crashed at St Georges near Yeser Canal, Belgium, and exploded on impact. This crew were the first WW2 fatalities of the squadron on an operational mission. Both Sgt Turnock and Sgt Hart are interred in St Joris Communal Cemetery, Lez, Nieuport, Belgium.

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Date of Death : 29 April 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B13 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/161/200 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1290 Radio call sign: UV – T Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1290 took off from RAF Breighton at 2226 hours on 28 April 1942 to attack Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. 10 aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 402885 Flt Sgt Shephard, L M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404868 Sgt Carpender, J F (2nd Pilot) RAAF 402836 PO Bond, R (Observer) RAAF 402600 Sgt McIlveen, T H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 404661 Sgt Perroux, W W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 408122 Sgt Cosgrove, J P (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Neumunster and that all the crew were killed. In 1953 a statement by a citizen of Poland (through the Red Cross) reported that the aircraft was shot down by a German fighter and exploded in mid-air. The crew are interred in the Hamburg War Cemetery, Ohlsdorf.

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Date of Death : 7 May 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B14 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/98/501 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1388 Radio call sign: UV - Unit: 460 Sqn RAF Summary: Wellington Z 1388 took off at 2105 hours on 6 May 1942 from RAF Breighton to bomb Stuttgart, Germany, being one of 10 aircraft from the Squadron on the mission. Z 1388 returned from the mission at 0550 hours on 7 May. The second pilot, Sgt Corser (RAAF) was found to be missing from the aircraft and as a large hole was found in the bottom of the fuselage in the mid under gun position, it was assumed that Sgt Corser kicked the hole prior to abandoning the aircraft. All the remaining crew members returned safely to base. Crew: RAAF 407192 FO Bourke, T H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404718 Flt Sgt Corser, H G R (2nd Pilot) RAAF 404353 PO Murphy, W M (Observer) RAAF 407285 Sgt Davis, R P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407280 Sgt Balleine, B G P (Air Gunner) RAAF 402290 Sgt Holborrow, A T (Air Gunner) In a later statement the aircraft Captain FO Bourke reported “when the aircraft was returning from the mission it met heavy flak and searchlight activity over the French coast near Gravelines. He took violent evasive action and then called up each crew member and receiving no reply from Corser sent the Wireless Operator to look for him. It was then discovered that Corser was missing from the aircraft having taken his parachute and left his helmet behind. A large hole was found in the bottom of the fuselage with the escape hatch broken open and it was assumed that Sgt Corser had baled out over enemy territory. No orders had been given to the crew to abandon the aircraft.” It was later established from German records that Flt Sgt Corser’s body had been found near Pointe D’Oyelnt, Gravelines. Flt Sgt Corser is interred in the Communal Cemetery, Pihen-les-Guines, France.

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460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 7 May 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 15 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/40/44 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1413 Radio call sign: UV – X Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: FO Kennedy and crew were detailed to operate against Stuttgart, Germany, on the night of 6/7th May 1942. Z 1413 took off from RAF Breighton at 2130 hours on 6th May but failed to return to base after the mission. The aircraft was one of ten aircraft from the Squadron that took part in the mission. Crew: RAAF 402362 FO Kennedy, W J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406180 PO Keys, I F (2nd Pilot) RAAF 402913 PO Train, H R (Observer) RNZAF Sgt Sharp, S H RAAF 400762 Sgt Stephenson, J M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 406089 PO Ferry, R R (Air Gunner) FO Kennedy is interred in the Avesnes-Sur-Helpe Communal Cemetery, British Section, Nord, France. The remainder of the crew were POW’s. In a later statement by PO Train (POW) he said “The aircraft was shot down at approx 0250 hours on 7/5/1942 at a position approx 10 miles south east of Maubeuge. All other members of the crew left the aircraft safely. I was last out at about 1000-2000 feet with FO Kennedy still at the controls although preparing to leave. He did not say that he was then wounded although there was a hole in the perspex in front of him. When my parachute opened the aircraft was burning on the ground. The Germans picked me up about 36 hours later and took me to the scene of the crash. The remains of one of the crew was still in the wreckage. He later was told by PO Ferry that the remains were buried at Maubeuge.” Sgt Stephenson (POW) said “ FO Kennedy was killed when the aircraft, of which he was Captain, crashed in a wood approx 15kms from the village of Eppe le Sauvage in France, near the Belgium border.” In his statement PO Ferry (POW) also stated “Kennedy was doing a magnificent job at the controls and this factor undoubtedly enabled the lives of the rest of the crew to be saved. Ferry also reported “the aircraft was attacked by an ME110 and the port engine and wing was set on fire. The Captain ordered the crew to bale out and the crew acknowledged. The Captain was unable to bale out and he crashed with the aircraft. The aircraft was at 1200 feet and in a shallow dive when I baled out. It crashed near Eppe le Sauvage, France. I was four days at large and then betrayed by a French farmer and captured by the French police.”

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Date of Death : 7 May 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B16 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/146/128 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1254 Radio call sign: UV – L Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Sqn Ldr Gilbert (RAF) and crew were detailed to operate against Stuttgart, Germany on the night of 6/7th May 1942. Z 1254 took off from RAF Breighton at 2131 hours on 6th May but failed to return to base after the mission. The aircraft was one of 10 aircraft from the Squadron that took part in the mission. Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Gilbert C L Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404705 Sgt Murphy, R H (2nd Pilot) RAAF 400335 Sgt Shearer, J R (Observer) RAF Sgt Dixon, C N (Wireless Operator) RAAF 404421 Sgt Lake, J G (Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt Fogg, K A (Air Gunner) Sgt Lake (RAAF) became a POW, and Sgt Murphy and Sgt Shearer (RAAF) along with their other three comrades are interred in the Bad Toelz (Durnbach) War Cemetery, Germany, 28 miles south of Munich, Germany. In a later statement by Sgt Lake he reported “the aircraft was caught in searchlights and shortly after set on fire by flak. The aircraft was enveloped in flames in a matter of seconds. Nothing was heard from the Captain and Lake baled out at approx 11000 feet and landed in a village about 1.30am and was captured by police after daylight. No others had baled out and shortly after he left the aircraft there was an explosion. The aircraft was hit near Karlsruhe.”

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Date of Death : 30 May 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/39/64 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1391 Radio call sign: UV – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1391 took off from RAF Breighton at 2342 hours on the night of 29/30th May 1942 to bomb Gennevilliers, France, a target near Paris. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Four aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 402967 FO Jones, R A P Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400320 Sgt Younger, R A (Observer) RAF Sgt Mellowes, K R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Houghton, G (Front Gunner) RAAF 404388 Sgt Loder, G H (Rear Gunner) Sgts Younger and Loder became POW’s. In a statement by Sgt Younger he reported “The aircraft was at 200 feet. The starboard wing was set on fire by light flak. Orders to bale out were given to me verbally to me and on the emergency light signal to other crew members. The Front Gunner was also informed of the order by me. The Wireless Operator was in the astro dome and probably hit and incapacitated. I baled out. The aircraft crashed near the Gnome Rhone works. I was assisted by the French people. I hid during the day and walked at night. On the 8th day I was arrested by the French police as a suspicious character and handed over to the Germans. Loder also became a POW”. Three bodies were recovered by the Germans FO Jones, Sgt Mellowes and Sgt Houghton. FO Jones is interred in the Dreux Communal Cemetery, France.

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Date of Death : 30 May 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/24/255 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1388 Radio call sign: UV – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1388 took off at 2343 hours from RAF Breighton on 29 May 1942 to bomb Gennevilliers, France. The aircraft was one of four of the Squadrons aircraft to take part in the raid. Z1388 failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAAF 407192 Flt :Lt Bourke, T H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404353 FO Murphy, W M (Observer) RAAF 407285 Flt Sgt Davis, R P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407280 Flt Sgt Balleine, B G P (Front Gunner) RAAF 402290 Sgt Holborow, A T (Rear Gunner) Sgt Holborow became a POW, and the remaining four crew members are buried in the Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, France, approx 4kms east of Versailles. In a later statement Sgt Holborow said “ the only information I have is that according to the Germans in Paris all the other four were killed. I am of the opinion that they had very little chance of escaping from the aircraft.” The place of the crash is recorded as Colombes-on-de Ille-Marante, France. PO Brill W.L, Captain of one of the Wellington aircraft participating in the above raid was awarded the DFC for his courage in the attack. He was the first member of the Squadron to be decorated and later on was awarded a bar to the DFC.

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Date of Death : 1 June 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B25 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/176/283 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1311 Radio call sign: UV – Z Unit: 460 Sqn RAF Summary: Sgt Walsh and crew were detailed to operate in Wellington Z 1311 against Essen, Germany on the night of 1/2nd June 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Breighton at 2325 hours and since then nothing was heard of either the aircraft or crew. Bomb load of 8 x 90 x 4lb incendiaries. Z1311 was one of nineteen aircraft of the squadron that took part in the second Thousand Plan raid. Crew: RAAF 404701 Sgt Walsh, J F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 14243 Sgt Spongberg, W M (2nd Pilot) RAAF 403576 Sgt Fitzgerald, M M (Observer) RAF Sgt Lee, T (Bombaimer) RAF Sgt Moore, J B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 402612 Sgt Sams, W H (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near the village of Esinnes Au Mont, Belgium and all the crew were killed. They are interred in the Charleroi Communal Cemetery, Belgium.

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Date of Death : 2 June 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B24 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/91/224 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1344 Radio call sign: UV – W Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: FO Holland and crew were detailed to operate in Z 1344 against Essen, Germany on the night of 1/2nd June 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Breighton at 2321 hours on 1st June but nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Bomb load 8 x 90 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft was one of nineteen aircraft of the Squadron that took part in the second Thousand Plan raid. Crew: RAF FO Holland, A J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406349 Sgt Douglas, C S (2nd Pilot) RAAF 400080 Sgt Dansey, A P D (Observer) RAAF 406136 Flt Sgt Beinke, D R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 408047 Sgt Cheese, W D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407308 Flt Sgt Watkins, T L (Air Gunner) FO Holland, Sgt Douglas and Sgt Dansey became POW’s. In a later statement by FO Holland he reported “ On June 1st 1942 at about sea level, my aircraft was hit by enemy aircraft. It was badly damaged and put on fire. Five or six seconds after we hit the sea. The aircraft broke up. Part of the aircraft sank immediately and other parts were on the water. I fought my way to the surface as well as Dansey, Cheese, Beinke and Douglas. The fire was blazing on the surface and we swam to open water. We were picked up by ship about 15 minutes later. Watkins drowned and Beinke died while being taken out of the water The others were injured and taken to hospital at Bergen-Op-Zoom Cheese died later and the others recovered”. The bodies of Flt Sgt Beinke and Sgt Watkins were recovered from the sea and are interred at Flushing (Vlissengen) Nth Cemetery, Zealand, Holland. Sgt Cheese who became a POW, died on 20 July 1942 and is buried in Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery Holland.

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Date of Death : 3 June 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B27 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/40/48 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1394 Radio call sign: UV – Q Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1394 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2326 hours on 2 June 1942 detailed to carry out a raid on Essen, Germany. Bomb load 720 x 4lb incendiaries. Ten aircraft of the squadron participated in the raid. Nothing was heard from Z 1394 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 402742 FO Keene, J W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400894 Flt Sgt Waldon, R F (Observer) RAF Sgt Kendall, W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 404471 Sgt Butterworth, D (Front Gunner) RAAF 407282 Flt Sgt Biglands, R J (Rear Gunner) Sgt Butterworth (RAAF) who became a POW, later made this statement “ After bombing the target and flying out low at 2/300 feet over the Dutch coast in the vicinity of Flushing, the aircraft crashed into the sea without warning. It sank immediately. He was captured by a crew in a launch about 3 hours after the crash. Biglands and Kendall had been killed. Keene was still alive when last seen and said he had not been badly wounded. They started swimming together but got separated. Waldon was still alive when last seen., but nothing was seen of Kendall or Biglands.” FO Keene, Sgt Waldon and Sgt Kendall are interred in the Vlissingen Flushing Cemetery, Holland. Sgt Biglands is missing and his name is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK.

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Date of Death : 3 June 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B26 AWM237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/137/160 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1249 Radio call sign: UV – K Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1249 took off from RAF Breighton at 2230 hours on 2 June 1942 to attack Essen, Germany. Bomb load 720 x 4lb incendiaries. 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. Crew: RAAF 402910 Flt Sgt Levitus, S Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400524 Flt Sgt Brodie, H R (Observer) RAAF 405020 Sgt Gaiter, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt Read, R G (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Townsend, T G (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down at 1.40am on 3 June 1942 at Deulken near the town of Muenchen – Gladbach, about 20 miles west of Dusseldorf, Germany. The aircraft exploded and wreckage was scattered over a wide area. All the crew were killed instantly. German documents revealed that they removed the remains of the crew for burial, but a post war search for their graves was unsuccessful. The names of the crew are recorded on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK, as having no known grave.

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Date of Death : 20 June 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/133/148 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1486 Radio call sign: UV – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1486 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off at 2339 hours on 19 June 1942 from RAF Breighton, detailed to attack Emden, Germany. Bomb load 90 x 4lb and 8 x 30lb incendiaries. 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. Crew: RAAF 400805 WO Kitchen, D G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403109 Flt Sgt James, L H (Observer) RAAF 400160 Sgt Stevens, G L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Watson, D J W (Air Gunner) RAAF 401408 Sgt Anivitti, M (Air Gunner) It was later established that the aircraft crashed on a sandbank near Rysum, which is located 7 miles west of Emden, Germany. The crew of five are all buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg, Germany.

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Date of Death : 22 June 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/94/239 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1383 Radio call sign: UV – D Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1383 took off from RAF Breighton at 2247 hours on the night of 21/22nd June 1942 to carry out a mine laying operation in French waters off Lorient. Bomb load Assembly 1PDM7, Assembly 22, and 2 x 250 GPTD. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Four aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission. Crew: RAAF 400578 Flt Sgt Buckingham, R J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400333 Sgt Roget, R G M (Observer) RAAF 403479 Sgt Martin, F R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 403277 Sgt McQueen, W S (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Moores, J (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that all the crew were killed and they are interred in the Lorient (Kerentrech) Communal Cemetery, France.

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Date of Death : 25 June 1942 Source: AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/107/116 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: 403662 Sgt Elliott, R V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) died of illness on 25 June 1942 at Menston, UK. He is interred at Harehills Cemetery, Leeds, Yorkshire. UK.

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460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 3 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B32 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/103/213 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1381 Radio call sign: UV – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1381 took off from RAF Breighton at 2327 hours on 2 July 1942 to attack Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 404784 Flt Sgt Johnston, A M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407709 Sgt Downing, D (2nd Pilot) RAAF 405001 Sgt Wyllie, M J MID, (Observer) RAAF 405139 Sgt Radke, D A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407775 Sgt Taylor, W J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner-Front Gunner) RAAF 402479 WO Reed, W G DCM (Rear Gunner) WO Reed, Sgt Radke and Sgt Wyllie became POW’s. In a later statement WO Radke said “Near the Dutch border returning from the target while at about 13,000 feet, the Front Gunner reported ‘two gun flashes in front and directly in line with us’, and then almost immediately we received a hit on the port motor or nacelle. The Pilot ordered me to open the front turret my first attempt being unsuccessful. The plane was diving all the time, seemingly uncontrollable and unresponsive to movement of control column. I handed the pilot his chute turned to see the front gunner getting out of his turret. Ordered by the Pilot to abandon which was done in this order from the port hatch – myself, front gunner, observer. The 2nd pilot was still by the main spar when observer left and the pilot still at controls. About 9000 feet when I left. Aircraft still in dive and burning from port nacelle or wing. Rear gunner baled out independently. 2nd skipper jumped too late (at about 50 feet) and skipper was still at controls when crash occurred. Saw no chutes in the air. Made no contact with other surviving members Wyllie and Reed until 5 hours after capture. Germans showed us the other three members personal kit and told us – Skipper was killed when plane crashed. Dowling (2nd pilot) killed when chute failed at low altitude, Taylor was killed when caught in H.T.wires while landing by chute.” WO Reed also in a later statement reported “the aircraft received a direct hit when returning from the target at 8000 feet. The aircraft was on fire and I abandoned the aircraft. Radke and Wyllie were captured with me. Johnston, Downing and Taylor were all killed.” Sgt Wyllie (POW) was shot on 22 April 1943 while trying to escape from captivity and is buried in the Cracow British Military Cemetery, Poland. Flt Sgt Johnston, Sgt Downing and Sgt Taylor are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Memorial, Cleves, Germany.

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Date of Death : 3 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B31 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/177/286 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1470 Radio call sign: UV – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1470 took off from RAF Breighton at 2331 hours on the 2 July 1942 to attack Bremen, Germany. Bomb Load was 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 404844 Sgt Whittick, A F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406272 FO Webb, A E W (Observer) RAAF 403409 FO Lark, C O (Observer) RAAF 401237 Sgt Hancocks, J D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 406444 Sgt McCrea, A E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) FO Lark who became a POW Later reported “The aircraft was badly damaged by an enemy night fighter over Germany. He was wounded during the combat and on calling other members of the crew received no reply. The aircraft appeared to be diving and out of control with the fuselage on fire. I baled out landed in a lake and swam ashore. The Germans informed him later that the rest of the crew were dead.” Post war searches could not locate the aircraft or the other missing members of the crew Their names are commemorated on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK. .

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Date of Death : 12 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/145/219 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1328 Radio call sign: UV – U Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1328 took off from RAF Breighton on 12 July 1942 to carry out a mine laying operation in the vicinity of the Frisian Islands off the north west coast of Holland. 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 mission. Crew: RAAF 407534 Sgt Moyle, A L Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404948 Sgt Brayne, F C (2nd Pilot) RAAF 402551 Sgt Sharkey, R J B (Observer) RAAF 404950 Sgt Belford, T D (Observer) RAAF 403785 Sgt Perry, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407844 Sgt Dreyer, L C U (Air Gunner) Following post war investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft was found, the names of the missing crew are recorded on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK. .

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Date of Death : 26 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 34 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/24/281 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1399 Radio call sign: UV – P Unit: 460 Sqn RAF Summary: PO Burgess and crew were detailed to operate in Z 1399 against Duisberg Germany, on the night of 25/26 July 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Breighton at 0030 hours on 26 July and since then nothing has been heard of the aircraft or crew. The aircraft was one of fifteen aircraft from the Squadron that took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 406344 Flt Lt Burgess, C H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400330 Flt Sgt Nettle, W H (Observer) RAF Sgt Bagley, D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Milligan, J M (Front Gunner) RAAF 407298 PO Mills, D B (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Duisberg, Germany, and all the crew were killed. They are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves.

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Date of Death : 26 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 35 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/160/252 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1462 Radio call sign: UV – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAF Summary: Sqn Ldr Leighton and crew were detailed to operate Z 1462 against Duisberg, Germany, on the night of the 25/26th July 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Breighton at 2351 hours on 25th July and since then nothing has been heard of the aircraft or crew. The aircraft was one of fifteen aircraft from the Squadron that took part in the raid. Crew: RAF 40053 Sqn Ldr Leighton, J W E MID Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405219 Sgt Sinclair, C F (Observer) RAAF 404804 Sgt Sherman, R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 6201 Sgt Taylor, W G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 407834 Sgt Sams, L J (Air Gunner) Sgt Sinclair and Sgt Sherman became POW’s. The remaining three crew members are interred in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany. In a later statement Sgt Sinclair said “attacked twice by enemy night fighters. The first attack set the starboard engine in fire. The second set the fuselage on fire near the auxiliary tanks. The order to bale out was given, acknowledged by all except the Rear Gunner. I went to check on the Rear Gunner but he was dead. The first attack was about five minutes before the target. I met Sherman at Stalag 3. He saw the aircraft explode after he baled out. The other three were in the aircraft when it blew up,” Sgt Sherman later reported “after baling out I walked for three days in the direction of Zuider Zee, obtaining food from several Dutch farmers. On the third day I was offered food and a bed by another Dutch farmer. Whilst I was asleep the farmer bought the police.” Sqn Ldr Leighton served in the RAF in WW2 and at the time of his death was attached to 460 Sqn RAAF as OC ‘B’ Flight of the squadron. He was born in Australia at Goulburn on 15/4/1917 and educated at De La Salle College, Ashfield, NSW. His service career began in the RAAF in June 1936 commencing training at Point Cook, Vic. In July 1939 he was a Pilot Officer serving in 52 Bomber Sqn of No 2 Bomber Group RAF. He was also been Mentioned in Despatches. (References : C’wealth War Graves, RAF Lists January 1939 and July 1942). For further information re Sqn Ldr Leighton refer to publication R940.544941 S886a held in the AWM Research Centre’s reference collection.

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Date of Death : 27 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 36 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/24/282 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1335 Radio call sign: UV – C Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: PO Breen and crew were detailed to operate in Z 1335 against Hamburg, Germany, on the night of the 26/27th July 1942. The aircraft left RAF Station Breighton at 2248 hours on 26 July but the aircraft failed to return. Bomb load 9 x 30 x 4lb incendiaries. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid on Hamburg. Crew: RAAF 402760 F/O Breen F J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403965 Sgt Storey, J (Observer) RAAF 405066 Sgt Bice, A A (Bombaimer) RAAF 401865 Sgt Tulloh, I T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 400741 Sgt Tinkler, A E (Air Gunner) All the crew are interred in the Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf, Germany.

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Date of Death : 27 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 37 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/132/192 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1483 Radio call sign: UV – D Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1483 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2255 hours on the night of 26/27th July 1942 detailed to attack Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load 9 x 30 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Z 1483 was one of twelve aircraft from the Squadron to take part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 406359 Flt Lt Keyser, V F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400974 PO Ferguson, K McD (Observer) RAF Sgt Horsfall, W E (Air Bomber) RAAF 402947 Sgt Gower, G R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 408143 Flt Sgt Foley, M J (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire over the town of Uthlede approximately 20 miles north west of Bremen, Germany. The aircraft fell into a field about 1.5 miles south west of Uthlede and exploded on impact. All the crew are interred at Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany.

