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Halifax (Total: 6178 Canadian: 2365 Group: 0)
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Handley Page Halifax

(RAF Photo, 1942)(Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page)A Royal Air Force Handley Page Halifax Mk. II Series I (Serial No. W7676), coded TL-P, of No. 35 Squadron, RAF, based at Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire in the UK, being piloted by Flight Lieutenant Reginald Lane, (later Lieutenant-General, RCAF), over the English countryside. Flt Lt Lane and his crew flew twelve operations in W7676, which failed to return from a raid on Nuremberg on the night of 28/29 August 1942, when it was being flown by Flt Sgt D. John and crew.

The Handley Page Halifax is a British Royal Air Force (RAF) four-engined heavy bomber of the Second World War. It was developed by Handley Page to the same specification as the contemporary twin-engine Avro Manchester.

The Halifax has its origins in the twin-engine HP56 proposal of the late 1930s, produced in response to the British Air Ministry's Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use." The HP56 was ordered as a backup to the Avro 679, both aircraft being designed to use the underperforming Rolls-Royce Vulture engine. The Handley Page design was altered at the Ministry to a four-engine arrangement powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine; the rival Avro 679 was produced as the twin-engine Avro Manchester which, while regarded as unsuccessful mainly due to the Vulture engine, was a direct predecessor of the famed Avro Lancaster. Both the Lancaster and the Halifax would emerge as capable four-engined strategic bombers, thousands of which would be built and operated by the RAF and several other services during the War.

On 25 October 1939, the Halifax performed its maiden flight, and it entered service with the RAF on 13 November 1940. It quickly became a major component of Bomber Command, performing routine strategic bombing missions against the Axis Powers, many of them at night. Arthur Harris, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Bomber Command, described the Halifax as inferior to the rival Lancaster (in part due to its smaller payload) though this opinion was not shared by many of the crews that flew it, particularly for the MkIII variant. Nevertheless, production of the Halifax continued until April 1945. During their service with Bomber Command, Halifaxes flew a total of 82,773 operations and dropped 224,207 tons of bombs, while 1,833 aircraft were lost. The Halifax was also flown in large numbers by other Allied and Commonwealth nations, such as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Free French Air Force and Polish forces. Wikipedia

YouTube Halifax Heavy Bomber WWII

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Wkikpedia Wikipedia Halifax Bomber

Museum National Air Force Museum of Canada

last update: 2023-12-08 20:34:11

Halifax BB189

s/n
 BB189
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1427; 76; 158; 1658

Drift landed at Riccall and undercarriage collapsed. Ex. ops 30.3.43
1427 Flt/76/158/1658 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB201

s/n
 BB201
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 10; 1664

Ditched while on operations 22.6.42
Unit 10
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB203

s/n
 BB203
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 35; 158

Stalled on approach to East Moor and crashed and burnt at Manor Farm, Farlington 16.7.42
35/158 Conversion Flight
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-July-16 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer Harry Ward Williamson 2021-08-22

Halifax BB204

s/n
 BB204
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 103

Failed to Return, Saarbrucken 29.8.42
Unit 103
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-August-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert Lloyd Telfer 2023-08-09

Halifax BB205

s/n
 BB205
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 158

Ditched on Return from operations in Bremen 14.9.42 Chorley - aircraft shot down over Leeuwarden, the Netherlands and all crew taken POW

last update: 2024-September-22
1942-September-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Clarence Albert Hunt 2021-07-23
1942-September-14 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant LeRoy John Soper 2023-08-08

Halifax BB207

s/n
 BB207
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 158; 10

Failed To Return, Flensburg 2.10.42
158/10
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-October-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alexander Mackenzie Mowbray 2021-08-16

Halifax BB208

s/n
 BB208
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 158;1659

Crashed near Topcliffe and burnt. Non ops 9.7.43
158/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-July-09 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Howard Durnin 2024-06-27
1943-July-09 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth George House DFC 2021-05-22
1943-July-09 Survived RCAF Flying Officer F A Pope 2021-05-22
1943-July-09 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Lloyd Schmidt 2021-05-22

Halifax BB210

s/n
 BB210
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

Crashed 2 miles south of Rufforth after engine failure 15.9.43
405/1659 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB211

s/n
 BB211
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 102

Failed to Return, Osnabruck, 10.8.42
Unit 102
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-August-10 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Howard Conroy Jones 2021-07-23
1942-August-10 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Frederick Long 2023-09-05
1942-August-10 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Murray Lorne McCarthy 2021-08-17

Halifax BB212

s/n
 BB212
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Topcliffe, Halifax II aircraft BB 212 LQ-P was damaged by flak over the target of Dusseldorf, Germany, 10/11 September 1942. resulting in the pilot, Flight Sergeant Webb (RCAF), losing control and altitude. He ordered his crew to bale, then regained control and continued to fly. Sadly, Flight Sergeant JC Scotten (RCAF) and Flight Sergeant VR French (RAFVR)(Nfld) had already baled out over enemy territory before Flight Sergeant Webb regained control and were both killed due to parachute malfunction. The aircraft returned to England but the flaps were not lowered fully during the landing at RAF Topcliffe, Yorkshire and the aircraft swung off the runway, colliding with a parked 419 Sqn Wellington III BJ887 VR-H (which was written off) killing wireless operator air gunner, FS AT Drennan (RCAF) and injuring Flight Sergeant WM Webb (RCAF), Flight Sergeant EE Gervais (RCAF), Flight Sergeant JM Rankin (RCAF) and Flight Sergeant GE Mitchell (RAF)

Still with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF at Topcliffe, UK, coded LQ*U. Shot down by night fighter during attack on Stuttgart 11/12 March 1943. Shot down at 17,000 feet by an Me 110, prior to reaching target. 6 crew POW, 1 fatality.

last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1942-09-10 to 1942-09-11

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Topcliffe

405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Topcliffe. Halifax BII aircraft BB 212 LQ-P was damaged by flak over Dusseldorf, Germany, resulting in the pilot, Sergeant Webb, losing control and altitude. He ordered his crew to bail, then regained control and continued to fly. Rear Air Gunner Sergeant Scotten (RCAF) and Mid-Upper Air-Gunner Sergeant French (RAFVR) had already bailed out over enemy territory before Webb regained control and were killed due to parachute malfunction. The aircraft returned to England but the flaps were not lowered fully during the landing at RAF Topcliffe, Yorkshire and the aircraft swung off the runway, colliding with a parked 419 Squadron Wellington III BJ887 VR-H (which was written off) killing Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner, Sergeant AT Drennan (RCAF) and injuring Sergeant WM Webb (RCAF), Sergeant EE Gervais (RCAF), Sergeant JM Rankin (RCAF) and Sergeant GE Mitchell (RAFVR)

The aircraft was later repaired and returned to operations, only to be shot down by a night fighter March 11-12, 1943, on an operation against targets in Stuttgart, Germany

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Aircraft accidents in Yorkshire


Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1943-03-11 to 1943-03-12

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Topcliffe

405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Halifax BII aircraft BB 212 LQ-U lost on bombing mission against targets in Stuttgart, Germany, shot down by a night fighter pilot Lt Johannes Engels of the 10/NJG 4, flying a Bf 110 F-4 from Mainz-Finthen airfield. The Halifax was attacked before reaching target. The Rear Air-Gunner Sergeant R Moore (RAFVR) was killed in action but the remaining crew bailed before the aircraft crashed at Altneudorf, 10 km NE of Heidelberg, Germany The surviving crew members, Flight Lieutenant GT Chretein DFM (RCAF), Sergeant AC Collin (RCAF), Flying Officer GT Carlon DFM (RCAF), Flying Officer JS Probert (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class HG Reynolds (RCAF) and Warrant Officer 1st Class AE Danes (RCAF) all survived to be taken as Prisoners of War

There were three other 405 Squadron Halifax II bombers lost on this date on this operation. Please see aircraft serials DT 745 LQ-V, BB 250 LQ-E and Shockley and W 7803 LQ-B for further information on these aircraft and crews

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General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Daily Operations 6bombergroup.ca


1942-September-11 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alfred Thomas Drennan 2023-04-11
1942-September-11 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Victor Raymond French 2023-04-06
1942-September-11 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Emile Gervais 2023-04-11
1942-September-11 Survived RAFVR Sergeant GE Mitchell 2023-04-11
1942-September-11 Survived RCAF Sergeant John Maxwell Rankin 2023-04-11
1942-September-11 KIA RCAF Sergeant Jack Clarence Scotten 2023-04-06
1942-September-11 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer William Miskimon Webb 2023-04-11
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Edward Carlon DFM 2024-01-04
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant George Theodore Chretien DFM 2024-02-17
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Sergeant Arthur Cyril Collin 2024-03-20
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Arthur Ernest Danes 2024-08-27
1943-March-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Moore 2023-04-06
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Flying Officer John Scott Probert 2023-04-11
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Harold George Reynolds 2023-04-11

Halifax BB214

s/n
 BB214
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 103

Failed To Return, Nurnberg, 29.8.42
Unit 103
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Joseph Carey 2024-08-08
1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Vincent Merrill Macdonald Morrison 2021-08-16

Halifax BB215

s/n
 BB215
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Overshot runway at Penrhos in bad weather and hit Anson serial N5377 11.12.42
Unit 405
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB216

s/n
 BB216
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*D" Lost at 23:58 on 1 September 1942, during mission to Saarbruken. Port outer engine caught fire shortly after takeoff from Topcliffe. Wing failed structurally while crossing the UK coast. Crew ordered to bail out. 2 lannded in sea, presumed drowned, 2 others killed, 3 survivors. Pilot F/Sgt. N.A. MacKenzie died in crash, never had time to bail out. Dived into the ground at Chapel St. Leonards, 5 miles north-north-west of of Skegness, Lincolnshire
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Saarbrucken Germany 1942-09-01 to 1942-09-02

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Topcliffe
With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ-D" Lost at 23:58 on 1 September 1942, during mission to Saarbruken. Port outer engine caught fire shortly after takeoff from Topcliffe. Wing failed structurally while crossing the UK coast. Crew ordered to bail out. 2 lannded in sea, presumed drowned, 2 others killed, 3 survivors. Pilot F/Sgt. N.A. MacKenzie died in crash, never had time to bail out. Dived into the ground at Chapel St. Leonards, 5 miles north-north-west of of Skegness, Lincolnshire

1942-September-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Louis Donald Dawdy 2024-10-03
1942-September-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clarence Gordon Eagles 2024-10-31
1942-September-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Norman Angus Mackenzie 2024-10-31
1942-September-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harold Stone 2024-10-31

Halifax BB217

s/n
 BB217
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1652; 1666; 1656

Struck off charge 11.1.45
Unit 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit/ 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit

On 1944-06-29, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with 1664/1679 HCU at Wombleton, wrote in his diary:

"Had another accident today when a pilot was taxying "G" George (BB217) along the perimeter track too fast. It got out of control & started to swing & with the port break on so hot it caught fire & ploughed straight for the flying control building. Then it veered slightly & hit a large brick garage just behind the flying control building. It completely demolished the building but only did comparatively light damage to the a/c & made it a Cat AC."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB219

s/n
 BB219
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 103;78;158;1659

Groundlooped on landing at Topcliffe and undercarriage collapsed 12.5.43
103/78/158/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB223

s/n
 BB223
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 103; 51

Failed To Return, Berlin, 2.3.43
Unit 103/51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Colangelo 2024-03-13

Halifax BB236

s/n
 BB236
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 78

Failed To Return, Flensburg 2.10.42
Unit 78
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-October-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Hammond Carrick 2021-07-28
1942-October-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Menhennick Gillies 2021-08-07

Halifax BB242

s/n
 BB242
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed To Return, Mannheim. Crashed at Bar Hale Duc, France. 7.12.42
Unit 76
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-December-07 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Robert Law Macdonald 2024-11-06

Halifax BB244

s/n
 BB244
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 78; 51

Failed To Return, Berlin, 30.3 .43
Units 77/78/51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Jack Paton Young 2021-05-29

Halifax BB247

s/n
 BB247
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 78; 1659

With No. 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit, 6 Group, when it crashed on 2 May 1944. Climbed too steeply on takeoff from Topcliffe, stalled and dived into the ground.
Unit 77/78/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-May-02 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Harry Astrand 2024-09-12
1944-May-02 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Herbert Russell Davies 2024-09-12
1944-May-02 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Edward John Donnelly 2024-09-12
1944-May-02 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John Lockwood McKinnon 2024-09-12
1944-May-02 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William Alexander Pope 2024-09-12
1944-May-02 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Malcolm Thomas Seabrook 2024-09-12

Halifax BB248

s/n
 BB248
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 10; 1658; 1659

Undercarriage collapsed on landing at Topcliffe after fighter affiliation training 15.5.44
Unit 77/10/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB249

s/n
 BB249
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 10; 158 ;102

Failed To Return Gelsenkirchen, 10.7.43
10/158/102
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-July-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ronald Frank Glass 2023-08-26

Halifax BB250

s/n
 BB250
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, from Topcliffe, UK, coded "LQ*E", when lost. Shot down by night fighter during attack on Stuttgart, 11 / 12 March 1943. Was home bound at 15,000 feet when attacked. Crashed at Mondrepuis, 20 kilometres north-north-east of Vervins, France. 2 fatalities, one POW, 5 crew members evaded.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1943-03-11 to 1943-03-12

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Topcliffe

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Topcliffe, Halifax II BB 250 LQ-E was shot down in flames by night fighter pilot Oblt Heinz-Wilhelm Kornacker of III/NJG4 over France while homeward bound from Stuttgart, Germany. The Halifax was abandoned and crashed at Mondepuis, France

There were three other 405 Squadron Halifax II aircraft lost this night. Please see Shockley, H for information regarding the Halifax W 7803 LQ-B, Chretein, GT for information on Halifax BB 212 LQ-U and Dmytruk, P for information on Halifax DT 745 LQ-V

General France-Crashes 39-45

Those who dared - A Comprehensive List of World War ll Allied Escapers

1943-March-12 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Elmer Leigh Bulman MM 2024-10-13
1943-March-12 Evader RCAF Pilot Officer Borden Carrick Dennison DFC 2024-10-13
1943-March-12 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Jack Jennings DFC 2024-10-13
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Ronald Frank Kennett 2024-10-13
1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Sergeant Emanuel George Lacina 2024-10-13
1943-March-12 Evader RCAF Acting Squadron Leader Lloyd Emerson Logan DFC, Croix de Guerre Silver Star France 2023-11-11
1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Gray MacDonald 2024-10-13
1943-March-12 Evader RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon L Spencer 2024-10-13

Halifax BB251

s/n
 BB251
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659

With No. 1659 HCU when it landed off the runway in the rain and was destroyed when it collided with Halifax LK991 of 431 Squadron while landing at Topcliffe. (Halifax file says at Croft) 21.12.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB252

s/n
 BB252
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 10

Failed to Return, Mining 9.1.43
Unit 77/10
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-January-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Brian Fetherstonhaugh 2021-08-06
1943-January-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clement Lawrence Clifford King 2021-08-12
1943-January-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Wilmer Smith 2021-07-26
1943-January-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arthur William Wilson 2022-01-11

Halifax BB253

s/n
 BB253
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 51; 1658; 1666

Struck off charge 1.11.43
Unit 51/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB254

s/n
 BB254
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1656

Lost height and hit the trees after the pilot raised the flaps instead of the undercarriage (raising flaps near the ground can cause decrease in altitude). Burnt. 20.11.44
1656 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-November-20 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Michael Arnold Gleason 2021-08-07

Halifax BB257

s/n
 BB257
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 58

Failed To Return A.S. sweep 1.6.43
Unit 58
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-01 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Roy Bickerton 2023-08-20
1943-June-01 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Lawrence Edward Daw 2024-10-31
1943-June-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jack Alexander Thain 2021-07-20

Halifax BB274

s/n
 BB274
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659

Undercarriage damaged in heavy landing at Topcliffe during circuit and landings 16.5.44
1659 Heavy Conversion Group
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB275

s/n
 BB275
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659

Crashed near Holyhead, Wales while on flying exercise 1.2.43
1659 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Gaspard Arsenault 2024-11-03
1943-February-01 KIFA RCAF Sergeant John Louis Boivin 2020-09-22
1943-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Clayton Carder 2024-01-04
1943-February-01 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Harvey Frank Gorrie 2021-02-22
1943-February-01 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Peder Larsen 2021-02-22

Halifax BB278

s/n
 BB278
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 58; 1674

Crashed in Moricambe Bay, near Kirkbride, 14.2.44
Telecommunications Flying Unit/58/1674 heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-February-14 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Paul Alfred Olson 2021-08-18
1944-February-14 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Joseph Mary Edmund Peltier 2021-08-16

Halifax BB281

s/n
 BB281
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 138

Missing on SOE operations either near Brno or Poland 15.3.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-15 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Douglas Clark Lisson 2024-06-05
1943-March-15 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Maurice Tellier Peter Myers 2024-06-22

Halifax BB282

s/n
 BB282
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1658; 76

Failed to Return, Essen, 6.3.43
1658 Heavy Conversion Group/76
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest John Fry 2021-08-06
1943-March-06 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Clifford Arthur Milan 2023-07-13
1943-March-06 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Russell Benson Van Buren 2022-01-14

Halifax BB283

s/n
 BB283
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

With No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*O". Slightly damaged by fighter attack during mission to Wilhelmshaven, 24/25 February 1943. Failed to return from mission to St. Nazaire, France on 28/29 March 1943. Shot down near Nantes. All crew missing.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-March-29 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to St. Nazaire, France. All crew missing. 2023-07-26

Combat Saint-Nazaire France 1943-03-28 to 1943-03-29

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF)

Battle of the Ruhr

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Halifax aircraft BB 283 went down near Escoublac-La-Baule during operations over St Nazaire, France.

RAF Sergeants Ansley and WJS Boyd were also killed.


1943-March-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Francis Beckett 2023-10-22
1943-March-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant Charles St Clair Foster 2023-10-22
1943-March-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant Joseph John Goldspink 2023-10-22
1943-March-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Gerald McGrath 2023-10-22
1943-March-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Roderic Murray McLeod 2023-10-22

Halifax BB285

s/n
 BB285
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1652

Crashed into Spofforth sewage works near Wetherby, Yorks and burnt 24.7.43
1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-July-24 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Jean Duclos 2024-10-29

Halifax BB303

s/n
 BB303
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1650; 1659

Crashed and burned during three engine practice flying, 1 mile Northwest of Danby Wiske, Yorks, 10.3.44
1660 Heavy Conversion Unit/ 1659 HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB305

s/n
 BB305
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1660; 1659

Force landed in field 1/2 mile south of Little Ouseburn, Yorks, after engine fire 24.3.44
1660 Heavy Conversion Unit/1659HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB310

s/n
 BB310
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 502; 1OTU; 1674

Flew into a hillside at Gt Dun Fell, 10 miles east of Penrith, Cumberland 12.4.44
Unit 502/1Operational Training Unit/1674 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-April-12 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Pess 2021-09-29
1944-April-12 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Stanley Seabrook 2021-10-02
1944-April-12 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Paul Bevens Stevens 2022-01-03
1944-April-12 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Dean Walter Swedberg 2021-10-02

Halifax BB311

s/n
 BB311
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*L". Shot down by night fighter during mission to Stuttgart, 14/15 April 1943 (according to "Halifax File, it was the 16th). Shot down by a night fighter (possibly flown by Lt. Helmut Bergmann of Stab.III/NJG4) on the homeward trip and crashed at Montescourt-Lizerolles (near Aisne), France. 6 crew POW, 1 fatality
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1943-04-14 to 1943-04-15

408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming

408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax BII aircraft BB 311 EQ-L, was attacked by Me-110, knocking out one engine, then attacked again 30 minutes later returning from an operation against targets in Stuttgart, Germany. The Halifax was shot down by night fighter pilot Leutnant Helmut Bergmann of the Stab 3/NJG 4, flying a Bf 110 from Juvincourt airfield. The crew abandoned aircraft, before it crashed near Montescourt-Lizerolles, France

Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Sergeant JJ Courtney (RAFVR) was killed in action

The remainder of the crew, Warrant Officer 1st Class RE Dressler (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant RH Jay (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class IR MacDonald (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant GM Parkinson (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class W Reed (RCAF) and Flight Lieutenant LE Usher (RCAF)(USA) all survived and were taken as Prisoners of War

There were two 408 Squadron Halifax II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial JB 909 EQ-G for additional information on this crew

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Aviation Safety Network

General Search for France-Crashes 39-45

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1943-April-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Joseph Courtney 2024-05-05
1943-April-15 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Robert Ernest Dressler 2024-10-28
1943-April-15 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Raymond Harry Jay 2023-05-23
1943-April-15 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Ian Ross MacDonald 2023-05-23
1943-April-15 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Grenville Marshall Parkinson 2023-05-23
1943-April-15 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Walter Reed 2023-09-26
1943-April-15 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Leland Ellis Usher 2023-05-23

Halifax BB314

s/n
 BB314
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 502

Failed To Return, convoy escort, 22.3.43
Unit 502
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Stanley Ellam 2021-06-06
1943-March-22 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Peter Shmigelsky 2021-07-30

Halifax BB317

s/n
 BB317
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 138

Missing On Operations 20.9.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-September-20 PoW RCAF Sergeant Lyman Abbott Wilson 2023-08-19

Halifax BB320

s/n
 BB320
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 35; 102; 1662; 1656

Crashed in Blakely Lane, Kingsley, Staffs, and burnt. 7.2.44
35/102/1662 Heavy Conversion Unit/1656 HCU
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-February-07 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Hubert Lloyd Kerr 2021-08-12

Halifax BB323

s/n
 BB323
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

With No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*R". Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Attacked Wuppertal 29/30 May 1943. Bombed Bochum on 12/13 June 1943. Had 2 encounters with night fighters on return trip, claiming a Ju 88 destroyed at 02:20 over Holland. Crew claimed a Fw190 shot down during raid on Krefeld on 21/22 June 1943. Shot down by night fighter during attack on Aachen on 13 / 14 July 1943. Crew bailed out, crashed near Venlo (Limburg), Holland. 6 crew POW, 1 fatality.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Aachen Germany 1943-07-13 to 1943-07-14

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

374 aircraft - 214 Halifaxes, 76 Wellingtons, 55 Stirlings, 18 Lancasters, 11 Mos-quitoes; 5 Group did not take part in this raid. 20 aircraft+ 15 Halifaxes, 2 Lancasters, 2 Wellingtons, 1 Stirling - lost, 5·3 per cent of the force

.

A strong tail wind brought the first waves of the Main Force into the target area before Zero Hour with the result that, when the first Pathfinder markers were released, an unusually large number of aircraft bombed in the first minutes of the raid. The visibility was good and large areas of Aachen appeared to burst into flame at once. In the words of the report from Aachen, 'A 'Terrorangriff" of the most severe scale was delivered.'* 2,927 individual buildings were destroyed. These contained 16,828 flats/apartments and there was the familiar list of public and cultural buildings hit. Among those classed as severely damaged were the cathedral, the Rathaus, the town theatre, the police headquarters, the local prison, the main post office, two infantry barracks and an army food depot, and 8 large industrial premises including an aero-engine factory, a rubber factory, a tyre factory and a wagon works. 294 people were killed and 745 injured and 28,500 people appear to have fled the town and were still absent when new ration cards were issued nearly 7 weeks later.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George, Halifax II aircraft BB 323 VR-R "per Flak ad Nausium", on a raid to Aachen, Germany was shot down by night fighter pilot Leutnant Heinz Strüning of the 3/NJG 1, flying a Bf 110 G-4 from Venlo airfield., Netherlands. The Halifax was abandoned, badly damaged and on fire, crashing near Venlo, Limburg, Holland


1943-July-14 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant William Charles Batkin 2024-11-09
1943-July-14 PoW RAF Sergeant James Shaw Carmichael 2024-01-05
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Murray Cottenden 2024-04-29
1943-July-14 PoW USAAF Second Lieutenant Bertram J Furey 2022-11-16
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John Campbell Gilchrist 2022-11-16
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Lasalle 2022-11-16
1943-July-14 PoW RAF Sergeant Gilbert Colin Perrett 2022-11-16

Halifax BB324

s/n
 BB324
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 76; 10

Failed To Return, Mulheim, 23.6.43
Unit 76/10
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Franklin Karl Crowe 2024-05-21
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Timothy Leo Macaskill 2021-08-16

Halifax BB326

s/n
 BB326
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659

Crashed into Bobbington village,Staffs, after takeoff from Halfpenny Green and burnt 12.11.43
1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-November-12 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Francis Newton Salisbury Fearneley 2021-08-06
1943-November-12 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer George Keith Patman 2021-08-18
1943-November-12 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Keith Douglas Ross 2021-08-06

Halifax BB327

s/n
 BB327
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

With No. 419 Squadron, RCAF at Middleton St. George, coded "VR*Q". Failed to return from mission to Duisburg, 8/9 April 1943. Crashed near Bochum. 1 crew POW, 6 fatalities.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-09 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Duisberg. 1 crew POW, 6 fatalities. 2019-08-20

Bombing Duisburg Germany 1943-04-08 to 1943-04-09

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

392 aircraft - 156 Lancasters, 97 Wellingtons, 73 Halifaxes, 56 Stirlings, ro Mos¬quitoes. 19 aircraft - 7 Wellingtons, 6 Lancasters, 3 Halifaxes, 3 Stirlings - lost, 4·8 per cent of the force

.

Thick cloud again ruined the Pathfinder marking and the resultant bombing was widely scattered. Duisburg experienced only moderate damage, with 40 buildings destroyed, 72 seriously damaged and 36 people killed. Bombs fell on at least 15 other towns in the Ruhr

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

Fight Sergeant.D.C. Way, Sergeants P.J. Ireland, J.H. Morris, NO. A.R. Hickey, Sergeants R.J. Amos (RAF), and K.H. Godbold (RAF) were killed. One Canadian,Warrant Officer L.E. Turner, was taken Prisoner of War. This was the fourth operation for this crew.


1943-April-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Reginald Hickey 2022-11-14
1943-April-09 KIA RCAF Sergeant Percy John Ireland 2022-10-28
1943-April-09 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Hubert Morris 2022-10-28
1943-April-09 PoW RCAF Sergeant Laverne Elmer Turner 2023-08-14
1943-April-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Delmar Cyril Way 2022-10-28

Halifax BB328

s/n
 BB328
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 138

Missing On Operations 12.5.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-May-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Patrick Keating 2024-02-06

Halifax BB332

s/n
 BB332
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

With No. 408 Squadron, RCAF at Leeming, coded "EQ*H". Hit by flak near Hannover on mission to Berlin, 27/28 March 1943. Both port engines damaged, holes in fuel tanks. Crew bailed out over Sweden, repatriated in April 1943. Plane came down near Blidberg, Sweden. Also shot up by enemy aircraft per "The Halifax File"
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-28 Interned RCAF Sergeant Franklin Wallis Grant 2021-06-08
1943-March-28 Interned RCAF Sergeant Harold L Grayson 2021-06-08
1943-March-28 Interned RCAF Sergeant Robert Hall 2021-06-08
1943-March-28 Interned RCAF Sergeant Alois G Sieben 2021-06-08

Halifax BB334

s/n
 BB334
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;138; 408

missing on Operations 13.8.43
Unit 138/405/408
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-August-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Donald Alexander Joseph Cameron 2023-12-05
1943-August-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Allan Gerald Foster 2023-10-18
1943-August-12 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class R A Scott 2023-09-29

Halifax BB336

s/n
 BB336
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405; 408

With No. 408 Squadron, RCAF at Leeming, coded "EQ*O". Struck by flak on mission to Kiel on 4/5 April 1943, exploded over the sea. One crew POW after being blown on shore in parachute, remaining 6 killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant John Baillie Darroch 2024-10-31
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Edward Gerard Gilmore DFC 2021-11-06
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Maxwell Palmer Hall 2021-07-14
1943-April-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth William Haynes 2021-07-14
1943-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Potter George Oyler 2021-07-14
1943-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant James William Taylor Mason Smith DFM 2021-07-14
1943-April-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Russell Thomas Wiggett 2021-09-02

Halifax BB343

s/n
 BB343
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

With No. 408 Squadron, RCAF at Leeming, coded "EQ*X". Failed to return from mission to Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943, crashed near Liesse, 12 kilometers north-east of Laon, France. All crew killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-17 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Pilsen. All crew killed. 2019-08-20
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold Walter Fill 2023-12-15
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Jacques Alfred Guay 2023-12-15
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lloyd George Haines 2023-12-15
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Irving MacDonald 2023-12-15
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Francois Rolland Joseph Pilon 2023-12-15

Halifax BB361

s/n
 BB361
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 35

Possibly Failed to Return, Krefeld 22.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Wesley Andrews 2024-11-02
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Neil Thomas Macaulay 2021-08-16

Halifax BB367

s/n
 BB367
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

Undercarriage collapsed at landing at Chaddington 19.1.45
Navigation Training Unit/405/1669 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB369

s/n
 BB369
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405; 1664

Struck off charge 6.6.45
Navigation training Unit/405/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB372

s/n
 BB372
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 35; 102; 1652; 405

Overshot USAAF Molesworth after engine fire on ops; crashed at Andrews Farm, Holton and burnt out. 17.9.44
405/35/102/1652 Heavy Conversion Group
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB373

s/n
 BB373
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405; 78

Collided with Halifax JB874 at Breighton and burnt, ops. 28.8.43
Unit 405/78
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB374

s/n
 BB374
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1658; 405

Collided with Halifax DG297 at approx 52.47N 04.41 West, Aircraft missing 29.4.44
405/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB375

s/n
 BB375
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

With No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*T". Shot down by night fighter during attack on Krefeld on 21/22 June 1943. 5 fatalities, 2 POW. Parts of wreckage recovered from Lop river near Lopik, Holland in 1945, used to build memorial to crew (see http://www.a1.nl/nfla/BB375.html).
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Peter Dockerill 2024-10-23
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Gordon Mitchel McLean 2024-10-23
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Earl Monahan 2024-10-23
1943-June-22 PoW RCAF Sergeant George Iric Prodham 2024-10-23
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clifford Clarence Reichert 2024-10-23
1943-June-22 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant J C B Russell 2024-10-23
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Searle 2024-10-23

Halifax BB376

s/n
 BB376
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*G". Attacked Duisburg on 12/13 May 1943. Attacked by unidentified aircraft but returned to base. Failed to return from mission to Bochum on 29/30 September 1943. Lost without a trace, all crew killed. Reported by Dutch sources to have come down in the North Sea, 6 kilometres north-west of Den Helder.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-28 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Hannover, all crew killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Bochum Germany 1943-09-29 to 1943-09-30

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of Berlin

352 aircraft - 213 Lancasters, 130 Halifaxes, 9 Mosquitoes. 9 aircraft - 5 Halifaxes and 4 Lancasters - lost, 2·6 per cent of the force.

