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Paul McGuiness RAAF Archive
Paul McGuiness is an Australian aviation researcher and historian. Using primary sources he has assembled detailed information on the history of each plane
used by Australians and Australian forces in WWl and WW2, and on personnel involved.

This page contains many names, dates, locations. To help find the one(s) you're interested in, use our Highlighting facility.
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History of Australian Military Aviation

First World War

Armstrong Whitworth FK3

Avro 504

Bristol F2b Fighter

Fairey Aviation Model lllD Seaplane

Martinsyde G.100 G 102 Elephant

Maurice Farman S.11 Shorthorn

Royal Aircraft Factory BE2

Royal Aircraft Factory BE12

Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8

Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A Experimental Scout

Sopwith Camel B Series

Sopwith Camel C D E F Series

Sopwith Snipe

Sopwith Scout (Pup)

Sopwith 1½ Strutter

Supermarine Seagull lll

Supermarine Southampton Mk 1

Westland Wapiti


Post First World War

Bristol Bulldog

De Havilland DH.9A

Hawker Demon

Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A

Avro 504K


Second World War

3 Sqn Gladiators 1940-1941

3 Sqn Gauntlets 1940-1941

10 Sqn Sunderlands

451 Sqn Spitfires Med 43-44 Europe 44-46

452 Sqn Spitfires Europe 41-42

455 Sqn Hampdens 1941-43

458 Sqn Wellingtons

460 Sqn Wellingtons

461 Sqn Sunderlands

462 Sqn Halifax Part 1 MTO

466 Sqn Wellingtons


Further Information:

Aces and Aviators WWl Database

Material Relating to Australia

Article XV 466 Sqd RAAF WW2

Vickers Wellington

The Vickers Wellington was a British twin-engined, long-range medium bomber. It was designed during the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey. Led by Vickers-Armstrongs' chief designer Rex Pierson; a key feature of the aircraft is its geodetic airframe fuselage structure, which was principally designed by Barnes Wallis. The Wellington was used as a night bomber in the early years of the Second World War, performing as one of the principal bombers used by Bomber Command. During 1943, it started to be superseded as a bomber by the larger four-engined heavies such as the Avro Lancaster. The Wellington continued to serve throughout the war in other duties, particularly as an anti-submarine aircraft. It holds the distinction of having been the only British bomber that was produced for the duration of the war, and of having been produced in a greater quantity than any other British-built bomber. The Wellington remained as first-line equipment when the war ended, although it had been increasingly relegated to secondary roles.

466 Squadron was an Article XV squadron of the Empire Air Training Scheme formed as part of 4 Group RAF Bomber Command on the 10th October 1942 at Driffield aerodrome, East Yorkshire. The squadron was initially equipped with thirteen Mk.III Wellington bombers but these aircraft were soon replaced by the more capable Mk.X Wellington. The squadron moved to RAF Leconfield on 27Dec42 and flew its first operational mission on 13 January 1943. The squadron remained at Leconfield until they re-equipped with Halifax bombers and returned to Driffield. During its tenure with Wellingtons the squadron flew the following Operational Missions between December 1942 and August 1943:

Year

Month

Sorties

Operational

Losses

Non-Operational

Losses

1942

December

1

2

1943

January

47

5

1943

February

103

4

1943

March

96

3

1943

April

92

3

1943

May

118

9

1943

June

111

5

1943

July

108

4

1943

August

168

3

843

37

2

All told the squadron is known to have operated at least 100 Wellingtons between October 1941 and August 1943; 13 x Mk.III and 77 x Mk.X, of which 39 were lost to both operational and non-operational causes. The following pages detail the histories of the 39 lost Wellingtons:

HE149 HE150 HE152 HE153 HE154 HE155 HE164 HE212 HE236

HE368 HE376 HE383 HE386 HE391 HE393 HE397 HE410 HE471

HE501 HE506 HE530 HE531 HE481 HE544 HF569 HF601 HZ257

HZ269 HZ270 HZ271 HZ530 HZ531 HZ580 LN288 LN292 LN404

LN442 MS473 MS494

HE149

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE149 was the 3rd of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE147 to HE184. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

25Nov42 Delivered from Vickers to 466Sqn. Taken on charge with A Flight and Coded HD-J

21Dec42 1st flight with 466Sqn. SGT J.W Edmonds and crew departed Driffield at 1215hrs as one of seven 466Sqn Wellingtons that performed a SAR mission for a Halifax of 78 Sqn that had ditched in the sea of Skegness. Edmunds and his crew failed to sight anything and RTB at 1750hrs

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

31Dec42 FLGOFF F.W Healey and crew flew a local training flight.

31Dec42 RAAF pilot C.F Tozer and crew departed Leconfield for a night flying exercise when at 1935hrs one of the aircraft's propellers began to flutter and the pilot feathered the engine. The pilot declared and emergency and headed for Leconfield but was unable to maintain height. The aircraft flew progressively lower until it flew into farm buildings at Highfield Farm, along Southburn Lane, half mile west of Hutton, Driffield. The crew sustained several non-lethal injuries and escaped the aircraft before a fire took hold and destroyed the machine.

RAAF Pilot 406585 SGT Colin Foley Tozer RAAF (22), of Mount Lawley, Western Australia. Sustained minor contusions and mild shock.

RCAF Rear Gunner R/87402- FSGT J R Norton (21) of Alberta, Canada sustained a fractured thigh, contusions and shock. He was hospitalised for three months before returning to active service.

RCAF Navigator R/90189 SGT Gordon Kenneth Young (24), of Stratford, Ontario, Canada received minor cuts and bruising.

RAFVR Observer 1375844 SGT Harold Ernest Jones (22) of Walthamstow, Essex was uninjured.

RNZAF Wireless Air Gunner 412910 SGT R Treacher (23) was uninjured.

02Jan42 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 21hrs 35min of flight time from three training flights, one acceptance test flight and one ferry flight..

HE150

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE150 was the 4th of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE147 to HE184. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

25Nov42 Delivered from Vickers to 466Sqn. Taken on charge with A Flight and Coded HD-A

02Dec42 1st flight with 466Sqn, a local training flight flown by RAFVR 132551 PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew.

RAF 61018 SQNLDR J.S Belton and crew then flew a local training mission.

05Dec42 RAAF 414326 SGT J.R Murdoch and crew flew a practice bombing mission on the Strensall Bombing Range near York.

06Dec42 RAFVR 124383 SGT D.F Bateman flew a local night flying mission.

27Dec42 Moved from Driffield to the new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

15Jan43 1st Operational Mission. The Squadron Commanding Officer RAF 42093 WNGCDR R.E Bailey and crew departed Leconfield at 1733hrs for a bombing raid against designated targets in Lorient, France. Soon after leaving the English coast all guns were tested as per standing orders and unfortunately the rear guns would not fire. Accordingly, the aircraft aborted the mission and landed back at Leconfield 2204hrs.

26Jan43 RAAF Pilot 406585 SGT C.F Tozer RAAF and crew departed Leconfield at 1718hrs with nine other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up 147 bombers of the main stream force to attack targets in Lorient, France. After 35min the oxygen supply failed so Tozer aborted the mission and RTB at 1858hrs

00Jan43 The aircraft flew three operational missions and several non-operational flights during January.

00Feb43 The aircraft flew five operational missions and one non-operational flight during February.

17Feb43 FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew departed Leconfield at 1704hrs with five other Wellingtons for a daylight bombing mission against targets in Emden. The crew dropped their bombs from 8,000 feet at 1827hrs and the bombs were seen to land in an area in the northern part of Emden. The following is quoted from 466Sqn’s after action report "...at about 18.45hrs and when crossing the enemy coast at about 9000 feet and flying just above a cloud layer, was attached by a Me110 which emerged from cloud on the starboard quarter. The first attack put out of action the inter-communication set, the turret and aircraft hydraulics, punctured the auxiliary oil tank, shot away the astrodome and pitot head, cut the trimming wire and set fire to the starboard wing petrol tanks. A large portion of the perspex on the rear turret was also shot away. F/O Smith dived into the cloud but within two minutes ran out of cloud and was immediately attacked again from the port quarter. The rear gunner opened fire by manually operating his guns and the captain took evasive action and dived for better cloud cover about 3000 feet below, being attacked once more on the way down but on neither occasion were hits scored by the enemy aircraft. Flying with difficulty and having sent out an S.O.S., P/O Smith brought the aircraft back to base where he made a difficult night landing without flaps or airspeed indicator and with the bombs doors open. The starboard tyre had been punctured by a bullet but the landing was well executed and no further damage was done to the aircraft."

18Feb43 Aircraft assessed as Cat AC/FB and repairable at the unit. The aircraft was out of service for several weeks and was declared fit for use in early May.

00May43 the aircraft flew four operational missions and several non-operational flights during May.

23May43 PLTOFF F. MacKelden and crew departed Leconfield at 2236hrs for a bombing mission to Dortmund. The captain aborted the mission after the intercom failed when crossing the Dutch coast. Returned safely to Base at 0222hrs

25May43 PLTOFF F. MacKelden and crew departed Leconfield airfield at 2319hrs for a bombing mission to Dusseldorf. They dropped their bombs at 0141hrs from 17,000ft on the target area but the aircraft was hit and damaged by flak. They were able to make a safe return to Leconfield and land at 0359hrs.

00Jun43 the aircraft flew three operational missions and several non-operational flights during June.

11Jun43 FLGOFF F. MacKelden and crew departed RAF Leconfield at 2316hrs with 15 other 466 Sqn machines and joined 770 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Dusseldorf. When passing over Monchengladbach, Germany the aircraft was hit by flak and exploded in mid-air. All of the aircrew were initially buried in the Monchengladbach City Cemetery. In 1974 five of the crew were transferred to the Rheinberg War Cemetery. Germany but SGT Herbert’s remains could not be identified and he is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.

RAFVR pilot 125698 FLGOFF Frank Mackelden (28) married of Milton Regis, Kent is buried in Grave 3.A.12 of the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is commemorated on Panel 202 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF pilot 413315 SGT Robert William Maroney (20) single of Randwick in Sydney, New South Wales is buried in Grave 3.A.13 of the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 204 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Observer 125572 FLGOFF Stephen Roxburgh RAF is buried in Grave 3.A.14 of the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is commemorated on Panel 236 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless operator 1575212 SGT Trevor Charles Herbert RAF (21) single of Goodrich, Herefordshire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 153 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 181 of the IBCC of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR wireless air gunner 146830 PLTOFF Edward Maurice Gold (22) single is buried in Grave 3.A.15 of the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is commemorated on Panel 170 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air gunner 1219018 SGT Alexander George Rawlins (22) married of Burton-on-Trent is buried in Grave 3.A.16 of the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is commemorated on Panel 230 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

13Jun43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 108hrs 50min of flight time from six training flights, one acceptance test flight, two ferry flights and, 15 operational missions.

HE152

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE152 was the 6th of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE147 to HE184. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

25Nov42 Delivered from Vickers to 466Sqn. Taken on charge with B Flight and Coded HD-L

21Dec42 SGT A.L Ford and crew departed Driffield at 0947hrs as one of seven 466Sqn Wellingtons on a SAR mission for a Halifax of 78 Sqn that had ditched in the sea of Skegness. Ford and his crew failed to sight anything and RTB at 1334hrs

27Dec42 Moved from Driffield to the new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

13Jan43 1st Operational Mission. SGT R.V Babington and crew departed Leconfield at 1610hrs with six other 466Sqn Wellingtons for a mission to drop mines near Terschelling, Holland. Immediately after take-off the dinghy compartment cover flew followed soon after by the dinghy. Babington aborted the mission and returned to Base at 1622hrs. The aircraft was quickly repaired and readied for another mission.

14Jan43 2nd Operational Mission. SGT R.V Babington and crew departed Leconfield at 1621hrs with six other aircraft for a mine laying operation off the island of Ameland in the Frisian Islands. The aircraft failed to return and it was later learned it was shot down by a Kriegsmarine Flak unit at 1752hrs and crashed into the North Sea to the West of Ameland Island

RAF Pilot 658123 SGT Raymond Vivian Babington (23) single of Hanwell, Middlesex was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 162 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 110 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RNZAF Pilot 414575 SGT John Albert Austin (24) single of North Beach Christchurch, NZ was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 199 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 125 the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire. He is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour in the RNZAF Museum at Wigram, Christchurch NZ.

RCAF Navigator R/105711 FSGT Herbert William Stewart (19) single of Edmonton, Alberta was KIA and is buried in grave No.56 of the Vlieland General Cemetery in Friesland, Netherlands. He is also commemorated on Page 217 of the Canadian Second World War Book of Remembrance in Ottawa, Canada.