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Date of Death : 30 July 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 38 AWM 237 (63) Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1343 Radio call sign: UV – Y Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1343 was detailed to operate against Saarbrucken, Germany on the night of 29th July 1942. It took off from RAF Breighton at 2309 hours and carried a bomb load of 5 x 90 x 4lb and 4 x 8 x 30lb incendiaries. Z1343 which was one of 13 aircraft from the Squadron on the raid attacked the target at 0240 hours from a height of 10000 feet. Many bursts were seen on the target and in the vicinity. Whilst engaged on the operation, Z1343 was engaged by an ME 110 in position 50.04N, 04.48E. A burst of machine gun fire and cannon shell damaged the aircraft and killed the Rear Gunner Sgt Johns, R A. The aircraft returned safely to the UK and landed at Manston at 0420 hours on 30 July. Crew: RAAF 403160 Sgt Brittingham, R A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403396 Sgt Matchett, W M J (Navigator) RAAF 401053 Sgt Simpson, N H (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Rogers, P J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 402710 Sgt Johns, R A (Rear Gunner) Sgt Johns the only casualty is buried in the Aylesham Cemetery, Kent, UK

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Date of Death : 4 August 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294 Appendix B 39 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/118/409 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1422 Radio call sign: UV – W Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1422 of 460 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2214 hours on 4th August 1942 to carry out a gardening operation. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Z 1422 was one of ten aircraft from the Squadron that took part in the mission. Crew: RAAF 402948 PO Grand, A G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405273 Sgt Howard, A W (Navigator) RAAF 405274 Sgt Mac Leod, A D (Air Bomber) RAAF 404313 Sgt Hobgen, T C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 405277 Sgt Lowis, C R D (Air Gunner) It was later established that Sgt Hogben’s body had been washed up near Port Ivy and his remains are buried in Quiberon Communal Cemetery, France, which is 20 miles south west of Vannes. Port Ivy is 3.5m miles north west of Quiberon. It was also recorded that the remaining four missing crew members had lost their lives at sea, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runneymede, Surrey, UK.

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Date of Death : 10 August 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 40 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/112/156 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1463 Radio call sign: UV – L Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1463 took off from RAF Breighton at 0010 hours on 10 August 1942 to attack Osnabruck, Germany. Bomb load was 2 x 1000lb and 3 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. 12 aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 403175 Flt Sgt Finlay, J A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401080 Sgt Ponton, R A (Observer) RAAF 403561 Sgt Dan, N (Bomb Aimer) * RNZAF Flt Sgt Goord S B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 402832 Flt Sgt Smith, K A (Air Gunner) * * Members of No 27 Operational Training Unit RAF. Post war enquiries established that the aircraft crashed at Hengelo near Zutphen, Holland, and that all the crew were killed. The four RAAF crew members are interred at the Hengelo General Cemetery, Gelderland, Holland.

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Date of Death : 13 August 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 41 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/26/253 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1404 Radio call sign: UV – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1404 took off from RAF Breighton at 2208 hours on 12 August 1942 to bomb Mainz, Germany. Bomb load was 8 x 90 x 4lb incendiaries. 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 raid. Crew: RAAF 400886 FO Clegg, W A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405208 Sgt Holland, A (Navigator) RAAF 405194 Sgt Smith, R D (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403942 Sgt Mayne, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 405360 Sgt McMichael, L K (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at 0114 hours on the 13 August 1942 at Eisden (Limburg), 15kms ENE of Genk, Belgium. All the crew were killed and their remains are interred at the Herverlee War Cemetery, Louvain, Belgium.

26


Date of Death : 27 August 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 44 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/57/220 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1259 Radio call sign: UV – W Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1259 took off at 2006 hours on the night of 27 August 1942 from RAF Breighton, detailed to attack Kassel, Germany. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission. Crew: RAAF 403152 FO Summers, J F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406579 PO Parsons, F E (2nd Pilot) RAAF 405216 Sgt Munro, R J (Observer) RAAF 404600 Sgt Bass, N G (Bombaimer) RAAF 403878 FO Pinfold, F C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 402683 Sgt Tubman, W H (Air Gunner) Sgt Tubman who became a POW later stated “I have no knowledge of the fate of the crew. I believe I saw our plane in flames and that FO Summers lost his life.” The place of the crash was established as Gladbeck-Rentford, about 9 miles in a northerly direction from Essen, Germany. The remaining five crew members are interred in Reichswald Forest British War Cemetery, Germany.

27


Date of Death : 27 August 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 43 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/175/108 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1212 Radio call sign: UV – W Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1212 took off from RAF Breighton at 2007 hours on the night of 27 August 1942 detailed to bomb Kassel, Germany. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from Z 1212 after take off and it did not return to base. Ten aircraft of the squadron took part in the raid on Kassel. Crew: RAAF 408139 Flt Sgt Viney, C C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 411451 Sgt Jarrett, W W (Navigator) RAAF 405133 WO Munckton,, H I (Air Bomber) RAAF 411397 Sgt Smith, C H Mack (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 403158 Sgt Turner, H T A (Rear Gunner) WO Munckton became a POW. The remaining four members of the crew are interred in the Municipal City Cemetery, Dalfsen, Province of Overejssel, Holland. In a later statement WO Munckton said “The aircraft was attacked at 14000 feet by three night fighters over Holland in a half hour engagement. The port petrol tanks were damaged and the intercom u/s. I was standing besides Kim Viney when our controls were shot away and he told me to bale out by pointing his thumbs downwards. Kim had every chance of getting out but evidently tried to get the rest of the crew out first and I believe they were still in the plane when it crashed 200 yards away from me. I baled out at 1500 feet. The aircraft was too low for the others to bale out. There is little else I can tell you here”.

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Date of Death : 28 August 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B45 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/30/73 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1485 Radio call sign: UV – B Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1485 took off from RAF Breighton at 1939 hours on 28 August 1942 to attack Saarbrucken, Germany. The bomb load carried was 810 x 4lb incendiaries. Six aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Nothing was heard from Z 1485 after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 403663 FO Elrington, R D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 401559 FO Dillon, W (Navigator) RAAF 401436 Sgt Hare, E N (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411413 Sgt Smith, J A Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 401469 FO Taylor, N A (Air Gunner) Post war enquires and investigations found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew, and their names are recorded on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK as having no known grave.

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Date of Death : 29 August 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 28 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/18/541 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1412 Radio call sign: UV – W Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1412 took off from RAF Breighton at 2314 hours on the night of 8th June 1942 to attack Essen, Germany. 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 raid. Crew: RAAF 402862 Sgt Hurditch, D D Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Hendden, C C (Observer) RAAF 404448 Sgt Maher, E F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Tinkler, D (Front Gunner) RAAF 402436 Sgt Campbell, C M (Rear Gunner) All the crew became POW’s. In a report by Sgt Hurditch (later a Flt Lt) he stated : “After bombing the target the aircraft was attacked by JU 88, height 13,000 feet. First attack damaged rear turret and recuperators, rudder, elevator trims, hydraulics and set the aircraft on fire. Second attack at 5000 feet wounded rear gunner, navigator and wireless operator. Third attack over Holland at 2000 feet, U/S starboard engine and set aircraft on fire. Order given to stand by to abandon aircraft but cancelled as height insufficient. Crash landed.” Hurditch was captured after 5 hours on the Dutch coast near Laiden. There is also a comprehensive report dated April 1945 written by the then Flt Lt Maher after his release as a POW, on the combat and evacuation of the aircraft by the crew and of his experience as a POW. (NAA : A705, 166/27/646 refers) Sgt Campbell subsequently died when a POW on 29 August 1942. He is interred in Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

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Date of Death : 10 September 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B48 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/150/232 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: R 1695 Radio call sign: UV – Y Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington R 1695 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2022 hours on the night of 10th September 1942 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. R 1295 carried a bomb load of 810 x 4lbs incendiaries, and was one of ten aircraft that took part in the raid. Due to an engine failure R 1295 made a forced landing in the sea at 2155 hours 15 miles north of Cromer, UK. Bombs and petrol were jettisoned into the sea. Crew: RAAF 404941 Flt Sgt Pearson, J C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 407735 Sgt Evans, M J (Navigator) RAAF 406599 Sgt Lawton, R W (Air Bomber) RAAF 411102 FO Parton, E C (Wireless Operator) RAAF 408194 Sgt Murphy, J H (Rear Gunner) (A member of 460 Conversion Flt) Both Sgt Evans and Sgt Lawton were picked up by launches suffering bruises and exposure and were taken to RAF Hospital, Great Yarmouth. The remaining three missing crew members lost their lives at sea, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

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Date of Death : 11 September 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B47 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/93/666 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1216 Radio call sign: UV – S Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1216 took off from RAF Breighton at 2019 hours on the night of 10 September 1942 to bomb Dusseldorf. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Ten machines took off from Breighton on the raid. Z 1216 was on loan from RAF Station Hemswell whilst the crew of Z 1216 were members of 460 Conversion Flight. Crew: RAAF 404601 Flt Sgt Bryden J A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403105 Flt Sgt Brown, A E (Navigator) RAAF 404403 Sgt Danks-Brown, K J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 406980 Sgt King, J K (Front Gunner) RAAF 406453 Flt Sgt Harris, T C (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Cologne, Germany and all the crew were killed. They are interred in the Rheinberg British Military Cemetery, Germany.

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Date of Death : 14 September 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 163/93/676 Aircraft Type: Wellington Serial number: Z 1385 Radio call sign: UV – Z Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Wellington Z 1385 took off from RAF Breighton at 0017 hours on 14 September 1942 detailed to attack Bremen. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft which was on loan from No 310 (Polish) Sqn, RAF Hemswell, failed to return to base after the mission. Seven aircraft from the Squadron were detailed to carry out the mission. Crew: RAAF 404949 Flt Sgt Brasher, E K F DFM Captain (Pilot) RAAF 411007 Sgt Crowther A D (Navigator) RAAF 403139 Sgt Johnson, D W (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403793 Sgt Monk W J C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)* RAAF 407992 Flt Sgt Bennett, K C (Air Gunner)

*A member of No 460 Conversion Flight. Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down on 14 September 1942 and all the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Bennett is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany. The other four crew members are buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg, Germany.

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Date of Death : 19 September 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/92/190 WR Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War, Page 223, volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: DT 481 Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax DT 481 based at RAF Breighton was detailed on 19 September 1942 to carry out an air firing exercise, but to make a call first to the drome at RAF Binbrook. The aircraft overshot the drome on its first approach, and when it overshot again on the second approach, smoke was pouring from the starboard outer engine which had failed and caught fire. At 1030 hours while making a gentle turn to the left at 800 feet the aircraft stalled, then spun and crashed. All the crew on board were killed. Crew: RAAF 403079 Flt Sgt Solomons, S A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400931 Flt Sgt Morant, A R (Navigator) RAAF 401220 Sgt Keys, F R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403658 FO Brander, H S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 416113 Sgt Bishop, F E (Front Gunner) RAAF 404860 Flt Sgt Sutton, J T (Rear Gunner) RAAF 22126 Cpl Hazelton, W J R (Fitter 2A) RAF Sgt Betteridge, A S (Flight Engineer) All the RAAF crew members are interred in the Binbrook (St Mary) Churchyard, Lincolnshire.UK.

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Date of Death : 22 September 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/31/42 Aircraft Type: Halifax Serial number: W 1272 Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Halifax W 1272 of 1656 Conversion Flight took off on the 22 September 1942 to carry out a training exercise including tank changing, 3 engine flying, cross wind landings and demonstration of rudder stall. At 10.30am the aircraft crashed a quarter of a mile east of “Middle Farm”, Catterton, Yorkshire near Tadcaster UK. All the crew were killed and the cause of the crash could not be established. Crew: RAF FO Purcival, J W (Pilot Instructor) RAAF 400952 Flt Lt Falkiner, J A (Pilot under training) RAF Sgt Jones, LO H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 402589 Flt Sgt Cox, R G (Rear Gunner) * * A member of No.20 Op. Training Unit RAF. Flt Lt Falkiner of 460 Sqn is buried in St Lawrence Church, Wootton, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK. Sgt Cox is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire.

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Date of Death : 19 October 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 163/32/142 Aircraft Type: Manchester Serial number: R 5780 Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Manchester R 5780 of 1656 Conversion Training Flight RAF and temporarily stationed at RAF Breighton was engaged on a short flight air firing practice on 19 October 1942. The aircraft struck a tree low flying tore off the starboard main plane and dived into the ground, 2kms ENE of Lichfield drome, Staffordshire. All the crew which included three members of 460 Sqn were killed. Crew: RAF PO Horner, R D Captain (Pilot)* RAAF 404146 FO Murphy, D M (2nd Pilot) RAAF 408768 FO Wood, R W (Navigator) RAAF 405580 FO Forrester L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF AC2 Dobell* RAF AC1 Hodges*

*Members of 1656 Conversion Training Flight RAF. The three RAAF members of 460 Sqn are interred in Fradley (St Stephens) Churchyard, Alrewas, Staffordshire.

36


Date of Death : 25 October 1942 Source: AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 163/25/212 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: 412481, PO Chapman, Robert Herbert, an Observer of 460 Sqn, whilst in the RAF Officers Hospital, Torquay, UK awaiting an operation suffering from tonsillitis, was killed on 25 October 1942 by a direct hit on the hospital from a bomb dropped during an enemy air raid when two lone enemy bombers suddenly appeared from low cloud. PO Chapman is buried in the Torquay Cemetery, Devonshire, UK.

37

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Accident : 22 November 1942 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 65 (2318) and (2225) W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War, Page 265, Volume 1942. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4273 Radio call sign: UV – A Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4273 took off from RAF Breighton at 1815 hours on the night of 22/23rd November 1942 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 2 x 1000lb and 90 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and one W 4273 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 400976 PO Galt, D T DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 404624 PO Given, F G (Navigator) RCAF Sgt J C Shuttleworth (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 407281 PO Berry, G R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T H Hanstock, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 408617 WO C E Austin, (Air Gunner) RAAF 401036 PO Hayman, F W (Air Gunner) W R Chorley states that this was the first Lancaster from 460 Sqn to be reported missing on operations. It was later established that there were no fatalities in the missing aircraft. All the crew survived with Flt Lt Given, PO Berry, WO Austin (later Flt Lt) and PO (Later Flt Lt) Hayman becoming POW’s, while PO Galt, Sgt Hanstock and Sgt Shuttleworth evaded capture and returned safe to the UK. In his statement PO Galt said ‘ I was pilot in the crew of an aircraft which took off from RAF Breighton about 1830 hrs on 29 Nov 42. On the outward flight to Stuttgart we crash-landed in flat country about 14 miles S.E. of Amiens about 2015 hrs. The aircraft was on fire and exploded a few minutes after coming down. None of the crew was injured. We dispersed immediately walking south. I went alone believing by doing so I would be more likely to avoid capture.’ Galt evaded capture and there is an absorbing account of his 18 day journey across France/Spain to safety on file AWM 65 (2225). In his report the then Flt Lt Given stated : “We were shot down on 22 Nov 1942 south of Amiens by light flak which set the port inner petrol tank and engine on fire, with holes in the rear of the fuselage. None of the crew were injured. The pilot was able to make a forced landing on wheels. All the crew left the aircraft unhurt. I believe the aircraft crashed near the village of Campion near Amiens.” There is a further report by Flt Lt Given on his experiences until he was capture on 28 Nov 42 by the gendarmerie and sent to Dulag Luft. (AWM 65 (2318) refers) A report also by the then Flt Lt Hayman appears on NAA : A705, 166/17/851.

38


Date of Death : 4 January 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/6/7 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4274 Radio call sign: UV – B Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4274 took off form RAF Breighton at 1726 hours on 4 January 1943 to attack Essen, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 10 SBC. The aircraft failed to return to base. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 405156 Flt Sgt Brooks, H G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 411327 Flt Sgt Hutchinson, F E (Navigator) RAAF 405443 Flt Sgt Gray, H P (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403273 Flt Sgt Lonsdale, R T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Watson, J H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405547 Flt Sgt Fletcher, E J B (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 408163 Sgt Harris, K J H (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2022 hours on 4 January near Nijmegen, (Gelderland), Holland. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Uden War Cemetery, North Brabant, Holland.

39


Date of Death : 18 January 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/8/18 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4816 Radio call sign: UV – K Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4816 took off from RAF Breighton at 1700 hours on 17 January 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1260 x 4lb incendiaries. W 4816 could not locate the primary target possibly due to a hit sustained in the Stettin area. The aircraft bombed an unidentified village in the north east of Berlin. The bombs were released from 18000 feet. The DR compass was faulty and petrol shortage made the homeward journey difficult. W4816 ran out of fuel just after passing Flamborough UK and crashed. The crew baled out at 5000 feet and landed safely with the exception of Sgt Corfe who was killed owing to the obstruction of his parachute by the intercom wires on his helmet. Seven aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew : RAAF 403389 Sgt Wendon, W M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403619 Sgt Kennedy, A (Navigator) RAAF 411124 Sgt Corfe D A (Bombaimer) RAAF 411082 Sgt Williams, C A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Askam C (Flight Engineer) RAAF 408605 Sgt Wynn B C (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 404684 Sgt Johnston, A C (Rear Gunner) Sgt Corfe is interred at All Saints Parish Church, Bubwith, England.

40


Date of Death : 23 January 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/8/25 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4308 Radio call sign: UV –C Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4308 took off form RAF Breighton at 1714 hours on 23 January 1943 to attack Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 1080 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft failed to return to base from the mission. Six aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAF Sqn Ldr Osborn, R B DSO, DFC, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403620 FO Longworth, S U C (Navigator) RAAF 411084 Sgt Conlon, J V (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 406441 Sgt Martin, P A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 400391 PO Methven, S C (Air Gunner) RAAF 401812 Sgt Brown, R A (Air Gunner) Sqn Ldr Osborn, Flt Sgt Longworth, Sgt Martin, and Sgt Brown became POW’s. In a statement by Sqn Ldr Osborn he reported “The aircraft was attacked by an ME110 just over the coast on the way home. I decided to attempt a belly landing with only the right arm, the left upper arm had been injured by a cannon shell. Conlon baled out and probably went into the sea. Methven was dead in the plane and Brown was badly injured in the right leg.” Both Sgt Conlon and PO Methven are buried in the Bakhuizen R.C. Cemetery Caasterland,Friesland, Holland.

41


Date of Death : 26 January 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/2/14 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: 400804, Flt Lt Kearns, John Howard, the Squadron Adjutant died of an illness in the York Military Hospital on 26 January 1943. He is buried in Budwith (All Saints) Parish Churchyard, Selby, Yorkshire,UK.

42


Date of Death : 27 January 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/27/27 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4837 Radio call sign: UV – M Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4837 took off from RAF Breighton at 1747 hours on 26 January 1943 detailed to bomb Lorient, France. Bomb load 2 x 1000 lb, 1080 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 403368 Sgt Oliver, H B Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403701 Sgt Sedger, G R (Navigator) RAAF 404975 Flt Sgt Mason, N T (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 403913 Flt Sgt Day, E A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 14444 Sgt Matthews, S J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405618 Sgt Austin, W E J (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Brierley, J R (Air Gunner) Following post war searches and enquiries when no trace of the missing crew was found, it was recorded in 1950 that they had no known grave. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. Note : Flt Sgt Mason’s date of death is recorded in AWM 237 (63) as 26 January 1943.

43


Date of Death : 27 January 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/6/29 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 8177 Radio call sign: UV – K Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 8177 took off from RAF Breighton at 1714 hours on the night of 27 January 1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000 lb, 1080 x 4lb incendiaries. 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 raid. Crew: RAAF 403160 PO Brittingham, R A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 6946 Sgt Williams, T H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 403396 PO Matchett, W M J (Navigator) RAAF 401053 Flt Sgt Simpson, N H (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt Rogers, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 401739 Flt Sgt Brodie, I G (Air Gunner) RAAF 407994 Flt Sgt Swain, J K (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Viersen-Ummer and all members of the crew were killed. They are interred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany, located about eleven miles north west of Duisberg.

44


Date of Death : 3 March 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/14/15 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4864 Radio call sign: UV - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4864 took off from RAF Breighton on a cross country training flight including bombing practice on the night of 2/3rd March 1943. The aircraft encountered bad weather and at 0012 hours on 3 March crashed one mile west of Shawbury, Shropshire. The aircraft hit a tree on high ground while making a circuit preparatory to landing. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF 411890 Sgt Fulton, E C Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Milledy, T P G (Flt Engineer) RAF Sgt Kerr, R W (Navigator) RAAF 401457 Flt Sgt Murphy, E F (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411312 Sgt Graham, R C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Bacon, R F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Oldfield, R (Air Gunner) The three RAAF members are buried in the Shrewsbury General Cemetery, Shropshire, U K.

45


Date of Death : 26 March 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/43/110 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 354 Radio call sign: UV – O Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 354 took off from RAF Breighton at 1954 hours on 26 March 1943 to attack Duisberg, Germany. Bomb Load was 1 X 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eleven aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 413468 Flt Sgt Wilson, R E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Cooper, D J (Navigator) RAF Sgt Haseman, P J (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Bramham, C O (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Harrison, F V (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Lever, N A (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Brown, H B (Air Gunner) No trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found after the war. The names of all the crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK.