The Oboe-assisted Pathfinder plan worked perfectly and led to accurate and concentrated bombing. In the Bochum air-raid area - which included 3 small towns near by- 527 houses were destroyed and 742 were seriously damaged. The Altstadt is mentioned as having been particularly hard-hit. 161 people were killed, including 33 foreign workers and prisoners of war, and 337 people were injured.

Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*G". . Failed to return from mission to Bochum on 29/30 September 1943. Lost without a trace, all crew killed. Reported by Dutch sources to have come down in the North Sea, 6 kilometres north-west of Den Helder.


1943-September-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edwin Mills Cockin 2024-03-09
1943-September-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Edward Donaldson 2024-10-26
1943-September-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Douglas Miller 2022-11-28
1943-September-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Ritchie Symons 2022-11-28

Halifax BB378

s/n
 BB378
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 138

Force-landed in Denmark after being hit by Bf-110 while on ops 11.12.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-December-11 Evader RCAF Flying Officer C W Fry 2021-05-18

Halifax BB382

s/n
 BB382
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 178; 462; 614

Failed to Return, Sofia, 16.3.44
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Group/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/178/462/614
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Henry Calvin Chambers Read 2021-08-10
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Leonard Smith 2021-07-28

Halifax BB384

s/n
 BB384
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 409; 419

Served with No. 409 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*L". Diverted to Dinsdale due to low fuel after raid on Dortmund on 23/24 May 1943. Crash landed 2 miles from airfield at Middleton, St George after running out of fuel, no injuries. "Halifax Files" states this was 419 Squadron, rather than 409
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-May-24 Accident Crash Crashed, see comments 2019-08-20

Halifax BB386

s/n
 BB386
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 178; 462; 624

Crashed after take-off 5 miles Northwest of Blida 4.3.44
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Group/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/178/462/624
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-March-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Donald Garforth Browne 2023-07-14
1944-March-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Francis Ira Elliott 2023-07-14
1944-March-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Dennis Hazeldine 2023-07-14
1944-March-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class George Thomas Jackson 2023-07-14
1944-March-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Roy Wesley Moller 2023-07-14
1944-March-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Mundell 2023-07-14
1944-March-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harry Alexander Edward Gordon Smith 2023-07-14

Halifax BB390

s/n
 BB390
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659; 1666

Crash landed at 1 mile southeast of Wombleton after both outer engines failed. aircraft burnt 2.1.45
Airplane and Armament Experimental Association/ 1659 Heavy Conversion unit/1666HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax BB412

s/n
 BB412
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 178; 462; 148

Failed to Return, Special Operations Executivemission to Warsaw 12.9.44
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/178/462/148
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Richard Alvinzie Crowell 2024-05-22
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Howard Ireland 2022-01-26
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Ervin O'Brien 2021-08-17
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Miller Parkinson 2021-08-18
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Major Vanderhart 2021-07-22

Halifax BB414

s/n
 BB414
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 178

Failed To Return, Grottaglie 4.9.43
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Group/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/178
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cyril William Gibbs 2021-08-07

Halifax BB417

s/n
 BB417
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 462

Failed to Return, Maritza airfield, Rhodes 12.10.43
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/3 Overseas Aircraft Delivery Unit/ 462
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-October-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Frank Richmond Vincent Nello 2021-08-17

Halifax BB428

s/n
 BB428
m/d
 H.P.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 102

Failed to Return, Koln, 4.7.43
Unit 102
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-July-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Russell Hodgson 2021-08-10

Halifax DG219

s/n
 DG219

Known Squadron Assignments: 460; 1656

Crashed and burnt in circuit at Broadway Stanforth, near Lindholme, probably after a stall 27.5.44
460 Conversion flight/1656 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-May-27 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William Samuel Garland 2021-08-07
1944-May-27 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Gordon Long 2021-02-16

Halifax DG220

s/n
 DG220

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;78;76;1658;1663

Converted to 3651M
Units 78/76/ 76 Conversion Flight/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit/1663HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG222

s/n
 DG222

Known Squadron Assignments: 10

Failed to Return, Torino, 12.12.42
Unit 10
last update: 2024-July-20
1942-December-11 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Leonard Dunlop 2024-10-29
1942-December-11 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Alfred Roger Juneau 2024-03-18
1942-December-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clarence Arthur McRoberts 2024-03-18

Halifax DG224

s/n
 DG224

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Operated by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, when lost on 8 June 1942. On mission to Essen, came down 11 kilometres north-west of centre of Cologne. 7 crew killed, one PoW.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Essen Germany 1942-06-08 to 1942-06-09

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Pocklington
Operated by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, when lost on 8 June 1942. Halifax aircraft DG 224 was carrying bombs, camera, and leaflets when it was shot down, on mission to Essen, came down 11 kilometres north-west of centre of Cologne. 7 crew killed, one PoW.

1942-June-09 KIA RAFVR Reginald Paul Healey 2022-05-31
1942-June-09 KIA RAF Leslie Heycock 2022-05-31
1942-June-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd George Higginson 2022-11-22
1942-June-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ernest Norman Jefferies 2022-07-07
1942-June-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alan James McEwen 2022-07-07
1942-June-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edmund Thomas McGill 2022-07-07
1942-June-09 KIA RCAF Sergeant William John Pethybridge 2022-07-07
1942-June-09 PoW RAF Derek Robert Riches 2022-05-31

Halifax DG225

s/n
 DG225

Known Squadron Assignments: 158

Ditched in sea on return from ops Bremen, 1 mile off of Scarborough, Yorks, short of fuel 26.6.42
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20

Halifax DG226

s/n
 DG226

Known Squadron Assignments: 35;10;158;1658;1652

Port outer engine caught fire after takeoff from Marston Moor, Aircraft turned over and dived into the ground from 1000 feet near Wetherby golf course, Yorks and burnt 24.8.44
Units 35/10 Conversion flight/10/158/1658 Heavy Conversion flight/1652 Heavy Conversion flight
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-August-24 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Emerson Gordon Barrie 2024-11-09
1944-August-24 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Glenn David Welsh Burnie 2021-07-28
1944-August-24 KIFA RCAF Sergeant John Duncan Morrison 2021-08-16
1944-August-24 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clyde Roswell Osborne 2021-08-18

Halifax DG227

s/n
 DG227

Known Squadron Assignments: 35; 158

Failed to Return, Duisberg 14.7.42
Unit 35/158
last update: 2024-July-20
1942-July-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class George Spence Robb 2021-08-08

Halifax DG228

s/n
 DG228

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Failed to Return, Krefeld 3.10.42
Unit 405
last update: 2024-July-20

Bombing Krefeld Germany 1942-10-02 to 1942-10-03

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Topcliffe
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Halifax II aircraft DG 228 LQ-H shot down over Holland by flak of the Marine-Flak-Abteilung 813 (Hoek van Holland), 2/MAA 205 Küstenbatterie Brandenburg and the 1 & 2/Reserve, crashing on Vredebest Farm near Noordwijkerhout (Zuid Holland) 16 km SSW of Haarlem, Netherlands. (aviation-safety.net) The bomber crashed into a farmhouse, killing Alida Hogervorst and injuring her mother Adriana Hogervorst and her brother Wim Hogervorst, who later died of his injuries (www.basher82.nl).

1942-October-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Maxwell Ben-Hertz 2022-11-21
1942-October-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant David George Hackett 2022-11-21
1942-October-03 KIA RAF Sergeant Sidney Messham 2022-11-21
1942-October-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Edward Warren Murphy 2022-11-21
1942-October-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Joseph Neubert 2022-11-21
1942-October-03 KIA RAAF Sergeant George Henry Shannon 2022-11-21
1942-October-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lionel Harry Williams 2022-11-21

Halifax DG231

s/n
 DG231

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 1663

Operated by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, late 1942. Crash at Fention Farm near Haverfordwest, Pembs and burnt after catching fire while on cross country 20.5.44
408/1663 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DG232

s/n
 DG232

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Written off after following heavy landing while on circuits and landings 4.5.44
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG233

s/n
 DG233

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659;408;518;517

Operated by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, late 1942. Struck off Record 15.6.45
Units 408/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/408/518/517
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DG234

s/n
 DG234

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659;1663;76

Landed off runway at Holme-On-Spalding Moor in poor visibility and hit Halifax DK205, 20.11.43
Unit 408/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1663HCU/76/1663HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG235

s/n
 DG235

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659;408;RR;1657

Struck of Charge 1.11.45
Unit 408/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/408/Rolls Royce/1667 HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG236

s/n
 DG236

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 1663; 1667

Abandonned after engine fire, aircraft crashed at Holton, Lincs 29.5.44
Units 408/1663 Heavy conversion unit/1667 HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG237

s/n
 DG237

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 518; 1674

Struck off Charge 5.10.44
Units 408/518/1674 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG238

s/n
 DG238

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Stalled, spun into ground and burnt, 5 miles east of Croft during fighter affiliation 9.11.42
Unit 408
last update: 2024-July-20
1942-November-09 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Ronald George Bell DFM 2021-05-10
1942-November-09 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Philip Malcolm Matthews 2021-05-10

Halifax DG239

s/n
 DG239

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659;1664

Struck off Charge 1.11.45
408/1659 Heavy conversion Unit/1664 HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG240

s/n
 DG240

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 518; 517

Struck off Charge (possibly after accident?) 31.5.45
408/518/517
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG241

s/n
 DG241

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1668;1660;1666;1667

Struck off Charge 1.11.45
408/1668 Heavy conversion Unit/1660HCU/1666HCU/1667HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG242

s/n
 DG242

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Struck off Charge 28.4.45
Unit 408
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG243

s/n
 DG243

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1668;1654;1662;1667

Struck off Charge 1.11.45
408/1668 Heavy Conversion Unit/1654HCU/1662HCU/1667HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG245

s/n
 DG245

Known Squadron Assignments: 161

Failed to Return, Special Operation Executive, Iridium, 15.3.43
Unit 161
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-March-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Winter Taylor DFC & Bar 2024-07-09

Halifax DG246

s/n
 DG246

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 1663

Struck off Charge 17.10.45
408/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG247

s/n
 DG247

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 1664

Groundlooped on landing at Dishforth 8.2.44
Unit 408/ 1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG248

s/n
 DG248

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 1663

Groundlooped on take-off from Rufforth and undercarriage collapsed 29.12.43
Unit 408/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG249

s/n
 DG249

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; Rotol; 1652

Struck off Charge 22.10.46
Unit 408/Rotol/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG252

s/n
 DG252

Known Squadron Assignments: 138

Missing on Operations 20.9.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-20 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Richard Pennington Wilkin MC, DFC, MiD 2021-07-27

Halifax DG253

s/n
 DG253

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;138

Operated by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, late 1942. Approached Tempsford too fast after ops and overshot into bushes. 18.8.43
Unit 408/138
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DG271

s/n
 DG271

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 138

Groundlooped on take-off at Tangmere and wingtip caught the ground 4.2.43
Unit 408/138
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG275

s/n
 DG275

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 1660

Disintegrated in air near Bardney 1.10.43
77/1660 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-October-01 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Haviland Roe 2021-08-08

Halifax DG277

s/n
 DG277

Known Squadron Assignments: 408; 1663

Crashed in bad visibility nearLong Marston, Yorks on approach to rufforth after night bombing exercise 15.8.44
408/1663 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG278

s/n
 DG278

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 1664

Force-landed at Gale Farm 3 miles southwest of Pocklington, non ops, 23.2.44
77/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG280

s/n
 DG280

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Struck off Charge 2.6.45
Units 1664 Heavy conversion unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG282

s/n
 DG282

Known Squadron Assignments: 295; 1664

Crashed in circuit 1/2 mile south of runway #3, Dishforth due to reduced visibility caused by smoke from train. 2.12.43
295/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Conversion 1943-12-01 to 1943-12-02

1664 (B) HCU (RCAF) Croft

On 1943-12-02, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, an Engineering Officer with 427 Sqn at Leeming, wrote in his diary:

"We were supposed to be on again tonight . . . It was scrubbed about 4 o'clock so since some of the gang were going up to a party tonight at Croft I went with them. Met up with all the boys at 1664 again & had a swell time. . . At the party I met Mary again . . It was spoiled somewhat at 10:00 o'clock by a crash. I heard this kite coming in for a landing & flying very low. All of a sudden there was a terrific crash & it pranged just about a hundred yards from the Mess â€" hit a tree and burst into flames. We all went out to see it but it was pretty gruesome & some of the girls were sick so we all went back in again & tried to get the party started again. Five were killed & two were still alive when they dragged them out although they were pretty badly burned. Mary, whose brother-in-law was killed in a crash over at Middleton, started to cry & make a fuss but soon recovered. I caught the taxi to town at 11:15 after detouring into the field around the wreck. It was strewn all over the road and was still burning."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM


1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Henry Benedict Bellew 2021-07-22
1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Sergeant John Harrison Catto 2024-01-20
1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James Arthur Foulston 2021-08-06
1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Peter Ritchie Gray 2021-08-07

Halifax DG285

s/n
 DG285

Known Squadron Assignments: 138; 161

Crashed and burnt, 6 miles south of Rennes, France while on ops 16.1.43 units 138/161.
From aviation Safety Network:
Further information: Operation Ker was an SIS Op. and according to the Provisional Operation Report prepared for the aircraft's return, it was to drop a parcel on at 47 42 05N, 01 49 25W, which is just south of a village called Sion-les-Mines (Loire-Atlantique), some 16 km W of Chateaubriant in Northern France. There were no co-ordinates given for CRAB 6, a container drop. The French underground found the aircraft burned out, south of Rennes. Seven bodies were found in the wreckage, all were interred in the Eastern Communal Cemetery, Rennes on 17th January 1943.
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-January-16 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Harry Sanford Readhead 2023-09-12
1943-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Wallace Roy 2024-02-07

Halifax DG292

s/n
 DG292

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Struck off Charge 9.6.45
Unit 1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG295

s/n
 DG295

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Crashed on bombing range east of Strensall, York, while on exercise 16.3.44
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06
1944-March-16 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Joseph Louis Philippe Denis Carrier 2024-10-21
1944-March-16 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Joseph Jacques Omer Cournoyer RAF Dishforth 2024-05-04
1944-March-16 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Roger Dionne 2024-10-21
1944-March-16 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Alphonse Jean-Paul Normandeau 2024-10-21
1944-March-16 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Romeo Arthur Pelletier 2024-10-21
1944-March-16 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Albin Walld 2024-10-21

Halifax DG296

s/n
 DG296

Known Squadron Assignments: 431;1664;1666

Struck off Charge 1.11.45
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit/431/1664HCU/1666HCU/
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG301

s/n
 DG301

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664; 1662

Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units 1664 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG308

s/n
 DG308

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659; 1664

Overshot on landing at Dishforth and undercarriage collapsed 30.1.44
1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1664HCU
last update: 2024-August-06
1944-January-30 Survived RCAF Squadron Leader Jack Montgomery Bissett DFM, MiD 2024-06-27

Halifax DG339

s/n
 DG339

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664


On 1943-09-09, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, a Technical Officer at Croft, wrote in his diary:

On September 9, during a party celebrating W/C Clark's DFC award, "About 10:30pm the phone rang & it was another prang off the runway â€" a bad one this time . . . The W/C & I jumped in his car right away and raced down to the Aerodrome in the pitch black. It was B for Bear (DG339). According to the pilot's story . . . the S.O (starboard outside) engine started to vibrate . . . and shake the whole aircraft. He was about 100 [feet] at the time . . . made a low circuit, got sort of panicky & brought her in for a belly landing . . . he headed for the grass and just missed a couple of parked aircraft. . . At the first smack he busted up all four props & tore off a few engine cowlings & radiators, then the stbd outer engine fell out on the ground bashing big hole in the wing in passing. This threw the nose up which promptly tore off the tail wheel . . . & incidentally broke the kite's back just aft of the T.E. of the wings. The nose came down again & the port outer engine fell out and she finally came to rest with debris strewn all over the field for about two hundred yards behind it. What a mess. Cat E definitely & fortunately no one was badly hurt."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG340

s/n
 DG340

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664; 1667

Struck off Charge 26.7.45
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit/1667 HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG341

s/n
 DG341

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Groundlooped on landing at Croft and undercarriage collapsed 27.6.43
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit

On 1943-06-27, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, a Technical Officer with 1664 HCU at Croft, wrote in his diary:

"Well we had our first prang today. Nobody hurt but it sure made a mess of the kite. It was a beautiful warm day and at 11:00 hrs this morning, P for Peter was making a regular landing. He started to swerve a little & in correcting for it the pupil and instructor were sort of fighting the controls and they ran off the runway, did a big sweep back across the runway & into a very violent ground loop. Both undercarriages were folded up sideways & were pushed into the wings when it came down on its belly the port wing & port tail fin scraped the ground, the port outer engine fell out of its mounting head-first on to the ground & the tail gave such a swing when she turned so sharply that it broke its back just aft of the L.E. & major spar. A Cat E with a vengeance. One wing was still overlapping the runway so we had to start getting it cleared right away. A lot of our crash equipment isn't here yet so we borrowed some lifting bags from Middleton & some pipe lines from Leeming, came back after lunch and started in. First we picked up the loose engine & carted it off to workshops, then with a little lift under each wing with lifting bags we hooked a bowser . . . to each u/c in turn & pulled them away from the wreckage. Then with a bowser to anchor the tail we started the slow process of small lifts, building up supports & then more lifts until about 10 o'clock at night we got one 4 wheel bogey under the stbd. wing root. It has it laid down [in standard procedures] that they are to go under the engine nacelle but I got the brilliant idea to put them in the new locations & it worked very well. We got the other side up by 10:30 & had her wheeled away to a dispersal by 11:00 o'clock at night after 12 hrs. solid work. We had our meals carted out by truck & were quite satisfied with the job. Now we should be able to get a few spares anyway."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM

1943-06-27 Croft DG341 Flight Lieutenant Ross Dawson 2nd from left


last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG342

s/n
 DG342

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664


On 1943-09-08, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, a Technical Officer with 1664 HCU at Croft, wrote in his diary:

"Q for Queenie DG 342 swerved on landing & tore out the stbd u/c [under carriage] on the ground loop. That seems to be the favourite method around here. It's a cat AC with stbd u/c wing, stbd outer engine, 2 stbd props & the stbd tail fin & rudder all bashed up".

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG343

s/n
 DG343

Known Squadron Assignments: 295; 1664

Crashed 3 miles south of Middleton, Sandberge, Co. Durham and burnt 20.10.43
Units 295/Croft/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06
1943-October-20 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Kenneth Fraser 2022-08-24
1943-October-20 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Albert McGurty 2021-08-17
1943-October-20 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Ellwood Smillie 2022-01-03

Halifax DG346

s/n
 DG346

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Struck off Charge 1.11.45
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit/1 Ferry Unit/48 Maintenance Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG348

s/n
 DG348

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Swung and Groundlooped on landing at Dishforth and undercarriage collapsed 20.7.44
1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG361

s/n
 DG361

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;1664

Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units 434/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG363

s/n
 DG363

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;428;1664

Operated by No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*R". Caught fire at 1500 fee, stalled off steep turn and crashed into the sea 1/2 mile off Scarborough, Yorks, 7.8.44
Unit 427/1664Heavy conversion Unit/428/1664HCU
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-August-07 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Vernon Edward Clark 2024-02-25
1944-August-07 KIFA RCAF Sergeant John William Ellis 2022-01-31
1944-August-07 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Alexander Thomas Gorman 2021-08-07
1944-August-07 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Leslie Arthur Green 2021-08-07
1944-August-07 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Archibald Stewart McTavish 2021-08-17
1944-August-07 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Gwynfryn Morgan 2021-09-23
1944-August-07 KIFA RCAF Sergeant William Lewis Southwick 2021-07-23

Halifax DG385

s/n
 DG385

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;1664

Groundlooped during three engined landing at Dishforth and undercarriage collapsed 19.2.44
Unit 434/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG388

s/n
 DG388

Known Squadron Assignments: 295; 298; 1664

Struck off charge 1.11.45
295/298/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DG390

s/n
 DG390

Known Squadron Assignments: 295

Crashed and burned 2 miles northeast of Sopley, Hants, due to engine failure. 16.5.43
Unit 295
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Melvin Wilson Collins 2024-04-29
1943-May-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald James Smith 2021-07-28

Halifax DG391

s/n
 DG391

Known Squadron Assignments: 295

Missing in transit from UK to Gibralter 21.7.43
Unit 295
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-21 KIA RAFVR Wing Commander Wallace Stanley Barton DFC 2024-11-09

Halifax DG393

s/n
 DG393

Known Squadron Assignments: 295

Crashed on approach to Rabat-Sale after ferry flight. 22.8.43
Unit 295
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Irwin James Clark 2024-02-25

Halifax DG399

s/n
 DG399
inst
 A 424
m/d
 H.P.57

Known Squadron Assignments: RCAF (Canada)

Delivered to Canada as production model by No. 1 Ferry Unit, RAF. Used as teaching aid at the Flight Engineers School at St. Thomas, Ontario. Scrapped at nearby Aylmer, Ontario in 1947, scrap metal shipped to the US by railway.
Units 1663 Heavy conversion Unit/1 Oversea aircraft Preparation Unit/1 Ferry Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-July-17 Classified Instructional A 424 2020-06-13
   1944-July-17 Taken on Strength CA not flown, Instructional only. 2020-06-13
   1947-March-28 Struck off Strength CA 2020-06-13
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 1968 487 | 1968 531

Halifax DG402

s/n
 DG402

Known Squadron Assignments: 1663

Crashed and burnt on high ground at Keys Beck, 1.5 miles west of Low Hill, North York Moors while on training flight 5.9.43
Unit 1663 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-05 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Wallace John Robert Blakeley 2021-07-24
1943-September-05 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Mercer Todd 2021-10-02

Halifax DG405

s/n
 DG405

Known Squadron Assignments: 161

Failed to Return, Special Operations Executive operations, Catarrh (Holland) 23.6.43
Unit 161
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Maynard Hazlett Moore 2021-08-16

Halifax DG420

s/n
 DG420

Known Squadron Assignments: 76; 1663

collided with Halifax R9497 in midaircrashed and burnt at Copmanthorpe, Yorks 19.8.43
1663 Heavy Conversion Unit/76/1663HCU
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-19 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Murray Wallace Bonner 2021-07-27
1943-August-19 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Albert Edward Gilverson 2021-09-27

Halifax DG423

s/n
 DG423

Known Squadron Assignments: 1663; 76

Failed to Return, Duisberg, 27.4.43 Crashed in Amsterdam
1663 Heavy conversion Unit/76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-27 KIA RCAF Sergeant Clifford Clarence Strain 2021-07-27

Halifax DJ980

s/n
 DJ980

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 1664; 1666

struck off charge 1.11.45
Unit 77/1664 Heavy conversion Unit/1666HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DJ982

s/n
 DJ982

Known Squadron Assignments: 77; 1664

Spiralled into a cottage in Northallerton, Yorks, and burnt 21.12.43
77/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06
1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Murray Beatty 2022-01-25
1943-December-02 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant William John Morgan 2022-01-25
1943-December-02 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas John Skyrme 2022-01-25
1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer William John Taylor 2022-01-25
1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Cameron Walker 2022-01-25
1943-December-02 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Wallace 2022-01-25
1943-December-02 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant John Owens Winters 2022-01-25

Halifax DJ988

s/n
 DJ988

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Undercarriage collapsed on landing at Dishforth 31.1.44
1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DJ991

s/n
 DJ991

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

To 4667M 3.44 at 1 Radio School
1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK115

s/n
 DK115

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

On 1943-08-08, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, a Technical Officer with 1664 HCU at Croft, wrote in his diary:

"Sunday seems to be our unlucky day since we flew hard all day & then tonight had our fourth big prang C for Charles DK115. For some reason I haven't been able to find out yet the port u/c folded up just after he had made his landing & he came down on one wing right in the centre of the runway about 5:30 tonight. We had night flying on & scheduled for 11:00pm so it was up to me to get it lifted and cleared in time. Bill Tait & I ordered midnight suppers & set to work with lifting bags and jacks & finally got a bogey under her & towed her away to dispersal by 10:45 just in time because the aircraft were beginning to warm up in preparation for take-off. It damaged the port outer mainplane, aileron and flap, ruined the undercarriage, the port tail rudder & bashed the bottom of the port outer engine. Also two port props. This makes another Cat AC for the contractors to work on & a total of three ganged up in the hanger at the present time."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM

Groundlooped on landing at Dishforth and undercarriage collapsed 29.10.44 1664 Heavy conversion Unit

last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK119

s/n
 DK119

Known Squadron Assignments: 138 ;161

Failed to Return, Special Operations Executive operations, Mistral, 23.7.43
Units 138/161
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-23 Evader RCAF Sergeant R O Hunter 2021-03-02
1943-July-23 Evader RCAF Sergeant Tash John Kanakos 2021-03-02
1943-July-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Louis Max Lavallee 2021-08-13

Halifax DK122

s/n
 DK122

Known Squadron Assignments: 295

Crashed at Damerham, Hants, after releasing glider, 19.5.43
Unit 295
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-20 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Russell Melvin Reisner 2021-10-01

Halifax DK127

s/n
 DK127

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659; 1656


On 1943-04-15, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, a Technical Officer with 1659 HCU at Topcliffe, wrote in his diary:

"Went for my first ride in a Halifax today. DK127, G one of our new Mk V kites with Merlin XXII engines & with only 5 hours of flying time. It sure is a smooth kite. Squadron Leader Langton was the pilot, I was flight engineer & did the starting operation of fuel cocks & temperature adjustments. Two pilots â€" Clark and Ross were the mid-upper and rear gunners although neither had ever operated a turret or fired a gun before. What a crew,; it certainly would have been funny if we had met up with a Jerry FW190 or something since I imagine our goose would have been cooked."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM




Force landed at Wrexham after failure of both port engines 30.3.44
1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1656 HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK129

s/n
 DK129

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659

Swung out of control on approach to Topcliffe, crashed 3 miles southwest of Northallerton 12.2.44
1659 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06
1944-February-12 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Fairhead 2022-08-06
1944-February-12 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Bruce Fox 2022-08-21

Halifax DK131

s/n
 DK131

Known Squadron Assignments: 295

Missing on Ferry flight Gibralter to England 19.7.43
Unit 295
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Henry Cowley 2024-05-07

Halifax DK133

s/n
 DK133

Known Squadron Assignments: 1660; 1667

Crashed at Cowie, Lincs, and burnt after take-off 6.9.44
1660 Heavy conversion Unit/1667 HCU
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-September-06 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Beverly Gordon Kitchen 2021-08-12
1944-September-06 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John Russell Pound 2021-08-12
1944-September-06 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Mark Edward Vandekinder 2021-07-13
1944-September-06 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Kenneth Allan Watson 2021-07-10
1944-September-06 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William Francis Woolgar 2021-07-06