RAFVR Observer 1293166 SGT Lawrence Harry Tabner (20) of Faulkbourne, Essex was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 166 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 250 the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1193140 SGT Martin Harris was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 152 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 177 the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air gunner 1254680 SGT Arthur John Chester (21) single of Eynsford, Kent was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 145 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 143 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

16Jan43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 23hrs 55min of flight time from one training flights, one acceptance test flight, one ferry flight and, two operational missions.

HE153

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE153 was the 7th of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE147 to HE184. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

25Nov42 Delivered from Vickers to 466Sqn. Taken on charge with A Flight and Coded HD-G

04Dec42 1st flight with 466Sqn, PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew flew a practice bombing mission on the Strensall Bombing Range near York.

05Dec42 RAFVR pilot 132551 PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew flew a Bullseye exercise and cross country mission.

13Dec42 RAAF pilot 414326 J.B Murdoch and crew conducted a two hour night flying practice.

27Dec42 Moved from Driffield to the new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

21Jan43 1st Operational Mission. SGT C.F Tozer and crew along with five other 466 Sqn Wellingtons departed Leconfield at 1647hrs and joined 64 other bombers for a mine laying mission in the Frisian Islands. At 1755hrs the crew arrived off the Dutch Coast well west of their intended track and through a gap in the almost solid cloud cover, the Captain saw a causeway across the Zuyder Zee and turned north to locate the target area. At 1810hrs they encountered heavy flak that caused damage to the starboard wing and port side of the fuselage. Failing to determine his position because of the thick cloud cover the Captain elected to abort the mission and returned to Base with the mines, arriving at 2026hrs.

30Jan43 PLTOFFF MacKelden and crew departed Leconfield at 1126hrs with five other 466Sqn Wellingtons that joined 30 other bombers for a daylight bombing mission to Emden. At 1204hrs the port engine failed completely so the Captain jettisoned his bombs and returned to Base, landing at 1337hrs.

00Feb43 the aircraft flew five operational missions during the month.

14Feb43 FSGT Martin and crew departed Leconfield at 1825hrs with eight other 466 Sqn Wellingtons and joined 234 other main stream bombers for an attack on Cologne. They reached the target without incident and bombed at 2020hrs then turned for home. On the return leg the crew had difficulty in manipulating the fuel cocks and before they could land the fuel in the selected tanks ran low. Just after midnight the engines began to cut out and the aircraft lost height and eventually struck trees in the grounds of Warter Priory, near RAF Pocklington, Yorkshire. Aircraft Cat.E

The rear gunner was killed in the crash and all crewmen sustained injuries that required hospitalization.

RAAF Pilot 404837 FSGT William Richard Martin (22) single of Atherton, North Queensland was seriously injured and spent four weeks in the York Military hospital. Martin was commissioned on 23Apr43 and returned to active service. He was repatriated back to Australia in December 1944 and was discharged as a Flight Lieutenant Martin DFC on 07Jul45 at Sandgate, Brisbane.

RAFVR Pilot 1554367SGT J F Loudon was injured and spent a short period in hospital.

RAFVR Navigator 125642 PLTOFF Harold James Stephen Harmer was injured and spent a short period in hospital.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1179843 SGT B D Hall was injured and spent a short period in hospital.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1109207 SGT Joseph Jeffrie Robson (29) married of Chopwell, Newcastle was KIA and is buried in Grave 5 Line 21 of the Winlaton [St Patrick] Churchyard and Hookergate, Durham. He is commemorated on Panel 234 the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

16Feb43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 74hrs 50min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, three training flights and seven operational missions.

HE154

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE154 was the 8th of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE147 to HE184. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

25Nov42 Delivered from Vickers to 466Sqn. Taken on charge with A Flight and Coded HD-F

00Dec42 the aircraft flew two transit flights and three training flights during the month.

13Dec42 1st flight with 466Sqn. RAAF pilot 414326 SGT J.B Murdoch and crew flew an air to sea practice Gunnery Mission at the Skipsea Gunnery range.

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

00Jan43 aircraft flew two training flights and one operational mission during the month.

30Jan43 1st Operational Mission. SGT S.M Wood and crew departed Leconfield at 1112hrs with five other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 30 other bombers for a daylight bombing mission to Emden. Over the target the aircraft was hit by Flak in the tail and forced down to 700ft. Pilot climbed back to altitude and went round for a second run. After dropping his bombs at 1304hrs he turned for home, arriving Leconfield at 1532. Aircraft assessed as Cat.A/FB and repaired on site.

00Feb43 the aircraft flew nine operational missions during the month.

00Mar43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and seven operational missions during the month.

00Apr43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and three operational missions during the month.

00May43 the aircraft flew two operational missions during the month.

11Jun43 SGT F.W Green and crew departed RAF Leconfield at 2314hrs with 15 other 466 Sqn machines and joined 770 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Dusseldorf. At approximately 0216hrs on 12Jun the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at Diemen in the South East districts of Amsterdam. None of the aircrew survived.

RAAF pilot 408829 FGST Fletcher William Randall Green (23) single of Mundoona, Victoria was KIA and is buried in Plot 69, Row C collective grave 16 of the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra ACT; and on Panel 172 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Navigator 414782 FSGT Kenneth Edward Fletcher (21) single of Corina, Queensland was KIA and is buried in Plot 69, Row C collective grave 16 of the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra ACT; and on Panel 164 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Wireless Air Gunner 420233 FGST Edward David Milliken (21) married of Punchbowl, New South Wales was KIA and is buried in Plot 69, Row C collective grave 17 of the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra ACT; and on Panel 212 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Air Gunner 413631 FSGT John Francis Mell (24) married of Bingara New South Wales was KIA and is buried in Plot 69, Row C collective grave 16 of the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra ACT; and on Panel 211 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bombardier 1388330 SGT Arthur Sidney Jones was KIA and is buried in Plot 69, Row C collective grave 16 of the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 190 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

15Jun43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 188hrs 10min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, four training flights and 23 operational missions.


HE155

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE155 was the 9th of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE147 to HE184. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

25Nov42 Delivered from Vickers to 466Sqn. Taken on charge with A Flight and Coded HD-H

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

07Feb43 1st Operational Mission. SGT S.M Wood and crew departed Leconfield at 1915hrs with seven other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined with 314 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Lorient, France. Attacked as planned and returned to Base 0104hrs 08Feb.

00Feb43 the aircraft flew seven operational flights during the month.

00Mar43 the aircraft flew four operational flights and one transit flight during the month.

00Apr43 the aircraft flew one operational flight and two non-operational flights during the month.

08Apr43 SGT S.M Wood and crew departed Leconfield at 2132hrs with eight other 466 Sqn aircraft and joined with 384 other bombers of the main stream to attack targets in the Duisburg area. No trace of the aircraft or the crew was ever found and all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

RAFVR Pilot 143087 SGT Sidney Midgley Wood (21) single of Porthill, Staffordshire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 134 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Panel 268 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 1321621 SGT John Geoffrey Chalmers (21) single of Hackney, London has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 145 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Panel 142 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Navigator 142881 SGT Arthur Clifford Kneeshaw (21) single of Newsome, Yorkshire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 132 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Panel 195 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Operator 1187020 SGT Albert Douglas Pennycord (22) single of Selsey, Sussex has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 161 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Panel 225 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RCAF Air Gunner R/107739 WOFF Leo Ralph Crowe (24) single of Saskatoon, Canada has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 179 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Page 150 of the Canadian Second World War Book of Remembrance; and, on Panel 151 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

10Apr43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 117hrs 23min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, one training flights and 12 operational missions.

HE164

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE164 was the 18th of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE147 to HE184. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

30Nov42 Received by No.429 (Bison) Sqn at RAF East Moor, Yorkshire.

02Dec42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

08Dec42 Received for use by 466Sqn. Taken on charge with A Flight and Coded HD-B

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

09Jan43 1st flight. SGT C.T King and crew flew a local training mission.

13Jan43 1st Operational Mission RAFVR 1331568 SGT F.W Healey and crew departed Leconfield at1612hrs with five other Wellingtons for a mine laying operation in the Frisian Islands. Mines dropped as planned at 1746hrs and returned safely to base at 1952hrs.

00Jan43 During the month the aircraft flew two non-operational and five operational missions.

00Feb43 During the month the aircraft flew two non-operational and five operational missions.

14Feb43 FLTLT W.J Kirk and crew departed Leconfield at 1812hrs along with eight other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up with 233 bombers of the main stream force for a raid on Cologne. At 2030hrs the aircraft was attacked and shot down 2km South East of Meerhout (Antwerpen) by a night-fighter flown by Oberfeldwebel Hermann Schönthier of 2/NJG1. Navigator FSGT Smith was killed during the attack and the aircraft set ablaze.

After the war local residents of Meerhout stated they saw the aircraft, with flames extending from the mainspar to the tail, heading towards their village but turn away at the last minute and crash into a nearby field. Pilot FLTLT W.J Kirk and 2nd Pilot PLTOFF J. Mason both died in the crash while the other three crewmen had baled out earlier and were all made POWs. Note: In 1972 the tailplane of the aircraft [minus fabric] was found hidden in a local barn. The tailplane now stands near the crash site on a plinth with a memorial plate inscribed with the names of all six crewmen.

RAF Pilot 42007 FLTLT William John Rennie Kirk (23) married of Bebington Cheshire is buried in Grave II.H.11 of the Schoonselhof Churchyard Cemetery at Antwerp. He is also commemorated on Panel 194 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR pilot 123834 PLTOFF John Edward Mason (29) married of Douglas, Isle of Man is buried in Grave II.G.21 of the Schoonselhof Churchyard Cemetery at Antwerp. He is also commemorated on Panel 205 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 1289965 FSGT William Edward Smith (21) single of Grimsby, Lincolnshire is buried in Grave II.G.22 of the Schoonselhof Churchyard Cemetery at Antwerp. He is also commemorated on Panel 244 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer SGT R.E Bentley baled out and was made POW number 27559. He was placed in POW Stalag Camps 8B & 344.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner SGT N. Leonard baled out and was made POW number 27647. He spent several weeks in a Brussels Hospital then onto was placed in POW Stalag Camps 8B & 344.

RAFVR Air Gunner SGT T.W Reynolds baled out and was made POW number 27579. He was placed in POW Stalag Camps 8B & 344.

00Feb43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 69hrs 30min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, three training flights and 10 operational missions.

HE212

00Dec42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE212 was the 16th of 48 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE197 to HE244. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

13Dec42 Received by No.18 Maintenance Unit at RAF Dumfries, Scotland.

19Dec42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

22Dec42 Received for use by 466Sqn. Taken on charge with B Flight and Coded HD-Y.

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

21Jan43 1st Flight. RAFVR pilot 124383 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew a local training flight.

26Jan43 RAFVR pilot 1335145 SGT L.F Axby and crew departed Leconfield at 0930hrs for an Air Test flight.

1st Operational Mission RAFVR pilot 1335145 SGT L.F Axby and crew departed Leconfield at 1710hrs with nine other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up 147 bombers of the main stream force to attack targets in Lorient, France. Bombed assigned target from 11,500ft at 2006hrs and returned safely to base at 2314hrs

30Jan43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and two operational missions during the month.

00Feb43 The aircraft had the name ‘Yvonne Proudfoot’ and a cow’s udder painted on the nose section. The name reflected the pilot’s favourite dairy cow.

16Feb43 FLGOFF A.A MacFarlane and crew departed Leconfield at 1854hrs with a cockpit hatch that refused to close and lock correctly. Pilot decided to push on but 45 miles from the French Coast the aircraft suffered a complete intercom/radio failure. Pilot then aborted the mission and RTB.

25Feb43 FLGOFF A.A MacFarlane and crew departed Leconfield at 2005hrs on a minelaying mission. At 2030hrs off the English coast the pilot observed a light on the ocean and closed to investigate. Another light were spotted near the position and this time three other crew members saw the lights. Captain circled at 700ft before deciding to return to base and report the lights rather than break radio silence.

28Feb43 the aircraft flew nine operational missions during the month.

12Mar43 SGT H.S Lloyd and crew tasked with Ops to bomb Essen and left Leconfield at 19.34hrs, the crew dropped their bombs over the target area at 21.31hrs from 17,000 feet but the aircraft sustained flak damage. The pilot was able to make a safe return to Leconfield and land at 00.46hrs. This exact crew had suffered flak damage over the same target exactly a week earlier when flying HE506.

31Mar43 the aircraft flew six non-operational and five operational missions during the month.