46


Date of Death : 30 March 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/64 and A705, 166/17/97. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4327 Radio call sign: UV – S Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4327 took off from RAF Station Breighton, East Yorkshire, at 2157 hours on 29 March 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 48 x 30lb, 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 416322 Flt Sgt Charlick, D H V Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405381 FO McNeill, T H (Navigator) RAAF 403502 Flt Sgt Cooper, E N (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411445 FO Falkenmire, F J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Perry, P (Flight Engineer) RAAF 408578 Flt Sgt Hampton, G V (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Chapman, W P D (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at Lievelde (Geiderland), 4kms NNE of Lichten Voorde. FO (later Flt Lt) Falkenmire (RAAF) became a POW. All the other crew members were killed and are interred in the Lichten Voorde General Cemetery, Holland. In a statement by FO Falkenmire he reported : “At about 0300 hours on the 30 march 1943, we were travelling home in just about 10/10ths cloud, and I heard the Rear Gunner say ‘Look out’ and then I heard canon fire hit us along the floor of the fuselage. The machine nosed over and then dived. I heard nothing from the Captain whom I fear must have been killed immediately. I do not know if anyone else was hit. I put on my parachute and then was thrown to the roof; my reaction was to pill the ripcord. This dragged me out of the machine. I landed practically within 50 feet of the wreckage. The aircraft was burning very furiously with its nose in the ground. I was very dazed but I think it exploded. I ran over to the machine where I saw four bodies, all dead. The Germans told me that besides the four people found dead, two others were still in the machine. I am sorry to have to report that all my crew were killed. PO T H McNeill, Sgt D Charlick, Sgt E N Cooper, Sgt G Hampton, Sgt Perry and Sgt P Chapman. They were buried at Dinardo in Holland. Would you please convey to the parents and relatives of the deceased the sincere sympathy of their crews and myself.”

47


Date of Death : 30 March 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/16/43 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 391 Radio call sign: UV – S Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 391 took off from RAF Station Breighton at 2145 hours on the night of 29/30th March 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 48 x 30lb, 540 x 4 lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 403735 Flt Lt Grenfell, K H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403754 FO McCullagh, S F S (Navigator) RAF Sgt Cordingley, R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411010 Flt Sgt Dunn, P W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Lewis, G E (Flight Engineer) RAAF 406680 Flt Sgt Potter, R L (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Webber, S G (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter crashing at Kloosterhaar (Overijssel), 10kms SSE of Hardenberg, Holland. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Hardenberg Protestant Churchyard Cemetery, Holland.

48


Date of Death : 4 April 1943 Source: AWM64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 163/45/167 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4310 Radio call sign: UV – C Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4310 took off from RAF Breighton at 2052 hours on 4 April 1943 to attack Kiel, Germany. Bomb load was 11 x 1000 lb bombs. 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. Crew: RAAF 400595 Flt Lt Moore, K DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 411192 FO Rust, B K (Navigator) RAAF 403363 PO Lee, J G (Air Bomber) RAAF 401209 WO Gooding, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Lloyd, H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405502 Flt Sgt Ranclaud, W B (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Cooksey, D F (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at 2325 hours on 4 April 1943 near Bordesholm between Munster and Kiel. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Kiel War Cemetery.

49


Date of Death : 8 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 16/5/115 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4785 Radio call sign: UV – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4785 took off from RAF Breighton at 2111 hours on 8 April 1943 to attack Duisberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine aircraft5 from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 408949 Sgt Ball, J H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Frampton, C E J (Navigator) RAF Sgt Gray, D M (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt Mordecai, D G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Langley, W C (Flight Engineer) RAAF 403806 Flt Sgt Garven, A A (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Dobson, G G (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at Meiderich on the North west bank of the River Ruhr, a few kms nor’nor east of the target area. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

50


Date of Death : 9 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/26/84 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 521 Radio call sign: UV – B Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 521 took off from RAF Breighton at 2044 hours on 9 April 1943 to attack Duisberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 405593 PO MacDonald, D I Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400698 Flt Sgt Dodgshun, J H (Navigator) RAAF 401688 Sgt Forrest, J L (Air Bomber) RAF Flt Sgt Jones, W K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 8939 Sgt Meadows A K(Flight Engineer) RAAF 408558 Flt Sgt Allsopp, W F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Hoofe, M (Air Gunner) No trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found following post war enquiries. The names of the missing crew are recorded on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK

51


Date of Death : 17 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/27/95 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4331 Radio call sign: UV – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4331 took off from RAF Breighton at 2106 hours on 16 April 1943 to attack Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take and it failed to return to base. Fifteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 411165 Flt Sgt Miller, I G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Richmond, N P (Navigator) RAF Sgt Capon, M G (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt Wilson, G J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Curtis, D (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Hall, R A (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Beaumont, R (Air Gunner) From post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed and exploded south of Oggersheim, 4kms north west of Ludwigshafen, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

52


Date of Death : 17 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/43/150 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 711 Radio call sign: UV – U Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 711 took off from RAF Breighton at 2059 hours on 16 April 1943 to attack Pilsen, Czechoslavikia. Bomb load carried was 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from ED 711 after take off and it did not return to base. The aircraft was one of 15 aircraft from the squadron to take part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 408896 PO White, D E DFM Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409331 Flt Sgt Stewart, J S (2nd Pilot) RAAF 411121 PO Charlton, W R K, (Navigator) RAAF 411207 Flt Sgt Ward, F H DFM (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 412265 PO Parker, A K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 9431 Sgt Knilands, B (Flight Engineer) RAAF 401730 Flt Sgt Baker, R H (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Smith, A K (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed on 17 April 1943 near Boeblingen, approx 9 miles south west of Stuttgart. All the crew were killed and are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

53


Date of Death : 17 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 164/178/366 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4942 Radio call sign: UV – F Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4942 took off from RAF Breighton at 2106 hours on 16 April 1943 to attack Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. The bombload was 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. W4942 was one of 15 aircraft from the squadron that took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 416135 Flt Sgt Williams, J N Captain (Pilot) RAAF 411335 Flt Sgt King, E R (Navigator) RAAF 409034 Flt Sgt Ebbott E C (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Smith, L C (Wireless Operator) RAAF 205848 Sgt Bell, J C (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Clarke, A W (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Ablewhite,, E J (Air Gunner) Post war examination of German documents established that the aircraft crashed at 0034 hours on 17 April at Horcheim, approx 12 miles northwest of Mannheim, Germany. The four RAAF members of the crew are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. The three RAF members are interred at the Rheinberg British Military Cemetery.

54


Date of Death :20 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix E AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/118/68 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4325 Radio call sign: UV – O Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4325 took off from RAF Breighton at 2141 hours on 20 April 1943 to attack the port and U boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 416574 Flt Sgt Hogben, R S Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Pomfret, J (Navigator) RAF Sgt Boland, T (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt Smith, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Cousins, A J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 412633 Flt Sgt McGlinchy, F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Dixon, H E (Air Gunner) From post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at West Slagelse, Zealand, Denmark. German documents recorded that the bodies of Flt Sgt McGlinchy and Sgt Dixon had been identified but the others unidentified. The German documents did not record where the remains were buried, and no trace has been found where they are interred. The crew names have been recorded on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing as having no known grave.

55

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 20 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix F AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/33/27 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4956 Radio call sign: UV – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4956 took off from RAF Breighton at 2135 hours on 20 April 1943 to bomb the port and U boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Bomb load of 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 409221 Flt Sgt Pridgeon, W F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416552 FO Dollar, R E (Navigator) RAAF 411469 Flt Sgt Mackenzie, P M (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Solly, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Willis, C A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 409146 Flt Sgt King, R S (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Chapman, R J (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the body of Flt Sgt MacKenzie had been washed ashore on the west coast of Fehmarn Island near Puttsee. Fehmarn Island is situated in the Baltic Sea approx 44 miles north east of Kiel. Flt Sgt Mackenzie is interred in the Kiel War Cemetery, Germany. It was assumed that the aircraft had crashed in the Baltic Sea east of the Fehmarn Island, and the names of the remaining missing crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing at Surrey, UK.

56


Date of Death : 21 April 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix G AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/20/35 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4330 Radio call sign: UV – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4330 took off from RAF Breighton at 2139 hours on 20 April 1943 to attack the port and U boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Bomb load carried was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 48 x 30lb, 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 408656 Flt Sgt James, K Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409175 Flt Sgt Muir, B M (Navigator) RAAF 413482 Flt Sgt Finnane, B (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt Mayoh, W D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Smith, B (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405921 FO Mahoney, E A (Air Gunner) RAAF 412957 Flt Sgt Harvey, B H (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at 0312 hours on 21 April 1943 at Vestbirk, 14kms north west of Horsens, Denmark. All the crew were killed and they are interred at the Esbjerg (Fourfeldt) Cemetery, Denmark.

57


Date of Death : 5 May 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA B: A705, 166/20/41 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4818 Radio call sign: UV – B Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4818 took off from RAF Breighton at 2220 hours on 4 May 1943 to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 416680 Flt Sgt Jaekel, D N Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414506 FO Russ, S M (Navigator) RAAF 412479 Flt Sgt Candish, E J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 412139 Flt Sgt Hilton, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Turpin, W T (Flight Engineer) RAAF 20047 Flt Sgt Barry, J L (Air Gunner) RAAF 405597 Flt Sgt Williams, W (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at Schieringhausen, some 8kms WSW of Lunen. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany. The crew were on their first operation and W.R.Chorley in his book RAF Bomber Command losses WW2, (1943) records that Flt Sgt Jaekel at age 19 years 9 months was one of the youngest bomber pilots to be killed on operations during 1943. .

58


Date of Death : 24 May 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/9/88 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4984 Radio call sign: AR – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4984 took off from RAF Binbrook at night on 23 May 1943 to attack Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 405966 Flt Sgt Davis, B M T Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412411 Flt Sgt Dyce, K D (Navigator) RAAF 405849 Flt Sgt Goldthorpe, G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411839 Flt Sgt Biffen, J S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Rowlands, E RAAF 421066 Flt Sgt Wright, C S (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt Ralph, F W C Flt Sgt Goldthorpe who became a POW reported that “the aircraft was attacked by a night fighter. The port engines and wing were on fire. Orders to abandon were given by gestures. The controls appeared damaged. Two baled out at 18,000 feet. I landed near the German Holland border, and was handed over to the Germans. I was told later that all the other six crew members were killed.” Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Oud Schoonebeek (Drenthe), 14kms SSE of Emmen Holland. All the six crew members are buried in the Oud Schoonebeek General Cemetery, Holland.

59


Date of Death : 28 May 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/2/72 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 804 Radio call sign: AR – Z Unit: 460 Sqn RAF Summary: Lancaster ED 804 of 460 Sqn took off at 2314 hours on 27 May 1943 from RAF Binbrook detailed to attack Essen, Germany. It carried a bomb load of 1 x 4000 lb, 48 x 30lb incendiaries and 600 x 4 lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. ED 804 was one of 19 aircraft of the squadron to take part in the attack. Crew: RAF PO Harrison, C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413434 Sgt Schrader, W G (Navigator) RAAF 413391 PO Bates, C C (Bombaimer) RAF Sgt Blackwell, N A (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Morris, C R S (Flight Engineer) RAAF 414697 Flt Sgt Kerr, E J (Air Gunner) RAAF 420661 Flt Sgt Grant, J A (Air Gunner) Sgt Schrader (RAAF) who became a POW later reported “the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter. The aircraft immediately began to fall being on fire in the starboard wing and the belly. The order to abandon was given and acknowledged by both gunners. The Wireless Operator was killed and unable to leave the machine. Both Bates and Morris baled out ahead of me and the other four were still in the aircraft when I baled out at approx 10000 feet. The aircraft was not under control and it exploded soon after I left. Harrison landed beside me but was dead. I think by concussion from the explosion.” PO Bates and Sgt Morris also became POW’s. It was later established that the aircraft crashed at 0209 hours on 28 May at Herveld (Gelderland) on the north bank of the Waal, some 10kms north west of Nijmegen, Holland. Sgt Kerr (RAAF) and Sgt Grant (RAAF) are interred in the Uden Cemetery, Holland.

60


Date of Death : 30 May 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/6/101 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 759 Radio call sign: AR – X Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 759 took off from RAF Binbrook on the night of 29/30 May 1943 to attack Wuppertal, Germany. Bomb Load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 48 x 30lb, 6600 x 4lb incendiaries. 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. Crew: RAAF 413924 Flt Sgt Bull, H E Captain (Pilot0 RAF Sgt Sherratt, F C (Navigator) RAF Sgt Munday, D R (Air Bomber) RAF Sgt Willars, P C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Powis, G G (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Anderson, R M (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Meech, A W G (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Remscheld-Luttring-Hausen and all the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Bull is interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

61


Date of Death : 30 May 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4985 Radio call sign: AR – O Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4985 took off from RAF Binbrook on 29 May 1943 to attack Wuppertal, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000 lb bomb, 548 x 30lb and 600 x 4lb incendiaries. 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. Crew: RAF Sgt Russell, T P Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414917 Sgt Dun, R W (Navigator) RAAF 413803 Flt Sgt Taylor, T (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Findlay, P W (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Clague, W F C (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Gordon, D G (Air Gunner) RAAF 409057 Sgt Kirk, G A (Air Gunner) Both Sgt Dun and Sgt Kirk (RAAF) became POW’s. The remainder of the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Taylor is interred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany. In a later statement Sgt Kirk said “The aircraft was badly damaged by flak. The outer port and starboard engines, tail plane, wing and fuselage were damaged. I abandoned the aircraft and landed on the east bank of the Rhine. Captured after two hours. Taylor and Gordon were wounded. The aircraft crashed into the Rhine near Koblenz.”

62


Date of Death : 12 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/123 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4960 Radio call sign: AR – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4960 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2147 hours on 11 June 1943 to attack Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 780 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 416324 Flt Sgt Christie, R S Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408309 Flt Sgt Heath, J (Navigator) RAAF 414352 Flt Sgt Horwood, J H (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Lewis, R L (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Kerwin, R SW (Flight Engineer) RAAF 420637 FO Bennett, B W (Air Gunner) RAAF 413866 Flt Sgt Hogan, P J (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 0205 hours on 12 June 1943 at Sluipwijk (Zuide) Holland, and all the crew were killed. The five RAAF crew members are interred in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.

63


Date of Death : 13 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64(1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/17/176 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4329 Radio call sign: AR – K Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4329 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2235 hours on 12 June 1943 to attack Bochum, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 404704 PO Hadley, L H M, DFC, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 400470 FO Horne, U D H, DFC, (Navigator) RAAF 412739 Flt Sgt Stanley, J V (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Bond, E H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 22230 Flt Sgt Baldwin, E A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405504 Flt Sgt Simpson, N R (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Connor, L N (Air Gunner) Post war examination of German documents recorded that the aircraft crashed at 0215 hours on 13 June 1943 near Bochum, Kornharpen. All the crew were killed and are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

64


Date of Death : 13 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/25/45 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4316 Radio call sign: AR – Q Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4316 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2310 hours on 12 June 1943 detailed to attack Bochum, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, and 56 x 30lb, 690 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAF Sgt Vaughan, R O Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412986 Flt Sgt Lundie, D C P (Navigator) RAF PO Young, C W R (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Thomas, D A (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Day, L F C (Flight Engineer) RAAF 409404 Flt Sgt Gordon, A (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt Cornish, J C (Air Gunner) It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Grafhorst (Overijssel), 3kms NNE of Kampen, Holland. All the crew were killed with the exception of Sgt Cornish (RCAF) who became a POW. Both Flt Sgt Lundie (RAAF) and Sgt Gordon (RAAF) are interred at Grafhorst General Cemetery, Holland. .

65


Date of Death : 15 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/8/137 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 167 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster EE 167 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2235 hours on 14 June 1943 to attack Oberhausen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 690 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. 22 aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 411680 Flt Sgt Cope, G R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409472 FO Gordon, H L (Navigator) RAAF 405842 Flt Sgt Douds, D (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 415021 Flt Sgt Crouch, D H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Booth, E (Flight Engineer) RAAF 408907 Flt Sgt Finlason, D S (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt Matheson, W R (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed at 0111 hours on 15 June 1943 some two miles south east of Schinbeld (Limburg), 8kms ESE of Sittard, Holland. Sgt Booth (RAF) and Sgt Matheson (RCAF) became POW’s. The remaining five crew members were killed and they are interred at the Jonkersbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.

66


Date of Death : 15 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAAV : A705, 166/27/150 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 160 Radio call sign: AR – N Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster DV 160 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2257 hours on 14 June 1943 to attack Oberhausen, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 56 x 30lb, 720 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. 22 aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAF Sgt Crook, R E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420697 Flt Sgt Marriage, S J (Navigator) RAAF 414196 Flt Sgt Buckeridge, C R (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Grimshaw, G E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 14824 Flt Sgt Morrison, J (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt Fletcher, G W G (Air Gunner) RAAF 413307 Flt Sgt Grant, D R (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter crashing at 0221 hours on 15 June 43 at Schellingwoude, (Noord Holland) in the north eastern suburbs of Amsterdam. Flt Sgt Morrison became a POW, and in a later statement he said “The aircraft exploded in mid air. I was thrown clear but have no information re Buckeridge. After the aircraft was hit I heard Buckeridge say that he could not get the escape hatch open. The aircraft then blew up and I found myself in mid air.” All the other crew members were killed. Flt Sgt Marriage, Flt Sgt Buckeridge and Flt Sgt Grant are interred in the New East Cemetery, Amsterdam, Holland. .

67


Date of Death : 15 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/9/110 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 324 Radio call sign: AR - O Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM 324 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2254 hours on 14 June 1943 to attack Oberhausen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 413178 FO Dennett, W J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413079 FO Flashman, A C R (Navigator) RAAF 412785 Flt Sgt Williams, T (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Bogle, E A (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Watson, R E (Flight Engineer) RAAF 410593 FO Emery, W E (Air Gunner) RAAF 14228 Flt Sgt Birk, D P (Air Gunner) It was established post war that all the crew were killed. They are all interred in the Heverlee War Cemetery, Louvain, Belgium.

68


Date of Death : 16 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : NA705, 166/32/132 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4332 Radio call sign: AR - M Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4332 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2259 hours on 16th June 1943 to attack Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 510 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 412338 Flt Sgt Phillips, F G Captain (Pilot) RAF PO Davey, E F (Navigator) RAF Sgt Prince, G D (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Ousley, J W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Emmett, J H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 420762 Flt Sgt Little, L T (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Smith, F S (Air Gunner) It was established from post war investigations that the aircraft had crashed at sea. It was shot down by a night fighter and crashed into the Oosterschelde NW of Wissekerke (Zeeland) on the island of Beveland. The bodies of Sgt Prince, Sgt Ousley, Sgt Smith (all RAF) and Flt Sgt Little (RAAF) were washed ashore along the Belgian coast and the south west coast of Holland. Flt Sgt Little is interred in the New Communal Cemetery, Ostend, Belgium. It was presumed that the remaining three missing crew members including Flt Sgt Phillips had lost their lives at sea, and their names are recorded on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK.

69


Date of Death : 17 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) NAA : A705, 166/32/131 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 5007 Radio call sign: AR – O Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 5007 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2302 hours on the night of 16 June 1943 detailed to attack Cologne, Germany. Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb, and 1 x 500lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 480 x 4lb and 30 x 4lb incendiaries. W 5007 which was one of eighteen aircraft from the squadron to take part in the raid, failed to return to base. The aircraft called up Binbrook to say that the hydraulic system had been shot away and they were very badly shot up. Shortly after at 0445 hours on 17 June, W 5007 crashed at Elsham Wolds, UK. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAF Sgt Strath, D J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420050 Flt Sgt Plummer, J C (Navigator) RAAF 414255 Flt Sgt McDonnell, L M (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Gent, R S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Harman, R T (Flight Engineer) RAAF 414549 Flt Sgt Flitcroft, N O B (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt Brodie, W (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Plummer (RAAF), Flt Sgt Mc Donnell (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Flitcroft (RAAF) are interred in Brigg Cemetery, Lincolnshire, UK.

70


Date of Death : 22 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/17/193 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 166 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster EE 166 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2315 hours on the night of 22/23rd June 1943 to bomb Mulheim, Germany. Bomb load, 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 500lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 600 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 416669 FO Harrison, L E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Bartlett, W H (Navigator) RAAF 409544 FO Heffernan, R J (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Brown, S K (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Callout, J S (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Cotton, K A C (Air Gunner) RAAF 412553 Flt Sgt Lockrey, R J (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft had crashed at a mill near Mulheim-Heissen and that all the crew were killed. Both FO Harrison and Flt Sgt Lockrey are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany, while FO Heffernan is missing and his name is recorded on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK.

71


Date of Death : 22 June 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/39/88 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4939 Radio call sign: AR – L Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4939 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0009 hours on 22 June 1943 to attack Krefeld, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 500lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 600 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. 20 aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 414436 Flt Sgt Teerman A W Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Hosking, A L T (Navigator) RAF Sgt Thompson, H (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Cassell, J E O (Wireless Operator) RAF PO Trafford, H J (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Hetherington, J (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt O’Neill, B D (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries, it was believed that the aircraft was shot down at 0240 hours on 22 June near Monchengladbach. Sgt Thompson (RAF) who became a POW later made a statement in which he said “I can tell you very little. I was captured 18 hours after coming down and shown our aircraft close by. Three bodies were in the aircraft but I was unable to identify them. He only saw three. I was told later that the other three were killed and he was the only survivor.” Flt Sgt Teerman is interred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

72


Date of Death : 3 July 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) NAA : A705, 166/11/50 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4844 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4844 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2329 hours on the night of 2/3rd July 1943 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 500lb, 1 x 400lb, 48 x 30, 570 x 4 and 30 x 4lb incendiaries. W 4844 failed to return to base after the mission. 17 aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 411885 PO Edwards, C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 421093 FO Spier, W F (Navigator) RAAF 22378 Flt Sgt Truscott, C F J (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Young, C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Tytherleigh, A E (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Rees W J (Air Gunner) RAAF 420653 Flt Sgt Frazer, L J (Air Gunner) All the crew are missing and their names commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, UK.

73


Date of Death : 25 July 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/4/54 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4987 Radio call sign: AR –

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W 4987 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2308 hours on the night of 24/25th July 1943 to attack Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 2 x 1000lb bombs. 48 x 30lb and 510 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty six aircraft from the squadron took part in the attack. Crew: RAAF 413522 Flt Sgt Ashley, A G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412860 Flt Sgt Taylor, F C (Navigator) RAF Sgt Acheson, J McF (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Joyce, J V (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt Metcalfe, D W (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt Perron, A J E (Air Gunner) RAAF 414293 Flt Sgt Forsyth, F S (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Cuxhaven. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany, which is approx 30 miles north of Wessermunde, Germany.