Halifax DK134

s/n
 DK134

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Dortmund, 5.5.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-05 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Bellows Brown 2021-05-10

Halifax DK135

s/n
 DK135

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF at Leeming, UK, coded ZL*B. Failed to return from attack on Wuppertal on 24/25 June 1943. Crashed in the area of the Rozenburg polder, 16 kilometres west-south-west of Rotterdam, discovered in August 1967. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-25 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Wuppertal. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-June-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William George Arthur 2024-11-03
1943-June-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frederick Charles Ashby 2024-11-03
1943-June-25 PoW RAF Sergeant Lawrence Arthur Bone 2023-10-21
1943-June-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Max Shvemar 2021-07-30
1943-June-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lou Warren Somers 2021-07-25
1943-June-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Jonathan Harvey Walton 2021-08-31
1943-June-25 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Vernon Moore White 2021-05-28

Halifax DK139

s/n
 DK139

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*P. Named "Pampas", for the wind that blows from the south of Argentina because pilot was originally from Buenos Aires. Failed to return from attack on Mulheim on 22/23 June 1943. Came down near Rheinhausen, on the west bank of the Rhine, 4 kilometres south-west of Duisburg. All 7 crew, including pilot Pilot Officer G.A. Cadmus, CP Beairsto, s.T. booth, a.D. Deane, A.J. Manning, and M.M. Meyer were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Mulheim. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Carl Phillips Beairsto 2024-11-09
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Austen Cadmus 2024-06-27
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Anthony David Deane 2024-10-09
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Melvin Maier Meyer 2024-06-27
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Thomas Vicary 2024-06-27

Halifax DK140

s/n
 DK140

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*Z. Bombed Wuppertal on 29 May 1943. Groundlooped on landing at Leeming and undercarriage collapsed 16.6.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DK141

s/n
 DK141

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*C. Failed to return from attack on Mulheim on 22/23 June 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Came down at Kaathoven (Noord Brabant), near Berlicum, Holland at 02:20 local time. 6 crew were killed and one POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Mulheim, shot down by a night fighter. 6 crew were killed and one POW. 2019-08-20
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Pierce James Axel Dennis 2024-10-13
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Douglas Hamilton 2024-10-13
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 John Joseph Reansbury 2024-10-13
1943-June-23 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 James Arnold Spencer 2024-10-13
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon Louis Tyrone 2024-10-13

Halifax DK142

s/n
 DK142

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*C. Failed to return from attack on Aachen on 13/14 July 1943. Came down near Dreumel in Holland, on land belonging to Mr Oostveen, on Marsdijk road at Bunnik, province Utrecht at 01:23 local time. Six crew were POWs, one evaded capture.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-14 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Aachen. Six crew were POWs, one evaded capture. 2019-08-20

Bombing Aachen Germany 1943-07-13 to 1943-07-14

427 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming

427 Lion Squadron (Ferte Manus Certe) RAF Leeming. Halifax V aircraft DK 142 ZL-C, on a raid against targets in Aachen, Germany was attacked by multiple night fighters. The bomber was abandoned and crashed on the banks of the river Waal northwest of Dreumel, Gelderland, Netherlands

The entire crew survived

Warrant Officer Class 2 WH Green (RCAF), Sergeant JH Brown (RCAF), Sergeant SW Bryant (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 2 JF Hutchings (RCAF), Sergeant RT Hayes (RCAF) and Warrant Officer Class 2 ME Sobkowicz (RCAF) were all taken as Prisoners of War

Warrant Officer Class 2 JRR Poudrier (RCAF) survived and evaded until betrayed by a Belgian criminal, to be arrested became a Prisoner of War

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1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Sergeant John Harold Brown 2022-10-22
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Stanley William Bryant 2022-10-22
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Walter Herbert Green 2022-10-22
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Sergeant Robert Thomas Hayes 2022-10-22
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John Frederick Hutchings 2022-10-22
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Richard Roland Poudrier 2022-10-22
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Michael Edward Sobkowicz 2022-10-22

Halifax DK143

s/n
 DK143

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1664

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*W. Control lost after take-off from Dishforth, dived into ground and burnt 1.5 miles northwest of Skelton, Yorks, 23.9.44
Unit 427/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-September-23 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Claudien Paul Joseph Dessertine 2024-10-16
1944-September-23 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Alphonse Clement Duhamel 2024-10-29
1944-September-23 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Edgar Albert Robitaille 2021-08-08
1944-September-23 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Joseph Philorome Ambroise Vigneault 2021-07-13

Halifax DK144

s/n
 DK144

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*U. Dispatched for attack on Gelsenkirchen, took off at 23:45 local on 25 June 1943. Swung and crashed on takeoff, (undercarriage collapsed) due to lack of brake pressure. The crew were not injured.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-26 Accident Crash Dispatched for attack on Gelsenkirchen, swung and crashed on takeoff. The crew was not injured. 2019-08-20

Halifax DK146

s/n
 DK146

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1664

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*Q, named "QuAppelle". Climbed to 400 feet after taking off from dishforth and then dived into the ground2 miles north of North/South runway and burnt 24.2.44
Units 427/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-February-24 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Gordon Broder 2022-04-14
1944-February-24 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Clarence Walter Gugins 2021-08-09
1944-February-24 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Ian Sinclair 2021-07-28
1944-February-24 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer James Gordon Stewart 2022-01-18

Halifax DK147

s/n
 DK147

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Essen, 28.5.43
Units Linton-On-Ouse,/76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Langlois 2021-03-04
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Donald Sinclair Ross 2023-09-28

Halifax DK150

s/n
 DK150

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Koln, 28.6.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant James Claire Rouse James 2021-08-11

Halifax DK165

s/n
 DK165

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Plzen 17.4.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Allen Roderick Ross 2021-08-06

Halifax DK166

s/n
 DK166

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return Wuppertal, 24.6.43
Units Linton-On-Ouse/76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-25 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Gerald Harry Cheetham 2024-02-11

Halifax DK169

s/n
 DK169

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Dortmund 24.5.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Henry Arthur Crouse 2024-05-21

Halifax DK170

s/n
 DK170

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return Dusseldorf, 12.6.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth William Lawson 2021-09-23

Halifax DK180

s/n
 DK180

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*R. Failed to return from attack on Gelsenkirchen (Halifax File indicates it was Wuppertal) on 25/26 June 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 1 crew member was killed and 6 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-26 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Gelsenkirchen, shot down by a night fighter. 1 crew member was killed and 6 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Robert James Frost 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gerald Alban Gagnon 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Sergeant John Richard Hooley 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Angus Anthony McKinnon 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Clarence Ray Munson 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Charles Richard Page 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 PoW RAF Sergeant Kenneth Albert Shannon 2021-06-10

Halifax DK181

s/n
 DK181

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*Z from 30 April 1943. Spent lengthy time in repairs after arriving at Squadron. Dispatched for attack on Leipzig 3/4 December 1943, returning early after starboard inner engine failed and would not feather. Shortly before reaching the UK coast the port outer engine failed. All crew but pilot bailed out near Woodbridge, Suffolk, pilot then crash landed in a field near Woodbridge airport. Only one crew member injured. Had only 51:40 logged time when written off.
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-December-04 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Ralph Alexander Carson 2021-10-05
1943-December-04 Survived RAFVR Flying Officer William Arthur Cozens 2021-10-05
1943-December-04 Survived RAFVR Sergeant C Hopper 2021-10-05
1943-December-04 Survived RAFVR Sergeant John McGowan 2022-05-23
1943-December-04 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Ross Bell Nairn 2022-05-25
1943-December-04 Survived RAFVR Sergeant William Leslie Stockford 2021-10-05
1943-December-04 Survived RAFVR Sergeant H Whittaker 2021-10-05

Halifax DK182

s/n
 DK182

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Delivered new to No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF on 6 May 1943, coded ZL*E. Crashed at 21:15 local time near Newton Kyme, near York, after returning early from attack on Kassel on 22 October 1943. All 7 crew were killed. Had 148:35 logged time when struck off.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing 1943-10-21 to 1943-10-22

427 (B) BG (RCAF) Skipton on Swale

Battle of the Ruhr

On 1943-10-08, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, an Engineering Officer with 427 Sqn at Skipton-on-Swale, wrote in his diary:

"Well we were on tonight for a change after a two week stand-down [due to poor weather]. I thought I'd make an effort to make a good showing on my first real op on my own. The boys co-operated fine and we got a record 16 kites up each with 1882 gals of petrol, 6500 lbs of bombs, 1-2000 lb., 5 cans of 4-30 lb. incendiaries & 8 cans of 90- 4lb. as well as 14 bundles of "window" incendiaries, the metallic strips they shower down when over target to throw out & jam the jerry radio-location beams. It looked pretty good at take-off & although we had 2 go u/s [unserviceable] just before take-off we managed to shift the crews around to stand-by kites & so we got them all away.

I was feeling pretty good about this but soon things began to happen. First the weather closed in & it turned very cold with a sheet-like rain. Then one after another we got the news that seven aircraft were coming back on early returns never having reached the target. This was awful for my first "do" but it seemed that 3 of the seven were due to very bad icing conditions, 2 were due to maintenance faults for which I had to take the blame. One was due to the pilot getting lost and getting too low down over the Ruhr where he got badly shot up with flak while the seventh never got back at all. He crashed down near Eastmoor somewhere & burned up. All crew were killed so I don't suppose we'll ever find out what happened. With Squadron Leader Ganderton I drove around & met each pilot and flight engineer as they got out of their kites, found out their story & made out my report to the station engineering officer. I was nearly 11:00 o'clock when they all got back & since the weather was duff I was getting a little apprehensive about how many of the rest would get back.

At 12:00 o'clock I went down to flying control to watch as the rest of the kites came in. It was very exciting hearing them talk them in one by one by radio and watching them land. We had two near accidents, one when he was swung & ground looped just after landing & the other when a few hung-up incendiaries fell out of a kite on the runway and went up with a terrific roar & bright flames. However, no one was hurt & we kept counting them one by one as they got down safely until there was only 4 more of ours to come in. We waited and waited but they didn't come & we finally had to give them up for lost. About 1:00am I went up to interrogation to find out from each pilot & flight engineer how the kite had functioned & what damage had been sustained. Finally after about an hour I went to the operations room to see if they had any word of our missing aircraft (& they hadn't). I finally got back to the Mess at 3:30am, had fried potatoes and sausages & went to bed.

Sat Oct 23, 1943: "Things were pretty grim here this morning with everyone worried about our big losses. 4 of ours & 2 from 429 making 6 out of 28 aircraft. Also my six early returns didn't make me feel any too happy. Fortunately we were stood down tonight. The target was Kassel last night & 42 were lost altogether. Mostly due to icing I imagine. Our K-Kitty which had several flak holes in it wasn't too bad although it needed and engine change. . . ."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM


   1943-October-23 Accident Crash Crashed on return from attack on Kassel, near Newton Kyme. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth Alfred Brown 2021-06-05
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Desmond Owen Collen 2024-03-20
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Edward John Dutton 2024-10-31
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Irvine McCullagh 2023-07-19
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Peter John Moore 2021-06-05
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Henry Procter 2021-06-05
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer Douglas Harold Welch 2021-06-05

Halifax DK183

s/n
 DK183

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*S. Failed to return from attack on Bochum on 12/13 June 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Crashed in the sea off Texel. 3 crew were POWs and 4 were killed. Sgt. J. Imms died in captivity within hours of being captured.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-13 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Bochum, shot down by a night fighter. 3 crew were POWs and 4 were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George William Rupert Dalton 2024-08-27
1943-June-13 KIA RCAF Sergeant Albert Dixon 2024-10-21
1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander Mathias Fellner 2024-08-27
1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Gerrard Smith Huston 2024-08-28
1943-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Bernard Laird Tedford 2024-08-27
1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Angus Thurston 2024-08-27

Halifax DK184

s/n
 DK184

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*G. Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 23/24 August 1943. 6 crew were killed and 1 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-24 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin. 6 crew were killed and 1 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William George Rex Baum 2024-10-06
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ward Bray 2024-10-06
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Chester Day 2024-10-06
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Everett Elmer Stuart McCulloch 2024-10-06
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick George Painter 2024-10-06

Halifax DK185

s/n
 DK185

Known Squadron Assignments: 431;1427;1664

Served with No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded SE*S. With No. 1664 Heavy Conversion Unit when it crashed-flew into high ground- on 31 January 1944, south of Ilkley, Yorkshire, off course
Units 431/1427/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit.
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-January-31 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class William George King 2021-08-12
1944-January-31 KIFA RCAF Sergeant George Martin 2022-01-21
1944-January-31 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald George McLeod 2021-08-17
1944-January-31 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Albert Lorne Mullen 2021-08-16
1944-January-31 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Robert Henry Rahn 2021-08-11
1944-January-31 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Lewis Riggs 2021-08-08

Halifax DK186

s/n
 DK186

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1664;1667

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*L". First named "Londons Revenge". Some time about 24 May 1943 name "Lana Turner" was added. Permission to use the name was granted by MGM Studios, and the crew of this aircraft won the name in a draw held at the Squadrons base of Leeming. Bombed Bochum on 12 June 1943. Completed at least 20 missions. Groundlooped while taxiing at Sandtoft, ran into a ditch and undercarriage collapsed 22.4.44
Units 427/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit/1667 HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DK189

s/n
 DK189

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;427

Write off as a result of battle damage either directly or indirectly. 29.7.43
Unit 427
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK190

s/n
 DK190

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*F. Failed to return from attack on Gelsenkirchen on 25/26 June 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Came down at 01:13 local time near Gorssel, on the east bank of the Ijssel, in Holland. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Garfield Froude 2022-08-25
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Francis Joseph Higgins DFM 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Fergus John Hunter 2021-06-06
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Kashmar 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Theodore Matynia 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert Randolf Stickney 2021-05-28
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Archibald Kay Young 2021-08-21

Halifax DK191

s/n
 DK191

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*K. Failed to return from attack on Mulheim on 22/23 June 1943. Came down at 01:30 local time at Wichmond, 7 kilometres south-south-east of Zutphen, Holland. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Mulheim. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Byron Mcgie Gracie 2021-08-07
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Pliley Heximer 2021-08-10
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Norman Frederick Notley 2021-08-17
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Armand Alphonse Pariseau 2021-08-18
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Norman Duncan Reid AFC 2021-08-10

Halifax DK192

s/n
 DK192

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1663

Flew into Garrowby Hill, Yorks, in cloud, and burnt while on training 7.2.44
Unit427/1663 Heavy conversion Unit 1427 flt ??
last update: 2024-August-06

Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1943-06-11 to 1943-06-12

427 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming

427 Lion Squadron (Ferte Manus Certe) RAF Leeming. Halifax BV aircraft DK 192 ZL-V returned to RAF Oulton with battle damage after an operation to Dusseldorf, Germany. While on a taxiway the Halifax was in a collision with 431 Squadron Wellington HF 543 SE-P that had also returned to RAF Oulton with battle damage. There were no casualties from either aircraft but the Wellington was written off. The Halifax was repaired and sent to HCU 1663 but later lost 1944-02-07 along with the entire RAF crew while on a training flight

Flight Lieutenant IP Colquhoun (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 2 JR Dobie (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant WE Beswick (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 SW Bryant (RCAF), FS JPC LaPointe (RCAF), Sergeant G Millard (RCAF) and FS LC Patrick (RCAF) all survived safe


1943-June-12 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Edward Beswick 2022-10-21
1943-June-12 Survived RCAF Warrant Officer Class I Stanley William Bryant 2022-10-21
1943-June-12 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant Ian Lorne Colquhoun 2024-03-23
1943-June-12 Survived RCAF Warrant Officer 2 James Robert Dobie 2024-10-22
1943-June-12 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Jean-Paul Claude LaPointe 2023-11-29
1943-June-12 Survived RCAF Sergeant G Millard 2022-10-21
1943-June-12 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Cayless Patrick 2022-10-21

Halifax DK196

s/n
 DK196

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*Z. Turned back from attack on Munich, crash landed near les Vertus, France night of 6/7 September 1943. Engine problems. 6 POWs and 1 killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-07 Accident Crash Turned back from attack on Munich, crash landed near les Vertus, France. Engine problems. 6 POWs and 1 killed. 2019-08-20
1943-September-07 PoW RCAF Sergeant Edward Norman Bongard 2023-10-21
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Mcintosh Brown 2023-10-26
1943-September-07 PoW RCAF Sergeant Thomas Joseph Cousineau 2024-05-05
1943-September-07 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Peter Frederick Elko 2021-02-03
1943-September-07 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant James Absalom Pickup 2023-09-24

Halifax DK201

s/n
 DK201

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Kassel, crashed near Detmold, Germany 4.10.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-October-04 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Wilkie William Alexander Wanless 2023-10-03

Halifax DK202

s/n
 DK202

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Remscheid crashed near Leverkusen 31.7.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-31 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Denis Tolman Shaw 2024-09-26

Halifax DK207

s/n
 DK207

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to return, Moenchen-Gladbach, crashed at Grathem, Holland 3.8.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-31 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stuart Cameron Maclennan 2021-08-17

Halifax DK223

s/n
 DK223

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Mannheim 6.9.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-06 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arthur Francis Todd 2021-07-27

Halifax Dk224

s/n
 Dk224

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Mulheim 23.6.43 crashed near Zuilen, Holland
Unit 76
last update: 2024-February-19
1943-June-23 PoW RCAF Sergeant G B Hammett 2023-08-24
1943-June-23 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Robert Herbert Hammett 2021-02-25

Halifax DK225

s/n
 DK225

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*J. Failed to return from attack on Mulheim on 22/23 June 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Came down at West Mijzen, Holland. 6 crew killed, one PoW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Mulheim, shot down by a night fighter. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-June-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon Leslie Tucker 2022-01-03

Halifax DK226

s/n
 DK226

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1664

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*Y. Named "Yehudi". Struck off Charge 1.11.45
Units 427/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DK227

s/n
 DK227

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*V. Took part in attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde August 17/18, 1943. Slightly damaged in port rudder, wing and tire in 4 attacks by a Bf109. Crew claimed the night fighter as shot down. The Halifax File claims that the aircraft groundlooped on landing at Leeming and the undercarriage collapsed 8.8.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DK228

s/n
 DK228

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*D. Failed to return from attack on Aachen on 13/14 July 1943, shot down by Hptm Wilhelm Herget of 1./NJG4, near Mesnil-St-Blaise, Belgium. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-14 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Aachen, shot down by Hptm Wilhelm Herget of 1./NJG4, near Mesnil-St-Blaise, Belgium. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-July-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Archibald Douglas Dawson 2024-10-05
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 James Richard Goodfellow 2024-10-05
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ernest Drever Robertson 2024-10-05
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Ferg Stewart 2024-10-05
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold Bramley Ward 2024-10-05
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William George Weeks 2024-10-05
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Stephen Zayets 2024-10-05

Halifax DK229

s/n
 DK229

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*W. ailed to return from attack on Gelsenkirchen on 9/10 July 1943, crashed near Cologne after suffering two engine failures and possibly being damaged by flak. 5 crew were POWs, 1 evaded, and 1 killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-10 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Gelsenkirchen, crashed near Cologne after suffering two engine failures and possibly damaged by flak. 5 crew were POWs, 1 evaded, and 1 killed. 2019-08-20
1943-July-10 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Benjamin McKenzie Fitzgerald 2021-02-12
1943-July-10 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Hugh McGeach 2023-07-19

Halifax DK230

s/n
 DK230

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*V. Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-18 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lloyd Marshall Banks 2024-11-07
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Gordon William Neil Fanson 2024-11-07
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Alan Leighton 2024-11-07
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Alfred Lewis 2024-11-07
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Grigor McCallum 2024-11-07
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald John McNeill 2024-11-07
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Hugh Orr 2024-11-07

Halifax DK231

s/n
 DK231

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed to Return, Frankfurt, crashed near Weisloch, Germany 26.11.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-26 PoW USAAF Staff Sergeant P W Flewell 2023-08-23
1943-November-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Ruben Seymour Orr 2024-06-22

Halifax DK233

s/n
 DK233

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*X. While returning from attack on Berlin 31 August / 1 September 1943, hit by flak and set on fire. The fire spread to the wing, entered the fuselage which caused the aircraft to explode. The wreckage came down near Oberhaching. 3 crew were killed and 4 were POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant Robert William Briggs-Jude 2022-03-12
1943-September-01 PoW RAF Sergeant Hugh Charfles Burdoff 2022-03-12
1943-September-01 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Richard Simon Dutka MiD 2024-10-31
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Douglas Alexander Este 2022-03-12
1943-September-01 PoW RAF Sergeant Claude Haddon 2022-03-12
1943-September-01 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Malcolm MacAulay 2023-01-30
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant Sidney Elmer Towle 2022-03-12

Halifax DK234

s/n
 DK234

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*Z. Failed to return from attack on Kassel on 22/23 October 1943. Came down near Dusseldorf. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing 1943-10-21 to 1943-10-22

427 (B) BG (RCAF) Skipton on Swale

Battle of the Ruhr

On 1943-10-08, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, an Engineering Officer with 427 Sqn at Skipton-on-Swale, wrote in his diary:

"Well we were on tonight for a change after a two week stand-down [due to poor weather]. I thought I'd make an effort to make a good showing on my first real op on my own. The boys co-operated fine and we got a record 16 kites up each with 1882 gals of petrol, 6500 lbs of bombs, 1-2000 lb., 5 cans of 4-30 lb. incendiaries & 8 cans of 90- 4lb. as well as 14 bundles of "window" incendiaries, the metallic strips they shower down when over target to throw out & jam the jerry radio-location beams. It looked pretty good at take-off & although we had 2 go u/s [unserviceable] just before take-off we managed to shift the crews around to stand-by kites & so we got them all away.

I was feeling pretty good about this but soon things began to happen. First the weather closed in & it turned very cold with a sheet-like rain. Then one after another we got the news that seven aircraft were coming back on early returns never having reached the target. This was awful for my first "Ëœdo' but it seemed that 3 of the seven were due to very bad icing conditions, 2 were due to maintenance faults for which I had to take the blame. One was due to the pilot getting lost and getting too low down over the Ruhr where he got badly shot up with flak while the seventh never got back at all. He crashed down near Eastmoor somewhere & burned up. All crew were killed so I don't suppose we'll ever find out what happened. With Squadron Leader Ganderton I drove around & met each pilot and flight engineer as they got out of their kites, found out their story & made out my report to the station engineering officer. I was nearly 11:00 o'clock when they all got back & since the weather was duff I was getting a little apprehensive about how many of the rest would get back.

At 12:00 o'clock I went down to flying control to watch as the rest of the kites came in. It was very exciting hearing them talk them in one by one by radio and watching them land. We had two near accidents, one when he was swung & ground looped just after landing & the other when a few hung-up incendiaries fell out of a kite on the runway and went up with a terrific roar & bright flames. However, no one was hurt & we kept counting them one by one as they got down safely until there was only 4 more of ours to come in â€" we waited and waited but they didn't come & we finally had to give them up for lost. About 1:00am I went up to interrogation to find out from each pilot & flight engineer how the kite had functioned & what damage had been sustained. Finally after about an hour I went to the operations room to see if they had any word of our missing aircraft (& they hadn't). I finally got back to the Mess at 3:30am, had fried potatoes and sausages & went to bed.

Sat Oct 23, 1943: "Things were pretty grim here this morning with everyone worried about our big losses. 4 of ours & 2 from 429 making 6 out of 28 aircraft. Also my six early returns didn't make me feel any too happy. Fortunately we were stood down tonight. The target was Kassel last night & 42 were lost altogether. Mostly due to icing I imagine. Our K-Kitty which had several flak holes in it wasn't too bad although it needed and engine change. . . ."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM


   1943-October-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Kassel. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Hamilton Balloch 2024-11-05
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Edward Fairfield 2021-06-06
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold Samuel McCartney 2021-05-17
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Sydney Aubrey Minter 2021-05-17
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Alexander Mitchell 2022-01-21
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Edward Pedder 2021-06-08
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ivor Schilansky 2021-05-17

Halifax DK235

s/n
 DK235

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;1659

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "J". Damaged by flak during raid in Nurnburg on 10/11 August 1943. Bombed Hannover on 22 September 1943. Bounced on landing at Topcliffe, groundlooped, undercarriage collapsed and aircraft caught fire 10.6.44
Units 428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-June-10 Survived RCAF Flying Officer John Frederick Harris 2021-06-06

Halifax DK236

s/n
 DK236

Known Squadron Assignments: 76;431;44MU

Struck off Charge 10.12.46
Units 76/431/44 Maintenance Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK237

s/n
 DK237

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*L. Failed to return from attack on Magdeburg on 21/22 January 1944, shot down by a night fighter. 1 killed & 6 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-January-22 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Magdeburg, shot down by a night fighter. 1 killed & 6 POW. 2019-08-20
1944-January-21 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Harvey Lionel Allen 2023-11-09
1944-January-21 PoW RCAF Sergeant Norman Edward Gregor 2023-10-31
1944-January-21 PoW RCAF Sergeant Andrew Hayward Murdoch 2023-11-09
1944-January-21 PoW RAF Sergeant Iorwerth Presce Roberts 2021-06-22
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Sergeant Sydney James Smith 2024-05-03
1944-January-21 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant R Ernest Terry 2023-10-31
1944-January-21 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Oscar Pearson Yarnold 2023-11-09

Halifax DK238

s/n
 DK238

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;426

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*I. Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943. Crashed near Barth-Velgast. 2 crew were killed and 5 POW. 426 SQN ???
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-18 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde. Crashed near Barth-Velgast. 2 were killed and 5 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Winston Woolley Blackmore 2024-03-31
1943-August-18 PoW RAFVR Sergeant George F Hodgson 2022-03-19
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Noel Franklin Oliver 2022-03-19
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Jean Paul Raymond Richard 2022-03-19
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Reginald George Seaborn 2022-03-19
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frederick Stanley Williams 2024-05-03
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer William Stephen Ernest Wood 2022-03-19

Halifax DK239

s/n
 DK239

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*Q. Failed to return from attack on Hamburg on 29/30 July 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Exploded in flight near Luneburg. 7 crew were killed and one POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-30 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hamburg, shot down by a night fighter. 7 crew were killed and one POW. 2019-08-20
1943-July-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Henderson Bates 2024-10-12
1943-July-30 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Paul Demcoe 2024-10-12
1943-July-30 KIA RCAF Sergeant George Conrad Nault 2024-10-12
1943-July-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Louis Joseph Roger Andre Pelland 2024-10-12

Halifax DK240

s/n
 DK240

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed To Return, Milano, crashed near Bernay, France 13.8.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Stuart Martin 2023-09-24

Halifax DK242

s/n
 DK242

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Groundlooped at Leeming and undercarriage collapsed 29.7.43
Unit 427
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK243

s/n
 DK243

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*F. Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Came down at Wusterhusen, 3 kilometres south of Lubmin. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-18 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde, shot down by a night fighter 5 were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Joseph Desmond Brady 2024-04-04
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert (Bob) William Charman 2024-02-06
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Sergeant James Leonard Fletcher 2024-04-13
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Revell Tuzo Johnson 2022-03-17
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Sergeant Orville Malcolm McIntyre 2024-04-22
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ifor Wyn Pugh 2024-05-01
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John Louis Troman 2024-05-03

Halifax DK246

s/n
 DK246

Known Squadron Assignments: 192;431;1664

Struck off Charge 1.11.46
Units 192/431/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK247

s/n
 DK247

Known Squadron Assignments: 76

Failed To Return, Kassel, 4.10.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-October-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Robert Hillhouse 2022-11-22
1943-October-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Robert Martin Watson 2021-07-10

Halifax DK248

s/n
 DK248

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;1664

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded *K. Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units 434/1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DK249

s/n
 DK249

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*K. Damaged by flak during raid in Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943, received Category AC damage. Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 31 August / 1 September 1943. Crashed near Holzdorf. All were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-31 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin. Crashed near Holzdorf. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-September-01 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Robert Cecil Bradley 2024-04-04
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Stanley Feakes 2024-04-13
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Thomas Kendall Green 2024-04-13
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Bruce Robert Harrison 2024-04-21
1943-September-01 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer John Reginald Prockter 2024-05-01
1943-September-01 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Arthur Riddle Soulsby 2024-05-03
1943-September-01 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Williams 2024-05-03

Halifax DK250

s/n
 DK250

Known Squadron Assignments: 434

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*W. Failed to return from attack on Frankfurt on 4/5 October 1943. All 7 crew (3 RCAF and 4 RAF) were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-October-05 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Frankfurt. All were killed.. 2019-08-20
1943-October-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Allan 2024-11-02
1943-October-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Smart Ruxton 2021-08-05
1943-October-05 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Paul Howard Sheldon 2021-10-02