26Apr43 FLGOFF A.A MacFarlane and crew departed Leconfield at 0014hrs as one of 14 aircraft that joined up with 547 bombers of the main stream force for an attack on Duisburg. Soon after crossing the English coast a pressure pipe burst and the Captain immediately diverted to RAF Catfoss where it landed safely at 0103hrs.

30Apr43 the aircraft flew six operational missions during the month.

29May43 the aircraft flew 11 non-operational and six operational missions during the month.

Note: FLGOFF A.A MacFarlane and his crew flew the aircraft on 32 occasions

29May43 SGT H.S Lloyd and crew departed Leconfield at 2223hrs as one of 14 Wellingtons from 466Sqn that joined up with another 705 bombers of the main stream force for an attack on Wuppertal. At 0155hrs a German night fighter was vectored onto the bomber. The fighter, a Bf 110 F-4 3C+MK from 2./NJG4 at Florennes airfield, flown by Oberleutnant Rudolf Altendorf closed to 75m behind and below the Wellington. At 0209hrs Altendorf fired a long burst from his cannon and machine guns and drew back to watch the Wellington explode in mid-air. The flaming wreckage fell into the fields around the village of Vollezele, 26km south west of Brussels Belgium. The petrol tank crashed through the roof of a house killing an occupant.

RAFVR Pilot 147904 PLTOFF Henry Simon Raoul Lloyd (21) of Chilham, Kent is buried in Grave X.17.27 in the Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on Panel 200 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 145811 SGT Anthony Vyvian Harper (21), of Druid Stoke, Bristol is buried in Grave X.17.25 in the Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on Panel 177 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Navigator 146015 SGT William Roy Hendon (22), of Warlingham, Surrey is buried in Grave X.17.28 in the Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on Panel 180 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1380482 SGT Sydney Charles Luke (22), of Plymouth is buried in Grave X.17.26 in the Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on Panel 201 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1380227 SGT William James Blundell (19) of Chorley, Shropshire is buried in Grave X.17.24 in the Brussels Town Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on Panel 132 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

On 3rd September 1994, an impressive mock rear-portion of the HD-Y made by Andre Mertons was placed at the actual crash site. The ceremony was to celebrate the liberation of the village from occupation and persecution, and to unveil a plaque which honours the five airmen of 466Sqn Crew No.28 killed in the crash of “Yvonne Proudbag”, Wellington HE212 HD-Y.

00Jun43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 223hrs 25min of flight time from three ferry flights, one acceptance flight, 18 training flights and 28 operational missions.

HE326

00Apr43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE326 was the 9th of 36 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE318 to HE353. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) Hercules XVII 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Apr43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

21Apr43 Received by 466Sqn. Taken on charge with A Flight and coded HD-J

23Apr43 Acceptance test flight.

26Apr43 1st Operational Mission FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew departed Leconfield at 0024hrs with 13 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined with 547 bombers of the main stream force to attack Duisburg. Crew bombed assigned target at 0233hrs from 14,000ft then returned safely to base at 0528hrs.

00May43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and five operational missions during the month

00Jun43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and four operational missions during the month

22Jun43 PLTOFF Ford and crew departed Leconfield at 2325hrs with nine other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 547 bombers of the main stream force for an attack on Mulheim. Approaching the target at 0130hrs the Wellington was stalked by a Bf 110G-4 aircraft flown by German ace Oberleutnant August Geiger of 7/NJG-1. At 0133hrs Geiger opened fire causing the wellington to crash near the village of Hamminkein, 63km NNW of Essen, Germany. Geiger also shot down another Wellington (HZ312 of 429 Squadron) only minutes later, these were his 30th and 31st victories.

RAFVR Pilot 142518 FLGOFF Albert Leonard Ford (21) is buried in Grave 6.A.7 of the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery in Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is also commemorated on Panel 165 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 146023 SGT Cecil William Hewitt (20) single of Stoke Newington, London is buried in Grave 6.A.5 of the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery in Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is also commemorated on Panel 181 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 145522 FLGOff Roy Locke Amesbury (22) single of Evercreech, Somerset is buried in Grave 6.A.6 of the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery in Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is also commemorated on Panel 122 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 615979 SGT Alex Henry Richardson (23) married of Orford, Suffolk is buried in Grave 6.A.4 of the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery in Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is also commemorated on Panel 232 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1265390 SGT R W Fox baled out successfully and was captured and interred in Camp No 357 with POW No.134.

01Jul43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 91hrs 42min of flight time from one ferry flight, one acceptance flight, 2 training flights and 10 operational missions.

HE368

00Sep42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE368 was the 4th of 34 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE365 to HE398. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

29Sep42 Received by No.45MU at RAF Kinloss, Scotland.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 (Australian) Sqn at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

25Nov42 Delivered from Vickers by an A.T.A. ferry pilot to 466Sqn where it was taken on charge and HD-H. This was the first Mk.X fitted with Hercules VI engines.

00Dec42 aircraft flew two non-operational missions during the month.

13Dec42 RAFVR Pilot 124383 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew an air-sea Gunnery practice mission at the Skipsea Gunnery range, off the Yorkshire coast

21Dec42 RAFVR Pilot 143087 SGT S.M Wood and crew departed Driffield at 0949hrs as one of seven 466Sqn Wellingtons that performed a SAR mission for a Halifax of 78 Sqn that had ditched in the sea of Skegness. Wood was forced to abort when his compass failed and RTB at 1133hrs

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

00Jan43 aircraft flew two non-operational and three operational missions during the month.

26Jan43 SGT D.M.L McKenzie and crew departed Leconfield at 1704hrs with nine other machines and joined up with 147 bombers of the main stream to bomb the submarine pens at Lorient, France. The aircraft was hit by Flak over the target area during the bomb run and turned for home with fuel streaming from the wings and a feathered port engine. The aircraft struggled to maintain height but reached the English coast but at 2300hrs the aircraft struck trees and crashed at Station Rd, Sutton two miles NW of Retford in Nottinghamshire. Four of the five crewmen were killed in the crash.

RNZAF Pilot 414726 SGT Donald Maxwell Lang McKenzie (22) single of Rotorua NZ is buried in Grave 4, Row C of the Finningley (Holy Trinity and St Oswald) Churchyard Extension in South Yorkshire. He is commemorated on Panel 209 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire; and, on the Roll of Honour in the RNZAF Museum at Wigram, Christchurch NZ.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 126961 PLTOFF Harry Edwin Bonest (30) married of West Norwood, London is buried in Grave 3, Row C of the Finningley (Holy Trinity and St Oswald) Churchyard Extension in South Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 133 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RNZAF Wireless Air Gunner 411059 SGT Colin Crawford Brownlee (23) single of Sawyers Bay, Otago NZ is buried in Grave 2, Row D of the Finningley (Holy Trinity and St Oswald) Churchyard Extension in South Yorkshire. He is commemorated on Panel 137 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire; and, on the Roll of Honour in the RNZAF Museum at Wigram, Christchurch NZ.

RAFVR Navigator 1385767 SGT William Charles Bush (21) single of Southgate, London died from his injuries three days later and is buried in Grave 95 Section G of the Southgate Cemetery, London UK. He is also commemorated on Panel 139 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner SGT Reginald Ferris was injured but survived. He was knocked unconscious during the crash and was fortunate that the rear turret had broken away from the now blazing wreckage. A local farmer found Ferris, who was blowing repeatedly on his aircrew whistle, and took him to the Redford Cottage Hospital. Due to the serious nature of his burns he was transferred to the Burns Unit at Rugby Hospital where he spent many weeks receiving numerous skin grafts to his face, hands and arms.

00Jan43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 74hrs 55min of flight time from two ferry flight, one acceptance flight, 4 training flights and three operational missions.

HE376

00Oct42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE376 was the 12th of 34 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE365 to HE398. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

27Oct44 Received by No.48MU at RAF Harwarden for acceptance checks and storage.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

01Dec42 Delivered by an A.T.A. ferry pilot. Taken on charge with B Flight and coded as HD-R.

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

01Jan43 RAAF 414326 SGT J.R Murdoch and crew conducted a local training flight.

00Feb43 aircraft flew five operational missions during the month.

01Mar43 SGT W.H Barrow and crew departed Leconfield at 1908hrs as one of five 466 Sqn aircraft and joined up with 44 main stream aircraft for mining operations off the French and German coasts. The aircraft failed to return and no trace of the machine or crew has ever been found. Post war investigations failed to determine the cause of the loss.

RAFVR pilot 1047258 SGT William Henry Barrow (20) single of Jarrow, County Durham was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 141 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent; and on Panel 127 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAF observer 1387643 SGT Robert William Paull was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 161 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent; and on Panel 224 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 1313826 SGT William Harold Vaughan Evans (27) married of Cwmparc, Rhondda in Wales was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 149 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent; and on Panel 162 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1083371 SGT Jack Harvey (21) single of Gorton, Manchester was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 160 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent; and on Panel 178 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1398368 SGT Joseph William Newton (19) single of Shoreditch, London was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 161 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent; and on Panel 218 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

00Mar43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 33hrs 14min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, 1 training flight and six operational missions.

HE383

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE383 was the 19th of 34 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE365 to HE398. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

05Nov42 Received by No.23MU at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Island.

12Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

20Nov42 Delivered by an A.T.A. ferry pilot. Taken on charge with B Flight and coded HD-W.

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

31Dec42 SQNLDR J.S Belton RAFVR and crew were flying a local training exercise when Belton experienced throttle sticking problems and propeller feathering difficulties. At 1220hrs Belton suffered a prop failure and crash landed in a field between Leconfield and Beverley in an area known as Swine Moor. The crew were uninjured but the aircraft was classified as Cat E and written off.

00Jan43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 7hrs 55min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, and two training flights.

HE386

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE386 was the 22nd of 34 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE365 to HE398. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

05Nov42 Received by No.23MU at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Island.

12Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

20Nov42 Delivered by an A.T.A. ferry pilot. Taken on charge with B Flight and coded HD-Z.

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

08Jan43 RAFVR 132551 pilot PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew flew a 30min pre-operation Air Test. Soon after touchdown the undercarriage collapsed causing Cat.Ac damage. Aircraft was under repair at the unit until 20Jan43.

24Jan43 A 30min Post maintenance/repair test flight flown by RAFVR pilot 124383 SGT D.F Bateman and crew.

RAFVR 170211 SGT F.W Healy and crew flew a 2hr local training flight.

28Mar43 1st Operational Mission. RAFVR pilot 411972 L.O.H Upjohn and crew departed Leconfield at 1858hrs with 13 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 314 bombers of the main stream to attack St Nazaire. Bombed designated target from 14000ft at 2212hrs then returned to base at 0025hrs.

00Apr43 aircraft flew one non-operational and five operational missions during the month.

00May43 aircraft flew two non-operational and five operational missions during the month.

16May43 11th Operational Mission. FGST J.W Lawson and crew departed Leconfield at 2159hrs with five other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined with 53 bombers of the main stream for a mine laying mission to Brest Harbour, Biscay and the Frisians. The aircraft failed to return and the crew were declared as KIA.

RAAF Pilot 8686 FSGT John William Lawson (27) single of Margate, QLD was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 193 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 127 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Bomb Aimer 413256 FSGT Russel Leslie Robertson (27) single of West Maitland NEW SOUTH WALES was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 192 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 1 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Navigator 414642 FSGT Roy Dempsey Carne (22) single of Gympie, QLD was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 193 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 141 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 127081 SGT Desmond Charles Robertson (20) single of Tolworth, Surrey was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 163 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent; and, on Panel 233 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAF Air Gunner 1347702 SGT George Edwin Harmes (21) married of Ewloe, Flintshire was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 152 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK Kent; and, on Panel 177 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

00May43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 108hrs 10min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, six training flights and 11 operational flights.

HE391

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE391 was the 27th of 34 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE365 to HE398. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

09Nov42 Received by No.18MU for acceptance checks.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

28Nov42 Delivered by an A.T.A. ferry pilot to 466Sqn. Taken on charge with B Flight and coded HD-Y.

21Dec42 1st Operational Mission. FLTLT Simmonds and crew departed Driffield at 0953hrs as one of seven 466Sqn Wellingtons on SAR mission for a Halifax of 78 Sqn that had ditched in the sea of Skegness. Simmonds and his crew failed to sight anything and RTB at 1516hrs

22Dec42 SGT R. Egerton and crew departed Driffield at 1720hrs on a Bulls Eye training mission to test the defences of Leeds and Sheffield and other smaller towns. The aircraft was lost without trace and was presumed to have crashed into the sea because a fire was seen some miles out to sea at 2230hrs, the time the aircraft was reported missing in that area. Despite intense searches over the next few days no trace was ever found of the aircraft or crew. Note: This was the 1st Mk.X Wellington lost by the RAF.