74


Date of Death : 30 July 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/14/73 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JA 689 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JA 689 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2221 hours on 29 July 1943 detailed to attack Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 510 x 4lb and 50 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 415079 PO Fuhrmann H L, DFM, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416735 FO Anderson, C B, DFC (Navigator) RAAF 405884 PO Scott, S N (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 415135 Flt Sgt Gliddon, A W H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Woods, G W (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Doyle, J P (Air Gunner) RAAF 415066 Flt Sgt Bent, T E (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed in the Hamburg area on 30 July 1943. Sgt Doyle (RAF) is interred in the Soltau (Becklingen) British Military Cemetery, Germany. The names of the remaining six crew members who are missing are recorded on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK.

75


Date of Death : 30 July 1943 Source: AWM 64 ((1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/21/52 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 525 Radio call sign: AR – Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 525 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2355 hours on 29 July 1943 to attack Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 2 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 510 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard form the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 402507 FO Johnson, A J Captain (Pilot) RAF WO Scruton, D G (Navigator) RAF Sgt Ralph, F S (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411440 WO Burcher, R M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF PO Fox, S F N (Flight Engineer) RAAF 403397 FO O’Riordan, C T (Air Gunner) RAAF 402508 WO Jones, P L E (Air Gunner) Post war enquiries established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter on 30 July and crashed near Floglen, approx 41 miles north of Bremen, and that all the crew were killed. FO O’Riordan is buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany which is about 45 miles east of Bremen. FO Johnson, Flt Sgt Burcher and Flt Sgt Jones are missing and are commemorated on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK

76


Date of Death : 23 August 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/27/207 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 421 Radio call sign: AR - U Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 421 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2055 hours on 23 August 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load was I x 4000lb and 2 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 413786 Flt Sgt Richards, A J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413574 Flt Sgt Gay, K (Navigator) RAAF 412175 Flt Sgt Munro, J G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 404749, Flt Sgt Collins, J G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Finlay, W A (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Smale, T (Air Gunner) RAAF 414359, Flt Sgt Marsh, J (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Richards, Flt Sgt Gay and Flt Sgt Munro were POW’s. In a later statement by Flt Sgt Gay he said “We were attacked and blown up in mid-air. Richards, Munro and I were hurled clear, but the other lads in the crew were killed. I lost consciousness, came too with both legs broken. Landed OK and then received the best possible treatment.” Flt Sgt Collins and Flt Sgt Marsh are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

77


Date of Death : 1 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) NAA : A705, 166/18/168 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 986 Radio call sign: AR – J2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 986 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2037 hours on the night of 31 August 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 48 x 30, 660 x 4 and 30 x 4lb incendiaries. ED 986 failed to return to base after the mission. 21 aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 411910 PO Hocking, J D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 415364 FO Symons, H F (Navigator) RAAF 413199 Flt Sgt Ingram, W R Bomb Aimer) RAAF 415082 PO Haymes, L J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 414014 Flt Sgt Fitzgerald, W H (Air Gunner) RAAF 411699 Flt Sgt Jones, T J (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Wood, J J (Flight Engineer) Following post war investigations and examination of German documents it was established that the aircraft crashed on 1 September 1943 into the grounds of the Daimler-Benz works at Ludwigsfelde which is approx 16 miles south west of Berlin. Both Sgt Wood (RAF) and Flt Sgt Ingram (RAAF) became POW’s, but they could provide no information about the fate of the other crew members. The remaining five crew members are interred in the Berlin (Heerstrasse) British War Cemetery, Berlin.

78


Date of Death : 3 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/26/227 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 132 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster EE 132 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1940 hours on 3 September 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 413788 Flt Sgt McPhan, R B Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Simpson, M J (Navigator) RAAF 421135 Flt Sgt Spence, J A (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Freeman, R L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt McCulloch, T O S (Flight Engineer) RAAF 408934 Flt Sgt Stobart, A A (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Hilton, J B (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on 3 September and exploded on impact near the village of Benschop, which is approx 24 miles south of Amsterdam, Holland. Both Flt Sgt Stobart and Sgt Hilton became POW’s. The remaining crew members are buried in the General Cemetery (Oudlausden) Ammersfoort, Holland.

79


Date of Death : 4 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/22/118 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 138 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster EE 138 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1958 hours on 3 September 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 630 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 267504 Sq Ldr Kelaher, C R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416558 FO Forrester S M (2nd Pilot) RAAF 407963 WO Carthew E G (Navigator) RAAF 401605 WO Walsh, C A (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Coombes, J C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Jowett, H F (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Rolfe, A (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Thirkettle, (Air Gunner) Post war enquiries and investigations established that the aircraft crashed and sank into a large water hole at Stadil, Denmark and all the crew were killed. Stadil is close to the west coast of Jutland, Denmark, approx seven miles NW of Ringkobing. German documents recorded that one unidentified body was recovered from the wreck and interred at Svine Cemetery on the Danish island of Zealand. The names of the eight crew members are commemorated as having no known grave on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK, On the 5 May 1950 a memorial was erected by local residents at Stadil at the site where the aircraft crashed.

80

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 4 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/8/216 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4988 Radio call sign: AR – Q Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4988 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1957 hours on 3 September 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 630 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew : RAAF 413896 FO Randall, F A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413829 Flt Sgt Conway, N J (Navigator) RAAF 403601 PO Greenaway, L G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 411636 Flt Sgt O’Brien, A J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Johns, A H (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Bell, H (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt Ward, H K (Air Gunner) FO Randall (RAAF), Sgt Bell (RAF) and Sgt Johns (RAF) were interned in Sweden and later returned safe to the UK. PO Greenaway (RAAF), Flt Sgt O’Brien (RAAF) and Sgt Ward (RCAF) were POW’s, and Flt Sgt Conway (RAAF) lost his life at sea. The following is a summary of POW statements as set out in a letter to relatives : “ The aircraft was repeatedly hit by flak over the target and attacked by fighter aircraft. The aircraft was temporarily out of control and the crew ordered to bale out. After one member had baled out the Captain regained control of the aircraft and the bale out order was cancelled. The course was set for Sweden. The navigation instruments were destroyed and the Navigator got high praise from the Captain in navigating the aircraft by dead reckoning course. Lights were sighted and the aircraft was considered over Sweden. The bale out order was given. Conway and the Captain were the last out.. The Captain was in the sea one and half miles from Danish coast. Forty five minutes later the Captain plus one were picked up by a Swedish trawler. The trawler searched for half an hour that night for Conway and the next day but no trace of him was found. Randall, Johns and Bell were picked up in the sea, taken to Sweden for interment, and later arrived safe back in the UK.” It was presumed that Flt Sgt Conway had lost his life at sea and his name is commemorated on Runnymede Missing Memorial as having no known grave. There is an absorbing report by FO Randall on his internment in Sweden and of his return to the UK that is held on Archives file A705, 166/35/141. In respect of the above mission Randall was awarded the DFC on 23/11/1943.On his return to UK he rejoined 460 Sqn only to lose his life on operations on 16 December 1943.

81


Date of Death : 22 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/5/298 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 219 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster DV 219 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1900 hours on 22 September 1943 to attack Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 64 x 30lb, 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft took part in the operation. Crew: RAAF 22001 Flt Sgt Hansen, R H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 406912 Flt Sgt Barrett-Lennard, M G (Navigator) RAAF 416935 Flt Sgt Cox, D V (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Mott, L O (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Sedgwick, J F (Flight Engineer) RAAF 421512 Flt Sgt Rushton, A N F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Shepley, N (Air Gunner) Post war enquiries established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed at Branstedt near Vechta at 2230 hours on 22 September. Wreckage was scattered over a wide area and all the crew were killed. The remains of the crew were recovered by the Germans and buried in Vetcha cemetery. The four RAAF crew members were re-interred at the Sage War Cemetery, located 13 miles south of Oldenburg, Germany.

82


Date of Death : 22 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/38/215 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JA 859 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JA 859 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1903 hours on 22 September 1943 to attack Hanover. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 570 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 413665 PO Smith, C K Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420328 FO Watson, M T L (2nd Pilot) RAAF 409683 Flt Sgt Galt, K R (Navigator) RAAF 5148 Flt Sgt Sibbit, E M (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420155 Flt Sgt Cranfield, A A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Clayton, E G (Flight Engineer) RAAF 409560 Flt Sgt Lucy, H K (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Hampton, R T (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft crashed on the east bank of the Weser river at Bremen-Walle north west from the city centre. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, 45 miles east of Bremen, Germany.

83


Date of Death :23 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix 137 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/32/195 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 174 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster DV 174 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1839 hours on 23 September 1943 to attack Mannheim, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 30 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 23729 Flt Sgt Plant, B A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413989 FO Hadley, G A (Navigator) RAAF 414338 Flt Sgt Cumming, A B (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Hirst, D S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Davis, V A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 421436 Flt Sgt Morrison D E (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Harris, D C (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at Speyer on 23rd September presumably shot down by enemy aircraft. Speyer is approx 12 miles south of Mannhein, Germany. All the crew were killed and their remains are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery at Cleves, located 40 miles nor’west of Duisberg.

84


Date of Death : 27 September 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/9/182 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JA 861 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JA 861 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1939 hours on 27 September 1943 to attack Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take odd and it did not return to base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 413967 PO Dargie, L M Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409462 FO Cole, S V (Navigator) RAAF 409888 Flt Sgt Bolger, C K (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Whiteside F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Barnes, A (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Thornhill, W (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Jeffcock, C (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the target area and all the crew were killed. They are interred in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

85


Date of death : 2 October 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/24/194 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JA 856 Radio call sign: AR – C Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JA 856 took off form RAF Binbrook at 1852 hours on 2 October 1943 to attack Munich, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 412552 PO Lloyd, F L R DFM Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Hurrell, W (Navigator) RAAF 409567 PO Mitchell, A S (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Woodford, C E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Douglas, G (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Sim, L A (Air Gunner) RCAF Flt Sgt Sheehan, F (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Deisenhofen, 13 miles SSE of the centre of Munich. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, 28 miles south of Munich, Germany.

86


Date of Death : 2 October 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (^3) NAA : A705, 166/11/85 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4301 Radio call sign: AR – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4301 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1844 hours on 2 October 1943 to attack Munich, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 630 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 414113 Flt Sgt Weller, G L Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413687 Flt Sgt Taylor, A F (Navigator) RAAF 412737 Flt Sgt Tompson, H C (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410153 Flt Sgt Farmer, J S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Bond, F S (Flight Engineer) RAAF 414919 Sgt Edmonds, W E (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Dunn, F S (Air Gunner) All the crew became POW’s with the exception of Sgt Edmonds (RAAF) who was killed. Flt Sgt Farmer in a statement reported that “I can only state that the Germans informed me that Sgt Edmonds had been killed, but I have no concrete evidence to substantiate this statement. Have not heard from him or seen him as a POW”. It was later established that the aircraft had crashed between Holzkirchen and Mitterdarching, some 32 miles SSE of Munich. Sgt Edmonds is interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

87


Date of Death : 9 October 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/30/33 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: EE 202 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster EE202 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2259 hours on 8 October 1943 to bomb Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Two of these aircraft including EE202 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 400102 Wg Cdr Norman, R A , DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416750 Flt Sgt Ellery, E J (Pilot) RAAF 413688 Flt Sgt Thomas, D S (Navigator) RAAF 409238 Flt Sgt Simpson, J O (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Cleverly, G E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Wells, L E P (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Kille, P F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt O’Donoghue, D (Air Gunner) Wg Cdr Norman who was in command of the Squadron for only a few weeks became a POW, as did Flt Sgt Ellery and Flt Sgt Simpson. Flt Sgt Thomas lost his life and is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery. Records available do not reveal the fate of the four RAF members.

88


Date of Death : 18 October 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/224

Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 985 Radio call sign: AR – C2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED985 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1716 hours on 18 October 1943 to bomb Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 38 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nineteen aircraft took part in the raid and ED 985 was the only aircraft of the squadron that failed to return. Crew: RAAF 416809 PO Turnbull, J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410304 FO Carter, L T (Navigator) RAAF 410402 FO White, C G (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Graham, E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Spencer, R W (Flight Engineer) RAAF 421737 Flt Sgt Lake, D C (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Brunton, A B (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at 2005 hours on 18 October 1943 near Barenburg, 4kms NW of Kirchdorf.. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

89


Date of Death : 27 October 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B54 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/218 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 658 Radio call sign: AR – O Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED 658 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2313 hours on the night of 8 October 1943 to attack Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 409506 FO Caffyn, M C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414639 FO Brown, F T (Navigator) RAAF 413301 Flt Sgt Wulfff, N L (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt McGarvey, R R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Marshall C W (Flight Engineer) RAF` Flt Sgt Richardson, T A (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Cannon, R N (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at 0155 hours on 9 October north west of the Bahnhof at Wiedensahl, 10kms east north east of Petershagen. All the crew became POW’s. FO Caffyn however died on 27 October 1943 during transit from Dulag Luft to Stalag Luft 111. His remains are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

90


Date of Death : 18 November 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/15/141 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 341 Radio call sign: AR – C2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster DV341 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1710 hours on 18 November 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 990 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 420465 Flt Sgt Gibson, J G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409723 Flt Sgt Malcolm, J D (Navigator) RAAF 410606 Flt Sgt Manning, W F J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 425369 FO Slennett C G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Jones, D C (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Spain, H S (Air Gunner) RCAF Sgt Megit, R K (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft was attacked by enemy aircraft, exploded in mid air and crashed at Zornigall on 18 November 1943. Zornigall is 4 miles east of Wittenberg, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery, Germany.

91


Date of Death : 23 November 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) App B58 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/6/334 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4162 Radio call sign: AR – J2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4162 took off form RAF Binbrook at 1711 hours on 23 November 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty six aircraft from the squadron took part n the raid. Crew: RAAF 412003 Flt Sgt Brown, R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420013 Flt Sgt Henderson, R M (Navigator) RAAF 38780 Flt Sgt Louthean, D (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Camm, C S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt White, G (Flight Engineer) RAAF 402770 PO Crookston, D A (Air Gunner) RAAF 410846 Flt Sgt Muntz, J W (Air Gunner) PO Crookston (RAAF) became a POW and in a later statement reported that “the aircraft was attacked by fighters at 21,000 feet over Luebben-Unter-Spree. Fire broke out and the Captain ordered abandon. Almost immediately the aircraft exploded. I was blown out and landed by chute. I was wounded and in a local hospital. The Germans told me that all the rest of the crew were found near the wreck and buried in Luebben”. Luebben is approx 44 miles SE of Berlin. The remaining six crew members are interred in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery. This same crew had successfully bombed Berlin in W4162 on the previous nights of 18th November and 22nd November 1943, but failed to return from the above mission.

92


Date of Death : 23 November 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B57 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/14/129 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 644 Radio call sign: AR – A2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED644 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1737 hours on 23 November 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty six aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 413561 PO Freeman, M J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413508 Flt Sgt Ashley, A E (Navigator) RAF Sgt Liddle, P A F (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421339 Flt Sgt Kingsmill, C R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Jackson, D A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 427631 Flt Sgt Aberle, D B (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Elliott T (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near the Bahnof at Mollen, 5kms NW of Dinslaken. Flt Sgt Ashley, Flt Sgt Kingsmill (RAAF), Sgt Liddle and Sgt Jackson (RAF) became POW’s. In a later statement Flt Sgt Ashley said “I last saw Freeman still at the controls and uninjured. After the others were taken into custody the Wireless Air Gunner and Flight Engineer were informed by local authorities that Freeman’s chute had opened but he was fatally hit by flak during the descent.” Sgt Liddle also reported “he did not see any bodies but saw Freeman’s identity disc and other items.” PO Freeman, Flt Sgt Aberle and Sgt Elliott are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

93


Date of Death : 24 November 1943 Source: AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/29/76 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 647 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 647 was one of three aircraft detailed for cross country flying from RAF Binbrook on 24 November 1943. JB647 struck high ground in rain about 12 miles south of Grimsby, and crashed near Kelstern at 1630 hours on 24th November. Crew: RAAF 416780 Flt Sgt Newstead, T Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412373 Flt Sgt Bradbury, K (Navigator) RAAF 413274 Flt Sgt Stuart, J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410243 Flt Sgt Lawrence (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Bailey (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Stevenson (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Espley (Air Gunner) Flt Sgt Newstead was killed, and Flt Sgt Stuart and Sgt Bailey died in hospital from their injuries. The other four crew members were also injured and hospitalised. Flt Sgt Newstead is interred in a church cemetery at Nottingham UK. Flt Sgt Stuart is interred at the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. Note : AWM 237 (63) records Flt Sgt Stuart’s date of death as 25 November 1943.

94


Date of Death : 26 November 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B58 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/38/347 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED370 Radio call sign: AR – B2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED370 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1715 hours on 26 November 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 421097 Flt Sgt Stones, E J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Smith, K G (Navigator) RCAF Sgt McNair, N W (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Bolton, W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Jones, R G (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt Arnott, G D (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt McIvor, J M (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at 2245 hours on 26 November approx 500 yards west of Grossenkneten Railway Station, approx 22kms SSE of Oldenburg, Germany. All the crew were killed are they are buried at the Sage War Cemetery at Oldenburg.

95


Date of Death : 2 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B64 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/3/150 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 608 Radio call sign: AR – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB608 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1633 hours on 2 December 1943 detailed to operate against Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these aircraft including JB608 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 420333 Flt Lt Alford, T D H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 415236 WO Daley, A E (Navigator) RAAF 412153 WO Leask, L (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410783 Flt Sgt Ginn, N L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF WO Folland, H J (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Howe-Brown, F D K (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF WO Mason, S T (Rear Gunner) Following post war investigations it was established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed near Buchholz. Five of the crew became POW’s viz : WO Daley, WO Leask, and Flt Sgt Ginn of the RAAF, and WO Folland and WO Mason of the RAF. In a statement WO Leask said “The aircraft was attacked by two JU88’s and an ME110 fighter shortly after bombing. Violent evasive action was taken. One fighter scored hits in the fuselage and starboard wing. We attempted to extinguish the fire in the wing. The aircraft was blazing furiously although was under control. Alford ordered abandon aircraft and this was acknowledged by the crew. The Mid Upper gunner was hit and unable to bale out. I was the first to bale out.” Two of the crew Flt Lt Alford and FO Howe-Browne are interred in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

96


Date of Death : 2 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B62 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/8/319 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 611 Radio call sign: AR – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 611 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1635 hours on 2 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Five of these aircraft including JB611 failed to return Crew: RAAF 405122 Sqn Ldr Corser, E G M DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412054 Flt Sgt Brown, A J J (Navigator) RAF Sgt Young, W A (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Price, L R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Harrington, W W (Flight Engineer) RAAF 404296 WO Kent, L A DFC (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Keymer, H G (Rear Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed near Doeberitz and all the crew were killed. Sqn Ldr Corser is interred in the Garrison Cemetery, Doeberitz. Flt Sgt Brown and WO Kent have no known grave and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK.

97


Date of Death : 2 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/11/97 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 296 Radio call sign: AR – E2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster DV296 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1646 hours on 2 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1170 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Five of these aircraft including DV296 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 24574 Flt Sgt Edwards, C H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Hobbs, D J (Navigator) RAF Sgt MacDougall, A (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 413645 Flt Sgt McKee, J I (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Tarling, R (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Sullivan, E (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Webber, P R (Air Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the village of Mahlow, Germany, at approx. midnight on the 2 December. Mahlow is approx 11 miles south of Berlin and 6 miles ESE of Tetlow. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

98


Date of Death : 2 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B60 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/12/4 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: W 4881 Radio call sign: AR – K Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster W4881 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1844 hours on 2 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Of these five aircraft including W4881 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 413843 PO English, J H J DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 24541 PO Anderson, N J (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt Catty, A W (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Cole, A G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Miller, W L (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt Rodin (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 409716 Flt Sgt Kan, A E (Rear Gunner) Mr Stockton (civilian) Post war investigations established that the aircraft crashed at Paderdamm near Brandemberg, Germany. PO Anderson (RAAF), Flt Sgt Catty and Sgt Miller (RAF) became POW’s. In a statement PO Anderson reported “ the aircraft was shot down by night fighters– a running fight for 10 minutes. A fatal burst underneath causing fires among the incendiaries in the bomb bay and the port inner tank. The aircraft was later on fire astern also. From the Pilot came the words “stick with it boys”. My sincere belief was that the pilot was endeavouring to crash the aircraft on to the target but it was too well ablaze. The port side tail plane burnt off and the aircraft went into a spiral dive, Then something blew up and I was blown out at approx 17,000 feet. Also Miller and Catty who became POW’s. The aircraft crashed approx 12 miles SE of Groningen. I believe the pilot hung on too long (who had an outstanding fighting spirit) trying to finish the job after the time we should have abandoned. English was probably killed in the crash – I am practically positive he did not have his chute on. Rodin was probably killed in the turret, and Kan probably died in the turret or when the aircraft crashed.” The four remaining crew members and Mr Stockton were killed in the crash and they are buried in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

99


Date of Death : 2 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix (B63) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : 166/27/290 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 316 Radio call sign: AR – H2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM 316 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1632 hours on 2 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these including LM 316 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 409933 FO Mitchell, A R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408329 Flt Sgt Cole, R O (Navigator) RAAF 410255 Flt Sgt Phelan, I R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410830 FO Boyd, J O (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Cooper, G H (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Ellis, L J (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Keir, K G V (Air Gunner) Capt Grieg, J M B (Norwegian War Correspondent) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Doberitz, Germany, and that all on board were killed. FO Mitchell, Flt Sgt Phelan and Flt Sgt Cole (all RAAF) are interred in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery. FO Boyd (RAAF) is recorded as missing and his name is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK

100


Date of Death : 16 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/35/141 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 657 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB657 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1632 hours on 16 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Twenty three aircraft from the Squadron were detailed for the operation. At 2304 hours JB657 returning from the mission was given permission to land at base. At 2312 hours the Captain called to say the aircraft had hit a tree just below cloud, and at 2348 he called to say he was firing Verey cartridges as he could not see the aerodrome. No further messages were received but the aircraft crashed in an ammunition dump at Stanton Market and all the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF 413896 FO Randall, F A DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413890 Flt Sgt Petersen, H H (Navigator) RAAF 415467 FO Dedman, H G D (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt McKenzie, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAAF 414349 Flt Sgt Halstead, W K (Flight Engineer) RAAF 414938 Flt Sgt Howie, C G (Air Gunner) RAAF 407391 Flt Sgt Moynagh, R A (Air Gunner) All the crew are interred in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. There is an absorbing account by FO Randall on his internment in Sweden and safe return to the UK when flying with another crew on an earlier mission to bomb Berlin. This report is to be found on Archives file A705, 166/35/141. It is respect of this mission on 3/9/1943 that he was awarded the DFC on 23/11/1943, only to lose his life on 16/12/1943.