Halifax DK251

s/n
 DK251

Known Squadron Assignments: 434

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*F. Failed to return from attack on Munich on 6/7 September 1943. All 7 crew (6 RCAF and 1 RAF) were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-07 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Munich. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harry Lawrence Douglas 2024-10-28
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alan Benjamin Jackson 2024-05-29
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James McDonald 2024-06-17
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Chester Frank Phillips 2024-06-22
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Aubrey David Steadman 2024-10-28
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Harold Tovey 2024-07-10

Halifax DK252

s/n
 DK252

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*O. Bombed Hannover on 22 September 1943. During attack on Hannover on 27 / 28 September 1943, returned to base due to icing and the port outboard being u/s. After crossing the coast the starboard inner also failed. The crew bailed out safely and then Pilot Officer Kogan crash landed, wheels up at Ludford Magna. No injuries reported.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-28 Struck off Strength Written off, see comments. 2019-08-20
1943-September-28 Survived RCAF Sergeant G M Custeau 2021-06-09
1943-September-28 Survived RAF Sergeant Leslie Frederick Edmonds 2021-06-09
1943-September-28 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Desmond Jackman DFC 2021-06-09
1943-September-28 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Magnus Jonas Johnson DFC 2021-06-09
1943-September-28 Survived RAF Sergeant Ernest Charles Henry Knowles DFM 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Maxwell Kogan DFC 2021-06-09
1943-September-28 Survived RCAF Sergeant J Silverman 2021-06-09

Halifax DK253

s/n
 DK253

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*M. Bombed Leverkrusen on 2 August 1943, returned on three engines. Crashed at Moore Lane, Hammondsworth, Middlesex on return from raid on Dunlop Rubber Factory at Montlucan (170 miles south of Paris) on 15/16 September 1943. Aircraft totally destroyed by high speed impact. All 7 crew killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-07 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Munich. All were killed.. 2019-08-20
1943-September-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kendall Bell Begbie 2022-03-12
1943-September-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alexander Chibanoff 2024-02-14
1943-September-16 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold William Frost 2021-08-06
1943-September-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Vere Webb 2021-07-27

Halifax DK254

s/n
 DK254

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Struck off Charge following groundloop on landing at Bombay 3.1.44
427/301 Ferrry transfer Unit/1 Overseas Aircraft Delivery Unit/1577 Flight
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK255

s/n
 DK255

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*B. Failed to return from attack on Munich on 6/7 September 1943. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-07 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Munich. All were killed.. 2019-08-20
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant Alick Victor Douglas Humphries 2023-10-11

Halifax DK257

s/n
 DK257

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*K. Failed to return from attack on Aachen on 13/14 July 1943, shot down by a night fighter, crashed near Tilburg, Holland. 2 crew were killed, 1 evaded, and 4 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-14 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Aachen, shot down by a night fighter, crashed near Tilburg, Holland. 2 crew were killed, 1 evaded, and 4 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-July-14 PoW RAF Sergeant Donald Brown 2021-06-05
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Francis Henry Ditchburn 2024-10-21
1943-July-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Montague Edwards 2021-06-05
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Boyd Leslie Gillis 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant (Acting) Donald Scott Morgan 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 Evader RCAF Sergeant J P O'Leary 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas Henry Pritchard 2021-06-05

Halifax DK258

s/n
 DK258

Known Squadron Assignments: 434

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*X. Failed to return from attack on Nurnberg on 27/28 August 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 2 crew were killed and 6 POW. Sgt. H. Mallory of Woodstock, NB would be killed in PoW camp on 30 April 1944, when he was struck by a low flying Ju 88.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-28 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Nurnberg, shot down by a night fighter. 2 crew were killed and 6 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Milton Ray Ledgett 2024-06-05
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John MacReady 2021-04-09
1943-August-28 PoW Died RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Herbert David Mallory 2024-04-22
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Newton Reid 2021-04-09
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Thomas Frank Thould 2024-07-10
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant William Mark VanZant 2021-04-09

Halifax DK259

s/n
 DK259

Known Squadron Assignments: 434

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*L. Failed to return from attack on Hannover/Bochum on 27/28 September 1943, shot down by Hptm E. Prinz zur Lippe-Weissenfeld from III/NJG 1. Came down at 21:44 local time near Enschalde. 2 crew killed, 4 PoW. The pilot, 2nd Lt. J. Clary, USAAF evaded.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-28 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hannover, shot down by Hptm E. Prinz zur Lippe-Weissenfeld from III/NJG 1 at 21:44 near Enschede. 2 crew were killed, 1 evaded and 4 were POWs. 2019-08-20
1943-September-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William George Bellinger 2021-09-03
1943-September-29 Evader USAAF Second Lieutenant J T Clary 2024-02-29
1943-September-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer George Victor Hastings 2021-07-27
1943-September-29 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Clarence York Hovey 2021-07-27
1943-September-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Ivan Arthur Lewis Lockhart 2023-07-15
1943-September-30 PoW USAAF Sergeant R W Stuart 2023-10-02

Halifax DK260

s/n
 DK260

Known Squadron Assignments: 431;434

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*M. Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Crashed near Wolgast. 4 crew were killed and 3 POW. First combat loss for this squadron.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-18 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde, shot down by a night fighter 4 were killed and 3 POW 2019-08-20

Bombing Peenemunde Germany 1943-08-17 to 1943-08-18

434 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Tholthorpe

434 Bluenose Squadron (In Excelsis Vincimus) RAF Tholthorpe, Halifax BV aircraft DK 260 IP-M was engaged in operations against the V-2 rocket sites at Peenemunde, Germany when it was attacked by a night fighter which was shot down. A second night fighter attack resulted in the Halifax crashing near Wolgast, Germany

Flight Lieutenant IL Colquhoun (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 CP Fitzpatrick (RCAF) and FS Lapointe (RCAF) were all killed in action

Sergeant DA Young (RAFVR) was missing, presumed killed in action

Sergeant Young has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede War Memorial

Sergeant JR Dobie (RCAF), Flying Officer WE Beswick (RCAF) and Sergeant PS Crees (RAF) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War

There were two more 434 Squadron Halifax V aircraft lost on this date. Please see aircraft serials EB 258 IP-T and EB 276 IP-G for additional information

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1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Edward Beswick 2024-10-22
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Ian Lorne Colquhoun 2024-04-04
1943-August-18 PoW RAF Sergeant Peter Sydney Crees 2024-10-22
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 James Robert Dobie 2024-10-22
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Charles Phillip Fitzpatrick 2024-10-22
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Jean Paul Claude LaPointe 2024-10-22
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Dennis Alfred Young 2024-10-22

Halifax DK261

s/n
 DK261

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*V. Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 23/24 August 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 3 crew killed, 3 PoW, pilot Squadron Leader R. McLernon evaded. Crashed at W. Mando, Denmark.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-24 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin, shot down by a night fighter. 2019-08-20
1943-August-24 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Charles Brooks 2021-05-10
1943-August-24 Evader RCAF Squadron Leader R A McLeron 2021-05-10
1943-August-24 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant James Plenderleith 2023-08-02
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles William Snyder 2022-01-18
1943-August-24 PoW RCAF Sergeant R S Walters 2023-10-03

Halifax DK262

s/n
 DK262

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*R. Failed to return from attack on Munich on 6/7 September 1943. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-07 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Munich. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Roger Moore 2024-06-22
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leonard Thomas Olmstead 2024-06-22
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant Philip Murray Shulman 2024-06-28
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant George Wills Sutherland 2024-07-09
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Douglas Witts 2024-07-12

Halifax DK264

s/n
 DK264

Known Squadron Assignments: 431;431

Served with No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded SE*V. Stalled on landing at Tholhorpe, hit runway too hard, undercarriage collapsed 7.11.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DK265

s/n
 DK265

Known Squadron Assignments: 431


last update: 2024-November-09
   1943-October-09 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hannover. No survivors. 2019-08-20

Bombing Hannover Germany 1943-10-08 to 1943-10-09

(B) Sqn (RCAF) Tholthorpe

Battle of Berlin

504 aircraft- 282 Lancasters, 188 Halifaxes, 26 Wellingtons, 8 Mosquitoes. This was the last Bomber Command raid in which Wellingtons took part. 300 (Polish) and 432 (Canadian) Squadrons provided the 26 Wellingtons which operated on this night; they all returned safely. The German controller guessed correctly that Hannover was the target and many night fighters arrived before the attack was over. 27 aircraft- 14 Lancasters and 13 Halifaxes - were lost, 5·4 per cent of the force.

Conditions over Hannover were clear and the Pathfinders were finally able to mark the centre of the city accurately; a most concentrated attack followed with a creepback of only 2 miles, all within the built-up area. This was probably Hannover's worst attack of the war. The local report describes extensive damage in the centre of. the city and in many other parts except the west. The telephone system and electricity supply failed at the beginning of the raid and many water mains were quickly broken. A large area of fire quickly developed in the centre and south-central districts. Acting upon instructions from the Party Headquarters and from district air-raid posts, the population were shepherded to collecting places in open areas between the fires. This action is believed to have saved many lives but 1,200 people were killed and 3,345 were injured, 449 seriously so. A further 6,000-8,000 people received eye injuries because of smoke and heat. 3,932 buildings were completely destroyed and more than 30,000 were damaged in varying degree, but no individual buildings are named. R.A.F. reconnaissance, however, showed that the important Continental rubber factory and the Hanomag machine works were badly hit.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

Halifax aircraft DK 265 failed to return from a trip over Hanover, Germany. Sergeants W.H.Hamil, H.E. Evans, T.A. Ashcroft (RAF), G. Beeken (RAF), R Mather (RAF), F.W. Stubbings (RAF), and Flying Officer S.H. Walker (RAF) were killed.

There were two 431 Sqdn. aircraft lost on this date. Please see Sergeant F. Rudd for information regarding the other aircraft and crew.


1943-October-09 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold Evan Evans 2023-03-31
1943-October-09 KIA RCAF Sergeant Walter Henry Hamil 2023-03-31

Halifax DK267

s/n
 DK267

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*M, based at Middleton-St.-George. Was coded "NA*H" when lost, based on e-mail from pilots daughter, L. Read. "Crashed at Annelov, Sweden after being set on fire by a night-fighter on a raid to Berlin on 24 August 1943." 4 crew PoW, one killed, and 2 interned in Sweden, including pilot F/Sgt. H. Read.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-24 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin, shot down by a night fighter. 4 crew were POWs, 1 was killed and 2 interned in Sweden. 2019-08-20

Bombing 1943-08-23 to 1943-08-24

428 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George

428 Ghost Squadron, (Usque ad Finem) RAF Middleton St George. Halifax BV aircraft DK 267 NA-H was most likely attacked by a night fighter over Berlin, killing one crew member. Four other crew bail safely from the Halifax and were captured. The Pilot was badly injured but continued to fly his aircraft in the company of his Bomb Aimer, heading north until the Halifax was abandoned near Annelov, Sweden, where the last two crew survived and became Interned Prisoners in Sweden

The Wireless Operator/Air Gunner C E Crampton (RAFVR) was killed action in the fighter attack on the bomber

Warrant Officer 1st Class L S Bates (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class W S Kerr (RCAF), Warrant Officer 2nd Class G W Patterson (RCAF) and Sergeant J Taylor (RAFVR) all safely bailed while still over Germany and all survived to become Prisoners of War

Flight Sergeant H A Read (RCAF) badly wounded and Flying Officer J J McQuade (RCAF) abandoned their damaged aircraft safely over Sweden and became Interned Prisoners

General Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

General RAF Forced Landing - Halifax Mk IV - Serial # DK267


1943-August-24 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Leo Stanislaus Bates 2024-11-09
1943-August-24 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Charles Ernest Crampton 2024-05-12
1943-August-24 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class William Stanley Kerr 2023-11-08
1943-August-24 Interned RCAF Flying Officer James Joseph "Scotty" McQuade 2023-11-08
1943-August-24 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class George Walter Patterson 2023-11-08
1943-August-24 Interned RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Allen Read 2023-11-08
1943-August-24 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Joseph Taylor 2023-11-08

Halifax DK268

s/n
 DK268

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1664

Overshot Dishforth, hit tree and cuaght fire 1.5 miles west of airfield 30.3.44
Unit 427/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax DK269

s/n
 DK269

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return Nurnberg, and crashed near Mailach, Germany 28.8.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Edward Cameron 2024-05-17

Halifax DK270

s/n
 DK270

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*U. After attack on Hannover on 27/28 September 1943, overshot the landing at Framlingham, engine failed during go-around, and crashed. 4 crew members were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-28 Accident Crash After attack on Hannover, overshot the landing at Framlingham, engine failed, and crashed. 4 crew members were killed. 2019-08-20

Ferry Flight Hanover Germany 1943-09-27 to 1943-09-28

428 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St George

Aircraft had been badly damaged by enemy fire over the target, resulting in the loss of the port outer engine. The pilot was able top nurse the aircraft back to England and was diverted to attempt a landing at the US Air Station, Framlington. On approach to landing, the port inner engine also failed , causing the Halifax to flip, strike some trees and crash

Quote from Steve Wilson, son of pilot Sergeant R Wilson, with his father's account of the night his plane crashed.

The aircraft was hit by accurate flak over the target after being caught in searchlights. As a consequence of this, the port outer engine was badly damaged and ceased to function. The bombs were jettisoned over the target and and the pilot turned the aircraft back for home at Middleton St George.

Whilst crossing the coast (Dutch coast I believe) theHalifax was again hit by flak from a German flak ship which damaged the inner port engine, but did not put it out of action. On regaining the English coast, the crew realised that they were now in serious trouble and the pilot was having problems keeping the aircraft airborne due not only to engine problems but also to damaged flight surfaces.

They broadcast the emergency call sign (blackie blackie for that night) and the US air base at Framlingham responded as the nearest airfield. The pilot headed for this base and all were gratified to seethe landing lights ablaze for them. They began a very difficult descent to the runway, but as fate would have it, the damaged port inner engine chose this moment to stop altogether.

The effect of this was to cause the aircraft to flip over onto its port side, the wing caught the tree tops and the plane crashed into the ground before ever reaching the runway.

There were three survivors - the pilot, the mid upper gunner and the tail gunner. The pilot was badly injured having a smashed pelvis, and other serious injuries and indeed when they found him one of his eyes was hanging down on his cheek.The rear gunner was also very badly injured but I do not know the extent of these. The mid upper gunner escaped without a scratch and went for help, but could not get out of the the heavily ploughed and muddy field that they were in due to barbed wire security fences that surrounded the field. It was nearly an hour before American forces got to them.

The official story simply states that the aircraft over shot the landing on return - this is not the case, they never even got to the runway, and the crash was was caused by battle damage.


1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Arthur James Wadd Lucas 2022-07-10
1943-September-28 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Duncan Mercer 2022-07-10
1943-September-28 Survived RAF Flying Officer Bruce Wallace Roughton 2022-07-10
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Frank Smith 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 Survived RAF Sergeant Edward Page Wainwright 2022-07-10
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Valentine Whitley 2022-07-10
1943-September-28 Survived RAF Sergeant R Wilson 2022-07-10

Halifax DK271

s/n
 DK271

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*Q. Bombed Hannover on 22 September 1943. Failed to return from attack on Mannheim on 23/24 September 1943, shot down by flak and a night fighter, crashed near Geinsheim. 4 crew were killed and 3 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-24 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Mannheim, shot down by flak and a night fighter, crashed near Geinsheim. 4 crew were killed and 3 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-September-23 PoW RCAF Sergeant George Rae Annand 2024-11-02
1943-September-23 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Francis Davis 2023-11-03
1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Norman Lloyd Reed 2023-11-02
1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Frank Prescott Sharpe 2023-11-02
1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Verne Allison Stewart 2023-11-02
1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Russell Terres Zdan 2023-11-02

Halifax DT482

s/n
 DT482
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1656

Pilot raised flaps instead of underacrriage on overshoot, aircraft crashed at Woodgate Farm, near Auckley, Yorks and burnt 24.3.44
Unit 103 Conversion flight/ 103/1656 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-March-24 KIFA RCAF Sergeant John Harold Gilbertson 2021-08-07

Halifax DT483

s/n
 DT483
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Mining 9.1.43
Unit 460 Conversion flight/ 103/51 Island of Juist Holland
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-January-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert John Alexander Cowan 2024-05-06
1943-January-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ernest Wilson David Roberts 2021-10-01

Halifax DT487

s/n
 DT487
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, Failed to Return, Karslruhe, when shot down on 2/3 September 1942, came down near Lesve, Belgium. No survivors.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Karlsruhe Germany 1942-09-02 to 1942-09-03

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Topcliffe

Karlsruhe 200 aircraft of 5 types with 4 Group Halifaxes now back on major operations. 8 aircraft - 4 Wellingtons, 2 Lancasters, 1 Halifax, 1 Stirling - lost, 4·0 per cent of the force.

The Pathfinders were accurate and this was a successful raid, An estimated 200 fires were seen burning at the same time. Reconnaissance photographs showed much residential and some industrial damage. A very short report from Karlsruhe says only that 73 people were killed and that 3 public buildings in the city centre were hit.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus). Halifax aircraft DT 487 was shot down at Lesves, seven miles south-west of Namur, Belgium."¯The aircraft was returning from a mission to Karlsruhe (Baden-Württemberg) and it was shot down by Oblt Martinek (Bf 110) of III./NJG 4, departing from the French base Juvincourt.

The entire crew was killed and resting at Hotton: Flight Lieutenant Lawrence David Hillier (pilot,) Flight Sergeant George William Roberts (second pilot,) Flight Sergeant Bernard Arthur McGrath (navigator,) Sergeant Alexander Douglas Muir (flight engineer,) Pilot Officer Kenneth Ederic Michael Mitchell (wireless operator, gunner,) Flight Sergeant Arthur Colin Ewing (wireless operator,) Sergeant Edward John Cutting (gunner) and Sergeant Edwin Charles Alfred Coules (gunner.)

General Account by Barry Elson

halifax dt487 memorial.jpg image not found

1942-September-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edwin Charles Alfred Coules 2024-05-02
1942-September-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edward John Cutting 2024-09-21
1942-September-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arthur Colin Ewing 2023-08-22
1942-September-03 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Lawrence David Hillier 2023-08-22
1942-September-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Bernard Arthur McGrath 2023-08-22
1942-September-03 KIA RAFVR Keneth Ederic Michael Mitchell 2023-08-22
1942-September-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Alexander Douglas Muir 2023-08-22
1942-September-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George William Roberts 2023-08-23

Halifax DT488

s/n
 DT488
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Crash landed at colerne on return from ops, Torino, 19.11.42
Unit 33
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-November-19 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Edwin Francis Butler 2022-10-25
1942-November-19 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Nathaniel McClure Halliday 2022-10-25
1942-November-19 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant J Gilbert (Mickey) Middlemass 2022-10-25

Halifax DT496

s/n
 DT496
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return, Aachen 6.10.42
Unit 76
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-October-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Keith Arthur Peters 2021-08-16

Halifax DT500

s/n
 DT500

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;1659

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Tire burst on landing at Topcliffe and undercarriage collapsed 28.7.43
Unit 35/10/419/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT507

s/n
 DT507

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*M". Slightly damaged by Me 110 during attack on Stuttgart, 11/12 March 1943, holes in port wing and aileron. Groundlooped on landing at Topcliffe and undercarriage collapsed 29.7.43
Units 405/1659 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT509

s/n
 DT509
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Crashed into sea 30 miles off of Yarmouth ex ops, Duisberg, 21.12.42
Unit 78
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Lloyd Fox 2021-08-06
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Albert Hunter 2021-08-10
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Leopold Rene Kingsley 2021-08-12
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Edward Cecil Malone 2021-08-14

Halifax DT511

s/n
 DT511
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76;78

Failed to Return, Duisberg,21.12.42 crashed between Liedern and Bocholt, germany
Unit76
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert William Forman 2022-08-20
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Walter Adolf Henschel 2021-08-09

Halifax DT512

s/n
 DT512
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Hit by landing W1181 at hole-On-Spalding Moor after ops 24.10.42
Unit 102
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-October-24 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Arthur James Graham 2021-08-07

Halifax DT514

s/n
 DT514
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Overshot on landing at Predannack 17.1.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT515

s/n
 DT515
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;76

Failed to Return, Genoa, 8.11.42, crashed near St Aignan, France
Units 405/76
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-November-08 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer George Thom 2021-07-27
1942-November-08 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Harold R White 2021-07-27

Halifax DT517

s/n
 DT517
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Failed to Return, Flensburg, 24.9.42
Unit 102
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-September-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Aleck Youmans 2021-06-09

Halifax DT520

s/n
 DT520
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return, Flensburg 2.10.42
Unit 10
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-October-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Francis Gourlay 2023-08-30
1942-October-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant Donald Arthur Ivers 2024-03-09

Halifax DT523

s/n
 DT523
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 437

Written off 26.11.42 and categorised 4375M
Units 103/1656 Heavy conversion Unit/1662HCU/1656HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT524

s/n
 DT524
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1658

Crashed at Newsholme Plantation, 2 miles south of Riccall 7.9.43
Units 460/158/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-September-07 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Lawrence Gray Dunlop 2024-10-29
1943-September-07 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James Low 2022-01-23
1943-September-07 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Samuel Rutherford Parker 2021-08-18

Halifax DT525

s/n
 DT525
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Flew into ground at Byland Moor, Yorks, after mining ops and burnt 6.11.42
Unit 78
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-November-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harry Lancaster Humphries 2021-08-10

Halifax DT539

s/n
 DT539
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Failed to Return, Hamburg 10.11.42
Unit 102
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-November-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Morris Kolesky Callan 2024-07-25
1942-November-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edwin Herbert Kingsland 2024-07-25
1942-November-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Thomas Marler 2024-07-25
1942-November-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Wilson Read 2024-07-25
1942-November-10 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Herbert Zealand 2024-07-25

Halifax DT540

s/n
 DT540
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Undercarriage retracted on landing at Middleton, St. George 30.11.42
Unit 102/419
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT546

s/n
 DT546
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659

Groundlooped on take-off at Topcliffe and undercarriage collapsed 28.8.44
Units 10/408/1659 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT548

s/n
 DT548

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;1659;1666

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*M". Returned early from raid to Hamburg on 3/4 March 1943 with one engine u/s. Attacked by unidentified aircraft before safely landing at base on 3 engines. Attacked by night fighter during raid on Hamburg on 24/25 July 1943, no damage. converted to 4863M after minor accident on 14.9.44
Units 102/419/1659 Heavy conversion Unit/1666HCU

On 1943-12-21, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, Chief Technical Officer at Wombleton, wrote in his diary:

"One of 1679's Lancasters, DS521 [sic] got closed off our circuit last night due to bad weather & was diverted to Topcliffe. Here he overshot & hit the tail end of a Halifax parked on a dispersal. It tore the tail right off & the Lanc turned end-over-end & stopping flat on its back with its wheels in the air & caught fire burning up completely. Three of the boys got out alive miraculously but the other three were lost."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT550

s/n
 DT550
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to return from mining ops, 9.11.42, crashed off Rottumeroog, Holland
Unit 76
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-November-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clarence Bruce Finley 2021-08-06
1942-November-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Gerhard Sawatzky 2021-08-04

Halifax DT551

s/n
 DT551
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659;1666

Wing dropped on landing at Wombleton and undercarriage collapsed 17.5.44
Units 405/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1666HCU

On 1944-05-17, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with 1664/1679 HCU at Wombleton, wrote in his diary:

"This afternoon we had our first accident this month when B for Bear DT551 broke and undercarriage casting on landing & went into a big ground loop. Nobody hurt but it made the kite a cat E & further gold mine for spares"

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT553

s/n
 DT553
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

Forced landed two miles northwest of Borrowby, Yorks, due to engine failure after take-off 29.6.43
Units 405/1659 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-29 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Richard Eric Nutter 2021-08-17

Halifax DT556

s/n
 DT556
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return, Berlin 2.3.43
Units 78/76
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Barbour Moore 2023-08-27
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Grenville Gordon Stanley 2023-08-27

Halifax DT560

s/n
 DT560

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659;1666

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*W". Slight damage to tail and bomb doors when attacked by fighter during attack on Stuttgart, 11/12 March 1943. Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units 405/1666 Heavy conversion unit/1659HCU/1666HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT561

s/n
 DT561
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return Plzen, 17.4.43
Units 10/51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Frederick Grant McCardle 2024-06-17

Halifax DT562

s/n
 DT562
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Struck off Charge 12.1.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT563

s/n
 DT563
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return, Berlin, crashed in sea off Dutch coast 30.3.43
Units 77/76
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Rodney Warren MacNeill 2021-08-17
1943-March-29 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Taylor 2022-01-14

Halifax DT565

s/n
 DT565
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

Struck off Charge 16.11.44
Units 405/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT568

s/n
 DT568
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Bochum, 13.6.43 Crashed at Weerseld, holland
Units: Telecommunications Flying Unit/77/51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-13 KIA RCAF Sergeant Melvin Lawrence Hutchins 2021-08-10

Halifax DT569

s/n
 DT569
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return, Berlin, 17.1.43 Crashed 1 kilometre southeast of Glashutte, Germany
Units 158/76
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-January-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Douglas Robertson Dewar 2024-10-17
1943-January-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Albert Gruchy 2024-07-22
1943-January-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred William Stevenson 2021-07-27

Halifax DT570

s/n
 DT570
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return, duisburg, 21.12.42
Units 158/76
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Edmund George Jones 2021-08-11
1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Austin Roy O'Dell 2021-08-17

Halifax DT572

s/n
 DT572
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return Stuttgart, 23.11.42
Unit 10
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-November-22 PoW RAF Pilot Officer Owen Sydney Rogers Collett 2024-04-29
1942-November-22 PoW RAF Flying Officer Alexander Paterson Douglas 2024-10-27
1942-November-22 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Walter Norman Hogg 2022-05-22
1942-November-22 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Stanley Jenson 2024-03-14
1942-November-22 PoW RAF Sergeant James Maher 2022-05-22
1942-November-22 PoW RCAF Sergeant Alfred Leslie Rathburn 2022-05-22
1942-November-22 PoW RAF Sergeant Allison Norrie Ross 2024-01-10

Halifax DT573

s/n
 DT573
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "H" when it forced landed on Bergerie Farm, Beaulieu, UK after engine failure on 21 December 1943. Repaired and flown out. Struck off charge 13.6.44
Units 405/1659 Heavy conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT575

s/n
 DT575
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return Plzen, Crashed near Liesse, France, 1.4.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Leonard Norman Jonasson 2023-12-15
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Francis Owen Ross 2023-12-15

Halifax DT576

s/n
 DT576

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*U", based at Dishforth. Crashed on 29 November 1942, just half mile east of Melmerby, Yorkshire shortly after taking off from Topcliffe at 10:05 local time and burnt. Was ferrying second crew to detachment at Beaulieu, all 15 on board killed.
last update: 2024-September-22

Ferry Flight 1942-11-29 to 1942-11-29

405 (C) Sqn (RCAF) Topcliffe

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*U", based at Dishforth. Crashed on 29 November 1942, just half mile east of Melmerby, Yorkshire shortly after taking off from Topcliffe at 10:05 local time and burnt. There were two crews in the aircraft, the flight crew, plus second crew and a ground crew mechanic as passengers all 15 on board killed. Was ferrying second crew to detachment at Beaulieu. This was the worst non-operational loss to occur in Yorkshire during the entire war

General Aircraft accidents in Yorkshire

General Honouring the Airmen of RAF Beaulieu & USAAF Station 408-RA...


1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Corporal Joseph Victor Raoul Beaudry 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Allen Catto Bradley 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Samuel Stuart Clark 2024-02-25
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Benjamin Hugo Enns 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Stephen Frederic Gannon 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Orlando Delmar Conrad Hamel 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant Francis Hooton 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Joseph Jones 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Sergeant William Michael Kostenuk 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Earl Lewis McGillivray 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ralph Elliott Milliken 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Stanley Milne 2024-06-06
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Norman Wilbur Ross 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer Class III Melville James Stanley 2022-07-07
1942-November-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Robert Ian Taylor 2022-07-07

Halifax DT578

s/n
 DT578
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 78/77/1658

Broke up and crashed on Great Whernside, Kettlewell, Yorks, and burnt probably due to icing and/or collision with Halifax JB926. both were on cross country 23.11.43.
Units 78/77/1658 heavy Conversion Unit

On 1943-11-24, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, a Technical Officer with 427 Sqn at Leeming, wrote in his diary:

Warning: The following material contains graphic content that may not be suitable for all readers.