RAFVR Pilot 656273 SGT Robert Egerton (23) single of Plymouth has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 81 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 160 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 143407 SGT David Dorn (31) single of Durham has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 81 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 156 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Navigator 122241 FLGOFF George Leslie Sellars (32) married of Conisborough has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 67 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 239 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RCAF Wireless Operator/Air Gunner R/91395 SGT Donald Lorne Hogben (21) has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 82 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 183 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire. He is also honoured on Page 82 of the Canadian Second World War Book of Remembrance in Ottawa, Canada.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1091396 FSGT Joseph Stanley Davison (22) married of Plymouth has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 82 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 154 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

00Dec42 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 22hrs 30min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, two training flights and two operational flights.

Estimated crash location of Wellington HE391on 22Dec41

HE393

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE393 was the 29th of 34 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE365 to HE398. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

12Nov42 Received by No.23MU at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Island.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Squadron at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

06Dec42 Received by 466Sqn where it was taken on charge by B Flight and coded HD-W.

20Dec42 30min air test flown by RAFVR 132551 PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew

21Dec42 SGT Samson and crew departed Driffield at 1030hrs as one of seven 466Sqn Wellingtons on a SAR mission for a Halifax of 78 Sqn that had ditched in the sea of Skegness. Simmonds and his crew failed to sight anything and RTB at 1656hrs

28Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

31Dec42 the aircraft flew three non-operational and one operational missions during the month.

13Jan43 1st Operational Mission PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew departed Leconfield at 1605hrs as one of six 466Sqn aircraft for a minelaying mission to Terschelling Island. Successfully dropped both mines in designated target area at 17802hrs then returned safely to base.

31Jan43 the aircraft flew 12 non-operational and two operational missions during the month. PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew flew all 14 missions.

00Feb43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and two operational missions during the month.

06Feb43 RAAF 414326 SGT J.R Murdoch and crew departed Leconfield at 1637hrs to undertake a mine laying operation off the French coast in the vicinity of Brest. The crew could not find their designated target area so the Captain aborted the mission and headed for home. At 2334hrs the aircraft touched down at Leconfield but due to the extra weight of the mines on board the aircraft would not stop and overshot before crashing into trees on the edge of the airfield where it promptly caught fire. The crew escaped without serious injury but the fire could not be put out before it took hold and the mines detonated, destroying the aircraft.

00Feb43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 94hrs 23min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, 12 training flights and four operational flights.

Note: PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew flew 18 of HE393’s 19 missions.

HE397

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE397 was the 33rd of 34 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE365 to HE398. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

12Nov42 Received by No.23MU at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Island.

00Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

02Dec42 Received by 466Sqn where it was taken on charge with A Flight and coded HD-B

16Dec42 1st flight. RAFVR pilot 124383 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew a six hour cross country exercise.

27Dec42 Moved from RAF Driffield to the Squadron’s new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

14Jan43 1st Operational Mission PLTOFF D.F Bateman and crew departed Leconfield at 1620hrs with six other aircraft for a mine laying operation off the island of Ameland in the Frisian Islands. The mines were dropped in the designated area at 1837hrs, then returned to Base at 2027hrs.

26Jan43 2nd Operational Mission RAFVR 142523 SGT A.K Duncan and crew departed Leconfield at 1723hrs with nine other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up 147 bombers of the main stream force to attack targets in Lorient, France. Bombs dropped on the target at 2006hrs then returned safely to base at 2314hrs.

30Jan43 3rd Operational Mission FLTLT C.J Simmonds and crew departed Leconfield at 1723hrs with five other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 30 bombers of the main force for a daylight bombing mission to Emden. The aircraft failed to return and was declared as missing. It was learned later that Leutnant Wolfgang Kuthe flying a Bf 110 F-4 Werks No.4814 of the 11/NJG 1 from Leeuwarden airfield intercepted and shot down the Wellington 10 km north of Terschelling Island.

RAFVR pilot 115545 FLTLT Cyril John Simmonds (27) single of New Barnet Hertfordshire was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 121 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 241 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR navigator 657594 SGT Gilbert Campbell Baker (27) married of Birmingham was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 141 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 126 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR bomb aimer 1345755 SGT Arthur George (32) single of Kilbride, Lanarkshire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 150 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 168 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1187995 SGT Arthur Earnest Rew (23) single of Little Compton, Warwickshire was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 163 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 231 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1381437 FSGT George Edward Watts (26) single of Twickenham, Middlesex was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 139 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 231 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

00Feb43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 38hrs 25min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, one training flights and three operational flights.

HE410

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE410 was the 1st of 38 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE410 to HE447. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

17Nov42 Received by No.12MU at RAF Kirkbride, Cumbria.

21Nov42 Delivered to HQ RAF Driffield by an A.T.A ferry pilot.

24Nov42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire.

28Nov42 Received by 466Sqn where it was taken on charge with B Flight and coded HD-T

21Dec42 RAFVR pilot 142523 SGT A.K Duncan and crew departed Driffield at 1004hrs as one of seven 466Sqn Wellingtons that performed a SAR mission for a Halifax of 78 Sqn that had ditched in the sea of Skegness. Edmunds and his crew failed to sight anything and RTB at 1600hrs

27Dec42 Moved from Driffield to the new operating base at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

31Dec42 the aircraft flew three non-operational missions during the month.

21Jan43 1st Operational Mission. FSGT G. Emerson and crew departed Leconfield at 1640hrs with five other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 64 bombers of the main force for a minelaying mission to the Frisian Islands. The aircraft failed to return and was listed as Missing. Information from the Red Cross stated the aircraft was hit by flak in the starboard wing and stbd engine during the attack. The aircraft headed for home whilst steadily losing height and eventually clipped a telegraph pole near the Dutch village of Mantgum before finally crashing at 1820 hours north of Wirdum (Friesland) and 5kms SSE from the centre of Leeuwarden, Holland. All six crewmen were captured and made POWs.

The demise of HE410 as shown in German print media c.1943

RNZAF pilot 402174 FSGT George Emerson was captured and transported to Frankfurt to undergo initial interrogation at Dulag Luft Oberursel where he was given POW No. 27449 and sent to Stalag VIIIB/D Teschen. In 1944 he was transferred to Stalag VIIIB (344) Lamsdorf.

RNZAF navigator 404559 FSGT G.G Whitlam was captured and transported to Frankfurt to undergo initial interrogation at Dulag Luft Oberursel where he was given POW No. 27450 and sent to Stalag VIIIB/D Teschen. In 1944 he was transferred to Stalag VIIIB (344) Lamsdorf.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 1309479 SGT R G Prior was captured, became a POW with number 42725 and was interred in camps Stalag IX9C Mulhausen, Stalag Luft VI Heydekrug and Stalag 357 Kopernikus.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1379311 SGT W.D. D Watts was captured, became a POW with number 27471 and was interred in Stalag VIIIB Teschen & Stalag 344 Lamsdorf.

RNZAF Air Gunner 412334 SGT H Hughes was captured and transported to Frankfurt to undergo initial interrogation at Dulag Luft Oberursel where he was given POW No. 27481 and sent to Stalag VIIIB/D Teschen. In 1944 he was transferred to Stalag VIIIB (344) Lamsdorf.

RAFVR navigator 517185 SGT William Robert Fisher (2nd Pilot and on loan from 196 Sqn) (26) single of Enfield, Middlesex is buried in Grave 4, Row 16 of the Leeuwarden (Wirdum) Protestant Churchyard in Friesland, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 164 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

00Jan43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 38hrs 25min of flight time from two ferry flights, one acceptance flight, one training flights and one operational flight.

HE471

00Dec42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE471 was the 13th of 50 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE459 to HE508. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Jan43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

14Jan43 Delivered to 466Sqn from Vickers by an A.T.A. ferry pilot. Taken on charge with B Flight.

28Jan43 SGT L.F Axby and crew flew an unsuccessful local acceptance Air Test.

29Jan43 SGT L.F Axby and crew flew a successful local acceptance Air Test.

30Jan43 SGT L.F Axby and crew departed Leconfield at 1114hrs with seven other 466Sqn Wellingtons for a daylight attack on Emden. The aircraft failed to return and was declared as Missing. Later learned that it was shot down over the North Sea by Hauptman E. Falkensammer in a Bf 109E of 3/JG 1, from Jever airfield. The body of SGT Beath was washed up on Mando Island on 25Feb43.

RAFVR pilot 1335145 SGT Leslie Frank Axby (27) married of Luton, Bedfordshire was KIA has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 141 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 125 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Operator 655653 SGT James Hay Armstrong Beath (25) married of Glasgow, Wales was KIA and is buried in AIII.7.3 of the Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery, Denmark. He is commemorated on Panel 128 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1379812 FSGT W Jackson (32) married of Gorton, Manchester was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 154 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 188 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 119462 FLGOFF Terrence George Watson (23) married of Stafford was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 130 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 261 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RNZAF bomb aimer NZ413702 SGT Donald Durham (26) single of Auckland, NZ was KIA and has no known grave. He is commemorated on Panel 199 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, on Panel 158 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire. He is also commemorated on the New Zealand Roll of Honour in the RNZAF Museum at Wigram, Christchurch NZ.

00Jan43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 8hrs 45min of flight time from one ferry flight, one acceptance flight and one operational flight.

HE501

00Jan43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE501 was the 43th of 50 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE459 to HE508. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Jan43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

14Jan43 Delivered to 466Sqn from Vickers by an A.T.A. ferry pilot. Taken on charge with A Flight as HD-J.

01Feb43 30min air test flown by FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew.

04Feb43 1st Operational Mission FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew departed Leconfield at 1840hrs with eight other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined with 120 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Lorient docks, France. Bombs were dropped on the designated target from 9000ft at 2111hrs, then returned safely to base at 0049hrs.

18Feb43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and seven operational sorties during the month

01Mar43 FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew departed Leconfield at 1911hrs with four other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 44 bombers of the main stream to lay mines off the German coast. On the run up to the target area the aircraft came under heavy and accurate flak and the aircraft was forced to evade continuously. The captain aborted the mission when the aircraft became sluggish and hard to fly due to flak damage. Mines jettisoned and the aircraft RTB safely at 0015hrs.

31Mar43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and seven operational sorties during the month

00Apr43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and six operational sorties during the month

08Apr43 FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew departed Leconfield at 2135hrs for a raid on Duisburg. 10 minutes after take-off the Artificial Horizon and Goon equipment became unserviceable so Smith aborted and RTB.

16Apr43 SGT C.F Tozer and crew departed Leconfield at 2117hrs and joined 170 other aircraft in the main bomber stream to attack targets in Mannheim. The load carried was 6 x 500lb M.C. bombs and 890 gallons of fuel, enough to allow for 9 - 10 hours of flight time. At 2356rs they were attacked and shot down by Leutnant Helmut Bergmann in Bf 110G-4 Werke No.5334 of Stab III./NJG 4 based at Juvincourt airfield. The aircraft crashed near Seraincourt (Ardennes) in Logny-les-Chaumont, 16km North West of Rethel, France.

RAAF Pilot 406585 PLTOFF Colin Foley Tozer (21) single of Mount Lawley WA is buried in Collective Grave 4-6 of the Seraincourt Churchyard, Ardennes France. He is also commemorated on Panel 108 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 255 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RCAF navigator R90189 WO2 Gordon Kenneth Young (23) single of Stratford, Ontario CA is buried in Collective Grave 4-6 of the Seraincourt Churchyard, Ardennes France. He is commemorated on Panel 270 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire. He is also remembered on the Canadian Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton Alberta; and, on Page 229 of the Canadian Second World War Book of Remembrance in Ottawa, Canada.

RAFVR N Bomb Aimer 1375844 SGT Harold Ernest Jones (21) single of Walthamstow, Essex is buried in Collective Grave 4-6 of the Seraincourt Churchyard, Ardennes France. He is commemorated on Panel 191 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1193163 SGT Richard Kitchener White (20) single of Rednal, Worcestershire is buried in Collective Grave 4-6 of the Seraincourt Churchyard, Ardennes France. He is commemorated on Panel 263 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1531620 SGT George Errington (20) single is buried in Collective Grave 4-6 of the Seraincourt Churchyard, Ardennes France. He is commemorated on Panel 161 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

00Apr43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 150hrs 45min of flight time from one ferry flights, one acceptance flight, two training flights and 20 operational flight.