101


Date of Death: 16 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) Commonwealth War Graves Records W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities of the Second World War. Page 428, Volume 1943. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: DV 173 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster DV173 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1625 hours on the night of 16/17th December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1250 x 4lb incendiaries. Having successfully bombed the target, on the return journey the aircraft crashed into a field at Normanby Site near Caistor, Lincolnshire, UK. One member of the crew was killed, and other members were injured or badly shaken in the crash. Crew: RAAF 405887 WO M. Stafford, Captain (Pilot) RCAF PO.Hanson, C E (Navigator) RAAF 27232 Sgt W F H McIntyre, (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420225 Flt Sgt R Mansfield, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt F D Dixon, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt J Davies (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF PO Garment, H (Rear Gunner) PO Garment (RAF) the Rear Gunner was killed in the crash and he is buried in the Ruislip (St Martin) Churchyard Extension Cemetery, Middlesex , UK

102


Date of Death : 29 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B66 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/26/328 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 298 Radio call sign: AR – Q Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 298 took off from RAF Binbrook on the night of 28/29th December 1943 detailed to attack Berlin. Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 56 x 30lb 1100 x 4lb and 120 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 414721 FO McIntyre, R K Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410483 FO Grant, J P (Navigator) RAAF 421852 FO Poole, J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 425263 FO Beattie, G P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Garside, R (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422031 Flt Sgt Irvin, G H (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF PO Read, W R (Rear Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft exploded in the air over Gross Ziethen on the southern outskirts of Berlin, and all the crew must have been killed instantly. FO McIntyre, FO Grant and FO Beattie (all RAAF) and Sgt Garside (RAF) are listed as missing with no known grave. FO Poole (RAAF) Flt Sgt Irvin (RAAF) and PO Read (RAF) are interred in the Berlin (Heerstrasse) British War Cemetery.

103


Date of Death : 29 December 1943 Source: AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B65 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/19/38 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 607 Radio call sign: AR – N

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 607 took off from RAF Binbrook on 29 December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including JB 607 failed to return. \Crew: RAAF 412010 PO Ireland, S J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416114 PO Blight, A E (Navigator) RAAF 413435 Flt Sgt Seery, R J (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Seddon, C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Squire, W A H (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Poulter, R J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 421518 Flt Sgt Squires, M H (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2239 hours on 29 December 1943 at Kerkrade (Limburg) a Dutch town on the border with Germany, and approx 8kms north of Aachen. All the crew were killed except Flt Sgt Seery (RAAF) who became a POW. In his report Flt Sgt Seery stated “I have received no information from the Germans re PO Ireland. Our aircraft exploded and almost immediately I baled out when PO Ireland was still at the controls. I believe he had his chute on attached at all times, but could not say if he was blown out safely or not.” The remaining six crew members are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany, approx 40 miles NW of Duisberg.

104


Date of Death : 2 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA, A705 166/23/34 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 738 Radio call sign: AR – T Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB738 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2330 hours on 2 January 1944 detailed to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries. After take off and rising normally, JB738 commenced turning to port and the rate of turn increased until about half a circuit had been completed. It then banked vertically and dived into the ground where the bombs exploded. The aircraft crashed at 2336 hours about 10 miles south west of Grimsby at Binbrook village, and all the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF 402869 Flt Lt Knyvett B A DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 421860 Flt Sgt Farthing, J W A (Navigator) RAAF 410467 Flt Sgt Dobinson, J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420874 Flt Sgt Gill, H J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Trett, R D (Flight Engineer) RAAF 407562 PO Ross, E J DFM (Air Gunner) RAAF 421122 FO Pickworth, C R (Air Gunner) All the RAAF crew members are interred in the RAF Cemetery Cambridge, UK. Sgt Trett (RAF) is buried in the Islington Cemetery, Finchley, UK.

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` 460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death : 2 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B67 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/40/125 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 606 Radio call sign: AR – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 606 took off from RAF Binbrook on 2 January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron were detailed to take part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 409747 Flt Sgt Rowley, R W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409619 FO Truscott, E C (Navigator) RAAF 420402 FO Robinson, A (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420146 Flt Sgt Chester L A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Fleming, W (Flight Engineer) RAF PO Bennett, H E (Air Gunner) RAAF 427652 Flt Sgt Lawn, R H (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at approx 0300 hours on 2 January 1944 2kms from Muckendorf, and all the crew were killed. All the crew are interred in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

106


Date of Death : 20 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B68 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 64 (1/313) NAA :A705, 166/25/109 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 739 Radio call sign: AR – E Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 739 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1614 hours on 20 January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1350 x 4lb incendiaries. 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. Crew: RAAF 410355 Flt Sgt Lynch, A J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420081 Flt Sgt Trinder, H S (Navigator) RAAF 420083 FO Vaughan, J D (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 413823 Flt Sgt Cassidy, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Mortimer, E (Flight Engineer) RAAF 419417 FO Alexandratos, D (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 419318 Flt Lt Lawler, L F (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that both Flt Sgt Lynch (RAAF) and Sgt Mortimer (RAF) had lost their lives and the remaining five crew members became POW’s. In a report by Flt Sgt Cassidy he stated “ At approx 19000 feet on 20/1/44 an ME410 fired a long burst into the aircraft. The port inner engine caught fire, the port inner tank holed and the port rudder stripped. Extinguishing procedure was taken and effective on the port engine, but petrol from the port inner tank caught fire. The bombs were jettisoned and the aircraft was dived in an attempt to blow out the fire. This was ineffective and the captain gave the order to bale out. The rear gunner said ‘I shall stay in the turret in case the enemy aircraft comes back’. The Captain said ‘No everybody get out’. No one was injured at the time I left the aircraft following the two gunners through the rear door. I baled out at 18000 feet. The aircraft was still under control and flames coming from the inner tank were twice the length of the aircraft. The aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Waren Mecklenburg. The Germans told me that the Pilot and the Engineer were killed and had been buried.” Flt Sgt Lynch is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

107


Date of Death : 21 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B71 AWM 237 (63 (64) NAA : A705, 166/3/168 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 702 Radio call sign: AR – M Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB702 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1945 hours on 21 January 1944 to bomb Magdeburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1350 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty one aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 416830 PO Allan, R N Captain (Pilot) RAAF 403288 PO Thomas, E G (Navigator) RAAF 416904 Flt Sgt Trout, M R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421791 Flt Sgt Chadwick, W R Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt McCauley, W A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 426685 Flt Sgt Reed, C W (Air Gunner) RAAF 421917 Flt Sgt Liersch, C C (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was hit by flak at 2200 hours on 21 January 1944 over the village of Raines and set on fire. Wreckage was scattered over a wide area. Raines is a small village on the east side of the Elbe River, approx 6kms south of Gommern, Germany. All the crew were killed in the crash. Their remains are buried in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

108


Date of Accident: 22 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 366 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND366 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1958 hours on the night of 21/22nd January 1944 to bomb Madgeburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1350 x 4lb incendiaries. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission. Homebound from the target the aircraft crashed at 0314 hours on 22 January on Whitegate Hill near the small town of Caistor, Lincolnshire. All the crew were injured but none were killed. Sgt Allison and Sgt Norwood needed extensive treatment. Crew: RAAF 420507 Flt Sgt P A Teece, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Allison (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt W McIntyre, (Bomb Aimer)) RAAF 420225 Flt Sgt R. Mansfield (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt R.S.Hollingworth, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt P C Robins, (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt G.T.Norwood, (Air Gunner) The pilots report on the mission stated “Arrived over target early, orbited 10 minutes awaiting markers, T.I greens and flares seen. Believed bombed on greens. Time unknown. Large area of fires, no trouble or sightings en route. Identified base on return and told to prepare to land 1312 hours. During circuit at 1000 feet both starboard engines unaccountably cut though plenty of petrol. Aircraft crashed and caught fire. Each member of crew thrown clear. Bomb Aimer broke leg. Rest minor injuries but badly shaken.” The above is the second crash from which Flt Sgt Mansfield survived, only to lose his life on 9 April 1944 when a member of another crew in Lancaster ME727 which crashed when taking off from RAF Binbrook to bomb Villeneuve St George railway yards, Paris.

109


Date of Death : 27 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294 Appendix B70 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/33/126 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 637 Radio call sign: AR – B Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB637 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1725 hours on 27 January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft form the squadron took part in the raid. Three of these aircraft including JB637 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 409590 WO Power, R J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409632 PO Whiteside, S (Navigator) RAAF 405909 Flt Sgt Hurley, E W J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410673 PO Kerby, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt McKenzie, A W (Flight Engineer) RAAF 426412 Flt Sgt Worley, J F (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Wortley, A E (Air Gunner) Post war it was established from German records that the aircraft was shot down in the vicinity of Werder in the Russian Zone of Occupation in Germany. Werder is approx 22 miles south west of Berlin. A German resident of Stuecken about 24 miles south west of Berlin stated that on the night of 27 January 1944 a Lancaster crashed on his land and all the crew of seven were killed. This aircraft was established as being JB637. All the crew are interred in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

110


Date of Death : 27 January 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B69 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/26/353 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JA 860 Radio call sign: AR – C2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JA860 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1735 hours on 27 January 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1070 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Three of these aircraft including JA860 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 414947 Flt Sgt McLachlan, W R Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Yates, R C (Navigator) RAF Sgt Jones, J M (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 413143 Flt Sgt Rofe, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Murray, W V (Flight Engineer) RAAF 424189 Flt Sgt Jonas, W A (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt White, R D (Rear Gunner) Flt Sgt Rofe, Flt Sgt Jonas (RAAF) and Sgt White became POW’s. In a later statement by Flt Sgt Rofe he reported “The aircraft was attacked by two fighters at about 21,000 feet. The attack made the back turret and the intercom u/s. The abandon order was given but was not heard by the navigator, bomb aimer and flight engineer apparently as they were still in the aircraft when the two gunners and I baled out. The flight engineer was wounded in the leg, but did not know if he was able to bale out. I baled out at approx 8/10,000 feet. The members left in the aircraft were McLachlan, Yates, Jones and Murray. At the time the aircraft was in a dive and out of control. I was captured the next day.” The remaining four crew including Flt Sgt McLachlan were killed and are buried in the Posen Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland.

111

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 20 February 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B73 AWM 237 (63) (64) AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/16/278 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 610 Radio call sign: AR – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 610 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2334 hours on 19 February 1944 to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Of these two aircraft including JB610 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 412945 PO Godwin, K J Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Wiggins, M (Navigator) RAAF 414542 Flt Sgt Dellit, A B (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421332 Flt Sgt Hennessey, F A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Wood, G (Flight Engineer) RAAF 419274 FO Morris, J N (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Clarkson (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft exploded in the air and crashed into the Steinhudermeet lake near the town of Hagenburg, Germany, with wreckage scattered over a wide area. Flt Sgt Dellit (RAAF) and Sgt Wiggins (RAF) became POW’s and the remainder of the crew were killed. Sgt Wiggins in a statement said ‘A fighter gave us a three second burst from tail to nose. The pilot asked if the crew were OK. Only the bomb aimer, engineer and self replied. While attending to a fire on my desk, my intercom became disconnected. Then the engineer passed me to go down the fuselage. At that time I saw the wireless operator getting up from his seat. After finishing with the fire on my desk, I followed the engineer to a fire amidships but both he and the wireless operator had disappeared. The fire was impossible to control so I returned to my desk to report to the pilot over the intercom, but received no reply from any of the crew. I looked around the blackout curtain and saw the pilot seat vacant, and also the bomb aimers compartment, so I assumed they had baled out. I followed suit. This statement was written in the presence of the bomb aimer.’ Both FO Morris and Flt Sgt Hennessey (RAAF) are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany, and PO Godwin is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

112


Date of Death : 20 February 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix 74 AWM237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/35/222 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 569 Radio call sign: AR – E Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND 569 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2348 hours on 19 February 1944 to bomb Leipzig, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1260 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Two of these aircraft including ND 569 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 410248 Flt Sgt Mackrell, S V Captain (Pilot) RAAF 425072 Flt Sgt Tappenden, J E (Navigator) RAAF 421771 Flt Sgt Thomson, I A (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421803 Flt Sgt Groves, K K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Fidler, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Weller, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 423323 Flt Sgt Randell, N J (Rear Gunner) Both Flt Sgt Tappenden and Flt Sgt Groves became POW’s. Flt Sgt Groves in a later statement said “After bombing the target, a fighter got below us. As we started evasive action the plane was raked from front to back with cannon fire. The Pilot ordered the crew to bale out with the two port engines on fire and the aircraft out of control. Injuries to the crew were unknown. He did not hear any crew acknowledge bale out. The navigator saw the engineer go to the forward hatch. When I passed through the bomb aimers compartment both the engineer and the bomb aimer were missing so presumed both had baled out as the hatch was open. When I left the pilot was still in position. There was no word from either gunners. The fuselage from beyond the wireless operators position back was all on fire. I baled out at 3000 feet. The aircraft seemed in a very steep dive. The fire in the fuselage was too severe and prevented me going out the rear hatch. As I went forward past the pilot I saw the two port engines on fire and the port wing. I made contact with the navigator on the ground. I was captured three hours later.” Post war searches to locate the aircraft and the other five crew members in the vicinity of Zietz, 20 miles south of Leipzig were unsuccessful. German reports said that Flt Sgt Thompson plus one other crew member had been buried at Troglitz about 3 miles from Zietz, but only one grave was found and the remains could not be identified. The names of the five missing crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK.

113


Date of Death : 21 February 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/420 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 419 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND419 took of from RAF Binbrook at 2330 hours on 20 February 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. On return from the mission, ND419 in blizzard conditions flew into trees and crashed at 0650 hours on the 21 February half a mile south of North Witham, which is 10 miles south of Grantham in Lincolnshire, UK. All the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF 416953 PO Grant, G A Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422261 FO Cleveland, F A (Navigator) RAAF 417085 Flt Sgt Lawrie, E H (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421426 Flt Sgt Young, A G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Rawson, P D (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt McCarthy, J E (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 417816 Flt Sgt Dietman, J A (Rear Gunner) All the crew are buried at the RAF Cemetery Cambridge, UK.

114


Date of Accident : 24 February 1944 Source: W.R.Chorley : RAF Bomber Command losses of the Second World War. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 547 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 547 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1637 hours on 24 February 1944 for a Bullseye training sortie during which a mid air collision occurred with a 166 Sqn RAF aircraft engaged on the Schweinfurt operation. JB547 crashed at Willoughby Manor near Kirton in Lindsey, Lincolnshire, UK. The crew parachuted but two of the crew were quite badly injured and required hospital treatment. Despite the serious nature of this incident, details of the 460 Sqn crew are omitted from the squadron ORB, and the above information is from the accident record card. Chorley on Page 102 (1944 volume) records that Flt Sgt D H Stitt (RAAF) was a member of the crew. The following entry appears on Page 99 of Chorley (1944 volume) : Lancaster ME 641 of 166 Sqn RAF (AS– B) took off from RAF Kirmington on 24th February 1944 to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany. The aircraft collided near Bully Hill, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, UK at 2200 hours, with a 460 Sqn Lancaster out from Binbrook. Five of the 166 Sqn crew were killed (4 RAF and 1 RCAF) and 1 RAF and 1 RCAF survived the crash.

115


Date of Death : 24 February 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B76 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/18/295 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 394 Radio call sign: AR – J2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND 394 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1802 hours on 24 February 1944 to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two including ND 394 failed to return. There were no RAAF members in the crew of the other missing aircraft LM 315. Crew: RAAF 410033 WO Baxter, D W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414565 Flt Sgt Hopgood, C B (Navigator) RAAF 422445 FO D’Arcey, A (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 414996 Flt Sgt Ferguson R C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Mallon, P (Flight Engineer) RAAF 424319 WO Martin, W J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Dunlop, J D (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Villiers Sous Preny, some 33kms south of Nancy, France. WO Martin became a POW, WO Baxter and FO D’Arcey (all RAAF) evaded capture and were returned safe to the UK. The remaining four crew members were killed. In a statement, WO Baxter reported ‘The aircraft was attacked by a night fighter at 22,000 feet approx 15 miles south west of Metz when approaching the target. The starboard inner engine was on fire and the aircraft out of control. The bombs were jettisoned and the crew instructed to abandon. The navigator, mid upper gunner and the bomb aimer baled out at 15,000 feet. The aircraft then turned on its back and I was thrown through the perspex at about 10,000 feet. The bomb aimer and I have no further knowledge of the rest of the crew, but consider the aircraft was totally destroyed.’ Flt Sgt Hopgood and Flt Sgt Ferguson are buried in the Village Church Yard at Villiers-Sous-Preny, Lorraine, France.

116


Date of Death : 25 February 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B77 AWM237 (63) AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/27/366 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 742 Radio call sign: AR – D Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB742 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2129 hours on 25 February 1944 to bomb Augsburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 420838 PO Martin, R C Captain (Pilot) RCAF PO Strain, J E (Navigator) RAAF 421861 Flt Sgt Gurdon, P W B (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 425120 Flt Sgt Carlile, W D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Willis, F C (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Woodward, F (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 418842 Flt Sgt Howiss, W J (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on 25 February 1944 near Stetten, 8kms west of Rottweil, which is 50 miles south west of Stuttgart. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

117


Date of Death: 25 February 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Grave Records Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 315 Radio call sign: AR – K2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM315 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2024 hours on the night of 24/25th February 1944 to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany, a centre specialising in the manufacture of ball bearings vital to the German war effort. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAF Sgt R.Yates, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt F Lloyd, (Navigator) RCAF FO Mark, A R (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt M Goldman, (Wireless Operator) RAF Sgt D J Halke, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt N H Lerigo (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt L L N De Celles, (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that all the crew died and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

118


Date of Death : 15 March 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/32/326 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 393 Radio call sign: AR – E Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND 393 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1916 hours on 15 March 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 120 x 30lb and 600 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and only one aircraft ND 393 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 413416 PO Parkinson, G E Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Marley, G P (Navigator) RAAF 413874 WO Krone, H (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 413393 WO King, R G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Read, E J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 434078 Flt Sgt Bell, J H (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 427559 Flt Sgt Sherwood, R C (Rear Gunner) Following post war searches and enquiries no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

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Date of Death : 25 March 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C28 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/26/44 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 640 Radio call sign: AR – M Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME640 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1839 on 24 March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 156 x 30lb and 420 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid, and two of these including ME640 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 407531 Flt Lt McKinnon, A F DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410619 FO Bird, J P (Navigator) RAAF 32665 WO Goodwin, J I (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt Craven, A (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt White, G F (Flight Engineer) RAAF 402602 FO Fitzgerald, G D (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 425392 Flt Sgt West, J D (Rear Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at 0018 hours on 25 March 1944 between Osterbrock and Teglingen, two villages east of the Dortmund-Ems Canal, and between the towns of Lingen and Meppen in the Althare district, Germany. All the crew were killed except FO Fitzgerald who became a POW. In a statement FO Fitzgerald reported ‘I cannot supply any information concerning Flt Lt McKinnon. The Germans informed me that the body of McKinnon had been found in the wreckage and they produced his identity card.’ The six crew members killed in the crash are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, 40 miles north west of Duisberg, Germany.

120


Date of Death : 25 March 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C27 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA: A705, 166/8/404 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 463 Radio call sign: AR – S Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND 463 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1846 hours on 24 March 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1x 4000lb bomb, 156 x 30lb, 420 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and two of these aircraft failed to return. Crew: RAAF 420157 PO Cusick, M J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 414313 WO Martin, J R (Navigator) RAAF 418349 Flt Sgt Clifton, J W (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 425306 Flt Sgt Forrest, P A (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Foster, J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 434660 Flt Sgt Speering, G N (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 418917 Flt Sgt Bunpstead, A (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on a hillside near the village of Hollenstein, approx 45 miles south west of Hanover. Flt Sgt Forrest (RAAF) became a POW. The other six crew members were killed and they are interred in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

121


Date of Death : 26 March 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C29 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/6/457 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 598 Radio call sign: AR – C Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB 598 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2012 hours on the night of 26 March 1944, detailed to attack Essen Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 415757 FO Burnell, B D Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Pole, H (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt Knight, R A (Navigator) RAF FO Bestwick, R B (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Taylor, R D (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Milliner, E A (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Bailey, D W (Air Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Weistervenn, which is approx 4 miles west of St Vith, Belgium. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

122


Date of Death : 30 March 1944 Source: AWM237 (64) NAA: A705, 166/22/16 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NB 553 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NB553 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1655 hours on 30 March 1944 to carry out a day fighter patrol exercise. Following completion of the exercise an accident occurred due to the ejection of the dinghy during flight. The dinghy became entangled with the starboard side of the tail plane and elevator causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. The aircraft crashed near Witchford, Cambridge UK about 4 miles south west of Ely. Crew: RCAF Flt Lt Healey, W A Captain (Pilot) (a member of 49 Sqn RAF) RAF FO Bailes R, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J Jones, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt F Boardman. (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405246 Flt Lt Kirby, J A DFM (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt T A Hutchison, (Air Gunner) RAF FO Jagger, B DFM (Air Gunner) Flt Lt Kirby was instruction in gunnery, and FO Jagger was a member of the RAF Bombing Development Unit based at Gransden Lodge. Flt Lt Healey, Flt Lt Kirby, FO Jagger, Sgt Boardman and Sgt Hutchison are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. FO Bailes is buried in the Methley (St Oswald) Churchyard, Yorkshire, and Sgt Jones in the Kirkford (St John the Baptist) Churchyard Extension, Sussex, UK.