"At 4 o'clock I got news of a crashed Halifax about 10 miles from here, so being the acting station engineer I had to go out to see it. I found bits & pieces of it scattered all over the hills but it got dark before I located the main wreckage. However I could see that it was a cat E so that was all I needed. The whole crew were killed too . . " and again on Monday November 29 he wrote "The AIB inspector came up today to enquire about the crashed kite I tried to locate last Wednesday. We set out right after lunch today & finally found it crashed against the base of a vertical cliff of rock right up at the top of one of the highest hills in the Cleveland range. There wasn't much left since it had burned completely. All that could be found of the bodies had been removed . . . It looked very much as if it had a collision with another aircraft since one wing & engine were missing & there was another crashed kite about three miles away."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM


last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT579

s/n
 DT579
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, torino, 12.12.42
Units 77/158
last update: 2024-September-22
1942-December-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Rayden Frederic Watson 2024-03-16

Halifax DT582

s/n
 DT582
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1666

Struck off charge 1.12.45
Units 77/51/1666 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT584

s/n
 DT584
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1666

Groundlooped on landing at Wombleton during circuits, 14.8.44
Units 77/51/1666 Heavy Conversion unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT586

s/n
 DT586
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;301

Crashed on ferry flight at Tarajal, Spain 30.1.43
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/301 Ferry Transfer Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-January-28 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Robert Elford Allin 2024-11-02
1943-January-28 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant John William Warner 2023-08-01

Halifax DT587

s/n
 DT587
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1666

Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units Royal Aircraft Establishment/ Lasham/ 1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT615

s/n
 DT615

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*P". Bombed Hamburg on 3/4 February 1943, attacked by Me 110, no damage reported. During mining operation to the Frisian Islands on 27/28 February 1943 received severe flak damage approaching target. Crew dropped mine after port outer engine failed. Port inner engine failed on the way home, unable to maintain altitude they ditched in the North Sea. All of the crew were rescued 22 hours later by the Royal Navy.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-February-28 Shot Down During mining operation to the Frisian Islands received severe flak damage, ditched in the North Sea. All of the crew were rescued. 2019-08-20

Halifax DT616

s/n
 DT616

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*K". Mining operation to the Frisian Islands 9/10 January 1943, exchanged gun fire with 2 flak ships. Dispatched to Lorient on 15/16 January 1943, returned early after engine failure. Bombed Lorient on 7/8 February 1943 attacked by Fw 190, no damage. Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Bochum on 12 / 13 June 1943. Shot down at 02:20 local time by Bf110 G9+AR of 7/NJG1, flown by Oblt. W. Rapp. All 7 crew were POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-13 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Bochum, shot down by a night fighter. All were POW. 2019-08-20

Bombing Bochum Germany 1943-06-12 to 1943-06-13

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

503 aircraft - 323 Lancasters, 167 Halifaxes, II Mosquitoes. 14 Lancasters and 10 Halifaxes lost, 4·8 per cent of the force.

This raid took place over a completely cloud-covered target but accurate Oboe . sky-marking enabled the all Lancaster/Halifax Main Force to cause severe damage to the centre of Bochum. After daylight photographs had been taken, 130 acres or destruction were claimed. The only report from Germany says that 449 buildings were destroyed and 916 severely damaged and that 312 people were killed.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*K". Failed to return from attack on Bochum on 12 / 13 June 1943. Shot down at 02:20 local time by Bf110 G9+AR of 7/NJG1, flown by Oblt. W. Rapp. All 7 crew were POW.


1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 David Lawson Gray 2024-07-24
1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Sergeant Robert James Hamilton 2024-07-24
1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Bertrand Denis Kirkham 2024-07-24
1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer James Albert Mills 2024-07-24
1943-June-13 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Arthur Taylor 2024-07-24

Halifax DT617

s/n
 DT617

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Coded "VR*C" on 3/4 March 1943, when it received slight damage from a night fighter during raid on Hamburg. Coded "VR*G" on 11/12 March 1943 when it attacked Stuttgart, and when lost. Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3/4 April 1943. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-04-03 to 1943-04-03

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

348 aircraft- 225 Lancasters, 113 Halifaxes, IO Mosquitoes; this was the first raid in which more than 200 Lancasters had taken part. 12 Halifaxes and 9 Lancasters lost 6·o per cent of the force - and 2 further Halifaxes crashed in England.

The weather forecast was not entirely favourable for this raid and the Pathfinders prepared a plan both for sky-marking and ground-marking the target. In the event, there was no cloud over Essen and the Main Force crews were somewhat confused lu find two kinds of marking taking place. The resultant bombing, however, was accui ate and a higher proportion of aircraft produced good bombing photographs than on any of the earlier successful raids on Essen.

Local reports showed that there was widespread damage in the centre and in th western half of Essen. 635 buildings were destroyed and 526 seriously damaged. 1 1 H people - 88 civilians, IO Flak gunners, 2 railwaymen, 2 policemen and 16 Frend, workers - were killed and 458 people were injured

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

This a/c served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Coded "VR*C" on 3/4 March 1943, when it received slight damage from a night fighter during raid on Hamburg. Coded "VR*G" on 11/12 March 1943 when it attacked Stuttgart, Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3/4 April 1943. All 7 crew including Sgt.s J.B. Langley (RAF), L.H. Ransome (RAF), and P/O. H.T, MacDonald (RAF) were killed.


   1943-April-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Essen. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-April-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Beverley William Agar 2024-11-01
1943-April-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Sebert Norman Hall 2022-10-28
1943-April-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Williams Lawry 2022-10-28

Halifax DT619

s/n
 DT619

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*Q". Crash landing at Coltishall on 28 February 1943 after being hit by enemy aircraft and by flak during mining operation to the Frisian Islands. 2 killed. Navigator Sgt. A. Mellin took over flight engineers duties after engineer was killed over target, despite his own injuries, and received a DFM. Crash landed at Low Mye, Wigtown, 22.1.44
Units 419/ 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Minelaying Frisian Islands Netherlands 1943-02-27 to 1943-02-27

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*Q". Crash landing at Coltishall on 28 February 1943 after being hit by enemy aircraft and by flak during mining operation to the Frisian Islands. 2 killed. Navigator Sgt. A. Mellin took over flight engineers duties after engineer was killed over target, despite his own injuries, and received a DFM. Crash landed at Low Mye, Wigtown, 22.1.44 Units 419/ 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit

   1943-February-28 Accident Crash Crash landing at Coltishall after being hit by flak during mining operation to the Frisian Islands. 2 killed. 2019-08-20
1943-February-27 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Irving Herbert Dunbar 2024-10-29
1943-February-27 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Barrington Philip Grogan 2022-10-24

Halifax DT620

s/n
 DT620
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;138

Missing on special operations executive ops, Poland, 15.3.43 Crashed at Harvig, Denmark
Unit 138
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Eugene Shadrack Masson 2023-08-28
1943-March-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Donald Robin Ross 2023-08-28

Halifax DT623

s/n
 DT623

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*S". Belly landed at Middleton-St. George at 00:09 local time on return from attack on the dock area of Lorient January 29/30, 1943. No injuries.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Lorient France 1943-01-29 to 1943-01-30

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Asawayita) RAF Middleton St George. Halifax BII aircraft DT 623 VR-S made a wheels up crash landing returning from operations over the dock area at Lorient, France

FS JMB O'Connor (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant AP Cranswick (RAF), Sergeant FE Johnston (RAF),Warrant Officer W McRobbie (RAF), FS D McKenzie (RAF), Pilot Officer JC Garton (RAF )and Flight Sergeant ILJ Howard (RAF) all survived, safe

Warrant Officer Class 2 JMB O'Connor would be missing, presumed killed 1943-04-28 in 419 Squadron Halifax JB 923 VR-Q while on a mine-laying sortie off the coast of Norway

WR Chorley notes that Flight Lieutenant Cranswick left 419 Sqn soon after for operations as a Pathfinder, where he became one of the premier bomber pilots in Bomber Command. He was killed July 4-5, 1944, as a Squadron Leader DSO while acting as Primary Visual Marker on an operation over France.


1943-January-30 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant James Michael Barry O'Connor 2022-10-22

Halifax DT624

s/n
 DT624
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF when it crashed at Harepath, UK after engine failure on 15 December 1942. 7 killed. Halifax File indicates it was 1 mile south of Beaulieu
last update: 2024-September-22

Combat Bay of Biscay France 1942-10-15 to 1942-10-15

405 (C) Sqn (RCAF) Beaulieu
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Bealieu, Halifax II aircraft DT 624 LQ-F returned from a daylight, long-range anti-submarine patrol over the Bay of Biscay on three engines with one of the port propellers feathered. The pilot obtained permission for a right hand circuit and, on turning into the wind, the aircraft went into a spin and crashed three miles west of the Beaulieu aerodrome

Bombing 1942-12-15 to 1942-12-15

405 (C) Sqn (RCAF) Beaulieu

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Bealieu, Halifax II aircraft DT 624 LQ-F returned from a daylight, long-range anti-submarine patrol over the Bay of Biscay on three engines with one of the port propellers feathered. The pilot obtained permission for a right hand circuit and, on turning into the wind, the aircraft went into a spin and crashed three miles west of the Beaulieu aerodrome.

General North East War Memorials Project-Every Name A Story Content


1942-December-15 KIFA RAFVR Albert George Henry Gapes 2022-06-08
1942-December-15 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Harold William Gunn 2022-07-07
1942-December-15 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Flight Engineer Richard Alan Rollins 2022-07-07
1942-December-15 KIFA RAFVR James Ryan 2022-06-08
1942-December-15 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert James Abadore Shaw 2022-07-07
1942-December-15 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert William Stewart 2022-07-07
1942-December-15 KIFA RAF Louis Gilbert Watson 2023-07-14

Halifax DT626

s/n
 DT626
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1658

Dived into the ground 1 mile southwest of Pentre Foelas Dendigh, out of control and burnt 4.1.44
Units 77/51/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-January-04 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James George Macleod 2021-08-17
1944-January-04 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Colin Thompson 2021-07-17

Halifax DT629

s/n
 DT629

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;1659

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Coded "VR*B" on 21/22 January 1943, when it returned early from mining operation to Frisian Islands with radio, Gee and front turret u/s. Coded "VR*V" when it returned to Frisian Islands on 18/19 February 1943, received damage from an Me 110 which it claimed as damaged. Bombed Stuttgart on 14/15 April 1943, attacked twice by night fighters without damage. Run into ground by Halifax DT802 at Topcliffe and burned 26.8.43
Units 77/419/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT630

s/n
 DT630

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;214

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*T". Failed to return from attack at Hamburg on 3/4 February 1943. 4 crew killed and 3 POWs after being shot down by a night fighter.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-February-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack at Hamburg. 4 crew killed and 3 POWs after being shot down by a night fighter. 2019-08-20

Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-02-03 to 1943-02-04

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). As Halifax aircraft DT 630 crossed the French coast, en route to the target Hamburg, Germany, it was attacked from below by a German FW-190 fighter aircraft. The Halifax was raked with cannon shells along the entire length of the fuselage killing the pilot and setting fire to the incendiaries in the bomb-bay. The navigator gave the signal to bail out but only three of the crew, FS Milton, Sergeants W.N. Garnett, and E.R. Marquand got out. Garnett and Marquand were taken Prisoners of War when they landed and Milton was either an Evader or was taken Prisoner of War. Pilot Officer J.D. MacKenzie, W/O R. H. Hill, (BROTHER to Howard Stephenson Hill), Sergeant W.P. Duthie, and W/O L.A. Gonnett were killed in the aircraft.

263 aircraft- 84 Halifaxes, 66 Stirlings, 62 Lancasters, 51 Wellingtons - provided by all groups on the first zoo-plus raid for more than 2 weeks.

Icing conditions in cloud over the North Sea caused many aircraft to return early. The Pathfinders were unable to produce concentrated and sustained marking on H2S and the bombing of the Main Force was scattered. The results in Hamburg were no better than the attack by a much smaller force a few nights earlier. 45 fires classed as 'large' were started, including 2 in various oil depots and I in a warehouse near the Elbe waterfront. 55 people were killed and 40 injured. The German night fighters operated effectively, despite the bad weather, and 16 bombers were lost - 8 Stirlings, 4 Halifaxes, 3 Wellingtons and I Lancaster, 6· 1 per cent of the force.


1943-February-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Peter Duthie 2024-10-31
1943-February-04 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Nelson Garnett 2022-10-22
1943-February-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Lennox Alwin James Gonnet 2022-10-22
1943-February-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Raymond Hepton Hill 2022-10-22
1943-February-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Douglas Mackenzie 2022-10-22
1943-February-04 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Eric Raymond Marquand 2023-09-10
1943-February-04 PoW RAF Alexander Henry Milton 2023-08-22

Halifax DT632

s/n
 DT632
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;77

Failed to Return, Duisberg, 13.5.43
Unit 77
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Thomas Matheson Moran 2021-08-16

Halifax DT633

s/n
 DT633

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Was coded "O" when it crashed and burned at Stubb Woods, Beaulieu on 21 February 1943. 7 crew killed. According to Halifax File, it stalled, crashed and caught fire 1.5 miles northeast of Beaulieu.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Bay of Biscay France 1943-02-21 to 1943-02-21

405 (C) Sqn (RCAF) Topcliffe

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Coastal Command No 18 Group, Halifax aircraft DT 633 crashed one and one half miles north-east of the aerodrome at RAF Station, Beaulieu, Hampshire.

The pilot was detailed to carry out an operational air sea patrol and this was his first night operational flight. The total weight of the aircraft was approximately 58,500 lbs, which included bombs and six depth charges. After some unexplained delay at the dispersal point and runway, the aircraft took off normally at 0455 hrs, made a turn to port through about 180 degrees and then crashed into a wood about 1½ miles from the airfield. An outbreak of fire occurred on impact, followed by the explosion of the bombs and depth charges which disintegrated the aircraft. The seven occupants were killed. Owing to the complete destruction of the aircraft practically no useful evidence was obtained by an examination of the wreckage. (Source South East History Boards)


1943-February-21 KIFA RAFVR William John Hart 2023-07-14
1943-February-21 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Roy Victor McLean 2022-07-07
1943-February-21 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank James O'Donohoe 2022-07-07
1943-February-21 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Benjamin Frederick John Parker 2022-07-07
1943-February-21 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ernest Harold Sellar 2022-07-07
1943-February-21 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Carl John Jr Shagena 2022-07-07
1943-February-21 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Benjamin Warren Jr Turner 2022-07-07

Halifax DT634

s/n
 DT634

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*E". Failed to return from operation to Berlin on 27/28 March 1943, hit by flak outbound and attacked by a night fighter on return. I crew killed, 6 PoW.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-03-27 to 1943-03-27

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Halifax Mk II aircraft DT 634 VR-E was a few miles south of Bremen, Germany, enroute to bomb targets in Berlin, Germany when it was caught in a flak barrage, a few minutes later the starboard outer engine heated up and had to be feathered. The crew decided to carry on but changed to the closer destination of Magdeburg, Germany instead of Berlin. After carrying out the bombing run the aircraft was hit from below and shot down by night fighter pilot Oblt. Ulrich Wulff of the 1/NJG 5, flying a Bf 110 aircraft, setting an engine on fire. The fire spread to the fuselage and the escape hatches had to be cut open with axes as the they had become jammed in the attack. All the crew jumped to safety except pilot Flying Officer Porter who stayed at the controls. He stayed too long and went down with the aircraft when it crashed at Escheburg near Bergedorf Schleswig-Holstein Germany

Flying Officer Charles Edward Porter MiD (RCAF) was killed in action

Warrant Officer Class I Murray Winston Bishop (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class I Joseph Gerald Lanteigne (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class I Albert Henry Taylor (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant George Joseph Sweanor (RCAF), Sergeant Daniel London (RAFVR) and Flying Officer Alan Thomas Budinger (RAFVR) survived and were all taken Prisoners of War

General Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

General 419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945 Crew of Halifax DT634

General Aviation Safety Network


1943-March-27 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Murray Winston Bishop 2024-07-06
1943-March-27 PoW RAF Flying Officer Alan Thomas Budinger 2024-07-06
1943-March-27 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Joseph Gerald Lanteigne 2024-07-06
1943-March-27 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Daniel London 2024-07-06
1943-March-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Edward Porter MiD 2024-09-15
1943-March-27 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant George Joseph Sweanor 2024-07-06
1943-March-27 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Albert Henry 'Scottie' Taylor 2024-07-06

Halifax DT635

s/n
 DT635
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Struck off Charge 6.4.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-03 KIA RAF Sergeant Bertram James Warr 2021-07-27

Halifax DT636

s/n
 DT636
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;58

Failed to return, anti submarine patrol 24.8.43. last message was "contact made with 14 JU-88's (German bombers)
Unit 58
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Murdoch Clark 2024-02-25
1943-August-23 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Lloyd Chesley Matthews 2021-08-16
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Banks Earle Mitchell DFM 2021-08-16
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class William Allan Tennant 2021-07-27

Halifax DT639

s/n
 DT639

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*B". Mining operation to Frisian Islands on 9/10 January 1943, diverted to Croft on return. Failed to return from mining operation to the Frisian Islands on 18/19 February 1943, lost without a trace, no survivors.
last update: 2024-September-22

Minelaying Frisian Islands Netherlands (Nectarines) 1943-02-18 to 1943-02-18

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*B". Mining operation to Frisian Islands on 9/10 January 1943, diverted to Croft on return. Nothing was heard from the crew after departing for the operation but are believed to have been shot down by a night fighter.as there were many in the area that night


   1943-February-19 Failed to Return Failed to return from mining operation to the Frisian Islands, no survivors. 2019-08-20
1943-February-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John William Grant 2022-10-24
1943-February-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Reid Gray 2022-10-24
1943-February-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Harold Thomas Jacobsen 2022-10-24
1943-February-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Benoit Albert Levasseur 2022-10-24
1943-February-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Griffith Arthur Lloyd 2022-10-24
1943-February-18 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Albert Robinson 2022-10-24
1943-February-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Potter Wilson 2024-06-28

Halifax DT641

s/n
 DT641

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*R". Lost over North Sea on 1/2 March 1943 during raid on Berlin, no survivors. Possibly short down by night fighter from IV./NJG1.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-03-01 to 1943-03-01

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

302 aircraft - 1 56 Lancasters, 86 Hali faxes, 60 Stirlings. 17 aircraft - 7 Lancasters, 6 Halifaxes, 4 Stirlings - lost, y6 per cent of the force.

The Pathfinders experienced difficulty in producing concentrated marking be¬cause individual parts of the extensive built-up city area of Berlin could not be distinguished on the H2S screens. Bombing photographs showed that the attack was spread over more than IOO square miles with the main emphasis in the south-west of the city. However, because larger numbers of aircraft were now being used and because those aircraft were now carrying a greater average bomb load, the proportion of the force which did hit Berlin caused more damage than any previous raid to this target. This type of result- with significant damage still being caused by only partially successful attacks - was becoming a regular feature of Bomber Command raids.

Much damage was caused in the south and west of Berlin. 22 acres of workshops were burnt out at the railway repair works at Tempelhof and 20 factories were badly damaged and 875 buildings -mostly houses -were destroyed. 191 people were killed.

Some bombs hit the Telefunken works at which the H2S set taken from the Stirling shot down near Rotterdam was being reassembled. The set was completely destroyed in the bombing but a Halifax of 35 Squadron with an almost intact set crashed in Holland on this night and the Germans were able to resume their research into H2S immediately.

.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Halifax aircraft DT 641 was shot down in the sea during a trip to Berlin, Germany. Sergeants A.D. Cherkinsky, J. Kowalski, A.L. Bateman, and FS W.G. Francis and FS A.T. Woodhouse were killed. Two of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Sgt. J.N. Gray (RAF) and F/O. A.J. Herriott D.F.M. (RAF) were also killed


1943-March-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant Albert Leroy Bateman 2024-11-09
1943-March-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant Arthur David Cherkinsky 2024-02-12
1943-March-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Wilfred George Francis 2022-10-24
1943-March-01 KIA RAFVR James Nicol Gray 2023-08-23
1943-March-01 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Arthur James Herriott DFM 2023-08-23
1943-March-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Kowalski 2022-10-24
1943-March-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alexander Trevor Woodhouse 2022-10-24

Halifax DT642

s/n
 DT642
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1674


last update: 2024-November-09

Conversion 1944-07-29 to 1944-07-29

(OT) HCU (RAF) Aldergrove

Operated by 1674 Heavy Conversion Unit. After taking off on a practice flight, the aircraft continued straight ahead towards Antrim, flying very low for no apparent reason and against instructions. It then began a wide turn at high speed, but lost height and struck trees at Masserene Estate, Antrim. (some records state Shanes Castle) It cut a swathe through the trees before crashing on open ground immediately south of the Sixmilewater, on the site what is now the Antrim Forum, it caught fire and burned out. Warrant Officer L.W. Lenz, Flying Officer G. Fraser, FS H.V. Heaton, Sgts, J.L.Snider, L.M. Hembruff, and four of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed.

source: Malcolm Deeley, Ulster Aviation Society


1944-July-29 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Fraser 2023-07-19
1944-July-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Vincent Heaton 2023-07-19
1944-July-29 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Leonard Morland Hembruff 2023-07-19
1944-July-29 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Lambert William Lenz 2023-07-19
1944-July-29 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Jack Lloyd Snider 2023-07-19

Halifax DT645

s/n
 DT645
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Duisburg, 13.5.43
Unit 77/51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Sergeant Murray Hudley Nesbitt 2021-05-19
1943-May-13 KIA RAF Sergeant Eric Wilson Thomson 2021-04-29

Halifax DT646

s/n
 DT646

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*C". Failed to return from attack at Essen on 5/6 March 1943. Hit by flak over target, shot down by a night fighter during return trip. May have come down at 21:37 local time near Elst, Holland, between Arnhem and Nijmegen. 5 crew were POWs, one evaded, and one was killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-March-06 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack at Essen, shot down by a night fighter. 5 crew were POWs, one evaded, and one was killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-03-05 to 1943-03-06

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

442 aircraft - 157 Lancasters, 131 Wellingtons, 94 Halifaxes, 52 Stirlings, 8 Mos¬quitoes. It was on this night that Bomber Command's roo.oooth sortie of the war was flown. 14 aircraft- 4 Lancasters, 4 Wellingtons, 3 Halifaxes, 3 Stirlings - lost, 3·2 per cent of the force.,/p>

The only tactical setback to this raid was that 56 aircraft - nearly 13 per cent of the force - turned back early because of technical defects and other causes. 3 of the 'early returns' were from the 8 Oboe Mosquito marker aircraft upon which the success of the raid depended but the 5 Mosquitoes which did reach the target area opened the attack on time and marked the centre of Essen perfectly. The Pathfinder backers-up also arrived in good time and carried out their part of the plan. The whole of the marking was 'blind', so that the ground haze which normally concealed

Essen did not affect the outcome of the raid. The Main Force bombed in 3 waves - Halifaxes in the first wave, Wellingtons and Stirlings in the second, Lancasters in the third. Two thirds of the bomb tonnage was incendiary; one third of the high-explosive bombs were fuzed for long delay. The attack lasted for 40 minutes and 362 aircraft claimed to have bombed th, main ta,g,t. Those tac6cs would be typical of many other raids on the Ruhr area in the next 4 months.

Reconnaissance photographs showed 160 acres of destruction with 53 separate buildings within the Krupps works hit by bombs. A map from Essen shows the main area of damage to have been between the Krupps works and the city centre. The local report states that 3,018 houses were destroyed and 2,166 were seriously damaged. The number of people killed is given in various reports as between 457 and 482; at least Io of these were firemen. If the higher figure is correct, the previous record number of people killed in an air raid on Germany - 469 in the moo-bomber raid on Cologne in May 1942 - was exceeded.Small numbers of bombs fell in 6 other Ruhr cities

.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt


1943-March-06 PoW RAF Leonard Bakewell 2024-11-05
1943-March-06 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class James Arthur Bennett 2023-11-18
1943-March-06 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William James Clark 2024-02-26
1943-March-06 KIA RAFVR James Robert Cooper 2024-04-10
1943-March-06 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Jack Edward Marvel 2023-11-29
1943-March-06 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Donald Dennis Scowen 2023-11-18
1943-March-06 Evader RCAF Sergeant Alvin C Turner 2023-11-29

Halifax DT667

s/n
 DT667
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1666

Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units 10/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit/1666HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT669

s/n
 DT669

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*L". Bombed docks at St. Nazaire on 28/29 March 1943 Bombed Hamburg on 3/4 March 1943. Severely damaged by Me 110 attack during raid on Essen on 3/4 April 1943, landed safely at Coltishall. Claimed one Ju 88 and one Me 110 shot down on this mission. Flew into ground at Bovingham, Lincs, after breaking cloud 17.12.43
Units 419/1668 Heavy conversion Unit/1662 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Saint-Nazaire France 1943-03-28 to 1943-03-28

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George, Halifax II aircraft DT 669 VR-L was damaged by a night fighter attack on a raid to St Nazaire, France on March 28, 1943. The pilot lost control for the aircraft and ordered the crew to bale, but then regained control and cancelled the order. Warrant Officer Class 1 Douglas was the only crew member to bale. He survived and was taken as Prisoner of War. The Halifax and the rest of the crew managed to limp back to England and land safely with three injured crew members

1943-April-28 PoW KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Robert Gordon Douglas 2024-10-28

Halifax DT672

s/n
 DT672

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*D". Raid on Duisberg on 8 / 9 April 1943, attacked by Ju 88 but no damage reported. Raid on Frankfurt 10 / 11 April 1943, attacked by an Me 110, no damage reported. Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Bochum on 13 / 14 May 1943. Came down near Monchengladbach. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-May-14 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Bochum. All were killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Bochum Germany 1943-05-13 to 1943-05-14

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
>p>442 aircraft - 135 Halifaxes, 104 Wellingtons, 98 Lancasters, 95 Stirlings, IO Mos¬quitoes; 5 Group did not take part in this raid. 24 aircraft- 13 Halifaxes, 6 Welling¬tons, 4 Stirlings, 1 Lancaster - lost, 5·4 per cent of the force.

This raid started well but, after 15 minutes, what were believed to be German decoy markers drew much of the bombing away from the target. The only information available from Germany is that 394 buildings in Bochum were destroyed, 716 were seriously damaged and 302 people were killed.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

There were two 419 Sqn. aircraft lost in the same area this same night. Please see Sergeant F.W. Walkerdine for information regarding the other crew and aircraft.