HE506

00Jan43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE506 was the 48th of 50 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE459 to HE508. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Jan43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

14Jan43 Delivered to 466Sqn from Vickers by an A.T.A. ferry pilot. Taken on charge with B Flight as HD-N.

10Feb42 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew a 2hr 30min local training flight.

12Feb42 1st Operational Mission PLTOFF F.E Booy and crew departed Leconfield at 1853hrs leading five other Wellingtons for a minelaying mission to Schiermonnikoog Island, West Frisian Islands. At 1940hrs the mines were jettisoned when the airscrews began to give trouble and there was an urgent need to lose weight. Returned to base at 2104hrs.

28Feb43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and eight operational missions during the month.

05Mar43 RAFVR pilot 1334109 SGT H.S. Lloyd and crew departed Leconfield at 1903hrs with 10 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up with 431 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Essen. Soon after dropping their bombs on target the aircraft was seriously damaged by heavy and accurate Flak. SGT Lloyd nursed his damaged aircraft back to base where he made an emergency landing at 0020hrs. The aircraft took two weeks to repair at the Unit.

22Mar43 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew a 1hr post maintenance test flight.

26Mar43 SGT D.F Bateman and crew departed Leconfield at 1944hrs for an attack on Duisburg. As the aircraft climbed to cruising altitude the oxygen supply delivered sporadic amounts to the pilot and rear gunner. Also, the port engine ran rough and the rear gunner’s turret would not traverse smoothly. Captain elected to abort and returned to base at 2113hrs.

27Mar43 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew an unsuccessful 45min post maintenance test flight.

28Mar43 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew a successful 30min post maintenance test flight in the early hours. At 1815hrs the crew departed Leconfield at 1851hrs with 15 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up with 317 bombers of the main stream for an attack on the docks area of St Nazaire. Bombs dropped on target but aircraft forced to land at Exeter with several unserviceablities

31Mar43 the aircraft flew three non-operational and four operational missions during the month.

00Apr43 the aircraft flew three operational missions during the month.

10Apr43 FLGOFF Booy and crew departed Leconfield at 2315hrs with 13 other 466Sqn aircraft then joined with 488 other bombers of the main stream to attack targets in the Frankfurt area. The aircraft failed to return and was posted as Missing.

RAFVR pilot 141711 FLGOFF Frank Edward Booy (23) single of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 130 of the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, Surrey; and on Panel 133 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Navigator 1385897 SGT Donald Francis Gage has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 150 of the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, Surrey; and on Panel 167 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Operator 1023525 SGT George Myers has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 160 of the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, Surrey; and on Panel 217 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 553822 SGT David Winston Williams (21) has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 170 of the Memorial to the Missing Runnymede, Surrey; and on Panel 265 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RNZAF Air Gunner NZ41993 SGT John Gilbert Morgan (23) married of Beverley Hills CA, USA has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 199 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 214 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire; and, on the New Zealand Roll of Honour in the RNZAF Museum at Wigram, Christchurch NZ.

00Apr43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 120hrs 25min of flight time from two ferry flights, three acceptance flights, two training flights and 15 operational flights.

HE530

00Jan43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE530 was the 18th of 44 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE513 to HE556. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Feb43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

04Feb43 Received by 466Sqn where it was taken on charge with B Flight as HD-V

25Feb43 1st Operational Mission H.S Lloyd and crew departed Leconfield at 2220hrs as one of seven Wellingtons from 466Sqn that joined up with another 47 bombers of the main stream for a minelaying mission on Schiermonnikoog Island, West Frisian Islands. Mines dropped on target at 21915hrs then returned safely to Base at 0044hrs.

28Feb43 the aircraft flew three operational missions during the month.

31Mar43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and seven operational missions during the month.

26Apr43 FSGT W.R Martin and crew departed Leconfield at 0019hrs with 13 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up with 547 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Duisburg. At 0110hrs the Artificial Horizon and rear gunner’s intercom went unserviceable so the pilot aborted and returned to Base at 0240hrs.

30Apr43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and six operational missions during the month.

00May43 the aircraft flew two operational missions during the month.

04May43 SGT L.F James and crew departed Leconfield at 2233hrs and joined 595 other aircraft in the main bomber stream to attack targets in Dortmund. The aircraft failed to return and the crew was declared as MIA.

Later it was earned that soon after crossing the Dutch coast at 0050hrs they were attacked by a night fighter. With the starboard engine damaged and out of action, fire in the bomb bay, fire in the rear of the aircraft, and jammed flight controls the order was given to bale out. The aircraft crashed at 0058 hrs 10km East South East of Meppel, Holland. SGT Latham's body being found near the wreckage.

RAAF Pilot 414299 SGT Leonard Francis James (22) of Brisbane, Queensland baled out and evaded capture until 09May. After capture he was transported to Frankfurt to undergo initial interrogation at Dulag Luft Oberursel where he was given POW No.1140 and sent to Stalag Luft 1 at Barth Vogelsang. He was later sent to Stalag Luft VI Heydekrug then to Stalag Luft IV Gross Tyschow, Poland In February 1945 he was part of the infamous Black March when some 8,000 POWs were forced to move from Stalag Luft IV to Stalag XIB at Fallingbostel. He was released from Stalag XIB by the US 2nd Army on 02 April 1945 and sent back to the UK, then repatriated to Australia in July 1945. He elected discharged from the RAAF on 27Nov45 with the rank of Warrant Officer.

RAAF Navigator 414212 SGT Ronald Ernest Dolby (29) of Brisbane, Queensland baled out and evaded capture until 09May. After capture he was transported to Frankfurt to undergo initial interrogation at Dulag Luft Oberursel where he was given POW No.1125 and sent to Stalag Luft 1 at Barth Vogelsang. He was later sent to Stalag Luft VI Heydekrug then to Stalag Luft IV Gross Tyschow, Poland In February 1945 he was part of the infamous Black March when some 8,000 POWs were forced to move from Stalag Luft IV to Stalag XIB at Fallingbostel. He was released from Stalag XIB by the US 2nd Army on 02 April 1945 and sent back to the UK, then repatriated to Australia in October 1945. He elected discharged from the RAAF on 04Jan46 with the rank of Warrant Officer.

RAAF Bomb Aimer 413214 SGT Reginald Lionel Lutton (21) of Paddington in Sydney, New South Wales baled out and captured. He was transported to Frankfurt to undergo initial interrogation at Dulag Luft Oberursel where he was given POW No.1146 and sent to Stalag Luft 1 at Barth Vogelsang. In November 1943 he was sent to Stalag Luft VI Heydekrug then in July 1944 to Stalag Luft IV Gross Tyschow, Poland In February 1945 he was part of the infamous Black March when some 8,000 POWs were forced to move from Stalag Luft IV to Stalag XIB at Fallingbostel. He was released from Stalag XIB by the US 2nd Army on 02 April 1945 and sent back to the UK, then repatriated to Australia in July 1945. He elected discharged from the RAAF on 07Nov45 with the rank of Warrant Officer.

RAFVR Wireless Operator 1148282 SGT J.R Baxter baled out and captured. He was transported to Frankfurt to undergo initial interrogation at Dulag Luft Oberursel where he was given POW No.1117 and sent to Stalag Luft 1 at Barth Vogelsang. In November 1943 he was sent to Stalag Luft VI Heydekrug then in July 1944 to Stalag Luft IV Gross Tyschow, Poland In February 1945 he was part of the infamous Black March when some 8,000 POWs were forced to move from Stalag Luft IV to Stalag XIB at Fallingbostel. He was released from Stalag XIB by the US 2nd Army on 02 April 1945 and sent back to the UK.

RAAF Air Gunner 412543 SGT Francis Graham Latham (21) single of Sutherland, Sydney New South Wales failed to bale out and was KIA, he is buried in Row South, Grave 141 of the De Wijk General Cemetery in the province of Drenthe, 10 kilometres east of Meppel, Netherlands. He is also commemorated on Panel 108 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 196 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

00May43 Aircraft struck off charge. Accumulated a total of 134hrs 05min of flight time

HE531

00Jan43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HE531 was the 19th of 44 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HE513 to HE556. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Feb43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

04Feb43 Received by 466Sqn where it was taken on charge with B Flight as HD-P

18Feb43 RAFVR 132551 PLTOFF R.A.L Young and crew flew a local training flight.

19Feb43 1st Operational Mission. SGT R.V Rosser and crew departed Leconfield at 1820hrs with seven other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up with 331 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Wilhelmshaven docks and surrounds. After dropping their bombs at 2009hrs from 16500ft they were attacked by a Bf110 night fighter from 5/NJG3 flown by Feldwebel Otto Hagen and his gunner Unteroffizier Walter Frinzel in Bf110 C-4 D5+CN Werke No.2158. On the first pass the nose of HE531 was set on fire and the Bomb Aimer SGT Crowhurst baled out through the front hatch. On the 2nd pass the Navigator SGT D. Livingstone and Air Gunner SGT F.J Brown were wounded by exploding cannon shells.

However, the Bf110 pilot made an error pulling out of the 2nd attack and passed too close to the rear turret. Air Gunner SGT Wilcock promptly fired a long accurate burst from both guns which set the stbd wing of the Bf110 on fire. Pilot SGT Rosser and SGT Wilcock then watched as the enemy fighter spiralled down and crashed into the ocean. SGT Rosser headed home with fuel pouring from the main tanks and switched to the nacelle tanks for 90 minutes before both engines cut out and the aircraft made a successful belly landing at RAF Kirmington on the Yorkshire coast.

HE531 HD-P bombing up at Leconfield c. Feb 1943

Pilot SGT R.V Rosser and air gunner SGT H. Wilcock were uninjured; navigator SGT D. Livingstone and wireless air gunner SGT F.J Brown were WIA. Bomb aimer SGT E.F Crowhurst was initially reported as MIA but his status was later upgraded to KIA

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 1386792 SGT Eric Frank Crowhurst has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 146 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also commemorated on Panel 151 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire UK.

28Feb43 Aircraft struck off charge with total accumulated flight time of seven hours and five minutes.

HF481

00May43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HF481 was the 36th of 50 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HF446 to HF495. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00May43 Received by No.48MU at RAF Harwarden for acceptance checks.

00Jun43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

00Jun43 Received by 466Sqn and taken on charge

28Jun43 1st Operational Mission FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew departed Leconfield at 2327hrs with 12 other Wellingtons and joined 589 bombers of the main force to attack Cologne. Bombed assigned target from 18,000ft at 0202hrs then returned safely to Leconfield at 0433hrs.

29Jun43 2nd Operational Mission FSGT G.S Colless and crew departed Leconfield at 1330hrs with three other Wellingtons for a transit flight to RAF Harwell, Oxfordshire. The aircraft were refuelled and prepared for operations before departing Harwell at 2322hrs and joined with 12 bombers of the main force to mine the approaches to Lorient. The aircraft failed to return and was declared Missing. Post war searches found no traces of the aircraft or crew.

RAAF Pilot 413826 FSGT Gordon Sydney Colless (25) single of Penrith, New South Wales has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 192 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT

RNZAF Observer NZ39307 FSGT Russell Theodore Smit (27) single of Auckland New Zealand has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 199 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour in the RNZAF Museum at Wigram, Christchurch New Zealand.

RAAF Wireless Operator 401503 SGT Eric Otho Gregory (26) single of Kew, Victoria has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 195 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also commemorated on Panel 99 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT

RAAF Wireless Air Gunner 420152 FSGT Bernard Keith Conroy (20) single of Enmore, Sydney New South Wales has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 195 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT

RAAF Air Gunner 413555 FSGT Douglas Ashton Dunn (19) single of Concord, Sydney New South Wales has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 192 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT

01Jul43 Aircraft struck off charge with total accumulated flight time of 177 hours and 30 minutes.

HF544

00May43 Vickers Type 424 Wellington B Mk.IV Serial HF544 was the 32nd of 33 Mk.IV aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HF513 to HF545. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,050 hp Pratt &Whitney Twin Wasp R-1830 engines.

00May43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

23May43 Received by 466Sqn direct from Vickers, taken on charge with B Flt as HD-Q

31May43 1st Flight. FLGOFF A.A MacFarlane and crew flew a local test flight.

The aircraft flew one transit flight and one training flight in May.

02Jun43 SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew from Leconfield to RAF Predannock, Cornwall with HE984 and HF544. The aircraft were prepositioned for a mine laying mission to the Biscay ports the following day.