123


Date of Death : 31 March 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C30 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/3/193 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 750 Radio call sign: AR – E2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND750 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2224 hours on 30 March 1944 to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 96 x 30lb and 1020 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and three of these including ND750 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 28817 PO Anderson, P R Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Johnson, G (Navigator) RAF FO Woods, R L (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Pitfield, A S (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Lax, D G (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Jones, R (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Parmenter, R S (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft when nearing Koblenz on the outward leg, was hit by flak and crashed at Rodenback, 4kms NW of Neuwid. FO Woods, Flt Sgt Johnson, and Sgt Jones survived the crash and became POW’s. The remaining four crew members were killed. In a statement FO Woods said “ The last time I heard Anderson was when he ordered abandon over the intercom. At that time he was apparently unwounded. I can supply no further details.” PO Anderson (RAAF) and his three RAF crew members killed in the crash are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

124


Date of Death : 31March1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294 Appendix C31 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/41/10 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 361 Radio call sign: AR – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND 361 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2153 hours on 30 March 1944 to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 156 x 30lb and 420 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and three including ND 361 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 403438 Sqn Ldr Utz, E A G DFC and Bar Captain (Pilot) RAAF 413641 PO McLeary, R J (Navigator) RAAF 412774 PO Thomson, J H DFM (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt Dawson, T (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Green, K E (Flight Engineer) RAF FO Howarth, J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 412480 PO Chadwick-Bates, A G J DFC (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by an enemy night fighter and crashed on 31 March at Oberhausen, approx 60 miles south of Nuremberg. PO McCleary became a POW and the remaining six crew members were killed. They are buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

125


Date of Death : 31 March 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C32 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/17/520 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 738 Radio call sign: AR – E Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND 738 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2219 hours on 30 March 1944 to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 2000lb bomb, 24 x 30lb and 1800 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and three failed to return. Crew: RAAF 421596 Flt Sgt Hargreaves, C H Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Beaumont, J E (Navigator) RAAF 418689 Flt Sgt Spargo, W H (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt Moody, G D (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Siddall, D F (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Leggett, A E (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Jones, G (Rear Gunner) A message was received from ND738 when about 45 miles south east of Selsey Bill on the south coast of England. There was no indication of any difficulty at the time. The aircraft became overdue, but searches found no trace of the aircraft. Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Graefenberg at 0100 hours on the 31 March and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, some 20 miles south of Munich, Germany.

126


Date of Death : 9 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/26/417 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 727 Radio call sign: AR – X2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME 727 was detailed to bomb railway yards at Villeneuve St Georges, south east of Paris on the night of 9 April 1944. Bomb load 12 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs. The aircraft took off from RAF Binbrook at 2124 hours and after take off it dropped the port wing, executed a turn to port with the wing still down. It continued to turn six complete circles in the air moving away from the drome, losing height and gradually getting steeper in the turn. It finally crashed in woods at 2130 hours approx one and a half miles from the drome, and all the crew were killed. It was later established that the aircraft took off with the trim incorrectly set. Crew: RAAF 410367 PO McKenzie, W D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 423957 Flt Sgt Weekes, W D (Navigator) RAAF 412200 Flt Sgt Simpson, B J J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 420225 Flt Sgt Mansfield, R (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Barber, S B (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Crouch, J L (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Pyne, J (Air Gunner) Sgt Barber is buried in Alcocks Green (St Mary) Churchard, and the other six crew members are buried in the RAF Cemetery Cambridge, UK

127


Date of Death : 10 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C35 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/8/423 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 663 Radio call sign: AR – M Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME663 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2120 hours on 9th April 1944 to carry out a mining operation in the Danzig Bay area of the Baltic. 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 operation. Crew: RAAF 416656 Flt Lt Crosby, P A DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409280 FO Suffren, C E DFC (Navigator) RAAF 414191 Flt Sgt Billett, C (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 410641 Flt Sgt Chapman, L H (Wireless Operator Air) RAF PO Bender, M H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 418879 FO Robb, L W (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 426100 Flt Sgt Hodge, S F (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Sknaale, 10kms west of Horsens, Denmark. Both FO Suffren and Flt Sgt Hodge became POW’s. In a later report Flt Sgt Hodge reported ‘The aircraft was badly shot about and set on fire by three enemy aircraft at 23,000 feet. At about 18000 feet the Captain ordered abandon aircraft and all the crew acknowledged. The plane lurched and at 6000 feet straightened out and the Captain said hurry and abandon. The aircraft started to dive again. I left by way of the rear turret. The aircraft was burning in both wings and the flames were coming back both sides. The starboard side was the worst. The aircraft was shot up in the vicinity of Arrhus and Horsens. I did not see the aircraft crash. I was met by Danes and taken for a meal. Then the Germans turned up. I have no information re the other crew.’ FO Suffren (POW) died of his wounds ten months later on 16 February 1945. He is buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. The remaining five crew members who were killed are buried in the Fourfeldt Cemetery, Esbjerg, Denmark.

128


Date of Death : 10 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C34 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA: A705, 166/6/479 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JD 600 Radio call sign: AR – O Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JD600 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2030 hours on 9 April 1944 to carry out a mining operation in the Danzig Bay area of the Baltic. 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 operation. Crew: RAAF 420438 PO Burke, R W DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420385 PO Henry, A (Navigator) RAAF 426045 Flt Sgt Brooks, J L (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421657 Flt Sgt Fleming, P S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Stedman, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 427454 Flt Sgt Cooper, S W (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 420388 Flt Sgt Hosier, J S DFM (Rear Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down when homeward bound by night fighters and crashed at 0330 hours near Torrrild, 10kms south of Skanderborg, Denmark. All the crew were killed except Flt Sgt Cooper who became a POW. In a report he stated ‘The aircraft was attacked by enemy aircraft over Denmark. The aircraft disintegrated. I was thrown clear and captured on landing. We had dropped our mines and were returning over Denmark when first attacked at 17,000 feet from underneath by a DO 217. The intercom was poor. The starboard inner engine was knocked out, the starboard wing set on fire and the fuselage damaged. I believe Hosier (Rear gunner) was killed in either the first or the second attack. The second attack was from astern. I believe the pilot was hit because evasive action ceased and the aircraft was in a shallow dive. On the second attack the mid upper gunner returned fire and this set the enemy aircraft port engine on fire, and the starboard engine and cabin shortly after. The DO217 disintegrated. A minute later there was another attack by a JU88 from dead astern setting the remaining engines and fuselage on fire. The turret was being operated manually and the mid upper gunner got in a sustained burst on the JU88 setting it afire. The enemy aircraft broke away. The mid upper gunner was wounded in the foot, crawled out of the turret and donned his chute. Our aircraft was completely afire and went into a spin. It exploded and threw me clear. I landed near the crashed aircraft.’ The six crew members who lost their lives are buried in the Fourfeldt Cemetery, Esbjerg, Denmark.

129


Date of Death : 10 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C33 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/36/240 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JD 734 Radio call sign: AR – R2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JD734 took off form RAF Binbrook at 2115 hours on 9 April 1944 to carry out a gardening operation in the Danzig Bay area of the Baltic. 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 operation. Crew: RAAF 413894 PO Proud, R J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422302 FO Ryan, L M (Navigator) RAAF 417503 Flt Sgt Martin, D H (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421239 Flt Sgt Boyce, W G (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt McKinstry, T (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Edwards, S (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 426943 Flt Sgt Oberhardt, E (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter on the homeward leg, and it crashed between 0300 and 0330 hours on 10 April 1944 near Gunderup, 10kms north of Varde, Denmark. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Fourfeldt Cemetery, Esbjerg, Denmark.

130


Date of Death : 11 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C36 AWM237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/33/146 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ED 586 Radio call sign: AR – B Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ED586 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2341 hours on 10 April 1944 to bomb the railway junction and marshalling yards at Aulnoye, France. Bomb load 12 x 1000lb bombs. 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. Crew: RAAF 420054 FO Probert, A H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410609 FO McDougall, R B (Navigator) RAAF 425207 Flt Sgt Palfreyman, A H (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Robbins, D E (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Wiseman, B G (Flight Engineer) RAAF 429322 Flt Sgt Hogg, W G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 418695 FO Ryan, K F (Rear Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Vieux Mesnil at 0230 hours on 11 April 1944. Vieux Mesnil is near Maubeuge situated on the River Sambre close to the Belgium border. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Centre Cemetery, Maubeuge Nord, France.

131


Date of Accident : 18 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War (Page 173 1944 volume) Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 662 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB662 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2226 hours on the night of 18/19th April 1944 to bomb Rouen, France. When taking off the aircraft swung out of control and crashed. It caught fire, an explosion occurred and the aircraft was wrecked. All the crew managed to escape but the runway was unserviceable for several hours. There were no fatalities. Crew: RAAF 417025 WO R H White, Captain (Pilot) RAAF 416945 Flt Sgt H J Fry (2nd Pilot) RAAF 417136 Flt Sgt K C Tweedle, (Navigator) RAF Sgt J Bailey (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 426523 Sgt W R Elgar, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt K Applegarth, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt J H Holloway, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Winstanley, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt G Graham (Rear Gunner)

132


Date of Death : 23 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C37 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/3/204 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 525 Radio call sign: AR – T Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM525 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2254 hours on 22 April 1944 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 108 x 30lb and 1170 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one LM525 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 5182 Flt Sgt Allen, R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 415384 FO Orr, W M (Navigator) RNZAF Flt Sgt Collett, K P (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Swinton, S Mc (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Lord, D (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt Stewart, J S (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Bond, J G (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter from 21,000 feet and crashed at Sythen, 4kms north east of Haltern. Flt Sgt Allen was killed and the remaining six crew members became POW’s. In a later statement FO Orr said ‘ On the night of 22/23rd April our aircraft was attacked by a night fighter near Dusseldorf. The Captain remained in the aircraft and tried to land’ Flt Sgt Collett another crew member at Stalag Luft 111 stated ‘he identified the body of Allen and he is buried in Haltern, Germany. In a letter to relatives in 1951 they were advised ‘that Flt Sgt Allen was buried in Sythen Civil Cemetery at Haltern, At the end of hostilities the Americans removed the body for reburial most likely thinking it was American, but despite prolonged investigation it had not been possible to find the place of reburial’. Flt Sgt Allen’s name is commemorated by a Kipling Memorial in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery at Cleves, Germany.

133


Date of Death : 27 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C38 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/37/387 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NR 652 Radio call sign: AR – C Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NR652 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2326 hours on 26 April 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 108 x 30lb and 1170 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base Twenty five aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one NR652 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 27542 FO Sharpe, J W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 423929 Flt Sgt Theyer, W J (Navigator) RAAF 423921 FO Steinbeck A K (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 413423 FO Pritchard, J S (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Robinson, G A (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Warren, G B (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 432114 FO Callahan, P R (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Mulheim, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

134


Date of Death : 28 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C39 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/20/120 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 523 Radio call sign: AR – L2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM523 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2127 hours on the night of 27 April 1944 to bomb Freiderichshafen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb bombs, 84 x 30lb and 960 x 4lb incendiaries. 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 three of these aircraft including LM523 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 404507 Sqn Ldr Jarman, E G D DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408034 FO Carroll, M W DFC (Navigator) RAAF 404503 FO Jackson, F G DFC (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 404467 FO Harrison, H R (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Champkin, D G (Flight Engineer) RAAF 411227 FO Neal, R L (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 414807 PO Lynch, T J (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Lahr. PO Lynch became a POW and the remaining six crew members were killed. They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

135


Date of Death : 28 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C41 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/24/435 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 364 Radio call sign: AR – F Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND364 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2133 hours on 27 April 1944 to bomb Freidrichshafen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb bombs, 84 x 30lb, 810 x 4lb incendiaries. 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 three of these including ND364 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 415259 WO Leary, J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 420928 WO Farrar, A J (Navigator) RAAF 422684 Flt Sgt Patterson, A R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 21660 Flt Sgt McAllister, H G (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Jones, T E (Flight Engineer) RAAF 406094 FO Bown, L W (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Pountney, R S (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft exploded in mid air and crashed at Luxluin near Rupt-Sur-Mosselle (Vosges) France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Rupt-Sur-Mosselle Communal Cemetery, France.

136


Date of Death: 28 April 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War (Page 198 1944 Volume) Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 906 Radio call sign: AR – B Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LL906 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2132 hours on the night of 27’28th April 1944 to bomb Friedrichshafen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 60 x 30lb and 600 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and three of these failed to return. Crew: RAF FO Brown, G H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt G.Cranston (Navigator) RAF Sgt B. Forshaw (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt E G Sneyd, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt A T G Jones, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt S Rennie, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt W Milner (Rear Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft was shot down by an enemy night fighter and crashed in the triangle formed by Appenwihr – Neuf – Brisch – Hettenschlag (Haut – Rhin), and within 10kms of the Rhine and Franco-German border. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Appenwihr Churchyard Cemetery, 7kms south east of Colmar, France.

137


Date of Death : 4 May 1944 Source: AWMK 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C44 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705 : A705, 166/14/197 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 740 Radio call sign: AR – E Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME740 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2146 hours on 3 May 1944 to bomb the military camp at Mailly Le Camp, France. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs.Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these including ME740 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 416945 Flt Sgt Fry, H J G Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Sumner, L (Navigator) RAAF 426563 Flt Sgt Elgar, W R (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Applegarth, K (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Holloway, J H (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt Winstanley, T S (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Graham, C G (Rear Gunner) From post war enquiries and investigations it was established that the aircraft was shot down soon after bombing the target, and it crashed and exploded at Marigny Le Grand on 4 May, 11kms south east of Sezanne and 64 miles east of Paris. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Marigny Le Grand Communal Cemetery, France.

138


Date of Death : 4 May 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C42 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/38/512 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 630 Radio call sign: AR – G Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND630 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2143 hours on 3 May 1944 to bomb a military camp at Mailly Le Camp, France. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 16x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took impart in the raid and five of these including ND630 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 409760 PO Smart, J W Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422100 Flt Sgt Barber, G C (Navigator) RCAF Flt Sgt Warnock, G R P (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Naismith, F FR (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Oulton, T (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt Moore, A B (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Stannet, E F (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down soon after leaving the target and it crashed at Chapelle Valon, 13kms north of Troyes, France on 4 May. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Chapelle Valon Communal Cemetery, France.

139


Date of Death : 4 May 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C43 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/24/439 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 728 Radio call sign: AR – F2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME728 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2147 hours on 3 May 1944 to bomb a military camp at Mailly Le Camp, France. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these including ME728 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 414050 PO Lloyd, N D L Captain (Pilot) RAAF 424297 Flt Sgt Hobbs R H (Navigator) RAF Sgt Wootton-Woolley, B T (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 418910 Flt Sgt Barr, D R (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Turnbull, J G (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Fry, P D (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Johnson, R A Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down after leaving the target and crashed on 4 May 1944 near the village of Avant Les Marcilly, 21 miles north west of Troyes, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Avant Les Marcilly Parish Cemetery, France.

140


Date of Death: 4 May 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War (Page 208 1944 Volume) Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 741 Radio call sign: AR – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB741 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2156 hours on the night of 3/4th May 1944 to bomb military camp installations at Mailley-Le-Camp, France. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and five of these failed to return. Crew: RAF FO Baker, F W Captain (Pilot) RCAF PO Thompson, W H (Navigator) RCAF Sgt W B Martin (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt G E O’Neill, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt J W Ranger (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt W C Maxwell (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H P Black (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down within site of the AP and crashed at Dommartin Lettree (Marne), 22kms SSW of Chalons –sur-Marne, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Dommartin Lettree Churchard Cemetery, France.

141


Date of Death: 4 May 1944 Source: W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command fatalities in the Second World War, Page 208 1944 Volume). Commonwealth War Graves records. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 860 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND860 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Binbrook on the night of 3/4th May 1944 to bomb military installations in Mailley-Le-Camp, France. The aircraft was manned by a crew from 101 Squadron RAF. The aircraft failed to return from the mission. Crew: RAF Flt Lt Hull, W E Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Wilson, R D DFM (Navigator) RAF FO Widger, W H DFM (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Atkinson, C (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt F J Bell, (Flight Engineer) RAF Flt Sgt E.Bailey, (Air Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt J C Earl, (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down exiting the target and crashed in the St Remy-sous-Barbuise (Aube) area, 22kms north of Troyes, France. All the 101 Sqn crew were killed in the crash and they are buried in the St Remy –sous-Barbuise Cemetery, France.

142


Date of Death: 4 May 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command fatalities in the Second World War, Page 208 volume 1944 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 531 Radio call sign: AR – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM531 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2200 hours on the night of 3/4th May 1944 to bomb military installations at Mailley-Le-Camp, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and five of these failed to return. Crew: RAF WO G K Gritty, Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt J Orbin, (Navigator) RAF Sgt L H Williams, (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt S R Russell (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt L R Vale, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt B Morgan (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt J Chandler, (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by an FW190 during a wait for bombing instructions, and crashed at 0025 hours on 4th May 1944 into a courtyard adjoining 15 Rue Porte Muree, Chalons-Sur-Champagne, France. WO Gritty, Sgt Vale, Sgt Russell and Sgt Chandler were killed and they are buried in the cemetery at Chalons -en-Champagne which is the chief town in the Department of the Marne, France.The cemetery is on the east side of the town approx 1.5kms east of the railway station. Sgt Orbin, Sgt Williams and Sgt Morgan survived the crash, evaded capture and were returned safe to the UK.

143


Date of Death: 22 May 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War, Page 230 1944 volume. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 951 Radio call sign: AR – C Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LL951 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2229 hours on the night of 21/22nd May 1944 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 130 x 30lb and 777 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty one of the squadron aircraft took part in the mission and one of these LL951 failed to return. Crew: RCAF FO McDougall, R E Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt R R Bunker, (Navigator) RAF FO O’Donoghue, E (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt J Herkes, (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt W H Leaney, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt W F O’Neill, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H R Elsbury, (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down near Zundert (Noord-Brabant) a large village 17kms south of Breda astride the main road between Breda in Holland and the Belgian port of Antwerp. Sgt Leaney and FO O’Donoghue became POW’s. The remaining five crew members were killed and they are buried in the Zundert Protestant Church Cemetery, Netherlands.

144


Date of Death : 28 May 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C49 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/22/254 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 545 Radio call sign: AR – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM545 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2330 hours on 27 May 1944 to bomb coastal gun emplacements at Merville, France. Bomb load was 11 x 1000lb and 6 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from LM545 after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and of these only LM545 failoed to return. Crew: RAAF 420961 PO Kirkland, R N Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Hardman, J (Navigator) RAF Sgt O’Bree, H G J (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Gott, F V (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Allen, A P (Flight Engineer) RAAF 434094 Flt Sgt Wilson, B (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Puiu, A G (Rear Gunner) The bodies of Sgt O’Bree and FO Hardman (RAF) were washed ashore on the beach some 12 miles north east of Caen. They are buried in the Communal Cemetery at Caen, France. The names of the remaining five crew members are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

145


Date of Death : 7 June 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C50 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 166/23/57 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: JB 700 Radio call sign: AR – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster JB700 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2202 hours on 6 June 1944 to bomb railway bridges at Vire, France. Bomb load was 14 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and of these JB700 was the only aircraft that failed to return. Crew: RAAF 422801 PO Knight, F J Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Read, J J (Navigator) RAF FO Lynam, W (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Harrison, F (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Croom, L P (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Elcombe, R (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Hillman, L W (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed and exploded on impact and that all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

146


Date of Death : 10 June 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C51 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/29/127 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 696 Radio call sign: AR – B2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME696 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2313 hours on 10 June 1944 to bomb railway facilities at Acheres, France. Bomb load was 18 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only ME696 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 417220 PO Nicholson, R L Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Fisher, A (Navigator) RAAF 417307 Flt Sgt King, K L (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Murray, J P (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Cunningham, C A (Flight Engineer) RCAF Sgt Arksey, W L (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt Collett, A J (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on 10 June at Elancourt, two miles west of Trappes, and 16 miles WSW of Paris. The aircraft hit high tension wires and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, France.

147


Date of Death : 13 June 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C52 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/36/289 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 785 Radio call sign: AR – H2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME785 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2305 hours on 12 June 1944 to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only ME785 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 5136 PO Roche, A F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422165 FO Fry, J R (Navigator) RAAF 20076 Flt Sgt Hill, R T (Bomb Aimer) RAF Flt Sgt Sage, T E (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Ross, J B (Flight Engineer) RAF Barker, G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 417920 Flt Sgt Whittenbury, M T (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in flames at 0130 hours on 13 June after being hit by a night fighter. The aircraft crashed at Middel near Olst Holland and all the crew were killed. They are buried at the Duur General Cemetery, Olst, Holland.

148


Date of Death : 23 June 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C54 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/3/235 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LM 547 Radio call sign: AR – F2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LM547 took off From RAF Binbrook at 2228 hours on 22 June 1944 to bomb railway facilities at Rheims, France. 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 LM547 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 400388 FO Lamble, F S Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409298 WO English, W N (Navigator) RAAF 419017 Flt Sgt Tomkins, K J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 424224 Flt Sgt Shelton, D M (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Foddering, E J (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Spiers, K H (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 423033 FO Allsep, S J (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Frettemolle (Somme), 9kms SW of a small town of Poix-de-la-Somme, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Poix (Somme) Churchyard, Frettemolle, France.