1943-May-14 KIA RAF Sergeant George Adams 2024-11-01
1943-May-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Heyer Bowden 2022-11-07
1943-May-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Oliver John Haralson 2022-11-07
1943-May-14 KIA RAFVR Edwin Kurring 2024-03-17
1943-May-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lawrence David McEwen 2022-11-07
1943-May-14 KIA RAFVR Frederick Stefhen Neal 2024-03-17
1943-May-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Basil Ruto 2022-11-07

Halifax DT673

s/n
 DT673

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*G" or possibly "EQ*A". Damaged beyond repair during gear up landing at Leeming (which had failed on departure) 3/4 April 1943, returning from raid on Essen-belly landing. No injuries.
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-04 Survived RCAF FW Wood 2022-05-23

Halifax DT674

s/n
 DT674

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*A". Mining operation to Frisian Islands on 21/22 January 1943, minor flak damage to wings. Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Essen, 27/28 May 1943. Was attacked by a night fighter, crashed near the target. 5 crew were POWs and 2 killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Sergeant John Douglas Blewett 2023-11-16
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Napoleon Pascal Eugene Comeau 2024-03-25
1943-May-28 PoW RAAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Oswald Greig 2022-05-25
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Sergeant William Albert Ivor 2022-05-25
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer II Welland Victor Neumann 2022-05-25
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Vincent John Raymond Veys 2022-05-25
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Cedric Anton Vogel 2022-05-25

Halifax DT675

s/n
 DT675
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659

With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF from 7 December 1942 , coded "EQ*O". Bombed LOrient, France on 16 February 1943. Heavily damaged by flak during mission to Cologne on 26/27 February 1943. Pilot Squadron Leader E. Gilmore received DFC, navigator Sgt. W.T.M. Smith received DFM for efforts required to return to UK on three engines. Aircraft returned to Handley Page for repairs on 23 March 1943. Struck off charge 18.7.44
Units 408/1659 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT676

s/n
 DT676

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*B". Attacked Lorient on 29/30 January 1943. Combat with Ju 88 during this mission, no damage and no claim filed. Bombed Essen on 27/28 May 1943. force landed at Dalton due to fuel starvation 7.7.43
Units 408/1659 Heavy conversion unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT677

s/n
 DT677
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1659

With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Struck of charge 2.6.44
Units 408/1659 Heavy conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT678

s/n
 DT678

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*C". Crash landed at Ossington on return from raid on Lorient at 23:30 local time on 23 January 1943, after both starboard engines had failed. No injuries.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-January-24 Accident Crash Crash landed at Ossington on return from raid on Lorient, after both starboard engines had failed. No injuries. 2019-08-20
1943-January-24 Survived RCAF Sergeant John Douglas Blewett 2022-05-28
1943-January-24 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer N D Downie 2024-10-28
1943-January-24 Survived RCAF Sergeant William Albert Ivor 2021-04-29
1943-January-24 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Welland Victor Neumann 2022-06-03
1943-January-24 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Vincent John Raymond Veys 2021-04-29
1943-January-24 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Cedric Anton Vogel 2021-04-29

Halifax DT679

s/n
 DT679

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*Q". Bombed LOrient, France on 16 February 1943. Bombed Wilhelmshaven on 19/20 February 1943, attacked by Bf 109, no damage. Failed to return from attack on Berlin 29/30 March 1943. Came down near Stapelmoor in East Freisland, near Leer. All 7 crew, including one American, were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-March-30 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin. All were killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-03-29 to 1943-03-30

408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming

408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax BII aircraft DT 679 EQ-Q was likely struck by flak during a night operation against targets in Berlin and crashed near Ruttelerfeld/Stapelmoor, southeast of Marx, Niedersachsen, Germany

Flying Officer FNS Cavanaugh (RCAF) Flying Officer HE Tanner (RCAF), Flight Sergeant GW Herrington (RCAF)(USA), Flight Sergeant WA Kopacz (RCAF)(USA), Sergeant EA Biggs (RAFVR), Sergeant TW Harris (RAFVR) and Sergeant RH Holtham (RAF) were all killed in action

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

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General Daily Operations


1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edwin Arthur Biggs 2023-04-15
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frank Napoleon Smith Cavanaugh 2024-01-21
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas William Harris 2023-04-15
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Granite William Herrington 2023-04-15
1943-March-30 KIA RAF Sergeant Raymond Henry Holtham 2023-04-15
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Walter Anthony Kopacz 2023-04-15
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold Edward Tanner 2023-04-15

Halifax DT680

s/n
 DT680

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF at Leeming, coded "EQ*D". Failed to return from attack at Hamburg on 3/4 February 1943. Pilot Flight Lieutenant W.A. Black killed after staying at controls while crew bailed out, rest of crew PoW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-February-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack at Hamburg. Pilot KIA, rest POW. 2019-08-20
1943-February-03 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Jean Sylvio Albert Aubry 2023-11-06
1943-February-03 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Andrew Black 2024-07-12
1943-February-03 PoW RAF Samuel Eardley 2023-07-17
1943-February-03 PoW RAF Bert Gordon Howe 2023-07-17
1943-February-03 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Ian Gordon Imrie 2023-11-06
1943-February-03 PoW RAF John Albert Taplin 2023-07-17
1943-February-03 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Frank Waite 2023-11-06

Halifax DT682

s/n
 DT682

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*F". Returned to base early during mission to attack Lorient 14/15 January 1943, due to the rear turret being u/s. Crash landed after engine failure on port outboard engine, on transit flight from Syerston back to base on 2 February 1943, and crashed half mile south of Long Dinnington, Nottinghamshire. All 7 crew injured. Aircraft struck off on 20 February 1943.
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT684

s/n
 DT684
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;58

Crashed in mist at Wimbourne, Dorset and burnt. 24.1.43
Unit 58
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-January-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lawrence Edward Gilpin 2021-08-07
1943-January-24 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Sidney James Prince 2021-09-30
1943-January-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Robert Pringle 2021-08-12

Halifax DT686

s/n
 DT686
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Kiel, 5.4.43
Units 58/51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant Gerald Edwin McDonald 2021-09-23

Halifax DT689

s/n
 DT689

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;419;1666

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*N". Bombed Stuttgart on 11/12 March 1943. Claimed an Me 210 shot down during this mission. Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Bombed Bochum on 12/13 June 1943, when it was coded "VR*X". Had three combats with night fighters on return trip, claimed a Ju 88 destroyed at 02:52, just off the Dutch coast. Struck off Charge 15.2.45
Units 419/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT694

s/n
 DT694
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Failed to Return, 15.2.43
Units 405/1652 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT695

s/n
 DT695

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*P". Bombed St. Nazaire docks, date unknown. Struck off Charge 31.8.44
Units 405/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit/1663HCU/1658HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT697

s/n
 DT697
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1658

Crashed at Bruntingthorpe, Leics, after engine failure, 21.8.43
Units 158/1658 Heavy Converison Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-August-21 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Bruce Edwin Bell 2021-07-22
1943-August-21 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Alexander Mawson 2021-08-16

Halifax DT699

s/n
 DT699

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G". Failed to return from mining operation to La Rochelle and Brest night of 6/7 April 1943. Last radio transmission received at 23:23 UK time. Came down in ocean off La Rochelle. All crew were killed. This was the last crew lost by this Squadron before it transferred to No. 8 Group for pathfinder duties.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-07 Failed to Return Failed to return from mining operation to La Rochelle and Brest. All were killed. 2019-08-20

Minelaying La Rochelle France (Cinnamon) 1943-04-06 to 1943-04-07

405 (C) Sqn (RCAF) Leeming

Battle of the Ruhr

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G". Failed to return from mining operation to La Rochelle and Brest night of 6/7 April 1943. Last radio transmission received at 23:23 UK time. Came down in ocean off La Rochelle. All crew were killed. This was the last crew lost by this Squadron before it transferred to No. 8 Group for pathfinder duties.

1943-April-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Floyd Roger Willis Anderson 2024-11-02
1943-April-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Harvey Edwards 2023-09-23
1943-April-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant Archibald Don Gordon 2023-12-15
1943-April-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert John Jones 2023-09-23
1943-April-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Duncan Roberts 2023-09-23
1943-April-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Reginald Victor Stuart 2023-09-21
1943-April-07 KIA RAFVR Lionel Robert Wallace 2022-06-08

Halifax DT704

s/n
 DT704

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*H". Failed to return from attack on Kiel on 4/5 April 1943. Crashed near Kiel after dropping its bombs. All were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-05 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Kiel. All were killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Kiel Germany 1943-04-04 to 1943-04-05

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Leeming

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Leeming. Halifax BII aircraft DT 704 LQ-H missing during an attack against the docks and shipping at Kiel, Germany. The Halifax was hit by radar-directed marine flak and exploded in mid-air, crashing in the target area near Klausdorf, Germany.The entire crew was lost

With 577 bombers taking part in this raid it was the largest raid of the war to this date, but strong winds and heavy cloud cover effected both target marking and bombing accuracy. Little damage was caused.


1943-April-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Arthur Damms 2024-08-08
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Joseph Foley 2022-07-07
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Edward Goldney 2022-07-07
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Francis Jordan 2024-08-08
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harry Bertram John Sargent 2024-08-08
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Alexander Campbell Taylor 2022-07-07
1943-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ralph James Wright 2022-07-07

Halifax DT705

s/n
 DT705
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return Dusseldorf, 28.1.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-January-27 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Howard Barrett 2024-11-09

Halifax DT721

s/n
 DT721
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Dusselfdorf, 28.1.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-January-27 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Lawrence O'Neil Weakley 2021-10-02

Halifax DT723

s/n
 DT723

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*F". Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3/4 April 1943. Damaged by flak after bombing target. Attacked by a night fighter over Holland on return. One engine lost, entered an uncontrollable spiral. Crew baled out. Flight Sergeant W.S. Beaty drowned on landing, remaining 7 landed on Tiengemeten Island or mainland near Oud-Beijerland, taken PoW. Flight Sergeant K.O. Perry died in captivity on 23 August 1943.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Essen, shot down by a night fighter. 1 crew killed and 7 POW, 2019-08-20

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-04-03 to 1943-04-04

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Leeming
Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*F". Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3/4 April 1943. Damaged by flak after bombing target. Attacked by a night fighter over Holland on return. One engine lost, entered an uncontrollable spiral. Crew baled out. Flight Sergeant W.S. Beaty drowned on landing, remaining 7 landed on Tiengemeten Island or mainland near Oud-Beijerland, taken PoW. Flight Sergeant K.O. Perry died in captivity on 23 August 1943.

1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Walter Stanley Beatty 2023-08-15
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Flying Officer John Henry Colwell 2024-03-25
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Armand Burns Granbois 2022-07-07
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Henry Hoddinott 2022-07-07
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Lago 2022-07-07
1943-April-04 PoW Died RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Keith Oliver Perry 2022-07-07
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant Welland Wilfred Phipps 2022-07-07
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Flt Sergeant Henry Champion Waugh 2022-07-07

Halifax DT726

s/n
 DT726
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;138

Missing on Operations 4.11.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-November-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold Thomas Penfold 2023-12-17

Halifax DT730

s/n
 DT730
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;77

Failed to Return Leipzig 4.12.43
Units 51/77
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Robert Farrell 2021-09-23
1943-December-04 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Kenneth Enson Lees 2024-11-01

Halifax DT731

s/n
 DT731

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*M". Bombed Frankfurt on 20/21 December 1942. Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 20/21 January 1943, shot down by a night fighter. All 7 crew POW, including one USAAF.
Units 158/419
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-January-21 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin, shot down by a night fighter. All crew POW. 2019-08-20

Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-20 to 1944-01-20

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of Berlin

769 aircraft- 49 5 Lancasters, 264 Halifaxes, lo Mosquitoes. 35 aircraft- 22 Halifaxes, I 3 Lancasters - lost, 4·6 per cent of the force. I02 Squadron, from Pocklington, lost 5 of its 16 Halifaxes on this raid, 2 more crashed in England and the squadron would lose 4 more aircraft in the next night's raid. The bomber approach route took a wide swing to the north but, once again, the German controller managed to feed his fighters into the bomber stream early and the fighters scored steadily until the force was well on the way home. The diversions were not large enough to deceive the Germans.

The Berlin area was, as so often, completely cloud-covered and what happened to the bombing is a mystery. The Pathfinder sky-marking appeared to go according to plan and crews who were scanning the ground with their H2S sets believed that the attack fell on eastern districts of Berlin. No major navigational problems were experienced. No photographic reconnaissance was possible until after a further 4 raids on Berlin were carried out but the various sources from which the Berlin reports are normally drawn all show a complete blank for this night. It is not known whether this is because of some order issued by the German authorities to conceal the extent of the damage or whether the entire raid missed Berlin.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. On January 20, 1944 Halifax BII aircraft DT 731 dropped its bomb load on the target at Berlin, Germany and on the return leg was near Leipzig, Germany when it was shot down by a German JU-88 aircraft. The crew all abandoned the Halifax before it crashed near Dessau-Roblau, Germany

Warrant Officer Class 1 WE MacKenzie (RCAF), Flying Officer A Cormack (RCAF), FS IV Hopkins (RCAF), Sergeant WD McCaghey (RCAF), Sergeant ER Jenkins (RAF) and TSergeant FS Paules (USAAF) all survived and were taken as Prisoners of War

There were two 419 Squadron Halifax BII aircraft lost on this operation. See Sanderson, FG for information on Halifax HX 162 VR-X


1944-January-20 PoW RAF Sergeant John Chambers 2024-01-28
1944-January-20 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Alastair Cormack 2024-04-18
1944-January-20 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Ivan Victor Hopkins 2022-12-07
1944-January-20 PoW RAF Sergeant Edward Reginald Jenkins 2022-04-08
1944-January-20 PoW KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Warren Ellwood Mackenzie 2024-04-22
1944-January-20 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer William Douglas McCaghey 2022-12-07
1944-January-20 PoW USAAF Technical Sergeant Frank S Paules 2023-07-06

Halifax DT735

s/n
 DT735
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1666

With No. 1666 Heavy Conversion Unit, 6 Group, when it crashed on 19 November 1944. Disappeared on cross country flight.
Units 1474 Flight/192/1475 Flight/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-November-19 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Theodore Reginald Bailey DFC 2024-11-04
1944-November-19 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class John Francis Emery 2020-09-24
1944-November-19 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Clifford Nicholas Flette 2021-09-20
1944-November-19 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Robert Sidney Gray 2021-09-21
1944-November-19 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Alexander Hine 2022-11-23
1944-November-19 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Norman O'Donnell 2020-09-24
1944-November-19 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James Edward Osborn 2020-09-24

Halifax DT737

s/n
 DT737
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1666

Ran off runway at Wombleton during landing 30.4.44
Units 1474 Flight/192/1473Flt/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit

On 1944-04-30, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with 1664/1679 HCU at Wombleton, wrote in his diary:

"All our luck seems to run in one streak since we had another Cat E accident today. This was an exciting one since Squadron Leader Gaivan was the pilot of old W-Willie DT737 & he blew a tyre out just on takeoff and that meant he had to land again with a tyre already burst which isn't good. The news spread around like wildfire & we were all out on the field to watch him attempt his landing. So was the fire truck, crash truck & ambulance! He came in nicely & held it down on the good wheel to start with but finally the other one came down, dug in & then he started to ground loop 3 times in succession. The crew were only a little bit shaken but the kite was really bad since it's back was really broken. As you walked down the fuselage toward the tail you had to turn a 45 degree corner & when we hooked the browser on & started to drag it away the rear fuselage came right off."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT738

s/n
 DT738
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return Essen 4.4.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-03 KIA RAF Sergeant William George Richardson 2022-01-18

Halifax DT741

s/n
 DT741
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, when lost. Failed to Return, Essen, 1.5.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-04-30 to 1943-05-01

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, when lost. Failed to Return, Essen, 1.5.43 Unit 405

General Crew of Halifax DT 741 by Alex Murray for BBC News


1943-May-01 KIA RAF Herbert Philipson Atkinson MID 2024-11-03
1943-May-01 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class George Kenneth Collopy 2024-03-21
1943-May-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Albert George Hardy 2022-07-07
1943-May-01 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class George Laroy 'Buddy' MacCallum 2023-09-06
1943-May-01 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Edward Patrick Nurse 2023-09-21
1943-May-01 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Francis Redmond O'Neill 2023-09-21
1943-May-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer R M Reilly 2023-08-05
1943-May-01 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Norman Herman Weiler 2023-08-17

Halifax DT745

s/n
 DT745

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". Crashed at 23:50 local time near Chlons-sur-Marne, after being attacked at 15,000 feet by night fighter during attack on Stuttgart on 11/12 March 1943. 2 crew evaded, 6 PoW. One evader, Sgt. P. Dmytruk, joined the French resistance and was killed in combat on 9 December 1943. This was the first loss from 405 (B) Squadron after it returned to bombing from Coastal Command.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-March-12 Accident Crash Crashed near Chlons-sur-Marne after being attacked by night fighter during attack on Stuttgart. 2 crew evaded and 6 were POW. 2019-08-20

Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1943-03-11 to 1943-03-12

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Topcliffe

Battle of the Ruhr

405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Topcliffe. Halifax BII aircraft DT 745 LQ-V was attacked at 15,000 feet and shot down by night fighter pilot Lt Jakob Schaus of the 4/NJG 4, flying a Bf 110 from Saint-Dizier airfield, during an attack on targets in Stuttgart , Germany. The Halifax crashed near Chlons-sur-Marne, France

This was the first loss from 405 Squadron after it returned to Bomber Command from a five month attachment to Coastal Command

Pilot Officer HD Rea (RCAF), Flying Officer WA MacDonald (RCAF), Flight Sergeant JJ Maguire (RAAF), (2nd Pilot) Sergeant HJ Mason (RAF), Pilot Officer KPC Money (RAF) and Flight Sergeant P Johnston (RAF) survived and all were taken as Prisoners of War

Flight Sergeant P Dmytruk (RCAF) and Pilot Officer KW Elt (RAF) survived and evaded. Pilot officer Elt, with the aid of an escape organization, made his way to Gibraltar and eventually back to the UK. Flight Sergeant Dmytruk joined the French Resistance but was captured and shot after an ambush 1943-12-09

General [Royal Air Force serial and Image Database]...

General Aviation Safety Network

General Daily Operations 6bombergroup.ca

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1943-March-12 Evader KIA RCAF Flt. Sergeant Peter Dmytruk CDGF Silver Star 2024-10-22
1943-March-12 Evader RAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Winston Elt DFM 2023-04-18
1943-March-12 PoW RAF Flight Sergeant Patrick Johnston 2023-04-18
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Alexander MacDonald 2024-10-22
1943-March-12 PoW RAAF Flight Sergeant James Joseph Maguire 2023-04-18
1943-March-12 PoW RAF Sergeant Howard Jack Mason 2023-04-18
1943-March-12 PoW RAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Percy Cox Money 2023-04-18
1943-March-12 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Harold David Rea 2023-04-18

Halifax DT746

s/n
 DT746
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return Stuttgart, 15.4.43
Unit 10
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John David Culleton 2024-06-25

Halifax DT747

s/n
 DT747
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Failed to Return 21.4.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alexander Cuthbert Weir 2023-08-28

Halifax DT749

s/n
 DT749

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;408;408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*O". Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Hamburg on 27 / 28 July 1943, shot down by a night fighter of 11/NJG3. Crashed west of Neumunster. 5 crew were killed and 3 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-28 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hamburg, shot down by a night fighter. 5 crew were killed and 3 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-July-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer John Edward Bemister 2024-07-14
1943-July-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer John Henry Borley 2024-07-14
1943-July-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Alexis Renee Leblanc 2024-07-22
1943-July-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Howard William McDonald 2024-08-23
1943-July-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Elbert Frank Parker 2024-09-15
1943-July-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Gordon James Richardson 2024-07-14
1943-July-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Clifford Campbell Stovel DFC 2024-07-14

Halifax DT750

s/n
 DT750

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*U". Returning after attack at Cologne on 14/15 February 1943, port outboard engine caught fire and quit on approach to Leeming. Pilot climbed slightly, 5 crew bailed out, 1 killed when chute failed to fully deploy. Other 2 crew survived the crash, at 23:57 UK time, at Kirby Wiske, near Thirsk, Yorkshire.
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-February-14 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Carter Horner 2021-05-04
1943-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Courtland Parker 2021-05-04
1943-February-14 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Max Samuels 2024-06-28

Halifax DT752

s/n
 DT752

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*W". Attacked Lorient, France on 16 / 17 February 1943. Attacked by 5 Fw190s, claimed one damaged. Failed to return from attack on Pilsen, on 16 / 17 April 1943, shot down by a night fighter. All 7 crew were killed. Came down at 04:08 local time 3 kilometres south-east of Nassogne, Belgium.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-17 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Pilsen, shot down by a night fighter. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cecil Davis Heming 2023-08-22
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Kwasney 2023-08-26
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harry George Machell 2023-08-22
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Raymond Louis Sergent 2021-05-22

Halifax DT769

s/n
 DT769

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*J". Attacked Cologne on 14/15 February 1943. Attacked by 3 Ju 88s, claimed one destroyed. Bombed St. Nazaire on 22/23 March 1943, attacked by Ju88. Attacked Pilsen on 16/17 April 1943, received slight flak damage. Failed to return from attack on Aachen on 13 / 14 July 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Crashed at 01:40 local time at Fellenoord, 3 kilometres south of Drunen, Holland. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW. Halifax Files indicates it was the 16th of July that is was shot down.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-14 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Aachen, shot down by a night fighter. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-July-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Barneveld 2024-11-09
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class David Lloyd George Brown 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 PoW RAF Sergeant Bryce Domigan 2024-10-24
1943-July-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Foggon 2021-05-29
1943-July-14 PoW RAF Flying Officer James John Kelly 2021-06-05
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Douglas George McKay 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alan Osborne Smuck 2021-05-21

Halifax DT772

s/n
 DT772

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*E". Bombed Bochum on 13/14 May 1943, attacked by Me109. Bombed Wuppertal on 29/30 May 1943, again attacked by Me109. Failed to return from attack on Krefeld on 21/22 June 1943. Came down at Zeist, near Utrecht, Holland. All 7 crew were killed.
Units 405/408
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-22 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Krefeld. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Rene Archambault 2024-11-02
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Edward Bisheff 2021-07-24
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Clarence MacDonald 2021-08-16
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cecil Lester Sebelius 2021-08-03
1943-June-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Duncan Walsh 2022-06-19

Halifax DT773

s/n
 DT773
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Failed to Return, Plzen, 17.4.43
Unit 78
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Pilsen Czechoslovakia 1943-04-16 to 1943-04-17

78 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse

78 (Preston's Own) Squadron (Nemo non paratus) RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Halifax BII aircraft DT 773 EY was shot down by night fighter pilot Lt Joseph Nabrich III/NJG101 returning from an operation against the Skoda armaments factory in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. Pilot Flight Lieutenant Dowse gave the order to abandon the aircraft and stayed at the controls. Sadly, Flight Lieutenant Dowse was not able to get free himself and went down with his bomber. The Halifax crashed crashed in the dry lake bed of Max Eyth in the Hofen district of Stuttgart, Germany

Flight Lieutenant AP Dowse (RAFVR) was killed in action

FS R Desjardins (RCAF), Sergeant AW Hoare (RAFVR), Sergeant P Lansford (RNZAF), Flying Officer AN Orr (RAFVR), Sergeant TT Slater (RAFVR) and Sergeant HE Thompson (RAFVR) survived and all were taken as Prisoners of War

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Aviation Safety Network

General Allied Losses and Incidents: All Commands


1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Richard Desjardins 2024-10-15
1943-April-17 KIA RAF Flight Lieutenant Arthur Patrick Dowse DFC 2024-09-15
1943-April-17 PoW RAFVR Albert William Hoare 2022-11-28
1943-April-17 PoW RNZAF Philip Langford 2022-11-28
1943-April-17 PoW RAFVR Andrew Nielson Orr 2022-11-28
1943-April-17 PoW RAFVR Thomas Thompson Slater 2022-11-28
1943-April-17 PoW RAFVR H E Thompson 2023-11-29

Halifax DT774

s/n
 DT774
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Failed to Return, Essen, 13.3.43
Unit 78
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-March-12 KIA RAF Sergeant Charles Gordon Dyer 2024-10-31
1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Fred Aten Marean 2021-08-14

Halifax DT777

s/n
 DT777
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Failed to Return, Bochum, 14.5.43
Unit 78
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-May-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William John Henry Perry 2023-09-24

Halifax DT780

s/n
 DT780
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Failed to Return, Essen, 4.4.43
Unit 78
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Squadron Leader Burton Jenner Bourchier 2023-11-17

Halifax DT781

s/n
 DT781

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1656

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*D". Belly landed at Langar on return from attack at Stuttgart 11/12 March, 1943. Attacked by ME 110, port inner and starboard outer engines u/s, no injuries to the crew. Caught fire and broke up in air over East holsworthy, Devon, 14.1.44
Units 408/1668 Heavy conversion Unit/1656HCU
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-January-14 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Jacob Hjartarson 2022-11-26
1944-January-14 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Routledge Wilson 2021-07-07

Halifax DT783

s/n
 DT783
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return, Koln 29.6.43
Unit10
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Erickson 2022-01-31
1943-June-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Paul Leopold Rakoczy 2021-08-11
1943-June-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Gerald Sweeney 2021-08-04

Halifax DT790

s/n
 DT790

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*S". Damaged by fighter during mission to Nurnberg on 8/9 March 1943. Jettisoned load, returned to base. Crashed while attempting after raid on Essen on 12/13 March 1943. Both port engines cut on final, aircraft yawed violently. Crashed at 00:47 UK time near Leeming, no injuries. Halifax Files indicates it returned early from ops to Stuttgart on 13.3.43 due to turret unserviceable and declared damaged beyond repair.
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT793

s/n
 DT793
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;77

Failed to Return, Munich, 7.9.43
Unit 77
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-September-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Eric Fedi 2021-11-03

Halifax DT794

s/n
 DT794

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*V". Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Dortmund on 4 / 5 May 1943. Crashed in middle of Dortmund. All 7 crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-May-05 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Dortmund. All were killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Dortmund Germany 1943-05-04 to 1943-05-05

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of the Ruhr

596 aircraft - 255 Lancasters, 141 Halifaxes, I IO Wellingtons, 80 Stirlings, IO Mos¬quitoes - on the largest 'non-r ,ooo' raid of the war to date and the first major attack on Dortmund. 31 aircraft - 12 Halifaxes, 7 Stirlings, 6 Lancasters, 6 Wellingtons - lost, 5·2 per cent of the force. A further 7 aircraft crashed in bad weather at the bomber bases.

The initial Pathfinder marking was accurate but some of the backing-up marking fell short. A decoy fire site also attracted many bombs. But half of the large force did bomb within 3 miles of the aiming point and severe damage was caused in central and northern parts of Dortmund. The city's report states that 1,218 buildings were destroyed and 2,141 seriously damaged, including the Hoesch and the Dortmunder Union steel factories and many facilities in the dock area. The old Rathaus was among 7 buildings of a cultural nature which were destroyed. At least 693 people were killed, including 200 prisoners of war, and 1,075 people were injured. The number of dead in this raid was a new record.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt


1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Gerald Elliott 2022-10-28
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Alexander Farrel 2022-10-28
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Elmer Earl Kennedy 2022-10-28
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John William McIntosh 2022-10-28
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Sergeant George Douglas Menzies 2022-10-28
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Morland Metcalfe 2022-10-28
1943-May-05 KIA RAFVR Gordon Sandfield 2023-08-26

Halifax DT795

s/n
 DT795
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Crashed near Wapenveld, Holland, while on ops, Essen, 4.4.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-April-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Frederick Henry Blake 2021-08-04
1943-April-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Rodney Webber 2021-10-02

Halifax DT797

s/n
 DT797

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*H". Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 1/2 March 1943, shot down by a night fighter. Crashed at 00:10 local time at Zuidloo, near Bathamn, Holland. 6 were killed and 1 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-March-02 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin, shot down by a night fighter. 6 were killed and 1 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-February-17 Survived RCAF Sergeant Benjamin Douglas Boynton DFM 2022-05-19
1943-February-17 Survived RCAF Sergeant John Allan Hammond 2022-04-01
1943-February-17 Survived RAFVR Flying Officer George Herbert Lamus 2022-04-01
1943-February-17 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Texas Roy Livermore 2022-03-28
1943-February-17 Survived RCAF Sergeant J W Unilowski 2022-04-01
1943-February-17 Survived RCAF Sergeant R L R Wright 2022-04-01
1943-March-02 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Junius Quintus Ashmore 2024-11-03
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Arnold Wallace Cochrane 2024-03-07
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Ivor Charles Grice 2023-11-06
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Herbert Higgins 2023-11-06
1943-March-02 KIA RAF Sergeant Frederick MacDonald 2022-04-01
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Harry Kenneth McCreery 2023-11-06
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ross Weiss 2023-11-06

Halifax DT798

s/n
 DT798

Known Squadron Assignments: 419

Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*T". Dispatched to Nurnberg on 8/9 March 1943, returned early after jettisoning load during second of two attacks by night fighters. Bombed Essen on 12/13 March 1943. Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Hamburg on 2 / 3 August 1943. Crashed over Europe after encountering heavy icing and electrical storms. 4 crew were killed and 3 POW. Also reported as lost 29/30 July 1943?
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-03 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hamburg. 4 crew were killed and 3 POW. 2019-08-20

Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of Hamburg

740 aircraft - 329 Lancasters, 235 Halifaxes, rn5 Stirlings, 66 Wellingtons, 5 Mos-quitoes. 30 aircraft- 13 Lancasters, IO Halifaxes, 4 Wellingtons, 3 Stirlings-lost, 4·1 per cent of the force.

The bombing force encountered a large thunderstorm area over Germany and the raid was a failure. Many crews turned back early or bombed alternative targets. At least 4 aircraft, probably more, were lost because of icing, turbulence or were struck by lightning. No Pathfinder marking was possible at Hamburg and only scattered bombing took place there. Many other towns in a 100-mile area of Northern Germany received a few bombs. A sizeable raid developed on the small town of l\lmshorn, 12 miles from Hamburg. It is believed that a flash of lightning set a house on flre here and bomber crews saw this through a gap in the storm clouds and started lO bomb the fire. 254 houses were destroyed in Elmshorn and 57 people were killed, some of them refugees from recent raids on Hamburg.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Hamburg, Germany. Halifax aircraft DT 798 appeared to be hit by lightning just before it reached the target, all four engines failed and the electrical system went out. FSs J.S. Sobin, D.J. McCarty, and one RAF member of the crew were also killed. Two Canadians, Sergeant J.P. Mahoney, Flying Officer Sibalis, and one RAF member of the crew bailed out and were taken Prisoners of War. This was Sergeant Sadeski's first operation.