03Jun43 1st Operational Mission SGT D.F Bateman and crew flew departed Predannock at 2358hrs with HE531 and HF544 then joined with 36 bombers of the main stream to lay mines off the Biscay ports. Successfully dropped their mines near Lorient and returned direct to Leconfield.

22Jun43 5th Operational Mission SGT D.D Graham and crew departed Leconfield at 2323hrs for a mission to Mulheim. Five minutes after take-off the intercom/radio failed so the Captain aborted.

25Jun43 7th Operational Mission SGT A.B.R Airy and crew departed RAF Leconfield at 2349hrs with seven other 466 Sqn machines that joined 458 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Gelsenkirchen, Germany. At 0111hrs the aircraft was crossing the Dutch coast when it was attacked and shot down into the Ketelmeer of Urk, Holland by German Night fighter ace Major Helmut Lent flying Bf110 G-4 G9+AF of IV/NJG1 from Leeuwarden airfield. FLGOFF Riley’s body was found the next day but the other four were listed as missing and their bodies never found.

RAAF pilot 406634 WOFF Andrew Basil Reginald Airy (26) single of Toorak VIC has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 191 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT

RAAF Navigator 414960 FLGOFF William Eric Riley (25) single of Greenslopes, Brisbane QLD is buried in Plot 69. Row B. Collective grave 16 of the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT

RAFVR wireless operator 1255176 SGT George Charles Green (20) single of Green Hithe, Kent has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 151 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK.

RAFVR wireless air gunner 1266030 SGT Thomas Martin Atkinson (21) single has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 141 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK.

RAFVR air gunner 1435337 SGT George Ronald Johnson (20) single of Ashton-Under-Lyme, Lancashire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 155 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK.

HF569

00May43 Vickers Type 424 Wellington B Mk.IV Serial HF569 was the 3rd of 40 Mk.IV aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HF567 to HF606. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,050 hp Pratt &Whitney Twin Wasp R-1830 engines.

00Jun43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

00Jun43 Received direct from Vickers by 466Sqn, taken on charge with B Flt as HD-S.

11Jun43 1st Operational Mission PLTOFF J.W Edmonds and crew departed Leconfield at 2255hrs with 15 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up 767 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Dusseldorf. Primary bombed at 0136hrs from 15000ft then returned to base at 0358hrs.

13Jun43 SGT A.B Airy and crew flew an unsuccessful SAR mission for a missing Whitely crew of 158Sqn from RAF Lissett.

14Jun43 FSGT W.R Martin and crew departed Leconfield at 1400hrs with HE326, HE531 and HE984 then flew to RAF St Eval, Cornwall. The aircraft were then prepared for a mine laying mission

15Jun43 FSGT W.R Martin and crew departed St Eval at 0017hrs to lay mines of the port of Lorient. Mines dropped in designated areas then flew back to Leconfield ay 0614hrs.

30Jun43 the aircraft flew four non-operational and seven operational missions in June.

03Jul43 5th Operational Mission. PLTOFF J.W Edmonds and crew departed Leconfield at 2254hrs with 13 other 466 Sqn machines that joined 641 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Koln, Germany. While transiting over Holland at 0103hrs the aircraft was attacked and shot down near Louveigne, 15kms south of Liege by Lt Johannes Hager & Uffz Von Bergen Hubertus flying a Bf110 G4 of II/NGJ.1. All of the crew were buried in the Saint Trond Airfield Cemetery before being re-buried after the war.

RAFVR Pilot 142522 PLTOFF James William Edmonds (21) single of Farringdon, Berkshire is buried in Grave 4.D.1 of the Heverlee War Cemetery, 30km from Brussels. He is commemorated on Panel 159 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 1322755 SGT Percy Victor Cook (21) single of Bromley Kent is buried in Grave 4.D.2 of the Heverlee War Cemetery, 30km from Brussels. He is commemorated on Panel 147 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Navigator 146010 PLTOFF Chalmers Halliday (28) single of Lancaster is buried in Grave 4.D.3 of the Heverlee War Cemetery, 30km from Brussels. He is commemorated on Panel 175 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Operator 142513 PLTOFF Frederick Howard Levi (32) married of Brighton, Sussex is buried in Grave 4.D.4 of the Heverlee War Cemetery, 30km from Brussels. He is commemorated on Panel 198 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 142853 PLTOFF Patrick Peter Gordon O’Brien (21) single of Ealing Middlesex is buried in Grave 4.D.5 of the Heverlee War Cemetery, 30km from Brussels. He is commemorated on Panel 220 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

01Aug43 Aircraft struck off charge.

HF601

00May43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.IV Serial HF601 was the 35th of 40 Mk.IV aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range HF567 to HF606. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd at their Broughton facility near Chester. Fitted with two 1,050 hp Pratt &Whitney Twin Wasp R-1830 engines.

00Jun43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

06Jun43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers by 466Sqn, taken on charge with B Flt as HD-Y

14Jun43 1st Flight. FLGOFF A.A MacFarlane and crew flew an acceptance test flight.

21Jun43 1st Operational Mission FLGOFF A.A MacFarlane and crew departed Leconfield at 2321hrs with 12 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up 692 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Krefeld. Primary bombed at 0148hrs from 22000ft then returned to base at 0431hrs.

30Jun43 the aircraft flew eight non-operational and five Operational Missions during June

05Jul43 6th Operational Mission. WNGCDR J.J Owen and crew departed RAF Leconfield at 2211hrs with three other 466 Sqn machines that joined 30 bombers for a mine laying operation in the Brest and St Nazaire areas of France. The aircraft was hit by flak while transiting past the village of Le Conquet and crashed into the sea. Four bodies were recovered the next day and buried in the Le Conquet Communal Cemetery. The bomb aimer’s body was not recovered.

RAFVR pilot 26062 WNGCDR John Jervis Owen MID (35) married of Feniton, Devon is buried in Grave 4 of the Le Conquet Communal Cemetery near Brest in Brittany. He is commemorated on Panel 81 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Observer 119477 FLGOFF E.H Swain (32) single of Walthamstow, Essex is buried in Collective Grave 1-3 of the Le Conquet Communal Cemetery near Brest in Brittany. He is commemorated on Panel 250 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Operator 126819 FLGOFF F Darbyshire (21) single of Ripon, Yorkshire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 124 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey; and, on Panel 152 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 145801 FLGOFF John Frederick Ray (22) single of Brockley, London is buried in Collective Grave 1-3 of the Le Conquet Communal Cemetery near Brest in Brittany. He is commemorated on Panel 230 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RCAF Wireless Air Gunner J17237 FLGOFF Albert Morgan Long (24) single of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Canada is buried in Collective Grave 1-3 of the Le Conquet Communal Cemetery near Brest in Brittany. He is commemorated on Panel 200 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire. He is also remembered on the Canadian Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton Alberta; and, on Page 182 of the Canadian Second World War Book of Remembrance in Ottawa, Canada.

01Aug43 Aircraft struck off charge.

HZ257

00Feb43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HZ257 was the 17th of 44 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range HZ242 to HZ284. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool facility at Squires Gate. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Feb43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

14Feb43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers by 466Sqn, issued to A Flt as HD-B.

20Feb43 30min acceptance test flight.

28Feb43 1st Operational Mission PLTOFF F. MacKelden and crew departed Leconfield at 1820hrs with 11 other 466Sqn Wellingtons for a mine laying mission to St Nazaire. Dropped their bombs on target from 12,500ft at 2130hrs then returned safely to base at 0033hrs.

28Feb43 the aircraft flew one ferry flight, one non-operational and one operational mission during the month of February.

31Mar43 the aircraft flew seven operational mission during the month of March.

11Apr43 11th Operational Mission FLTLT J.C Morton and crew departed Leconfield at 2107hrs with three other Wellingtons for a minelaying mission to Ameland in the Frisian Islands. Poor weather prevented the crew from positively identifying the target so the pilot decided to abort and returned to base.

16Apr43 13th Operational Mission PLTOFF F. MacKelden and crew departed Leconfield at 2100hrs with nine other Wellingtons and joined 261 bombers of the main force for an attack on Mannheim. At 2303hrs the rear turret failed so the Captain aborted and returned to base.

21Apr43 FSGT J.C Launder and crew departed Leconfield at 1231hrs with two other aircraft for a SAR Mission for a missing Beaufighter crew.

30Apr43 the aircraft flew nine operational mission during the month of April.

21May43 the aircraft flew five operational mission during the month of May.

21May43 22nd Operational Mission FSGT E.T Horner and crew departed Leconfield on their first operation at 2210hrs and joined with 103 other main force aircraft for a mine laying mission to the Frisians and River Gironde. The aircraft failed to return and the crew were declared as KIA. Later on it was learned the aircraft was shot down by a heavy flak unit when crossing the German coast at approximately 0330hrs 22nd May.

RAAF Pilot 409306 FSGT Edward Thomas Horner (22) of Surrey Hills, Victoria has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 193 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra ACT; and on Panel 184 at the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Observer 24818 FSGT Angus Donald Mackay Ross (28) of Ipswich, Queensland has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 193 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra ACT; and, and on Panel 235 at the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1386890 SGT Arthur Frederick Lane RAF (22) of Islington, London has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 156 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK; and, and on Panel 196 at the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Wireless Air Gunner 409727 FSGT Oswald Percy Morton (23) of Elwood VIC has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 193 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra ACT; and, and on Panel 215 at the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Air Gunner 412892 FSGT Terence Joseph Brassel (20) single of Bellbrook New South Wales was KIA and is commemorated on Panel 192 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra ACT; and, on and on Panel 135 at the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

On 29th June 1943 a body believed to be that of FSGT Brassel was recovered on a sandbank near Blauortsand, West North West of Busum, in the province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. No formal identification was ever made and the body was buried in the local cemetery.

01Jun43 Aircraft struck off charge

HZ269

00Jan43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HZ269 was the 28th of 44 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range HZ242 to HZ284. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool facility at Squires Gate. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Feb43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

00Mar43 Received direct from Vickers by 466Sqn and issued to A Flt as HD-G.

00Mar43 30min acceptance test flight.

12Mar43 1st Operational Mission FSGT J.C Launder and crew departed Leconfield at 1926hrs with 11 other Wellingtons and joined with 445 bombers of the main force for an attack on the Krupps Armaments Factory in Essen. Bombs dropped on target from 16000ft at 2135hrs then returned safely to Base at 0033hrs.

31Mar43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and four operational missions in March.

08Apr43 FSGT J.C Launder and crew departed Leconfield at 2127hrs with 11 other Wellingtons and joined with 445 bombers of the main force for an attack on the Krupps Armaments Factory in Essen. At 2230hrs the Captain aborted the mission because the aircraft would not climb or maintain height.

30Apr43 the aircraft flew four non-operational and six operational missions in April.

01May43 SGT J.H Cameron and crew departed Leconfield at 2113hrs with seven other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up with 23 bombers of the main force to lay mines along the Brittany and Biscay coasts. Both mines dropped from 1000ft at 0033hrs then returned safely to base at 0414hrs. Aircraft recovered to RAF Chivenor where it remained overnight before returning to Leconfield the following day.

29May43 FSGT J.C Launder and crew departed Leconfield at 2211hrs with 13 other Wellingtons and joined with 705 bombers of the main force for an attack on Wuppertal. The aircraft failed to return and it was later learned the aircraft had been shot down by flak and crashed near the Belgian Town of Volleze in the Vlaams Braban Province. All the crew managed to bale out and were made POWs.

RAFVR pilot FLGOFF JC Launder, POW No 1448 in Stalag Luft L4

RAFVR observer SGT R Hutton POW No 47 in Stalag Luft L6

RAFVR Bomb aimer SGT R Willis POW No 52 in Stalag Kopernikus 357

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner SGT FLJ Hall POW No 48 in Stalag Kopernikus 357

RAFVR Air Gunner SGT I Farquhar POW No 46 in Stalag Kopernikus 357

FLGOFF JC Launder SGT R Hutton SGT FL Hall SGT I Farquhar

31May43 The aircraft flew a total of 26 missions with 466Sqn comprised of seven non-operational and 20 operational missions. Accrued flight time was 50hrs 10min.

HZ270

00Jan43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HZ270 was the 29th of 44 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range HZ242 to HZ284. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool facility at Squires Gate. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Feb43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

23Feb43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers, issued to B Flt as HD-Q.

01Mar43 Acceptance test flight flown by SGT A. C Yielder and crew

05Mar43 1st Operational Mission SGT A. C Yielder and crew departed Leconfield at 1915hrs with 11 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up with 432 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Essen. The aircraft failed to return and was posted as MIA. Post action reports from other crews stated that the aircraft was shot down by flak over the target area.