149


Date of Death : 23 June 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C54 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/13/252 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 116 Radio call sign: AR – G Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NE116 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2233 hours on the night of 22 June 1944 to bomb railway facilities at Rheims, France. 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 NE116 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 421453 Flt Sgt Pearson, L R Captain (Pilot) RAAF 422304 Flt Sgt Schwilk, C W (Navigator) RAAF 424170 Flt Sgt Flynn, W J (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Keenan, S D (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Jillings, J A (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Mason, K G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Flt Sgt Worthington, W (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed and exploded at Morienval (Oise), 8kms NNE of Crepy-en-Valois, France. Five members of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Schhwilk and Flt Sgt Flynn (RAAF) evaded capture and returned safe to the UK. In a statement Flt Sgt Schwilk said’The aircraft was attacked by a night fighter at 7000 feet and immediately caught fire. The aircraft was out of control and both Flt Sgt Flynn and I baled out. I was later informed that the other crew members had been killed.’ The five crew members killed are buried in the French Civil Cemetery, Morienval, Oise, France.

150


Date of Death : 27 June 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) 64 NAA: A705, 163/125/82 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 793 Radio call sign: AR – G2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME793 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0042 hours on 27 June 1944 to bomb Vaires, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one of these ME793 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 423752 PO Israel, J L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Pester, L E G (Navigator) RAAF 419387 Flt Sgt Hunkin, G H (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Beckwith, F W W (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt White, L G (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Rouse, A E J (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt Krynski, T (Rear Gunner) No trace of the missing aircraft and crew could be found following post war investigations and enquiries. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

151


Date of Death : 5 July 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C55 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/38/590 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 174 Radio call sign: AR – M Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NE 174 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2208 hours on the night of 4th July 1944 to bomb railway yards at Orleans, France. Bomb load was 18 x 500lb bombs. 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 one of these NE174 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 417528 PO Solomon, J A Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Joy, D V (Navigator) RAAF 417873 Flt Sgt Mollet, C K (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421347 WO Clark, I H (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Mickelfield, G R (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Wills F D (Mid Upper Gunner) RCAF Sgt McLean, L (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed at Donnemain village, approx 25 miles north west of Orleans. Four of the crew including PO Solomon (RAAF) are buried in the St Mames Communal Cemetery, Donnemain, France. The names of the remaining three crew members including WO Clark and Flt Sgt Mollett (RAAF) are recorded on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK

152


Date of Death : 15 July 1944. Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C56 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/42/76 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 755 Radio call sign: AR – Z Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME755 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2138 hours on the night of 14 July 1944 to bomb Revigny, France. Bomb load was 6 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs. 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 one ME755 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 421774 PO Vaughan, W A H Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Jeffries, F (Navigator) RAAF 421578 Flt Sgt Dickerson, K L T (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 424460 Flt Sgt Raftery, B F (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Allan, A (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Wade, D (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Kilsby, H S (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Chevillon (Haute-Marne), a village some 16kms SE of St-Dizier, France. Five of the crew were killed and both Flt Sgt Raftery and Sgt Wade evaded capture and were returned safely to UK. In a statement Flt Sgt Raftery reported ‘The sortie was aborted and the crew were ordered to bring the bombs back. At 0200 hours about six minutes after the order to return was given, I heard canon fire striking the forepart of the fuselage. Fire broke out near the wireless set and the intercom was U/S. I looked for the navigator without success, and baled out of the rear door. The mid upper gunner was at the time doing up his chute. The estimated height was 2000 feet. Until the door was opened the aircraft was reasonably steady, but then went into a steep dive. Sgt Wade was contacted on the ground. Two days later I was informed that five of the crew were killed. I identified the bodies from photos I was shown by the Resistance movement. All were buried at Chevillon. I saw photos of Vaughan and Dickerson’. The five crew members who died are buried in the Haute Marne Communal Cemetery, Chevillon, France.

153

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 19 July 1944

Source: AWM (1/295) AWM (1/294) Appendix C59 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/564 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: LL 957 Radio call sign: AR – E2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster LL957 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2302 hours on the night of 18 July 1944 to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one LL957 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 400318 FO Carr, R L Captain (Pilot) RAAF 417087 Flt Sgt Leak, L C (Navigator) RNAF Sgt Utne, R (Bomb Aimer) (Norwegian Air Force) RAAF 414757 Flt Sgt Brown, E B (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Cambridge, W J C (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Glenn, W D (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Ward, F (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at approx 0145 hours on the 19 July at Roggel (Limburg), 10kms north west of Roermond, Holland. The location was near a fighter drome at Venlo. Flt Sgt Leak (RAAF) became a POW. The remaining six crew members were killed. Sgt Utne is buried in Norway, and the other five crew are buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.

154


Date of Accident: 21 July 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM (1/313) W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War : Page 345, volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 654 Radio call sign: AR – R Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND654 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0014 on the night of 21 July 1944 to bomb the railway yards at Courtrai, Belgium. Bomb load 11 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and one ND654 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 410065 PO Jopling, R H Captain (Pilot) RCAF Sgt J G Cawley, (Navigator) RAAF 419198 Flt Sgt R B Moffitt (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 426279 Flt Sgt D J Annat (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt K G Butler (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt R Mills, (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 419057 Flt Sgt L G Rossely, (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Poelkapelle (West Vlaanderen), 9kms NNE of Ieper, Belgium. There were no crew fatalities. Sgt Mills (RAF) became a POW, and the remaining six crew members evaded capture and returned safe to the UK. PO Jopling later reported ; “After completing the bombing the aircraft was hit by a rocket anti aircraft bomb on the starboard wing setting the petrol tank on fire. I instructed the crew to abandon the aircraft which was losing height rapidly and out of control. Moffitt baled out at approx 9000 feet, followed by Cawley, Annat and Butler. Rossely and Mills abandoned from the rear exit hatch. I baled out at approx 3500 feet. Butler and Annat were slightly injured by the explosion and flak prior to baling out.”

155

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 3 August 1944

Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C60 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/17/691 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 125 Radio call sign: AR – L Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB125 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1138 hours on 3 August 1944 to bomb a flying bomb storage at Trossy-St-Maximin, France. Bomb load 6 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and one PB125 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 417296 FO Fidock, R C Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Jones, R H (Navigator) RAAF 427328 Flt Sgt Hullett, W R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 423729 Flt Sgt Heidtman, K F (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Stock, D C (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Burke, J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Trollope, J E (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at St Maclou de Folleville village, 6kms east of Troyes and approx 16 miles south of Dieppe, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the St Maclou de Folleville Churchyard, France.

156


Date of Death: 30 August 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Graves records, W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command fatalities in the Second World War, Page 405, volume 1944. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 144 Radio call sign: AR – F2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NE144 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2106 hours on the night of 29/30th August 1944 to bomb the port and U Boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Bomb load 1 x 4000lband 1 x 500lb bombs, 72 x 30lb and 855 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 401959 FO Humphris, K W Captain (Pilot) RCAF FO McNeill, J B (Navigator) RAF Sgt G D Walsh Bomb Aimer) RAF FO Stratford, R K DFM (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Wild, S R (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Fallon, D (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Aviet, P B (Rear Gunner) It was later presumed that the aircraft came down in the Baltic Sea. FO Humphris, FO McNeill, Sgt Walsh, and Sgt Walsh survived the crash and became POW’s. FO Stratford, Sgt Fallon and Sgt Aviet were killed. FO Stratford’s body was washed ashore on the island of Anholt, and he is buried in the Anholt Cemetery, Denmark. Anholt is a small island in the Kattegat midway between Jutland and Sweden. Sgt Fallon and Sgt Aviet rest in Sweden at the Falkenberg Forest Cemetery, which is on the south west coast in the district of Halland, 11kms south of Gothenberg, Sweden.

157


Date of Death : 31 August 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C63 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/16/421 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PS 176 Radio call sign: AR – M Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PS176 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1303 hours on 31 August 1944 to bomb a V2 dump at Raimbert, France. Bomb load 12 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only one PS176 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 418394 PO Grey, L J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 432167 Flt Sgt Hathaway, W E (Navigator) RAAF 417699 Flt Sgt Coates, R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 427833 Flt Sgt Ion, J P (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Tomkinson, R (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Morris, R R C (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 412546 WO Le Gay Brereton, R (Rear Gunner) Post war it was presumed that the aircraft came down in the North Sea. The body of Sgt Tomkinson (RAF) was washed ashore at Domburg, and he is buried at Flushing, Isle of Walcheren, Province of Zealand. Holland. The body of Flt Sgt Ion (RAAF) was washed ashore on the island of Noord Beveland, and he is buried in the Colijnsplaat (Kortgene) Communal Cemetery, N.Beveland Island, Zeeland, Holland. The remaining five crew members are missing and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

158


Date of Death : 7 October 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/33/230 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 254 Radio call sign: AR – K Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB254 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1213 hours on 7 October 1944 to bomb the small town of Emmerich whose rail and road communications were vital to enemy supplies to the Arnhem front. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and an assorted load of incendiaries. Thirty one aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Of these one aircraft failed to return and another aircraft PB254 was badly shot up with three crew members baling out. Crew: RAAF 422499 FO Gratton, V K Captain (Pilot) RAAF 408286 WO Newton, N E (Navigator) RAAF 417313 WO Potter, K G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 426907 Flt Sgt Pearson, A V (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Amos, D L (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422974 Flt Sgt McNaught, L C C (Air Gunner) RAF Sgt Priest, C W (Air Gunner) The following is a report from the unit ‘The aircraft PB254 was detailed to make a daylight bombing attack on Emmerich. The aircraft arrived over the target at the correct time and got a clear run to the target except for some small flak holes in the starboard wing. The bombs had just been dropped when the aircraft above and to starboard made a port correction which resulted in a number of incendiaries striking PB254 causing considerable damage and setting it on fire. When all the fire extinguishers had been used with the fire not under control, the abandon order was given. Newton and Amos baled out but the remainder of the crew continued their attempt to extinguish the fire and eventually succeeded. The Pilot although unable to see his instruments for smoke was successful in flying the aircraft back to safety.’ The aircraft crash landed at 1600 hours at Hawkins airfield at Kent UK and the four crew members on board were uninjured. Both WO Newton and Sgt Amos became POW’s, but WO Potter who also baled out did not survive and is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

159


Date of Death : 19 October 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C64 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/14/281 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 152 Radio call sign: AR – Z Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB152 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1655 hours on 19 October 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb and 1800 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty eight aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including PB152 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 415940 PO Fontaine, P Captain (Pilot) RAAF 412879 WO Bain, R G (Navigator) RAAF 437314 FO Middleton, C G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 427929 Flt Sgt Newman, G H (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Chisman, A L (Flight Engineer) RAAF 421870 WO Krutli, R A (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 430890 Flt Sgt Kenealy, E J (Rear Gunner) WO Bain (RAAF) who became a POW later reported ‘A night fighter shot us up setting fire to the starboard engine. The order to abandon was given. I acknowledged but did not hear any of the others do so. I was first to leave the aircraft at about 15,000 feet. The aircraft was in a steep dive but still seemed under control. Both the starboard engines were on fire. The aircraft was shot down and crashed approx 25 miles from Stuttgart. After parachuting I tried to make my way to France. I spent seven days walking through forests and along the roads at night. I was captured when breaking into a house for food. I was informed that all the crew were killed.’ The six remaining crew are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany

160


Date of Death : 20 October 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C65 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/17/790 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 175 Radio call sign: AR – A Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB175 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1652 hours on 19 October 1944 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb and 1800 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty eight aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including PB175 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 423722 Flt Lt Hamilton, D B Captain (Pilot) RAAF 419464 Flt Sgt Fagg, E C (Navigator) RAAF 426043 Flt Sgt Carpenter, W J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 422671 Flt Sgt Oliver, D J (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt King, F (Flight Engineer) RAAF 428142 Flt Sgt Low, P M (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 424763 Flt Sgt Jago J L (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that all the crew were killed, and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

161

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 23 October 1944

Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/35/421 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 351 Radio call sign: AR – B2

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB351 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1615 hours on 23 October 1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 6 x 500lb bombs and assorted incendiaries. On the return journey from the target the aircraft crashed at approx 2000 hours near Bircham Newton, North Wootton, Norfolk, about 4 miles North of Kings Lynn, UK. All the crew were killed with the exception of Flt Sgt Cannon (RAAF) who was injured and survived the crash. Crew: RAAF 422298 PO Richins, D R G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 427818 Flt Sgt Frankish, K T (Navigator) RAAF 421764 Flt Sgt Stobo, W (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 421524 WO Treloar, J R (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Sunderland, E R (Flight Engineer) RAAF 431006 Flt Sgt Cannon, J G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 428900 Flt Sgt Bergelin, R W (Rear Gunner) A subsequent court of inquiry reported ‘The aircraft was returning from a sortie on the night of 23 October 1944 when it struck cloud up to 20000 feet in which the icing index was high. The Pilot descended through the cloud on track and hit a tree 70 feet high in Houghton Hall Park. The aircraft was extensively damaged and burnt. The Rear Gunner Bergelin was alive and trapped in the rear turret seriously injured. He died in hospital the same night. The rest of the crew were killed with the exception of Cannon who was unconscious under a tree all night and went unaided to Houghton Hall the next morning. He was admitted to Sick Quarters and recovered. The main cause of the accident was the weather with contributory factors being loss of the ASI and the pilot’s altimeter if static vent frozen.’ The six crew members who died are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.

162

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 31 October 1944

Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/35/374 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 567 Radio call sign: AR – U Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB567 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1802 hours on 31 October 1944 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs, 630 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one of these PB567 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 427044 FO Reid, E F DFC Captain (Pilot) Born 13/7/1923 Age 21y9mths RAAF 424263 PO Emery, A F DFC (Navigator) Born 29/12/1925 Age 18y10mths RAAF 422943 FO Flory, M A (Bomb Aimer) Born 2/12/1922 Age 21y10mths RAAF 434018 Flt Sgt Royes, R H (Wireless Operator Air) Born 14/6/1923 21y4mth RAF Sgt Haley, F (Flight Engineer) Age Not Available RAF Sgt Coley, R G (Mid Upper Gunner) - Age 24yrs - RAAF 427527 Flt Sgt Marshall, M (Rear Gunner) Born 20/11/1923 Age 21y1mth Post war it was established that all the crew were killed. Six of the crew are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, and the name of FO Flory who is missing is recorded on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK. W.R.Chorley records in his book ‘RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, 1944’, that the average age of the crew was 20 years with Sgt Haley being the senior at 24 years of age. The individual ages of the crew are recorded above.

163

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 18 November 1944

Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C68 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/7/726 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 541 Radio call sign: AR – E2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB541 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1537 hours on 18 November 1944 to bomb Wanne Eickel, Belgium. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one PB541 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 419556 FO Carter, A G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 429655 FO Francis, A H (Navigator) RAAF 437333 Flt Sgt Byrne, G B (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 424355 FO Beeston, J McF (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Evans, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 422133 Flt Sgt Charlesworth, D N (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 437695 Flt Sgt Payne, R J (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Bochum, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

164


Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C69 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/26/667 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NE 141 Radio call sign: AR – P Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NE 141 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1537 hours on 21 November 1944 to bomb Aschaffenburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including NE141 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 434470 PO McMaster, R F Captain (Pilot) RAAF 436274 FO Pettiford, F J (Navigator) RAAF 424101 FO Stewart, K R (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 424555 Flt Sgt Herbertson, W (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Day, H (Flight Engineer) RAAF 433334 Flt Sgt Jones, M A (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 435535 Flt Sgt Chandler, R S (Rear Gunner) Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed on 21 November at Damm, a suburb of Aschaffenburg. All the crew were killed. The names of PO McMaster, FO Pettiford and FO Stewart are recorded on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. Flt Sgt’s Herbertson, Jones and Chandler are buried at Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

165


Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C70 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/31/280 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: P 490 Radio call sign: AR – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster P490 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1528 hours on 21 November 1944 to bomb Aschaffenburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two including P490 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 38181 FO Ottaway, W G Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Norman, V E (Navigator) RAAF 427760 Flt Sgt Flohm, L W (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 430137 Flt Sgt Bull, W (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Metcalfe, H S (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Briggs, G H J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Shilstone, A N (Rear Gunner) Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Shilstone (RAF) became a POW. The name of FO Ottaway is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK and the remaining crew members are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

166


Date of Death : 29 November 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C71 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/16/486 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 459 Radio call sign: AR – V Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB459 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1216 hours on 29 November 1944 to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb and 6 x 500lb bombs, 4 x 14 clusters and 36 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and PB459 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 428772 FO Gray, M C N Captain (Pilot) RAAF 14734 FO Butler, N E (Navigator) RAAF 426447 Flt Sgt Armstrong, H B (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 436658 Flt Sgt Parry, E A (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Smith, R A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 405511 WO Whale, W J L (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 412983 WO Lett, R W (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the target area and all the crew were killed. Five of the crew are buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany, and the names of the missing crew members FO Gray and Flt Sgt Parry are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

167


Date of Death : 6 December 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C73 AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/31/284 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 971 Radio call sign: AR – K2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND971 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1645 hours on 6 December 1944 to bomb Merseburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb and 8 x 500lb bombs, 2 x 14 clusters and 20 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only one aircraft ND971 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 427273 FO Walter P O Captain (Pilot) RAF FO Andrews, J H (Navigator) RAF Sgt Moule, D H (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 436361 Flt Sgt Olsen, G G (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Sadler, J R (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Charlesworth, H W (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Jury, K J (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft collided with another Lancaster, probably from 635 Sqn and crashed 1km east of Weddingen, 5kms WNW of Vienenburg, Germany. An explosion occurred as the two aircraft fell and FO Walter who became a POW was thrown clear. All the remaining crew were killed and they are interred in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

168

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 12 December 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C72 AWM 237 (64) NAA : A705, 163/26/212 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 542 Radio call sign: AR – D2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB542 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1559 hours on 12 December1944 to bomb Essen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only one aircraft PB542 did not return to base. Crew: RAAF 402439 Sqn Ldr Clark, J DFC AFC MID Captain (Pilot) RAAF 409224 FO Reid, B C DFC (Navigator) RAAF 411987 FO Bethel, S J (Bomb Aimer) RAF FO Sanders, C (Wireless Operator Air) RAF FO Milner, L (Flight Engineer) RAAF 411772 FO Edwards, P E (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 404043 FO Scott, J M DFM (Rear Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by flak at Bergerhausen near Essen at 1940 hours and burst into flames on impact. Six of the crew were killed and they are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany. FO Milner (RAF) is recorded as missing and his name is commemorated in the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK. Sqn Ldr Clark who was acting CO of the Squadron at the time had completed 50 operational sorties.

169


Date of Death : 24 December 1944 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C74 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/37/674 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 255 Radio call sign: AR – E Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB255 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1450 hours on 24 December 1944 to bomb Cologne. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb and 8 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eleven aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one PB255 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 420763 FO Skarratt, M C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 430773 Flt Sgt Dickie, R J (Navigator) RAAF 437237 FO Ward, J M (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 434335 Flt Sgt Stewart, R I (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Newman, T C (Flight Engineer) RAAF 30953 Flt Sgt Deed, C K (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 433717 Flt Sgt Day, G F (Rear Gunner) A Canadian Chaplain reported that on 24 December 1944 at 1850 hours an aircraft crashed at Oostelbeers, Holland. An explosion occurred, the aircraft disintegrated and occupants were killed. The aircraft and crew were identified by the watch of Flt Sgt Stewart. Their remains are buried at the Roman Catholic Churchyard Cemetery, Oostelbeers, Holland.

170


Date of Death : 14 January 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/43/1090 Aircraft Type: Lancaster

Serial number: ND 822 Radio call sign: AR – N Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND822 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1903 hours on 14 January 1945 to bomb a synthetic oil producing plant at Merseburg-Leuna, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 12 x 500lb bombs. Sixteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Crew: RAAF 423014 PO Walker, G D Captain (Pilot) RAAF 433507 Flt Sgt Hamilton, R W (Navigator) RAAF 428774 WO Hutchings, K (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 432928 Flt Sgt Winton, E R (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Forrest, J G (Flight Engineer) RAAF 437207 Flt Sgt Barnden, L R (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 432970 Flt Sgt Peterson, B R (Rear Gunner) ND822 returning from the raid crashed between Hainton and Louth in Lincoln, UK. A subsequent Court of Inquiry reported “the aircraft was returning early from the mission with its bomb load. The Pilot called Binbrook at 2141 saying that the starboard inner engine was U/S and sort permission to land. The aircraft was told to prepare to land on runway 040 but not to descend below 500 feet, and that if he could not pancake he would be diverted. Further attempts at R/T communications were not successful and the aircraft was seen at approx 2145 hours to be making a circuit of Ludford Magna airfield in order to land on 020. The outer circle lights were on, but the runway lighting and the glide path indicators were switched off. The aircraft was seen to turn in an easterly direction heading inside the outer circle, to dive steeply, strike a cottage and crash in fields straight ahead. It was believed that ND822 arrived and stayed in the Ludford Magna area under the impression it was over Binbrook.” Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Peterson was injured. He however died on 20 January 1945. They are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.

171


Date of Death : 28 January 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/5/917 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ND 970 Radio call sign: AR – S Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ND970 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1948 hours on the night of 28 January 1945 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 12 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twelve aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and ND970 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 427892 FO Birt P N Captain (Pilot) RAAF 410394 Flt Sgt Symes, E S (Navigator) RAAF 418318 Flt Sgt Truman, E G (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 437488 Flt Sgt Benbow, D R (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Field, A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 433473 Flt Sgt O’Hara, D G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 433749 Flt Sgt Wilson, S G (Rear Gunner) Flt Sgt Symes, Flt Sgt Truman Flt Sgt Benbow (all RAAF) and Sgt Field (RAF) became POW’s. In a statement Flt Sgt Benbow reported that “The aircraft was attacked by JU88 fighters near Stuttgart. The aircraft was damaged. The order to put on chutes and abandon was given and acknowledged. The port wing was burning, and the port engine and aileron was u/s. The aircraft was more or less under a controlled dive. I landed in a forest near Stuttgart. It was freezing and I received frostbite. I walked/crawled to a village and gave myself up. Truman, Field and Symes were POW’s. The Germans said that O’Hara and Wilson were killed, and that the body of Birt was near the wreck.” FO Birt, Flt Sgt O’Hara and Flt Sgt Wilson are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. Note : FO Birt’s date of death is recorded in AWM 237 (64) as 29 January 1945.