1943-August-03 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Aubrey Walter Farrow 2023-10-10
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Edward Horswill 2023-10-10
1943-August-03 PoW RCAF Sergeant Joseph Michael Mahoney 2023-10-10
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Daniel John McCarty 2023-10-10
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Sadeski 2023-10-10
1943-August-03 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Jack Sibalis 2023-10-10
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Stanley Sobin 2023-10-10

Halifax DT800

s/n
 DT800
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Crashed and burnt at Badliss Hall Farm, Colchester, while on ops 26.2.43
Unit 102
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Irving Louis Sanitsky 2021-08-04

Halifax DT801

s/n
 DT801
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Duisburg, 13.5.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-September-22

Combat Duisburg Germany 1943-05-12 to 1943-05-13

35 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) Graveley

35 Squadron RAF (Uno Anima Agimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Graveley. Halifax II aircraft DT 801 TL-A was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant August Geiger of the 7/NJG 1, flying a Bf 110 G-4 from Twente airfield while on an operation to Duisburg, Germany, crashing behind a house in Buurse, Overijssel, Netherlands

Sawyer and Richards were killed. Elford, Heard, Moores, and Rowley survived and were taken as Prisoners of War. Elford evaded capture for several days but was picked up by the Gestapo and became a Prisoner of War. The pilot, Sale evaded capture, was reported safe in Gibraltar on August 4, 1943 and returned to service with his squadron.In Enemy Hands - Canadian Prisoners of War 1939-1945

General Aviation Safety Network

General Halifax DT801 (12/05/1943) I No. 35 Squadron

General search T/R number


1943-May-13 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Ross Oliver Elford 2022-06-27
1943-May-13 PoW RAF Flying Officer Geoffrey Edward Heard 2022-06-27
1943-May-13 PoW RAF Sergeant Samuel Angus Moores 2022-06-27
1943-May-13 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David John Osborne Richards 2022-06-27
1943-May-13 PoW RAF Sergeant Clarence Washington Rowley 2022-06-27
1943-May-13 Evader RCAF Squadron Leader Douglas Julian Sale DSO & Bar, DFC 2022-06-27
1943-May-13 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Rupert Claude Sawyer 2022-06-27

Halifax DT802

s/n
 DT802
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

Hit Halifax DT629, on landing at Topcliffe and burned. 26.8.43
Units 405/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-August-26 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Wesley Earl McDonald 2021-09-23
1943-August-26 KIFA RCAF Sergeant William John Miller 2022-01-21

Halifax DT803

s/n
 DT803
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: 1666

Groundlooped on take-off from Peterhead, undercarriage tore off and aircraft caught fire, 8.11.44
Units 35/Navigation Training Unit/1666Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax DT805

s/n
 DT805
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Munster, 12.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-12 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick William Barry 2024-11-09

Halifax DT807

s/n
 DT807
m/d
 HP.59

Known Squadron Assignments: ;77

Failed to Return, Kassel, 4.10.43
Unit 77
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-October-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bruce Gregory Foley 2021-09-24

Halifax DT808

s/n
 DT808

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3 / 4 April 1943, shot down by a night fighter flown of I./NJG1. Crashed near "Lijnbraak" farmhouse, Vierlingsbeek, the Netherlands. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW.
Units 102/405
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Essen, shot down by a night fighter. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-04-03 to 1943-04-04

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Leeming

Battle of the Ruhr

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3 / 4 April 1943, shot down by a night fighter flown of I./NJG1. Crashed near "Lijnbraak" farmhouse, Vierlingsbeek, the Netherlands. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW.

1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Bradley 2023-11-17
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Walter Halikowski 2022-07-12
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Floyd Edward Luxford 2022-07-12
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William James McAlpine 2022-07-12
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant Howard John McQueen 2022-07-12
1943-April-04 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Wilfred Lawrence Murphy 2022-07-12
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John Day White 2022-07-12

Halifax EB127

s/n
 EB127
inst
 A 422
m/d
 H.P.57

Known Squadron Assignments: RCAF (Canada)

Delivered to Canada by No. 1 Ferry Unit, RAF. Used as teaching aid at the Flight Engineers School at St. Thomas, Ontario. Scrapped at Scotland, Ontario at Logan's farm on 18 May 1948. Had been RCAF EB127
Units 161/1663Heavy conversion Unit/1 Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/1 ferry Unit/Canada
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-July-17 Classified Instructional CA A 422 2020-06-12
   1944-July-17 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-March-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 1968 487 | 1968 531

Halifax EB129

s/n
 EB129

Known Squadron Assignments: ;161

Failed to Return, Special Operating Executive Operations ops,11.11.43
Unit 161
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-11 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold Royston Batten 2024-11-09
1943-November-11 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Wilfred Raymond Russ Shore 2023-10-11

Halifax EB132

s/n
 EB132

Known Squadron Assignments: ;295

Flew into hill in bad weather and burnt, Porlock Weir, Somerset, 11.6.43
Unit 295
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-11 KIA RAF Warrant Officer 1st Class John Milson Hansen 2022-01-06
1943-June-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Angus Bartlett Stokes 2021-08-04

Halifax EB134

s/n
 EB134

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1663

Crashed 20 miles northeast of Galway, Eire, 7.11.43
Unit 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-07 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Norman William Gardner 2021-08-07

Halifax EB135

s/n
 EB135

Known Squadron Assignments: ;295

Missing towing Horsa LG833, UK-Rabat, 27.6.43
Unit 295
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Robert Lynden Horne 2021-08-10
1943-June-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Andrew Smith 2021-10-02
1943-June-27 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Michael Travale 2021-10-02

Halifax EB136

s/n
 EB136

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Swung on take-off from Croft and hit pyrotechnic store 21.10.43
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB137

s/n
 EB137

Known Squadron Assignments: 431;1664


last update: 2024-November-09
   1943-December-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Leipzig December 3/4, 1943. All were killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Leipzig Germany 1943-12-03 to 1943-12-04

(B) Sqn (RCAF) Tholhorpe

Battle of Berlin

527 aircraft - 307 Lancasters, 220 Halifaxes. Despite the loss of two pressmen on the previous night, the well-known American broadcaster, Ed Murrow, flew on the raid with a 619 Squadron Lancaster crew. He returned safely.

The bomber force took another direct route towards Berlin before turning off to bomb Leipzig. German fighters were in the bomber stream and scoring successes before the turn was made but most of them were then directed to Berlin when the Mosquito diversion opened there. There were few fighters over Leipzig and only 3 bombers are believed to have been lost in the target area, 2 of them being shot down by Flak. A relatively successful raid, from the point of view of bomber casualties, was spoiled when many aircraft flew by mistake into the Frankfurt defended area on the long southern withdrawal route and more than half of the bombers shot down on this night were lost there. 24 aircraft- 15 Halifaxes, 9 Lancasters -were lost, 4·6 per cent of the force.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

Halifax BV aircraft EB 137 SE-N missing during a night trip to Leipzig, Germany, shot down by night fighter pilot Feldwebel Karl-Georg Pfeiffer of the 12/NJG 1, flying Bf 110 G-4 G9+EZ from Leeuwarden airfield, Netherlands. The Halifax crashed at Zakedijkje, Bergen, Noord-Holland with the loss of the entire crew

Sergeant G Heider (RCAF), Pilot Officer GH Armstrong (RCAF), FS FA Long (RAF), FS RR Steven (RAF), FS GF Brown (RAF), FS WC Burley (RAF) and Sergeant JG L'Argent (RAF) were all killed in action

There were four 431 Squadron Halifax V aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Ritchie, RW for information on Halifax LK 685 SE-C, Edgar, AW for information on Halifax LK 968 SE-P and Cook, RG for information on Halifax LK 898 SE-O

General search T/R number


1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gerald Henry Armstrong 2024-11-03
1943-December-04 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant George Frederick Brown 2023-04-04
1943-December-04 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant William Charles Burley 2023-04-04
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant Georges Heider 2023-04-04
1943-December-04 KIA RAF Sergeant John George L'Argent 2023-04-04
1943-December-04 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Francis Albert Long 2023-04-04
1943-December-04 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Robert Redpath Steven 2023-04-04

Halifax EB138

s/n
 EB138
inst
 A 423
m/d
 H.P.57

Known Squadron Assignments: RCAF (Canada)

Delivered to Canada by No. 1 Ferry Unit, RAF. Used as teaching aid at the Flight Engineers School at St. Thomas, Ontario. Scrapped at Scotland, Ontario on 18 May 1948. Had been RCAF EB138
Unit 76/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit/1 Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/1 Ferry Unit/Canada
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-July-17 Classified Instructional CA A 423 2020-06-12
   1944-July-17 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1947-March-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 1968 487 | 1968 531

Halifax EB140

s/n
 EB140

Known Squadron Assignments: ;624

Failed to Return 6.12.43
Units 1575 flight/624
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-December-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Vernon Leslie Miller 2023-07-16

Halifax EB146

s/n
 EB146

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1667

Abandonned after engine failure, Marshfield, Gloucs, 27.4.44
1667 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-April-27 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Clifford Douglas McIvor 2021-08-17

Halifax EB148

s/n
 EB148

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*S. Failed to return from attack on Cologne on 28/29 June 1943, damaged by cannon fire from a night fighter over Holland. Crew bailed out over England, crashed near Isleham. Written off as result of battle damage 29.6.43
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-29 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Cologne, damaged by cannon fire, fighter over Holland, crew bailed out over England, crashed near Isleham. 2019-08-20

Halifax EB149

s/n
 EB149

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1667

Struck pylon on approach and crashed at Crowle 19.3.44
1667 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-March-19 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William Bertrand Handy 2022-10-07
1944-March-19 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Ross Campbell Andrew Rollo 2021-08-06

Halifax EB150

s/n
 EB150

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664;1664

Dived into ground from 500 feet after take-off, Scotch Corner, Yorks, 22.11.43
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-22 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Neil James Collins 2024-03-21
1943-November-22 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Sydney Robert Doney 2024-10-26
1943-November-22 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stephen William Litynesky 2021-08-13

Halifax EB154

s/n
 EB154

Known Squadron Assignments: ;148

Crashed near Avezzano while on Special Operation executive ops, 17.8.44
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/ 301 Ferry Transfer Unit/3 Overseas Aircraft Developmnet Unit/624/148
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-August-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Bruce George Harold Robert Bean 2022-03-11
1944-August-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Howard Inch 2021-08-11

Halifax EB156

s/n
 EB156

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Landed on wrong runway at Marston Moor in poor visibility, groundlooped and undercarriage collapsed 2.7.44
1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB157

s/n
 EB157
inst
 A 426
m/d
 H.P.57

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664;RCAF (Canada)

Delivered to Canada by No. 1 Ferry Unit, RAF. Used as teaching aid at the Flight Engineers School at St. Thomas, Ontario. Scrapped at Scotland, Ontario on 18 May 1948. Had been RCAF EB157
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit/1 OFPU/1 Ferry Unit/Canada
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-March-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
   1944-July-17 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
   1944-August-17 Classified Instructional CA A 426 2020-06-12
   1947-March-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 1968 487 | 1968 531

Halifax EB158

s/n
 EB158

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Struck off Charge 19.10.44
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB180

s/n
 EB180

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Jumped road on take-off and ran into field at Dishforth 19.12.44
Unit 1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB181

s/n
 EB181

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Flying too low, crashed 3 miles east of Kepwick, near Helmsley, Yorks 23.9.43
Unit 1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20

Conversion 1943-09-28 to 1943-09-28

1664 () HCU (RCAF)
Flying too low, crashed 3 miles east of Kepwick, near Helmsley, Yorks 23.9.43

On 1943-09-28, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, a Technical Officer with HCU 1664 at Croft, wrote in his diary: "Well I had the feeling something was going to happen. I was wakened up at 4:00 am this morning with the flying control Sergeant worrying about "S" for Sugar which hadn't returned & was 3 hours over due. Reports had been received about a crashed aircraft down near Marston Moor . . . at noon we got word that the one crashed aircraft that had been found was a Lancaster so ours was still missing . . . At five o'clock we finally got word of it. It had crashed somewhere down in the Cleveland Hills just east of York, four killed & two badly injured. I didn't think any plane could crash in England without somebody seeing it." The following day, "W/C and I went down to the crash after first visiting the two lads in hospital in Northallerton . . . From the W/ops story it seems they were flying along normally about 1600 ft just below the cloud base. However the barometer had dropped over 200 ft while they were away & the pilot apparently had neglected to correct for this so actually they were only at 400 ft & hit the top of one of the highest hills in the dark - 7 minutes after midnight. When he next woke up, dawn was just breaking so he crawled out of his part of the wreckage & not being able to walk, crawled over to another part of the fuselage picking up an open parachute on the way, wrapped himself up in it & quietly passed out again. A shepherd in the moors reported seeing a fire in the hills shortly after midnight and an army search party had finally found the crash at 1:00 pm the next afternoon â€" it is remarkable that even two were still alive after 13 hours."

"After negotiating several terrific hills & paths we finally arrived at the wreck. What a mess it was lying way up in the towering hills forming part of the famous and desolate Yorkshire Moors. We could see where the plane had come up a narrow twisting valley with towering cliffs on each side. How he got as far as he did is more than I can tell. Anyway he pranged on the flat top of the hill across the end of the valley. Just 25 more feet & he'd have been OK since there wasn't a tree in sight but as it was, he was going full out & wreckage was strewn in a wide swath for almost a half mile. I never saw such a wreck nor realised that so many bits and pieces could come off a kite as it slithered along. The place where the W/Op had been sitting was just a crumpled up mass & I don't know how he got out alive . . . There was also a dead sheep with all four feet in the air who never knew what hit him. We spent all afternoon up there sorting out bits and pieces & salvaging a few items . . . also some secret equipment which could not be left lying around there." On October 3, 1943, he "went down and answered a few questions under oath at the court of enquiry they are holding for S."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM


1943-September-28 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Harold Highsted 2022-11-22

Halifax EB184

s/n
 EB184

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1667

Collided with another aircraft during bombing practice. Crashed at Craiselound, Lincs, 7.3.44
1667 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-March-07 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Granville Bayer 2024-11-09

Halifax EB185

s/n
 EB185

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1667

Crashed in Lincs, 16.12.43
1667 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-December-16 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Allan Reid Cameron 2024-07-29
1943-December-16 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Hugh Matheson Tait 2024-07-29

Halifax EB187

s/n
 EB187

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Groundlooped on take-off from Fulbeck and undercarriage collapsed 7.11.43
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB191

s/n
 EB191

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664;1666

Four crew abandonned, aircraft crashed into house in Harrowgate, Yorks, 23.12.43
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-December-23 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Constantin Robert Choma 2024-02-15
1943-December-23 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Merlin Lindsay John 2021-08-11

Halifax EB198

s/n
 EB198

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Flying Officer Henry Alfred POULTER (409940) RAAF, Pilot. His escape hatch blew off causing aircraft to crash, Stillington, Yorks, 22.10.43 1664 Heavy Conversion Unit

On 1943-09-15, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, an Engineering Officer at Croft, wrote in his diary:

". . . We had a real one today. Our first fatality since the unit began. . . ZU-D for Donald EB 198 had gone down somewhere near East Moor. Actually it was Stillington Yorks." Ross and W/C Clark set out to find it, and "after asking a few of the farmers around we soon found the smoking remains in a potato field & what a mess it was." The pilot had died but the other six had baled out and "These six soon came struggling in from all directions where they had landed & were rather tattered & minus shoes etc. but nevertheless whole & mighty glad to be safe on the ground." Apparently the pilot's escape hatch blew open mid flight and eventually blew right out, and "unfortunately hit the stbd tail fin in passing. This caused the rudder controls to be practically non-operative so the pilot told the crew to bale out. . . From then on, of course things are more or less obscure" but the pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft. After the investigation "we made for home here & brought the boys back with us."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM

last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB199

s/n
 EB199

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Crashed at Atley hill, South Cowton, Yorks, 22.10.43
1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-October-22 KIFA RCAF Sergeant John Lewis Campbell 2024-08-18
1943-October-22 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Stephen Henry Martin 2024-08-18
1943-October-22 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Hugh Robertson Simmons 2024-08-18
1943-October-22 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ashley Bertram White 2024-08-18

Halifax EB200

s/n
 EB200

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Served with No. 1664 (RCAF) Heavy Conversion Unit. Crashed out of control at Norton-le-Clay, Yorks, on 18 May 1944.
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax EB201

s/n
 EB201

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Struck off Charge 1.11.45
1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB202

s/n
 EB202

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664


"Bullseye bombing raids were area-wide practices involving hundreds of aircraft coordinated with ground defence operations to provide training for both groups.

On 1943-09-21, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, an Engineering Officer with HCU 1664 at Croft, hitched a ride on EB202 for the exercise. It involved about 250 heavy bombers and ground searchlights on the south coast and London. Ross got permission from the W/C to go with Squadron Leader Jacobs. He rushed through preparations for getting the Squadron's aircraft prepared and joined Squadron Leader Jacobs in ZU-G for Georgie (EB 202) at takeoff. In his diary Ross provided a detailed description of the evening's events, including watching Sammy McDougall navigating by goon sets â€" those very secret but amazing instruments for getting dead reckoning as to position from radio. They are all so secret that I won't say anything more here about it except that they all carry enclosed detonators for blowing it up in case of landing in enemy territory. As we finally reached height I went up to the bomb aimers position where I would see everything there was to see. There were hundreds & hundreds of searchlights weaving all over the sky . . . and the boys were saying that it compared very much the same as anything they had ever seen on a real operational trip. We got picked up several times by searchlight & as soon as one gets you, about 12 or 15 others all swing over on you & cone you. The light is so dazzling you can't see out through the Perspex . . . However we managed to get out of a couple of cones by taking violent evasive action. However they don't like to do too much of that near the target since there is a danger of collision." They were under strict radio silence, but "suddenly all the searchlights in sight started to do the same thing, moving in a steady arc from vertical to a horizontal position pointed northward frantically it seemed. It was what is know as a visual homing & was one of the signs pre-arranged to indicate that there was a real enemy bombing raid in progress & we were to get the h _ _ _ out of there . . . Then we made off up the east coast & home four hours after takeoff."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



Struck off Charge 9.6.45
1664 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB203

s/n
 EB203

Known Squadron Assignments: 1664

Served with No. 1664 (RCAF) Heavy Conversion Unit. Crashed and burned in a haystack near Ripon at 23:25 on 15 April 1944, while attempting to land at RCAF Staton Dishforth, UK during a thunderstorm. According to Halifax Files, crashed on approach in low cloud, Bishop Monkton, Yorks.
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Lloyd John Cull 2024-05-23
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class John Huddleston 2022-12-13
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Charles Edward Lovett 2021-08-13
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Homer Leroy Muisiner 2021-08-16
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Alexander Wallace 2021-07-12

Halifax EB204

s/n
 EB204

Known Squadron Assignments: ;1663

Hit trees and cuaght fire after take-off, Healaugh, Yorks, 13.4.44
Units 76/77/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-April-13 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Ross Stewart Ewart 2022-08-05
1944-April-13 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Reginald Chester Pelham Medhurst 2021-08-16

Halifax EB205

s/n
 EB205

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;431;1664

Overshot after engine failure and crashed into railway bridge, 1 mile southwest of thirsk, Yorks, 15.4.44
Units 428/431/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Kenneth French 2021-08-06
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Donaldson Rendall Holloway 2022-12-02
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Stewart Walter Jobson 2023-01-07
1944-April-15 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James Henry Smith 2022-01-18

Halifax EB206

s/n
 EB206

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;1664

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Groundlooped on landing and undercarriage collapsed, Dishforth, 16.3.44
Units 428/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax EB207

s/n
 EB207

Known Squadron Assignments: 400;428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*B. Bombed Hannover on 22 September 1943. Failed to return from attack on Mannheim on 23/24 September 1943, crashed between Kotterichen and Uersfeld. All were killed. Probably shot down by Me 110 of 3./NJG 6, at 22:39 local time, at 5,400m, 10 kilometres south-west of Mayen, Germany.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-June-28 Failed to Return (or 24 September 1943?) Failed to return from attack on Mannheim, crashed between Kotterichen and Uersfeld. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-September-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Anderson Hadden 2021-08-09
1943-September-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clifford William Renwick 2021-08-10

Halifax EB209

s/n
 EB209

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*C. Failed to return from attack on Aachen on 13/14 July 1943. Shot down by flak while leaving the target, crashed near Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium. 5 crew were POWs and 2 evaded capture.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-14 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Aachen, shot down by flak while leaving the target, crashed near Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium. 5 crew were POWs and 2 evaded capture. 2019-08-20
1943-July-14 Evader RCAF Sergeant Edward A Bridge 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class T Chliszczyk 2024-02-15
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Charles Archie Hayes 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Donald Fraser Ross 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 Evader RCAF Sergeant Derek James Webb 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant William Bruce Webber 2021-05-21
1943-July-14 PoW RAF Sergeant Alan Maurice Winter 2021-06-11

Halifax EB210

s/n
 EB210

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*E". Bombed Hannover on 22 September 1943. Damaged by an Fw 190 over Kassel on 4 October 1943. Landed at Tangmere but was written off. 4.10.43
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-October-04 Struck off Strength Damaged by an Fw 190 over Kassel. Landed at Tangmere but was written off. 2019-08-20

Halifax EB211

s/n
 EB211

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*F. Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943, crashed in Baltic Sea. All were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-18 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde, crashed in Baltic Sea. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Walter Leonard Cogger 2024-04-04
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Daniel D Kennedy 2024-04-21
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Thornhall Baldur Lifman 2024-04-22
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Edward Reginald Marks 2024-04-22
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Norman Rhine Mitchell 2024-04-23
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Merton Barnabas Murphy 2024-04-23
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Francis Sheridan 2024-05-01

Halifax EB212

s/n
 EB212

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*U. Failed to return from attack on Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943. All were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-03 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hamburg. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harvey George Funkhouser 2021-02-16
1943-August-03 KIA RAF Sergeant John Wilson Lunn 2021-05-21
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Earl George Smith 2021-05-21
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Victor Thomas Sylvester 2021-05-21

Halifax EB213

s/n
 EB213

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*G. Damaged by flak during raid in Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943. Bombed Hannover on 22 September 1943. Failed to return from attack on Kassel on 3/4 October 1943, crashed near Hofgeismar. 6 crew were killed and 2 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-October-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Kassel, crashed near Hofgeismar. 6 crew were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-October-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Joseph Cadeau 2024-06-30
1943-October-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Phillip Goldstein 2024-06-30
1943-October-03 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Frank Gration 2024-06-30
1943-October-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Garnet Mcmillan Herbert 2024-06-30
1943-October-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant James Lundy 2024-06-30

Halifax EB214

s/n
 EB214

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*S. Failed to return from attack on Kassel on 3 / 4 October 1943. Struck by flak near Closter Heina, Germany. Crashed near hospital in this town. 2 crew were killed and 5 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-October-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Kassel. 2 crew were killed and 5 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-October-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant Lancelot Francis Buttler 2021-02-04
1943-October-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas John Elliott 2021-08-06
1943-October-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Kenneth Alexander Barnard McArthur 2024-10-31
1943-October-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant Russell Rexford Raynard 2023-08-05
1943-October-04 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Robert Allan Thompson 2023-08-13

Halifax EB215

s/n
 EB215

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*T. Damaged by flak during raid in Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943. Bombed Hannover on 22/23 September 1943. Failed to return from attack on Hannover on 27/28 September 1943, shot down by flak. Crashed near Oosterhof, Holland. 6 crew were killed and 1 POW
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-September-28 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hannover, shot down by flak. Crashed near Oosterhof, Holland. 6 crew were killed and 1 POW 2019-08-20
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Ernest Farmer 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 PoW RAFVR Sergeant David Albert Job Griffin 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Edward Mussen 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Walter Satchell 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Eric Turner Springett 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Alfred Stuart 2021-06-10
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas John Jack Wilson 2021-06-10

Halifax EB216

s/n
 EB216

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*R. Failed to return from attack on Nurnberg on 27/28 August 1943, shot down by Do 217 night fighter, crashed near Durnbach. 5 crew were killed and 3 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-28 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Nurnberg, shot down by night fighter, crashed near Durnbach. 5 crew were killed and 3 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant George Stuart Brown 2021-02-24
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Jack Thomas Hamer 2024-05-26
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer Cletus Lunny 2023-09-06
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Alexander Mactavish McLeish 2024-06-20

Halifax EB217

s/n
 EB217

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*A. Failed to return from attack on Kassel on 22/23 October 1943. Crashed 12 km north-east of Kassel, after being struck by flak and multiple night fighter attacks. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW. One of 4 squadron aircraft lost on this mission.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-October-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Kassel. 5 crew were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-October-22 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Jackson Ross Bryan 2021-05-18
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Harvey Burton 2022-04-22
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Daniel William Hall 2021-05-19
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Lewis Morpeth 2021-05-19
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Stuart Sewall 2021-08-01
1943-October-22 PoW RAF Sergeant Frank Street 2021-05-19
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Alfred William Leonard Worrad 2021-07-06

Halifax EB218

s/n
 EB218

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*N. Failed to return from attack on Kassel on 22/23 October 1943. No survivors.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-October-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Kassel. No survivors. 2019-08-20
1943-October-23 KIA RCAF Flt. Sergeant Clayton Perry Brown 2024-08-08
1943-October-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John James Dance 2024-08-08
1943-October-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harry Prior Farr 2024-08-08
1943-October-23 KIA RAFVR Flt. Sergeant Arthur Frank Fry 2024-08-08
1943-October-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Francis John Guay 2021-05-18
1943-October-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Douglas Leslie Thornley 2021-06-06
1943-October-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Floyd Bertram Watson 2024-08-08

Halifax EB219

s/n
 EB219

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;434

Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units 434/1667 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB220

s/n
 EB220

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;1664

Crash landed 1/2 mile south of Sessay, yorks, after engine failure, 18.11.44
Units 434/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB239

s/n
 EB239

Known Squadron Assignments: ;161

Failed to Return, Special Operation Executive ops, "Playbill" 21.10.43
Unit 161
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-October-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harry James Crawford 2024-05-13

Halifax EB241

s/n
 EB241

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1664

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*A. Struck off Charge 1.11.45
Units 427/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax EB242

s/n
 EB242

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*K. Failed to return from attack on Hamburg on 29/30 July 1943. 1 killed, rest POW. Halifax Files claims this aircraft Failed to Return from Remscheid, 31.7.43.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-July-30 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hamburg. 1 killed, rest POW. 2019-08-20

Halifax EB243

s/n
 EB243

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*U", and ZL*H when lost. Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 23/24 August 1943. All were killed
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-24 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin. All were killed 2019-08-20
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Dean Cornelius 2024-04-20
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Raymond Arthur Kirk 2021-08-12
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Stewart Low 2022-01-23
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Sergeant Derrick Stephen Phillips 2021-08-14
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Raymond Francis Shortridge 2021-07-30

Halifax EB246

s/n
 EB246

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*S. Failed to return from mission to Berlin on 20/21 January 1944. No survivors.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-January-21 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Berlin. No survivors. 2019-08-20
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Sydney Child 2024-04-04
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John George Coflin 2024-04-04
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Charles Cook 2024-04-04
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Earl Cook 2024-04-04
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Bruce Elrick Findlay 2024-04-13
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Sergeant Berle Clinton Prill 2024-05-01
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Robert Sydney Thompson 2024-05-03

Halifax EB247

s/n
 EB247

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*P. Damaged by night fighter during raid in Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943, declared Category E damage (not repairable). According to Halifax Files, attacked by enemy aircraft over Mannheim and abandonned near Hartfordbridge on return, 10.8.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax EB248

s/n
 EB248

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;1659;1666

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*U. During attack on Magdeburg, 21/22 January 1944, attacked by an ME-109, some damage. Struck off Charge 18.2.45
units 427/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit/1659HCU/1669HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax EB250

s/n
 EB250

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Failed to Return, Munich, 7.9.43 Crashed 28 kilometres southwest of target
Unit 427
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax EB251

s/n
 EB251

Known Squadron Assignments: 427

Served with No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*T. Damaged by flak during raid in Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943. Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 31 August / 1 September 1943. Shot down by a night fighter, 6 were killed and 2 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-31 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin. Shot down by a night fighter, 6 were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-31 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Amos Albert 2024-11-01
1943-August-31 KIA RAF Sergeant Edward Bartlett 2024-11-09
1943-August-31 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Cyril Campbell Gofton 2022-03-14
1943-August-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John James McLean 2022-03-14
1943-August-31 PoW RAF Flying Officer Alfred Dennis Rothwell 2022-03-14
1943-August-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Pierre Cornelius Vandekerckhove DFC 2022-03-14
1943-August-31 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer William Alfred Williamson 2022-03-14
1943-August-31 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Alan Edward Young 2023-11-23

Halifax EB252

s/n
 EB252

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*P. Damaged by flak during raid in Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943. Bombed Hannover on 22 September 1943. Failed to return from attack on Frankfurt on 20/21 December 1943, crashed near the target. 7 crew were killed and 1 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-December-21 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Frankfurt, crashed near the target. 7 crew were killed and 1 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-December-20 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Dale Elliott 2021-08-04
1943-December-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Richard Sandes 2021-08-04