Route of Wellington HZ270 - final mission to Essen 05Mar43

RAFVR pilot 1126332 FSGT Alfred Campbell Yielder (21) single of Newcastle-on-Tyne has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 140 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 270 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR bomb aimer 1318696 SGT Ronald Dennis Baker (19) single of Matlock, Derbyshire has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 141 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 126 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1262308 SGT Joseph William Gould is buried in Grave 8.D.18 of the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery in Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He is also honoured on Panel 171 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 946593 SGT Jack Linacre (22) married of Sheffield has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 157 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 199 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR navigator 1335889 SGT Charles John Herbert Smith (20) single of Carshalton, Surrey has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 165 of the Runnymede Memorial on Coopers Hill in Surrey, UK. He is also honoured on Panel 243 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

HZ271

00Jan43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HZ271 was the 30th of 44 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range HZ242 to HZ284. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool facility at Squires Gate. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Feb43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

00Mar43 Received direct from Vickers, issued to A Flt as HD-K.

00Mar43 Acceptance test flight.

12Mar43 1st Operational Mission SGT C.F Tozer and crew departed Leconfield at 1932hrs with 11 other Wellingtons and joined with 445 bombers of the main force for an attack on the Krupps Armaments Factory in Essen. Bombs dropped on target from 16000ft at 2135hrs then turned for Base. While on the bombing run the WAG (SGT R. Treacher) received a shoulder wound from flak fragments, Also, the port engine was hit and failed on the return, and the aircraft sustained several other non-critical hits from flak. SGT Tozer nursed the damaged bomber back to England and made a successful single engine landing at RAF Catfoss at 2356hrs.

26Mar43 3rd Operational Mission SGT A.C Ludgater and crew departed Leconfield at 1942hrs with 13 other 466Sqn Wellingtons 15mts after take-off Ludgater was forced to abort when the rear turret failed, RTB safely at 2009hrs.

31Mar43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and four operational missions in March.

16Apr43 one of three Wellingtons (HZ271, HZ279 and MS473) detached to RAF ST Eval to participate in a SAR Mission for missing crewmen in the Bay of Biscay. FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew flew two SAR sorties before returning to Leconfield.

30Apr43 the aircraft flew five non-operational and four operational missions in April.

05May43 aircraft assigned to SGT E.F Hicks and crew.

12May43 10th Operational Mission SGT E.F Hicks and crew departed Leconfield at 2327hrs with 14 other Wellingtons and joined with 558 bombers of the main force for an attack on Duisburg. Dropped bombs on green TI markers from 17,000ft at 0215hrs and returned to base.

13May43 11th Operational Mission SGT E.F Hicks and crew departed Leconfield at 2353hrs and joined 430 other aircraft in the main stream to attack targets in Bochum. Soon after bombing their assigned target the port engine began to act up and when approaching the English coast the stbd engine lost most of its Power. Unable to maintain height the pilot told his crew to bale out and then made a successful forced landing one mile West of Winterton in Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Pilot 846405 SGT H.F Hicks CGM DFC

RAAF Bomb Aimer 4000016 FSGT H.L Fyfe

RAFVR Navigator 121139 FLGOFF Reginald Francis Clayton DFC

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1126415 PLTOFF Frederick Charles Blair DFM

RAFVR Air Gunner 1116539 SGT S. Robbins

00May43 aircraft damaged Cat.E and struck off charge

HZ530

00Apr43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HZ530 was the 3rd of six Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range HZ528 to HZ533. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool facility at Squires Gate. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Apr43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

03May43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers.

12May43 1st Operational Mission FSGT C.W Trinder and crew departed Leconfield at 2334hrs with 14 other Wellingtons and joined with 558 bombers of the main force for an attack on Duisburg. The crew attacked the target and headed home but off the Yorkshire coast they were diverted to Linton-on-Ouse because of poor weather but the Captain declined as fuel was critical. The Captain then decided to descend through the thick cloud cover and fly across Yorkshire direct to Leconfield but at 0550hrs the aircraft flew into the ground at Towthorpe Wold near Towthorpe High Barn with the pilot probably never seeing the ground.

RAAF pilot 411970 FSGT Charlie Wilson Trinder (29) married of Paddington, New South Wales is buried in Grave 6209 of the Driffield Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT and Panel 255 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RNZAF navigator 411865 SGT Douglas Arthur Mark Davidson (23) of Timaru, Canterbury NZ is buried in Grave 6224 of the Driffield Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 153 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAF Wireless Air Gunner 657397 SGT David Anthony Traill (23) married of Newburgh, Fife is buried in Grave 6218 of the Driffield Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 255 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR bomb aimer 1320125 SGT Harry Russell (20) single of Enfield, Middlesex is buried in Section I, Row V, Grave 27 of the Cheshunt New Burial Ground, London. He is also commemorated on Panel 236 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1323461 SGT Ernest Gordon Leonard Giggs (20) single of Shepherd’s Bush London is buried in Plot 9, Section A Grave 12 of the Mortlake Cemetery in Kew London. He is also commemorated on Panel 169 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

HZ531

00Apr43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HZ531 was the 4th of six Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range HZ528 to HZ533. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool facility at Squires Gate. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Apr43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

05May43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers, issued to B Flt as HD-P

09May43 Acceptance test flown by SGT W.R Martin and crew.

11May43 Acceptance test flown by FLGOFF R.A.L Young.

16May43 FLGOFF W.G Baldwin and crew departed Leconfield at 2105hrs with five other Wellingtons and joined with 49 bombers of the main force to mine the approaches to several Biscay Ports. Mines dropped in the assigned location at 2357hrs, then returned to Leconfield at 0324hrs.

31May43 the aircraft flew five operational and four non-operational missions during the month of May43.

30Jun43 the aircraft flew 11 operational and four non-operational missions during the month of Jun43.

31Jul43 the aircraft flew eight operational and four non-operational missions during the month of Jul43.

01Aug43 aborted a mission

02Aug43 aborted a mission

26Aug43 PLTOFF J.H Cameron and crew departed Leconfield at 1320hrs with seven other Wellingtons for a transit flight to RAF Harwell, Oxfordshire. The aircraft were refuelled and prepared for operations before departing Harwell at 2015hrs and joined with 38 bombers of the main force to mine the approaches to St Nazaire. Mines dropped in the assigned location at 2317hrs, then returned to Leconfield at 0324hrs.

Route used for St Nazaire minelaying mission

27Aug43 PLTOFF J.H Cameron and crew departed Leconfield at 1320hrs with seven other Wellingtons for a transit flight to RAF St Eval, Cornwall. The aircraft were refuelled and prepared for operations before departing St Eval at 2116hrs and joined with 33 bombers of the main force to mine the approaches to La Rochelle. Mines dropped in the assigned location at 2355hrs, then returned to RAF Stanton Court at 0315hrs. Returned to Leconfield the following day.

30Aug43 SGT M.J Smart and crew departed Leconfield at 0017hrs with 15 other Wellingtons and joined with 645 bombers of the main force for an attack on Mönchengladbach and Rheydt. While climbing up to altitude and awaiting the main bomber force setting out across the North Sea, HZ531 collided with Wellington LN292 over Goole at 00.25hrs. Wellington LN292 crashed into Carlisle Street, Goole while Wellington HZ531 reportedly crashed onto farmland near "Sand Hill Farm, Howden". It is more plausible the aircraft fell near Sandhall Farm which is just across the River Ouse from Goole and the site of the other crashed Wellington. In all ten airmen were killed as well as at least three people on the ground in Goole.

Route used for La Rochelle minelaying mission

RAAF Pilot 416798 FSGT Mervin John Smart (21) single of Somerton, South Australia is buried in Section C Row B Grave 10 of the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT and, on Panel 243 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Navigator 407349 FSGT Newton Hasalby Fuss RAAF (23) single of Prospect, South Australia is buried in Section C Row B Grave 11 of the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT and, on Panel 167 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Bomb Aimer 420353 FSGT James Barber McLachlan RAAF (30) single of West Wyalong, New South Wales, is buried in Section C Row B Grave 9 of the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT on Panel 209 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Wireless Air Gunner 410436 FSGT Edwin Henry Berry RAAF (26) married Northcote, Victoria, Australia is buried in Section C Row B Grave 8 of the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT on Panel 130 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1476724SGT John Trevers Eccleston (20) single of Halebank is buried in Section 2R, Grave 389 of the Widnes Cemetery, Lancashire. He is also commemorated on Panel 159 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

HZ531 UD-P bombing up at Leconfield c.1943

01Sep43 Aircraft struck off charge. Flew a total of 45 missions; 29 operational and 16 non operational

HZ580

00Apr43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial HZ580was the 2nd of four aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range HZ579 to HZ582. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool facility at Squires Gate. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00May43 Received by No.51MU at RAF Lichfield, Staffordshire.

00Jul43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

18Jul43 Aircraft taken on charge with 466Sqn, issued to A Flt as HD-C

21Jul43 Acceptance check flight.

24Jul43 1st Operational Mission FSGT J.F McMullan and crew departed Leconfield at 2241hrs with 16 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined up 774 bombers of the main stream for the first raid of the Battle of Hamburg. Primary bombed at 0126hrs from 19000ft then returned to base at 0356hrs.

25Jul43 2nd Operational Mission FGST R.E Thorpe and crew departed RAF Leconfield at 2246hrs with nine other 466 Sqn machines that joined 695 bombers of the main stream to attack targets in Essen. On the homeward journey at 0155hrs the aircraft was attacked and badly damaged by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Wolfgang Knieling of the 4./NJG 5 (detached to 1./NJG 1), flying a Bf 110 G-4 from Gilze-Rijen airfield. HZ580 managed to limp on for another 80-100kms before crashing into the North Sea 20 km west of Goeree-Overflakkee, Zuid-Holland. Three of the bodies were eventually recovered for burial but the other two were never found.

RAAF Pilot 416794 FSGT. Raoul Ellery Thorpe (21) single of Balaklava SA was KIA and his body never recovered. He is commemorated on Panel 194 of the Runnymede Memorial; on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 254 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Observer 410459 SGT. Charles Robert Cowan (21) single of Caulfield VIC was KIA. His bodily remains washed ashore on 12Aug and were buried in Plot 6 Joint Grave 3 of the Noordwijk General Cemetery, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 149 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Bomb aimer 410177 FSGT David Poole Speechley (20) single of Brighton VIC was KIA. His bodily remains washed ashore on 12Aug and were buried in Allied Plot Row 4 Grave 71 of The Hague (Westdunn) General Cemetery, Netherlands He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 245 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Wireless Air Gunner 415379 SGT Wilfred Harper (22) single of Guildford WA was KIA and his body never recovered. He is commemorated on Panel 192 of the Runnymede Memorial; on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 177 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Air gunner 400392 FSGT Jack Harrison-Owen (26) married of South Yarra, Melbourne was KIA and is buried in Allied Plot Row 4 Grave 73 of the Den Haag Westduin General Cemetery, Netherlands. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 178 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

Wellington HZ580 at RAF Leconfield c.1943

LN288

00Oct42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial LN288 was the 28th of 43 aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range LN261 to LN303. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Chester (Hawarden) factory. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Jun43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

20Jun43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers, issued to B Flt as HD-X

06Jul42 1st Operational Mission W.A Gunning and crew departed Leconfield at 2211hrs with seven other 466 Sqn machines and joined 24 bombers of the main force for a mine laying operation in the St Nazaire area of France. When approaching the Dutch coast the GEE went unserviceable so the pilot aborted and returned to RAF Abingdon. Returned to Leconfield the following day.

12Jul43 FSGT W.A Gunning and crew flew an unsuccessful Air test.

13Jul43 FSGT W.A Gunning and crew flew a successful Air test at1100hrs.