172


Date of Death : 2 February 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/27/771 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 807 Radio call sign: AR – H Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB807 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2042 hours on 2 February 1945 to bomb Weisbaden, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 1620 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron and two of these including PB807 failed to return. Crew : RAAF 419193 FO Maguire, J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 434454 PO Everett, N W (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt Whiticar, R H (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 429820 WO May, D B (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Newton, R B (Flight Engineer) RCAF Flt Sgt Russell, D G (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Potter, W G (Rear Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed on the outskirts of Reidelbach, a village approx 16 miles north west of Frankfurt. Flt Sgt Whiticar (RAF) became a POW and the remaining six crew members were killed in the crash. Their remains are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

173

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 2 February 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/8/854 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: ME 326 Radio call sign: AR – P Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster ME 326 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2045 hours on 2 February 1945 to bomb Weisbaden, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 10 x 150 x 4 and 2 x 60 x 4lb incendiaries. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including ME326 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 109 Gr Capt Parsons, K R J DFC Captain (Pilot) RAF Flt Sgt Flattery, F J (Navigator) RAF Sgt Bull, H J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 433250 Flt Sgt Cunningham, W A (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Jeffries, W T (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt George, W A (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Human, F (Rear Gunner) The aircraft crashed 8 miles south west of Abbeville, France. Gr Captain Parsons who was Commanding Officer of the Squadron at the time survived the crash and all the other crew members were killed. Gr Capt Parsons later reported “At approx 2300 hours whilst at 19,000 feet with “George” engaged I observed another Lancaster about 150 yards on my starboard beam. We were flying through scattered cirrus cloud at the time and upon emerging from one of these I observed this Lancaster turning straight across our path. I immediately disengaged George and attempted to pull up over the other aircraft to starboard, but he apparently became aware of my approach at the same instant and took the same avoiding action which unfortunately caused the tail end of his aircraft to wipe over the top of mine smashing the canopy over my head, stopping the port inner engine and knocking the port outer engine right out of the wing. My aircraft immediately went into a spin from which despite every effort I was unable to regain control. I ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft and after seeing the navigator move up past me to the front I myself left the aircraft (by parachute) at a height of approx 2000 feet by means of a hole in the canopy. The aircraft hit the ground and burnt within 500 yards of where I landed. On later investigation I found that the Bomb Aimer and Rear Gunner had both left the aircraft but were too close to the ground, the Bomb Aimer being killed instantly and the Rear Gunner dying in hospital at Abbeville. The other members of the crew were still in the aircraft and were killed instantly. The following morning I ascertained that the aircraft with which I collided was Obo 2 of 626 Sqn Wickenby. I also ascertained that the rear turret of this aircraft had been completely knocked off by the collision and was lying within 100 yards of my aircraft, the rear gunner being found a few yards away from this spot having been killed instantly upon hitting the ground. All other members of this crew parachuted safely. There is no other information.” The six crew members killed are buried in the Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France.

174


Date of Death : 3 February 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/10/399 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 301 Radio call sign: AR – J Unit: 460 SWqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB301 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1627 hours on 3 February 1945 to bomb a synthetic oil and benzol plant at Bottrop, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 15 x 500lb bombs. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and PB301 failed to return to base. Crew: RAAF 400365 Flt Lt Davies, G A T Captain (Pilot) RAAF 429652 FO Dunn, V (Navigator) RAAF 431564 FO Avery, J D (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 437490 FO Brown, G S (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Winstanley, R F (Flight Engineer) RAAF 431012 Flt Sgt Bird, N B (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 429034 Flt Sgt Wilkins, F H DFC (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the middle of a wood approx 8kms NNW of a German airstrip at Kirchhellan. Both Flt Lt Davies and FO Avery became POW’s and the remaining five crew members who were killed are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

175


Date of Death : 10 February 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/10/407 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 812 Radio call sign: AR - Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB812 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1124am on 10 February 1945 on a cross country training flight. The aircraft was flying the last leg of the exercise from Luton to Scunthorpe when it crashed at 3.45pm near the Caythorpe Railway Station near Fulbech, Lincoln, UK. Witnesses in another aircraft saw the aircraft diving almost vertically on fire. The crash was of a severe nature and all the crew were killed. The usual Bomb Aimer of this crew was not in the aircraft being a patient in hospital at the time. Crew: RAAF 429723 PO Miller, R A G Captain (Pilot) RAAF 418648 FO Downing, J J (Navigator) RAAF 437951 Flt Sgt Pope, R L (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt Nesbit-Bell, F A C (Flight Engineer) RAAF 435913 Flt Sgt Robinson, A G (Air Gunner) RAAF 430736 Flt Sgt Dockery, G M (Air Gunner) The crew of six are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.

176

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 21 February 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/38/940 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 471 Radio call sign: AR – F2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB471 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2137 hours on the night of 20 February 1945 to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 13 x 150 x 4lb and 2 x 60 x 4lb incendiaries. Twenty six aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and PB471 was the only squadron aircraft that failed to return, Crew: RAAF 430033 Flt Lt Jenkins, A E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 430403 FO Swift S C (Navigator) RAAF 429070 FO Campbell, H T (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 434620 FO Clegg, B M (Wireless Operator Air) RAF PO Stone, F S (Flight Engineer) RAAF 435276 Flt Sgt Braddock, B (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Graham A (Rear Gunner) It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Linkhout in the Belgium province of Limburg, 6kms east of Diest. Flt Lt Jenkins who survived the crash later made this report : “The target Dortmund was bombed at 1.20am of 21 February 1945, and approx 20 minutes later when the aircraft was flying at 13,000 feet in conditions of good visibility, the pilot received a sudden order from the Rear Gunner – ‘corkscrew starboard’, but before he could take any action, a burst of fire from below hit the aircraft. There had been no warning from the bomb aimer who was keeping his downward lookout. There was no visible damage and the pilot carried out the rear gunner’s orders, but the fighter (not identified) continued firing accurately, hitting the aircraft during the evasive action. Both Lancaster gunners returned fire, but apparently without effect. By then the starboard petrol tank was on fire and there was flame and smoke within the aircraft which was still under control. The pilot endeavoured to get it straight, but before this could be achieved, an explosion occurred, turning the aircraft on its back and breaking off the starboard wing. The aircraft immediately went into a spin. The engineer crawled along the perspex, probably with the idea of getting his parachute. He was the only member of the crew seen by the pilot during the incident, and the only communication heard from start to finish was the initial instruction from the rear gunner. The pilot believes that most of the crew must have been killed by the explosion and that he himself remained uninjured because of the bullet proof shield behind his back. The pilot believed there was nothing more he could do and at about 2000 feet he baled out and landed safely, landing about 2 miles from the crashed aircraft. He evaded capture and met up with advancing Allied troops.” The six crew members killed are buried in the Hasselt New Communal Cemetery, Belgium. The AWM Honour Roll records Flt Sgt Braddock’s date of death as 20/2/45.

177


Date of Death : 2 March 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C80 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/18/647 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: RA 524 Radio call sign: AR – V Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster RA 524 took of from RAF Binbrook at 0703 hours on 2 March 1945 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 12 x 500lb and 4 x 250lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and of these RA524 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 429054 Flt Lt Holmes, J H Captain (Pilot) RAAF 405307 WO Gordon, H V (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt Parkinson, E (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 434180 Flt Sgt Gerrard, J M (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Devlin, J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 436777 Flt Sgt Thomson, T A (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 427742 Flt Sgt Rankin, G W (Rear Gunner) In a subsequent squadron report it was stated “ The crews of four accompanying aircraft state that they saw RA524 shot down over the target. During the run up to the target, the aircraft was seen to be hit by bursts of heavy flak, and black smoke trailed from the aircraft but no flames were visible. The bomb doors closed, the aircraft dived steeply and then levelled at 15,500 feet and the smoke ceased. Four parachutes were seen to open in quick succession and then the aircraft went into a slow left hand spin with great volumes of smoke re-issuing. After loosing 2000 more feet, it again levelled out, turned to starboard, came back across the target climbing slightly with flames appearing in the starboard wing and fuselage, then flew straight and level for 30 seconds before making a straight steep dive and crashed on the west end of the Hohenzollern bridge. The aircraft had a full load of bombs and exploded on impact.” All the crew were killed. Sgt Parkinson (RAF) is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, and the remaining six crew members are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

178

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 4 March 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/9/554 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NG 502 Radio call sign: AR – J Unit: 460 Sqn RAF Summary: Lancaster NG502 took off from RAF Binbrook on a night cross country training flight and at approx 0100 hours on 4 March 1945 crashed near Harfield House, Langworth, some 7 miles from Lincoln, being shot down by a night intruder JU88 aircraft. Crew: RAAF 420312 FO Warren, W B (Captain Pilot) RAAF 430513 FO Gannon, S R (Navigator) RAAF 428468 Flt Sgt Kelly, F D (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 437403 Flt Sgt Davey, R E (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt Streatfield, A (Flight Engineer/Pilot) RAAF 430761 P O Jackson, R J (Air Gunner) RAAF 10799 Flt Lt Grinter, G R (Air Gunner) Two crew members were killed in the crash Flt Sgt Davey (RAAF) and Sgt Streatfield (RAF). They are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. The other crew members although injured survived the crash. There was however a sequel to this shooting down.

Observer Taylor of the Royal Observer Corps, witnessed the above attack, and a short time later, Observer J P Kelway, ROC was killed when the same JU88 shot up his car on the nearby Welton to Spridlington road. Moments later, the enemy intruder crashed, killing its crew, after flying into telegraph wires. They were buried a few days later in Scampton (St. John the Baptist) Churchyard, while Observer Kelway rests in Lincoln (Newport Road) Cemetery.

179


Date of Death : 5 March 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/18/654 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 557 Radio call sign: AR – A2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB557 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1629 hours on 5 March 1945 to Bomb Chemnitz, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 10 x No 14 clusters, 1 x 60 x 4lb, 1 x 150 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty one aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only one of these PB557 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 405792 Sqn Ldr Holmes, J C DFC Captain (Pilot) RAAF 430159 Flt Sgt Clarke, T T (2nd Pilot) RAAF 408440 FO Hudspeth, D G (Navigator) RAF Sgt Hayward, R E (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 409653 FO Baudinette, I S (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt J Young, (Flight Engineer) RAAF 412815 Flt Lt Morgan, T E V DFM (Air Gunner) RAAF 412167 WO Mayne, E O T (Air Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Pfieffe, 5kms ESE of Spangenberg. The Pfieffe burgomastert confirmed that on the 5 March 1945 a four engined Lancaster circled low over the hills about 2 miles NW of Pfieffe, with one or more engines on fire and crashed. Eight bodies had been recovered with 6 of these identified. Initially all the remains were buried in the Pfieffe Chyurchyard, 25 miles NW of Eisenach. All the 8 bodies were subsequently reinterred in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. Another crew member on the same raid reported that over the target Clarkes aircraft had been attacked by a fighter at high altitude and that there was time to bale out.

180

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES Date of Death : 12 March 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/6/1005 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 187 Radio call sign: AR – E Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB187 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1255 hours on 12 March 1945 to carry out a daylight raid on Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and PB187 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 423053 PO Burgess, G L Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt Little, D A (Navigator) RAAF 418625 Flt Sgt Bryant, J D (Bomb Aimer) RAF Sgt Grundy, K (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt Sweetman, P C (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt Brown, P J (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt Grant, M D (Rear Gunner) Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Duisberg-Meiderich and that six of the crew were killed with Sgt Grant (Rear Gunner) becoming a POW. Sgt Grant later reported “ We turned on to the bombing run and when ready to release the bombs at 20,000 feet we were hit twice close to the nose. I do not know the extent of the damage being in the rear of the aircraft. The Skipper informed us that the Bomb Aimer (Flt Sgt Bryant) was killed instantly and asked if any other crew was wounded. The Engineer said he was wounded and he fell unconscious on top of the forward escape hatch. The Skipper then asked the navigator for a course to the nearest emergency landing field in Allied hands about 20 minutes away. The Skipper asked the Mid Upper Gunner and WOP to see what they could do for the engineer, and also try and release the bombs. The Mid Upper Gunner went forward and found that bombs would not release. He then tried to put a parachute on the engineer and bale him out. The Skipper told the rest of the crew to come forward and bale out as soon as everything was clear. I came forward and could see the navigator destroying his maps and equipment while waiting his turn to jump. By this time I had no intercom. The WOP who was on intercom told me to go aft and jump from the rear exit. He followed me down. The Mid Upper Gunner was still trying to get the engineer out. I opened the rear escape hatch and baled out at about 5,000 feet, which was just above the tops of the cloud. I went straight into the cloud and when I came out of the cloud after opening my chute, I could not see or hear the plane and did not see it again. About one quarter of a mile away I saw another crew member going down pretty fast with a large rent in his chute. I never saw him again. I landed and estimated I was about 2 miles east of the Rhine near Duisberg. German guards took me prisoner. They told me that all the crew were killed. I did not see them again. I was later liberated by Allied troops.” The six crew members who lost their lives are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

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Date of Death : 16 March 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C83 AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/17/1083 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 816 Radio call sign: AR _ E2 Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB816 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1727 hours on the night of 16/17th March 1945 to bomb Nurnberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb and various incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and of these PB816 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 409303 FO Hedley, V J Captain (Pilot) RAAF 429151 Flt Sgt Halls, A F (Navigator) RAAF 431468 Flt Sgt Prouse, J W (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 428877 Flt Sgt Parry, M J (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt MacDonald, A J (Flight Engineer) RAAF 435564 Flt Sgt Jurd, M K (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 431194 Flt Sgt Binder, K W (Rear Gunner) It was later established that all the crew were killed with the exception of Flt Sgt Halls (RAAF) who became a POW. In his later statement Flt Sgt Halls reported, “At 19,000 feet hit in the bomb bay. A few seconds earlier the Bomb Aimer reported seeing an aircraft below, but no evasive action taken. Aircraft immediately caught fire from ignited incendiaries and went into spin out of control. I was thrown into Bomb Aimers compartment with the Flight Engineer and as far as I know no order was given to abandon aircraft. I came back and saw WOP in his seat unconscious and in the centre of the fire. I managed to get to him but unable to move him and he appeared dead. I then placed my chute on and left by the window next to the flight engineer. I did not notice anyone in the pilot’s compartment. The chute opened just before I hit the ground and must have been about 1000 feet when I left. The aircraft crashed near Neiderstetten. I hid for an hour and then gave myself up as unable to assist myself due to burns and injuries. Did not see any others leave the aircraft”. FO Hedley also baled out safely and was shot by a German member of the home guard. It appears that Hedley was not captured and that the German who shot him stated that he did so when Hedley was still endeavouring to evade capture and after he had ignored a command to surrender. The remains of the five other crew members were located in the wreck and those five as well as FO Hedley are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

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Date of Death : 19 March 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63)(64) NAA : A705, 166/6/1016 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: PB 155 Radio call sign: AR – K Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster PB155 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0052 hours on 19 March 1945 to bomb Hanau, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and incendiaries. Twenty two aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and PB155 when returning from the mission crashed at approx 0812 hours near Kelstern village, Lincolonshire. There was low cloud and reduced visibility at the time and Kelstern airfield was trying to home the aircraft towards the runway, but it crashed when it hit high ground while making its approach and all the crew were killed. Crew: RAAF 430436 PO Browne, G S Captain (Pilot) RAAF 431562 Flt Sgt Grant, L W (Navigator) RAAF 429475 WO McBryde, G T (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 432893 Flt Sgt Stacey, J (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt David, J N (Flight Engineer) RAAF 415265 WO Moss, A E (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 436950 Flt Sgt Schodde, R C (Rear Gunner) All the RAAF crew members are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK and Sgt David (RAF) is buried in the Bushbury (St Mary) Churchyard, Wolverhampton, UK.

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Date of Death: 22 March 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War, Page 145, volume 1945. Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NG 466 Radio call sign: AR – Y Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NG466 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0111 hours on the 22 March 1945 to bomb a benzol plant at Bruchstrasse, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb and 4 x 250lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one NG466 failed to return. Crew: RAAF 424865 Flt Lt Heggie, D H Captain (Pilot) RAF Sgt W T Dean, (Navigator) RAF Flt Sgt K E Ambler, (Bomb Aimer) RAF PO Trotter, A C (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Sgt H Brooke, (Flight Engineer) RAF Sgt D Robinson (Mid Upper Gunner) RAF Sgt H H Dunkerley ( Rear Gunner) Two of the crew Flt Lt Heggie and Flt Sgt Ambler survived the crash and were returned safe to the UK. The remaining five crew members were killed and they are buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany, which is located 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms south of Wesel, Germany.

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Date of Death : 29 May 1945 Source: AWM 237 (64) NAA : A9300, Barcode 5370567 Aircraft Type: Serial number: Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Flt Lt Davies, Gordon Atwood Tregaskis, 400365 died in a ground accident on 29 May 1945 when at the Station Sick Quarters at Brighton, UK. On 3 February 1945 he was the Captain (Pilot) of Lancaster PB 301 which was detailed to carry out a bombing raid on Bottrop, Germany. The plane crashed and Flt Lt Davies became a POW, but was subsequently returned safe to UK. He is buried in the Brookwood War Cemetery, Surrey, UK.

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Date of Death : 5 June 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) NAA : A705, 166/39/578 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: MN 799 Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster MN 799 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2032 hours on the night of 4/5th June 1945 to carry out a night cross country training exercise over France and the English Channel. In a report on the flight the Captain of the aircraft stated : “The homeward route was from St Etienne to St Malo, France, and thence from 1.5 miles north of St Malo to position 48.54N, 0138W. Throughout the flight I had been in R/T contact with all the crew including the Rear Gunner Flt Sgt Thomas. I had spoken to Flt Sgt Thomas within about 10 minutes of reaching St Malo. After turning at St Malo the aircraft dived steeply for 4000 feet (from 11,000 to 7,000 feet) due in my opinion to a fault in the automatic pilot which was engaged at the time. I disengaged the automatic pilot and pulled the aircraft out of the dive. This all happened in a few minutes and there was apparently no cause for alarm at the time. I was sure that Flt Sgt Thomas said ‘what happened then’ to me at this time, and I replied that it was ‘all right now’. I had no further contact with him throughout the rest of the flight to base (Ht7000 feet – 2000 feet), and was not aware that he had baled out until we landed. The incident of the aircraft diving was the only possible cause that Flt Sgt Thomas could have had for alarm so I assume that he baled out at that time, 0229 hours 5/6/45, position 48.52N 01.55W.” Crew: RAAF 434498 PO Coverdale, S E Captain (Pilot) RAAF 436506 FO Lane, (Navigator) RAAF 430587 Flt Sgt Batty, R G (2nd Navigator) RAAF 436729 Flt Sgt Duncan, L H (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 436695 Flt Sgt Crute, G R (Wireless Operator Air) RAF Flt Sgt Maddocks, A (Flight Engineer) RAAF 430977 Flt Sgt McLean, K H (Mid Upper Gunner) RAAF 16696 Flt Sgt Thomas, J B (Rear Gunner) Flt Sgt Thomas is buried in the Plevenon Communal Cemetery, France. His body was washed ashore on 27 July 1945 near the village of Plevenon.

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Date of Death : 14 July 1945 Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/21/346 Aircraft Type: Lancaster Serial number: NG 404 Radio call sign: Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF Summary: Lancaster NG404 took off from RAF Binbrook on 14 July 1945 on a day bombing and fighter affiliation exercise. With the bombing detail completed, the aircraft was carrying out a corkscrew during the fighter affiliation exercise when the fighter pilot called up to say the aircraft was on fire in the bomb bay. In a subsequent report the pilot said “ I gave the order to prepare to abandon and all the crew acknowledged. The fumes and smoke became intense in a matter of seconds, and I ordered the crew to abandon but received no acknowledgement. I saw Flt Sgt Sloan and PO Johnson enter the bomb aimer’s compartment. As the smoke and flames then became intense I was forced to bale out through the pilot’s window”. Flt Sgt Sloan (Flight Engineer) also reported “Black smoke and fumes started to come out of the bomb bay. The pilot ordered prepare to abandon and acknowledged. I adjusted my chute and went to step into the bomb bay compartment. The bomb aimer had already jettisoned the emergency exit hatch and jumped on seeing me. I immediately followed. And as I left the Navigator was immediately behind me. The visibility was almost nil due to smoke and fumes. I saw three chutes on the way down.” Crew: RAAF 436360 Flt Lt Nottle, M C Captain (Pilot) RAAF 433171 PO Johnson, C E (Navigator) RAAF 429723 FO Morrow, W J (Bomb Aimer) RAAF 430318 WO Quinn, K B (Wireless Operator Air) RAAF 437799 Flt Sgt Sloan, R K (Flight Engineer) RAAF 55854 Flt Sgt Rogers, R J (Rear Gunner) PO Johnson, WO Quinn and Flt Sgt Rogers were killed in the crash. It is possible that PO Johnson and WO Quinn were overcome by the smoke and fumes, whilst Flt Sgt Rogers who baled out landed in a lake and drowned. They are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. The other three crew members survived the crash with the Captain receiving slight injuries.

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SECOND WORLD WAR FATALITIES. 460 SQUADRON RAAF There were no fatalities in the following 460 Squadron crashes which occurred on the dates shown. In some cases however members of the RAF or other Air Forces were killed in the crash. DATE OF CRASH 22/11/1942 16/12/1943 22/01/1944 24/02/1944 25/02/1944 18/04/1944 28/04/1944 04/05/1944 04/05/1944 04/05/1944 22/05/1944 21/07/1944 30/08/1944 22/03/1945

Documents

RAAF Bomber Losses 460 Sqdn