2nd Operational Mission FSGT W.A Gunning and crew departed RAF Leconfield at 2358hrs armed with 4 SBC (8 x 30) and 4 SBC (90 x 4) containing a mixture of incendiary and explosive incendiary bombs. The aircraft was one of fourteen 466 Sqn machines that joined 360 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Aachen, Germany. At 0224hrs when 17km NNW of Mons the aircraft was shot down by Hauptman Alfred Haesler in a Bf110 from 1.NJG4. The aircraft crashed six miles South-East of Chievres (Hainaut) in the Baudour Province of Belgium

RAAF pilot 413856 FSGT William Alfred Gunning (20) single of Mudgee, NEW SOUTH WALES is buried in Collective Grave 14-15 of the Chièvres Communal Cemetery, Belgium. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 174 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RCAF Observer R135639 FSGT Herbert Charles Jordan (22) single of Renfrew, Ontario CA is buried in Collective Grave 14-15 in the Chièvres Communal Cemetery. He is commemorated on Panel 192 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Observer 422157 FSGT Rex Feakes (19) single of Manly, Sydney NEW SOUTH WALES is buried in Collective Grave 14-15 in the Chièvres Communal Cemetery. He is commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT; and, on Panel 163 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 1336969 SGT Donald Walpole Covell (22) single of Eltham, London is buried in Collective Grave 14-15 in the Chièvres Communal Cemetery He is commemorated on Panel 149 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1192627 SGT Thomas Francis Cummins is buried in Collective Grave 14-15 in the Chièvres Communal Cemetery. He is commemorated on Panel 151 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

LN292

00Nov42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial LN292 was the 32nd of 43 aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range LN261 to LN303. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Chester (Hawarden) factory. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Jun43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

24Jun43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers, issued to A Flt as HD-J.

13Jul43 FLGOFF J.B Smith and crew departed RAF Leconfield at 2356hrs armed with 4 SBC (8 x 30) and 4 SBC (90 x 4) containing a mixture of incendiary and explosive incendiary bombs. The aircraft was one of fourteen 466 Sqn machines that joined 360 bombers of the main stream for an attack on Aachen, Germany. Aborted the mission at 0010hrs when the port engine lost Power and the stbd engine lost pressure, returned to base at 0052hrs.

31Jul43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and five operational missions during July.

30Aug43 13th Operational Mission SGT J.L Harwood and crew departed Leconfield at 0013hrs with 15 other Wellingtons to join with 645 bombers of the main force for an attack on Mönchengladbach and Rheydt. While climbing up to altitude and awaiting the main bomber force setting out across the North Sea, LN292 collided with Wellington HZ531 over Goole at 00.25hrs. Wellington LN292 crashed into Carlisle Street, Goole while Wellington HZ531 is listed on the AM Form 1180 as having crashed onto farmland near "Sand Hill Farm, Howden". It more likely fell near Sandhall Farm which is just across the River Ouse from Goole and the other crash site. In all ten airmen were killed as well as at least three people on the ground in Goole.

RAFVR pilot 1390412 SGT John Leonard Harwood (29) single of Earlsfield London was KIA and is buried in Grave 5243 of the Selby Cemetery, North Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 178 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Navigator 1579828 Sgt Geoffrey George Payne (19) single of Bushby, Leicestershire was KIA and is buried in the Thurnby (St Lake) Churchyard, Leicestershire. He is also commemorated on Panel 224 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Bomb Aimer 1239310 SGT Joseph Noar (27) single of Salford, Greater Manchester was KIA and is buried in Plot B Grave 51 of the Higher Crumpsall Synagogue in the Rainsough Jewish Cemetery located in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. He is also commemorated on Panel 219 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAFVR Wireless Air Gunner 656764 SGT Peter Arthur Frank Elliot was KIA and is buried in Block 24 Grave 622 of the Wandsworth General Cemetery, Greater London. He is also commemorated on Panel 160 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RCAF Air Gunner R154939 SGT Thomas Daniel McCann (24) single of Allston, Massachusetts USA was KIA and is buried in Section C Row B Grave 27 of the Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Yorkshire. He is also commemorated on Panel 207 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

31Aug43 Aircraft struck off charge. With 466Sqn the aircraft flew three non-operational and 13 operational missions.

LN404

00Dec42 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial LN404 was the 36th of 41 aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range LN369 to LN409. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Chester (Hawarden) factory. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Dec42 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

02Dec42 Aircraft received direct from Vickers, issued to B Flt as HD-X.

04Jan43 J.B Murdoch and crew flew a cross-country training exercise

12Jan43 Damaged Cat.AC/FB. Repaired on site by Vickers.

12Feb43 Aircraft returned to 466Sqn

11Mar43 RNZAF pilot 413550 SGT R.A Illingworth and crew departed Leconfield for a night defence Bulls Eye exercise over Hull, Derby, Leeds and Sheffield. At 2117hrs the port engine failed and the pilot immediately returned to Leconfield. While attempting a single engined landing SGT Illingworth misjudged the approach and crashed into a field near Beswick, 6km north of Leconfield. The aircraft was extensively damaged but the crew escaped any serious injury.

00Mar43 Aircraft damaged Cat.E and struck off charge.

Note: this aircraft was only used in the training role and did not see active service.

LN442

00Jun43 Vickers Type 440 Wellington B Mk.X Serial LN442 was the 20th of 36 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.124362/40 in the Serial Range LN423 to LN458. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Chester (Hawarden) factory. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Jul43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

29Jul43 Aircraft received direct from Vickers and taken on charge.

11Aug43 1st Operational Mission. WOFF E.D Fogden and crew departed Leconfield at 1440hrs with seven other Wellingtons for a transit flight to RAF Harwell, Oxfordshire. The aircraft were refuelled and prepared for operations before departing Harwell at 2301hrs and joined with 44 bombers of the main force to mine the approaches to Lorient. The aircraft failed to return and was declared MIA.

After the war it was learned the aircraft was hit by flak over St Nazaire and the pilot headed for home by the most direct route. Eye witnesses on the Island of Groix, 3km from Lorient, stated they saw a low flying aircraft trailing smoke and flames over the island and watched as it crashed near the village of Quehello, there were no survivors.

RAAF pilot 403045 WOFF Edmund Daniel FOGDEN (24) married of Concord, Sydney NEW SOUTH WALES is buried in Row 6, Grave 3 of the Guidel Communal Cemetery 10 kilometres north-west of Lorient. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra ACT and, on Panel 165 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Navigator 409046 FSGT Frank Norman HAMOOD (23) single Melbourne VIC is buried in Row 6, Grave 7 of the Guidel Communal Cemetery 10 kilometres north-west of Lorient. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra ACT and, on Panel 176 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF Wireless Operator 409265 FSGT William Victor Bryan WINCHESTER (25) single of East Maitland NEW SOUTH WALES is buried in Row 6, Grave 3 of the Guidel Communal Cemetery 10 kilometres north-west of Lorient. He is also commemorated on Panel 110 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra ACT and, on Panel 267 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAF Wireless Air Gunner 1316368 SGT Richard Gordon WOOSNAM (22) single of Ogmore Vale, Glamorgan is buried in Row 6, Grave 5 of the Guidel Communal Cemetery 10 kilometres north-west of Lorient. He is also commemorated on Panel 269 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAF Air Gunner 2207432 Sgt Ronald William RICHARDSON is buried in Row 6, Grave 4 of the Guidel Communal Cemetery 10 kilometres north-west of Lorient. He is also commemorated on Panel 232 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

MS473

00Feb43 Vickers Type 423 Wellington B Mk.X Serial MS473 was the 4th of 27 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range MS470 to MS496. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Blackpool factory. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Feb43 Received for acceptance checks by No.8MU at RAF Little Rissington, Gloucestershire.

00Mar43 Allocated to No.466 [Australian] Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire.

08Mar43 Aircraft taken on charge with 466Sqn and issued to B Flt as HD-Q.

26Mar43 1st Operational Mission. SGT R.V Rosser and crew departed Leconfield at 1931hrs with 13 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 441 bombers of the main force for an attack on Duisburg. Forty five minutes after take-off Rosser was forced to abort when the stbd engine lost oil pressure and started running rough. RTB safely at 2130hrs.

28Mar43 2nd Operational Mission SGT R.V Rosser and crew departed Leconfield at1857hrs with 13 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined 314 bombers of the main stream to attack St Nazaire. Bombed designated target from 14000ft at 2209hrs then returned to base at 0117hrs.

31Mar43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and three operational missions in March.

16Apr43 One of three Wellingtons (HZ271, HZ279 and MS473) detached to RAF ST Eval to participate in a SAR Mission for missing Liberator crewmen in the Bay of Biscay. The aircraft flew two SAR sorties before returning to Leconfield.

30Apr43 the aircraft flew two non-operational and six operational missions in April.

04May43 the aircraft flew two operational flights on 04May and 12May.

13May43 12th Operational Mission PLTOFF T. Sampson and crew departed Leconfield at 2356hrs with 13 other Wellingtons and joined 428 bombers of the main stream to attack targets in Bochum, Germany. Crossing the Dutch coast engine problems made them lose height but the crew decided to drop their 4,000lb bomb on the target. The aircraft completed the mission and was homeward bound gradually losing height because the engines would not deliver sufficient power to maintain height. Upon reaching 5,000ft the pilot ordered the crew to bale out but rescinded the order when the engines suddenly picked up. However, the reprieve was short lived and the engines lost power again and on this occasion the crew baled out over the Dutch coast. The pilot remained at the controls until his crew baled out but the pilot did not make it out before the aircraft came down in the North Sea, just off the of town of Kijkduin. The crewmen were captured by the Germans and incarcerated for the remainder of the war. The pilot’s bodily remains were washed ashore near Scheveningen, Netherlands on 10th August 1943

MS473’s planned route on its final flight to Bochum, Germany May 1943


RNZAF pilot 411032 PLTOFF Thomas Sampson (22) single of Ashburton, Canterbury NZ is buried in Allied Plot, Row 4 Grave 72 of the Westduin General Cemetery at Den Haag, Netherlands. He is also commemorated on Panel 237 of the IBCC Memorial at Canwick Hill, Lincolnshire.

RAAF bomb aimer 403633 FSGT J F Cahill was captured and imprisoned. POW number was 1171, he was in Stalag Lufts L1 and L3.

RAFVR navigator 1382389 SGT C.W Jones was captured and imprisoned. POW number was 1184, he was in Stalag Lufts L1, L6 and L4.

RAAF Wireless Air Gunner 403621 FSGT K.S Murphy was captured and imprisoned. POW number was 1191, he was in Stalag Lufts L1, L4 and L6.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1282544 SGT R.J.T Lester was captured and imprisoned. POW number was 1188, he was in Stalag Lufts L1/L6/L4.

00May43 While serving with 466Sqn the aircraft flew a total of four non-operational and 12 operational missions.

001Jun43 The aircraft was struck off charge. Total accumulated flying time of 95 hours 45 minutes.

MS494

00Apr43 Vickers Type 423 Wellington B Mk.X Serial MS494 was the 25th of 27 Mk.X aircraft manufactured to contract B.92439/40 in the Serial Range MS470 to MS496. Built by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd in their Chester (Hawarden) factory. Fitted with two 1,650 hp (1,230 kW) Hercules VI 14-cylinder twin-row radial aircraft engines.

00Apr43 Received for acceptance checks by No.48 MU at RAF Harwarden.

00Apr43 Allocated to No.466 Sqn RAAF at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire

14Apr43 Aircraft taken on charge with 466Sqn and issued to B Flt as HD-W

18Apr43 SGT W.R Martin and crew flew an Acceptance Test Flight.

21Apr43 1st Operational Mission SGT L.O.H Upjohn and crew departed Leconfield at 1231hrs with two other aircraft for a SAR Mission for a missing Beaufighter crew in the North Sea.

26Apr43 2nd Operational Mission SGT L.O.H Upjohn and crew departed Leconfield at 0024hrs with 13 other 466Sqn Wellingtons and joined with 547 bombers of the main stream force to attack Duisburg. Crew bombed assigned target at 0233hrs from 14,000ft then returned safely to base at 0528hrs.

30Apr43 the aircraft flew one non-operational and three operational missions in April.

29May43 8th Operational Mission SGT L.O.H Upjohn and crew departed Leconfield at 2221hrs and joined with 719 other bombers of the main stream to attack Wuppertal. When approaching the town of Limburg [Holland] the aircraft was attacked and shot down by a Do217 night fighter and crashed 12km North East of Roermond.

RAAF pilot 411972 SGT L.O.H Upjohn baled out and made a POW in Camps L6 & 357 with POW No.43.

RAF Observer SGT W.V Garfield baled out and made a POW in Camps 4B with POW No.222512.

RAF Navigator SGT J. Paterson baled out and made a POW in Camps L6 & 357 with POW No.223.

RAF WAG SGT R.A Napier baled out and made a POW in Camps L6 & 357 with POW No.40.

RAFVR Air Gunner 1023216 FLGOFF Francis Hay DFM was killed in the attack and is buried in Section 24, Grave B.8 of the Jonkerbos War Cemetery near Nijmegen, Holland.

MS494 final flight to Wuppertal May1943

31May43 the aircraft flew three non-operational and eight operational missions with 466Sqn.

01Jun43 Aircraft struck off charge. Total accrued flying time of 71 hrs 50 min.

SPY 2020-12-16

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