Halifax EB253

s/n
 EB253

Known Squadron Assignments: ;76

Failed to Return, Hannover, 22.9.43
Unit 76
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Louis Noel Lyndon Kerr 2021-08-12

Halifax EB254

s/n
 EB254

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*D. Failed to return from attack on Leverkusen on 19/20 November 1943. Shot down by a night fighter, 6 crew were POW.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Leverkusen Germany 1943-11-19 to 1943-11-19

434 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Tholthorpe

434 Bluenose Squadron (In Excelsis Vincimus) RAF Tholthorpe. Halifax BV aircraft EB 254 IP-D was shot down during an operation against targets in Leverkusen, Germany by night fighter pilot Hauptmann Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin of the 6/NJG 1, flying Bf 110 G-4 G9+GP from St Trond (Sint-Truiden) airfield, Belgium

The Halifax crashed near Wankum, Wachtendonk, Nordrhein-Westfalen in the vicinity Monchengladbach, Germany

Wireless Operator/Air-Gunner, Sergeant HD Newey (RAFVR) was killed in action during the night fighter attack

Warrant Officer 1st Class RE Hukee (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class RH Gairns (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant RCC Hodgson (RCAF) and Warrant Officer 1st Class LE Smith (RCAF) all survived and were taken as Prisoners of War

Sergeant AV MacIntosh (RCAF) survived and was captured briefly but managed to escape and make his way to Holland, where he was hidden until liberated by Allied troops in September of 1944

Pilot Officer (then Sergeant) JLN Warren BEM (RCAF) survived, injured and evaded briefly but surrendered to be taken Prisoner of War. He later escaped, was re-captured and escaped again, evading until liberated in April 1945

There was a second 434 Squadron Halifax lost on this operation. Please aircraft serial LK 990 IP-X for additional information on this aircraft and crew

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Aviation Safety Network

General Results

General Daily Operations

General 434 Squadron - 51 - 60 - Hukee crew 55


   1943-November-20 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Leverkusen. Shot down by a night fighter, 6 crew were POW. 2019-08-20
1943-November-19 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Robert Harold Gairns 2023-06-03
1943-November-19 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Ronald Cyril Cameron Hodgson 2023-06-03
1943-November-19 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Raymond Edwin Hukee 2023-06-05
1943-November-19 Escaper RCAF Sergeant Allen Vincent MacIntosh 2023-06-05
1943-November-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Henry Derrick Newey 2023-06-03
1943-November-19 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Lawrence Earl Smith 2023-06-04
1943-November-19 PoW Escapee RCAF Pilot Officer Jean Louis Nazaire Warren BEM 2023-06-05

Halifax EB255

s/n
 EB255

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*P. Failed to return from attack on Leverkusen on 22/23 August 1943. Shot down by a night fighter. All were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Leverkusen. Shot down by a night fighter. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Norman Garnet Betts 2023-08-22
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Benzie Forbes Climie 2024-03-05
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Henry Bernard Ebbers 2023-08-22
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Richard Samuel Harrison 2023-08-22
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class William Holt Ledford DFM 2023-08-22
1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Allan Morgans 2021-08-16

Halifax EB256

s/n
 EB256

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded S. Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 28/29 January 1944. Port outer engine u/s, short of fuel on return and crew baled out, 1 killed. Crashed near Flixton, Yorks, 29.1.44
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-January-29 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin. Port outer engine u/s, short of fuel on return and crew baled out, 1 killed. 2019-08-20

Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-28 to 1944-01-29

434 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Croft

Battle of Berlin

434 Bluenose Squadron (In Excelsis Vincimus) RAF Croft. Halifax BV aircraft EB 256 WL-S was attacked by a night fighter during an operation against industial targets in Berlin, Germany. Despite the loss of the port outer engine and holed fuel tanks, the Halifax continued to the target and completed its bomb run. On the return flight, the struggling bomber made it back over the North Sea, off the coast of Filey, North Yorkshire, England. Almost out of fuel, the Halifax lost the starboard inner engine, was abandoned and crashed at Flixton, Yorkshire

Rear Gunner Pilot Officer J W R Demers (RCAF) was killed in action when his parachute failed to open

Pilot Officer M F Flewelling DFC (RCAF), Flight Sergeant E A Vigor (RCAF), Flying Officer D R Hutcheon DFC (RCAF), Pilot Officer R J Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer R N Dobney (RAFVR), Pilot Officer S Thompson (RAFVR) and Pilot Officer J Clayton (RAFVR) all baled safely and survived

There were four other 434 Squadron Halifax V aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Halifax aircraft serials LK 649 WL-X, LK 740 WL-V, LK 916 WL-P and LL134 WL-U

General Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

General Halifax EB256-Flixton.

General Aviation Safety Network


1944-January-29 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Robert J Brown 2024-10-22
1944-January-29 Survived RAFVR Flt. Lieutenant James Clayton 2024-10-22
1944-January-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph William Raoul Demers 2023-12-15
1944-January-29 Survived RAFVR Flying Officer Richard Norris Dobney 2024-10-22
1944-January-29 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant (A) Murray Franklin Flewelling DFC 2024-10-22
1944-January-29 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Donald Robert Hutcheon DFC 2024-10-22
1944-January-29 Survived RAFVR Flying Officer Stanley Thompson 2024-10-22
1944-January-29 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Edmund Arthur Vigor 2024-10-22

Halifax EB257

s/n
 EB257

Known Squadron Assignments: 427;434;434

Failed to Return, Dusseldorf, 4.11.43
Unit 434
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant J E James 2023-07-13
1943-November-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant Neil John Joseph McBride 2023-07-18
1943-November-04 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class R H Vance 2023-10-03

Halifax EB258

s/n
 EB258

Known Squadron Assignments: 434;434

Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*T. Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943. Shot down by flak, 5 were killed and 2 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-18 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde. Shot down by flak, 5 were killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cecil Allan Brown 2022-03-31
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Ronald Connor 2024-03-27
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Sergeant George Norman Irving 2022-03-31
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Carson Jordan 2022-03-31
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frederick James Piper MiD 2022-03-31
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Isidore Roland Romuald Renaud 2022-03-31
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Arlo Henry Wetter 2022-03-31

Halifax EB274

s/n
 EB274

Known Squadron Assignments: 428

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*H. Failed to return from attack on Hamburg on 2/3 August 1943, shot down by Me 110. Came down in the sea, 3 kilometres north of Terschelling. All were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-03 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Hamburg, shot down by Me 110. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Joseph Andrews 2024-11-02
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Mack Chepil DFM 2024-02-11
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander Garalick 2020-11-24
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Lennox Rogers 2021-08-08

Halifax EB275

s/n
 EB275

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;431;1659

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded NA*C. Groundlooped on landing after engine fire and undercarriage collapsed at Topcliffe 1.9.44
Units 428/431/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax EB276

s/n
 EB276

Known Squadron Assignments: 434

Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*G. Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943. Shot down by a night fighter, 1 killed rest POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-18 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack of the experimental rocket site at Peenemunde. Shot down by a night fighter, 1 killed rest POW. 2019-08-20
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Sedford Armstrong 2024-11-03
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd George Christmas 2024-02-20
1943-August-18 PoW RAF Pilot Officer Charles Cox Gibbs 2023-11-04
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gregg McIntyre Johnston 2024-06-27
1943-August-18 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Douglas Michael Joseph Labelle 2023-11-04
1943-August-18 PoW RAF Flying Officer James Gardner Aitken McPherson 2022-03-21
1943-August-18 PoW RAF Sergeant Keith William Rowe 2022-03-21

Halifax HR654

s/n
 HR654

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*R". Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 29/30 March 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 6 crew killed and 1 POW.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-March-30 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin, shot down by a night fighter. 6 killed and 1 POW. 2019-08-20

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-03-29 to 1943-03-30

408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming

408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax BII aircraft HR 654 EQ-R was shot down by night fighter pilot Oblt Paul Szameitat of the 5/NJG 3, flying Do 217N D5+SN from Schleswig airfield during an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany. The Halifax crashed near Suderschmedeby south of Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany with only one crew member surviving

Flight Lieutenant JS Acheson (RCAF) Navigator, survived to be taken as Prisoner of War

Flight Sergeant JF Barnes (RCAF), Sergeant H Davenport (RCAF), Flight Sergeant NW Roberts (RCAF), Sergeant FJ Cherry (RAFVR), Sergeant G Jennings (RAFVR) and Sergeant LSV Lewis-Stanford (RAFVR) were all killed in action

There were two 408 Squadron Halifax II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial DT 679 EQ-Q for further information on this aircraft and crew

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Aviation Safety Network

General Daily Operations


1943-March-30 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Sidney Acheson 2023-10-24
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Francis Barnes 2023-10-26
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frederick John Cherry 2024-02-12
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold Davenport 2023-10-26
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Gordon Jennings 2023-04-15
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald Stanley Victor Lewis-Staniford 2023-04-15
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Norman William Roberts 2023-10-26

Halifax HR655

s/n
 HR655

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*S". Bombed Turin, Italy on 4/5 February 1943. Failed to return from attack at Lorient, France on 7/8 February 1943. All crew were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-February-08 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack at Lorient. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-February-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant Douglas Matthew Brackenridge 2024-02-21
1943-February-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Emery Romeo Giguere 2024-02-21
1943-February-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Herbert Lough 2024-02-21
1943-February-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Fisher Sayers 2024-02-21
1943-February-07 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Dean William Smith 2024-02-21

Halifax HR656

s/n
 HR656

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*T". Damaged by flak during mining operation to the Frisian Islands 21/22 January 1943. Landed on 2 engines, port inner & starboard inner. Failed to return from attack at Stuttgart on 11/12 March 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 4 crew evaded and 3 POWs.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-March-12 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack at Stuttgart, shot down by a night fighter, 4 crew evaded and 3 POWs. 2019-08-20

Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1943-03-11 to 1943-03-12

408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming

408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax II aircraft HR 656 EQ-T had a port side engine failure on the way to operations over Stuttgart, Germany. Despite the engine loss and resulting drop in speed, the crew flew on and successfully dropped their bomb load. Sadly, on the return flight the Halifax was attacked and shot down by night fighter pilot Hptm Otto Materne of the 4/NJG 4, crashing north of Rozieres, France

Sergeant RD Davidson (RCAF), Sergeant JA Hammond (RCAF), Flying Officer GH Lamus (RAF) and Sergeant CT Hamilton (RNZAF) all survived and became Evaders

FS DDP Leitch (RAFVR), Sergeant LS Marsden (RAF) and Flying Officer AA Stewart (RNZAF) survived and all were taken ad Prisoners of War

General Search for France-Crashes 39-45

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Aviation Safety Network


1943-March-12 Evader RCAF Sergeant Russell Duncan Davidson 2022-11-03
1943-March-12 Evader RNZAF Charlie Thomas Hamilton 2022-11-03
1943-March-12 Evader RCAF Sergeant John Allan Hammond 2024-09-02
1943-March-12 Evader RAF Flying Officer George Herbert Lamus 2022-11-03
1943-March-12 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant David Duncan Patrick Leitch MBE 2024-09-02
1943-March-12 PoW RAF Sergeant Laurence Stanley Marsden 2022-11-03
1943-March-12 PoW RNZAF Flying Officer Andrew Stewart 2022-11-03

Halifax HR657

s/n
 HR657

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Collided with another aircraft during cross country, crashed near Haxby, Yorks, 7.3.44
units 408/78/1667 heavy Conversion Unit/1662Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR658

s/n
 HR658

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*V". Bombed Cologne on 14/15 February 1943. Bombed Kiel on 4/5 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Dortmund 4/5 May 1943, no survivors.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-May-05 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Dortmund, no survivors. 2019-08-20
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Sergeant Jack Colin Archer 2024-11-02
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Roger Victor Clitheroe 2024-03-05
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Cameron Ellard 2021-08-06
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Angus Grant 2021-08-07
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Gudmundur Arnpot Johannesson 2023-01-07
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Malcolm Roy Edgar Metcalfe 2021-09-28
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Donat Cyprien Romain Nault 2021-08-17

Halifax HR659

s/n
 HR659

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Failed to Return, Plzen, 17.4.43
Units 408/78
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR660

s/n
 HR660

Known Squadron Assignments: ;148

Hit by flak near Ancona and crashed 3.3.44
Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/301 Ferry transfer Unit/3 Overseas Aircraft Delivery unit/148
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-March-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John Caldwell Calhoun 2024-07-10
1944-March-03 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Alexander Allan Cameron 2024-07-10

Halifax HR662

s/n
 HR662

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Failed to Return, Lorient, 30.1.43
Unit 408
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR664

s/n
 HR664

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*K". Crash landed at base after raid on Berlin, early 1943, no injuries. Had been damaged by night fighter and by flak. According to Halifax Files, crashed and burnt after take-off, Fairfield Sanitorium, York, 10.1.44
Units 408/78/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR665

s/n
 HR665

Known Squadron Assignments: ;138

Missing, 25.3.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-March-25 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Arthur Abernethy Floyd 2021-05-17

Halifax HR666

s/n
 HR666

Known Squadron Assignments: ;138

Missing 15.9.43
Unit 138
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-15 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Thomas Alexander Payne 2023-09-23
1943-September-15 PoW RCAF Sergeant Donald Harwood White 2023-08-17

Halifax HR667

s/n
 HR667

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Failed to Return, Dortmund, 5.5.43
Unit 102
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Howard Buck 2021-08-04

Halifax HR684

s/n
 HR684

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Failed to Return, Dusseldorf, 12.6.43
Unit 78
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-12 KIA RCAF Sergeant Percy Hollyer 2021-08-10

Halifax HR685

s/n
 HR685

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Krefeld, 22.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-22 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Thomas Henry Lane DFC 2021-03-15

Halifax HR686

s/n
 HR686

Known Squadron Assignments: ;502

Failed to Return, A/U patrol, 3.10.44
Unit 502
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Thomas Conlin 2024-03-25
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Armand Roger Lucien La Palme 2023-07-23

Halifax HR687

s/n
 HR687

Known Squadron Assignments: ;78

Failed to Return, Essen, 6.3.43
Unit 78
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-March-06 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Douglas Raymond Chiswell 2024-02-15

Halifax HR689

s/n
 HR689

Known Squadron Assignments: ;502

Stalled on approach at St Eval after ops and struck B-17 (42-29647)26.3.43
Unit 502
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-March-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Stanley Alexander Christie 2024-02-19
1943-March-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Garnett Eugene Taggart 2021-07-20
1943-March-26 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harry Davey Vesey 2022-01-02
1943-March-26 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Vernon Godwin Yeulett 2020-10-27

Halifax HR692

s/n
 HR692

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return, Essen, 13.3.43
Unit 10
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Lloyd George Thompson 2021-08-04

Halifax HR695

s/n
 HR695

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Struck off charge 6.3.45
Units 10/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Allan Frank McCoy 2021-08-17

Halifax HR699

s/n
 HR699

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return, Kiel, 5.4.43
Unit 10
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Malcolm Maisenbacher 2021-08-14
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Allister Wann 2021-08-04

Halifax HR711

s/n
 HR711

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Shot down by nightfighter while on ops, Hamburg, 30.7.43
Units 51/102
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Audfinn Veraas 2021-08-04

Halifax HR712

s/n
 HR712

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Failed to Return, Stettin, 21.4.43
Unit 102
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon Harold Bartman 2024-11-09

Halifax HR713

s/n
 HR713

Known Squadron Assignments: 408;1666

Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*K". Bombed Berlin in early 1943, exact date not known. Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3/4 April 1943. Crashed in Lake Ijssel, north east of Amstedam, possibly a victim of a night fighter. All were killed.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-April-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Essen. All were killed. 2019-08-20
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Robert Hodgson Gamble 2021-09-24
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Donald Leslie Jarrett 2023-01-02
1943-April-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edmond Rothell Ray 2021-08-10

Halifax HR714

s/n
 HR714

Known Squadron Assignments: ;77

Failed to return, Stettin, 21.4.43
Unit 102/77
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Raymond Graham Hume 2023-08-28

Halifax HR717

s/n
 HR717

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Wuppertal, 30.5.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-29 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Jack Cooper 2024-04-10
1943-May-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Mason Ellis 2023-08-22
1943-May-29 KIA RAF Flying Officer Wallace Clifford Luther 2023-08-22

Halifax HR720

s/n
 HR720

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Aachen, crashed near Vorstenborsch, Holland 14.7.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Frank Dow Granger 2021-02-21

Halifax HR721

s/n
 HR721

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Abandonned over Selsey Bill, Hants, short of fuel, ex ops, Nurnberg, 11.8.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-11 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Henry Moffatt 2021-08-16

Halifax HR723

s/n
 HR723

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1666

Served with No. 405 (B Squadron, RCAF, coded "N". Damaged by night fighter during raid on Nurnburg, 10/11 August 1943. Abandonned due to icing at 15,000 feet, aircraft crashed at Pydew, Llandudno Junction, North Wales, and burnt, 27.10.44
Units 405/35/77/1666Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-October-27 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Henry William Ferris 2021-08-06

Halifax HR725

s/n
 HR725

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Berlin, crashed near Soltau,Germany 24.8.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Barney Paul Allen 2023-10-30

Halifax HR727

s/n
 HR727

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Crashed on Ashop Moor, Derbyshire, due to poor navigation and fuel shortage after ops, Frankfurt, 5.10.43
Unit 76/102/51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-October-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Jean Gilbert Felix Fortin 2021-09-24

Halifax HR730

s/n
 HR730

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659

Struck off charge 1.11.45
Units 51/102/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR732

s/n
 HR732

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Leipzig, 4.12.43
Unit 77/51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Douglas Wilson Milliken 2021-09-23

Halifax HR733

s/n
 HR733

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Essen, 1.5.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-01 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Robert Harold Hewitt 2021-10-02
1943-May-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Hugh Phair Spencer 2021-10-02

Halifax HR734

s/n
 HR734

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Koln, 4.7.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles William Preston 2021-09-30

Halifax HR737

s/n
 HR737

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Duisburg, 27.4.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Claude William Gebhard 2021-08-07
1943-April-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Edward Taylor 2021-08-05

Halifax HR739

s/n
 HR739

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Munchen-Gladbach, 31.8.43
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-31 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant William Joseph Browne 2022-05-20
1943-August-31 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant William Edward Bryden 2022-05-20
1943-August-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Sidney Clenton 2024-03-03
1943-August-31 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Charles Colin Gardener 2022-05-20
1943-August-31 PoW RAFVR Sergeant John Partington 2022-05-20
1943-August-31 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Garfield Townley 2023-08-14
1943-August-31 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Ronald William Wildman 2022-05-20

Halifax HR743

s/n
 HR743

Known Squadron Assignments: ;58

Failed to Return, A/S sweep 9.5.43
Unit 58
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-09 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harold Stuart Butler 2023-08-01

Halifax HR746

s/n
 HR746

Known Squadron Assignments: ;58

Failed to Return from patrol over Bay of Biscay, 16-17.8.43
Transfer Ferry Unit/58
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold Maurice Park 2021-08-18
1943-August-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Peter Yeates Williams 2021-08-05

Halifax HR751

s/n
 HR751

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to return, Hamburg, shot down by flak while approaching target, 2-3.8.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-03 PoW RCAF Sergeant James Mark Lally 2024-09-16

Halifax HR753

s/n
 HR753

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Berlin, 28.3.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-March-27 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Henry Penrose 2021-08-16

Halifax HR757

s/n
 HR757

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Berlin, 30.3.43
Unit 10/158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flt. Sergeant John Henry Dillon 2024-10-20
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Vernon Tracey 2024-10-20

Halifax HR758

s/n
 HR758

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to return, Plzen, `17.4.43
unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Charles Derrick Fawcett 2021-05-17

Halifax HR773

s/n
 HR773

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, mining 29.4.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-28 KIA RCAF Sergeant Walter Gilbert Dent 2024-10-14
1943-April-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Edward Ernest Priddin 2024-10-14

Halifax HR775

s/n
 HR775

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Essen, crashed northeast of Deventer, Holland, 28.5.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Sergeant Rene Real Mantha 2021-08-14
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Hubert Wyatt 2021-08-05

Halifax HR776

s/n
 HR776

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Hannover, 23.9.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John George Marcel Aubin 2024-11-03
1943-September-23 PoW RAFVR Flight Lieutenant William Pius Hennessey 2022-05-23

Halifax HR780

s/n
 HR780

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;1666

Crash landed 3/4 mile northwest of Sandberge, co, Durham, after both starboard engines failed 9.8.44
Units 158/419/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR782

s/n
 HR782

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Leipzig, 4.12.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-December-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant Howard John Bondett 2023-10-21

Halifax HR783

s/n
 HR783

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Crashed at Crockery Hill, Escrick, York, after engine failure 6.8.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-06 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Charles Martin Johnson 2023-01-07

Halifax HR784

s/n
 HR784

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Plzen, 17.4.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ronald Henry Stewart 2024-01-20

Halifax HR789

s/n
 HR789

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Essen, 28.5.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ernest James Cotton 2024-04-30

Halifax HR791

s/n
 HR791

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Cannes, 12.11.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-12 Evader RCAF Sergeant E G Chard 2024-02-04

Halifax HR793

s/n
 HR793

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Essen, 30.5.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-July-20

Bombing Wuppertal Germany 1943-05-29 to 1943-05-30

35 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Graveley

Aircraft was shot down by a night fighter over Netherlands while on an operation to Wuppertal, Germany. The aircraft was abandoned and crashed near Sittard, Holland

Squadron Leader P Johnston DFC (RAF)and Sergeant FJ Jarvis (RAF) were missing, presumed killed. They have no known grave and are commemorated on the Runnymede War Memorial

Sergeant AW Cowan (RCAF) survived and evaded briefly, but was captured 1944-05-30 to join the other survivors: Pilot Officer R Wood (RCAF), FS BT Royall (RAAF), Flying Officer RG Houston (RAF )and Sergeant MT Byrne (RAF) as Prisoners of War. FS EA Roede (RAF) would evade until July before being captured in Brussels

WR Chorley notes that Pilot Officer Wood landed poorly when he baled, breaking his leg, and that he was older than the usual crewman (having lied about his age to re-join the RCAF in 1939 he was 38 years old, not the 33 on his records). His son, FS D Wood, joined the RCAF in Canada on the same day his father was taken POW, and later flew a tour of operations in 1944 as a gunner (Airforce Magazine, Vol 8, No 2, 1984)

General search T/R number

Operations Record Book 35 Sqn ORB


1943-May-30 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Andrew Watt Cowan 2024-05-06
1943-May-30 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Roy Wood 2023-01-23

Halifax HR796

s/n
 HR796

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Abandoinned at 6000 feet, crashed at Chorley, Sussex, and burnt, 9.11.44
Navigation Training Unit/405/1667 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU/1656HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR797

s/n
 HR797

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to return from mining mission on 12 June 1943. According to The Halifax Files, it failed to return from Dusselfdorf same date.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1943-06-11 to 1943-06-12

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to return from mining mission on 12 June 1943. According to The Halifax Files, it failed to return from Dusselfdorf same date.

1943-June-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Ashton Fillingham 2022-07-13
1943-June-12 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Caldwell Harty 2022-07-13
1943-June-12 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Forbes Ewan Mackay 2023-09-07
1943-June-12 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Burton Leigh Miller 2023-09-17
1943-June-12 PoW RAF John Edward Patterson 2024-01-10
1943-June-12 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer John Sommerville 2023-01-30
1943-June-12 PoW RCAF Sergeant William Norman C Tatham Distinguished Flying Cross 2023-08-11
1943-June-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Norman Henry Arthur Taylor 2022-07-13

Halifax HR799

s/n
 HR799

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Served with No. 35 Squadron, RAF. Failed to Return, Krefeld, 22.6.43
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-June-22 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Harrison Graham 2021-02-21
1943-June-22 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Delamere Hutchinson 2021-02-21

Halifax HR800

s/n
 HR800

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1666

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Struck off Charge 30.1.45
Navigation Training Unit/405/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR801

s/n
 HR801

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659

Crash landed at Dalton after engine failure. 28.6.44
Unit 35/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR802

s/n
 HR802

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;1659;1664

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return from cross country exercise, 10.10.44
Unit 35/428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22
1944-October-15 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Byron Jerimiah Becker 2023-08-15
1944-October-15 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander Harvey Macleod 2021-08-17
1944-October-15 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Harry Whittaker McKay 2021-08-17
1944-October-15 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Beverly Thomas Taylor 2021-07-20
1944-October-15 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer George Ambrose Franklin Whinfield 2021-07-09
1944-October-15 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Walter Robert Wickham 2021-07-08

Halifax HR804

s/n
 HR804

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Crashed in circuit at Warter Priory, Yorks, after engine failure, 25.11.43
Units 405/35/102
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR805

s/n
 HR805

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;10

Failed to Return, Leipzig, 20.2.44
Unit 405/10
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frank Davenport 2024-09-09
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ervin Gordon Waterston 2024-09-09

Halifax HR806

s/n
 HR806

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Engine failure on take-off for ops, ran into ditch and undercarriage collapsed, Gransden Lodge, 23.5.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR807

s/n
 HR807

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Essen, 28.5.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-05-27 to 1943-05-28

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft HR 807 was shot down at Dusseldorf, Germany during operations against Essen, Germany.

1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Leonard Samuel Percy Dalton 2024-08-08
1943-May-28 KIA RAFVR James Holmes 2024-08-08
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Young Houston 2024-08-08
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Gabriell Emile Joseph Lebihan 2024-08-08
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Clayton Maracle 2024-08-08
1943-May-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Frederick Sovereign 2024-08-08
1943-May-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Stephen Wilson 2024-08-08

Halifax HR808

s/n
 HR808

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Groundlooped on landing after rudder jammed. Gransden Lodge 18.6.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR809

s/n
 HR809

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Minor accident 18.6.43, Struck off Charge 23.7.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Duisburg Germany 1943-04-08 to 1943-04-09

405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

Took off in Halifax Mark II (Sqn code: LQ-X) at 21:32. Target was reached at 23:00 and the load released from 15,000 feet. Starboard engine cut out just before reaching target and started again after crossing enemy coast on way home. A/C was caught in heavy flak at target and gyro toppled when evasive action was taken. A/c went into a spin and the other three engines cut. The captain then warned crew to be ready to bale out. The second pilot Pilot Officer Bisson; Flight Engineer, Sergeant Whitterton; Mid Upper Gunner, Flight Sergeant Wagner and Rear Gunner Flight Sergeant Cox baled out without waiting for orders. Captain righted a/c at 1,000 feet and three engines started up again so returned to base with the remaining four crew.

1943-April-09 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Giles Ernest Bisson 2023-10-19
1943-April-09 KIA RAFVR Arthur Cox DFM 2024-05-07
1943-April-09 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class W A Wagner 2023-10-03
1943-April-09 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class A Whitterton 2023-10-03

Halifax HR810

s/n
 HR810

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*X". Coded "LQ*R" when damaged by flak during raid in Nurnburg on 10/11 August 1943. Lost on operation to Mannheim on 5/6 September 1943, crashed near Heidelberg.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Mannheim Germany 1943-09-05 to 1943-09-06

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Berlin

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft HR 810 lost during operations against Mannheim, Germany.

1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR George Edward Agate 2024-11-01
1943-September-06 PoW RAF James Henry Briggs 2024-01-10
1943-September-06 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Leo Joseph Martin Broderick 2024-05-06
1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Alexander Cunningham Brunton 2024-05-06
1943-September-06 PoW RAF Clifford Hewitson 2022-06-13
1943-September-06 PoW RAF Robert Thomson 2022-06-13

Halifax HR811

s/n
 HR811

Known Squadron Assignments: :405:35:102

This a/c when later serving with Sqn 102, failed to return from a mission 1943-11-26.
last update: 2024-July-20

Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-07-24 to 1943-07-25

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. BROTHER to Albert Benjamin McLellan. Halifax aircraft HR811 was hit by flak over enemy territory on July 25, 1943.Warrant Officer McLellan succumbed to his wounds while in the Addenbrook Hospital. Other crew members returned safely: Pilot Officer Cowan, Sergeant Culpin, Fl/Sergeant Milne, Sergeant Langley, Sergeant Mace, Sergeant Hurst

1943-July-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Cyril Cobb McLellan 2022-07-13

Halifax HR812

s/n
 HR812

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant Leslie Ernest Carey 2024-01-04

Halifax HR813

s/n
 HR813

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Lost on operations, Koln, 3-4 July 1943.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Cologne Germany 1943-07-03 to 1943-07-04

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft HR 813 went down near Le Culot, Belgium while engaged in night operations against Cologne, Germany.

1943-July-04 PoW RCAF Flying Officer John Ivan Anderson 2024-11-02
1943-July-04 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Lloyd MacDonald Anderson 2024-11-02
1943-July-04 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Hugh Alexander McIvor Clee 2024-02-29
1943-July-04 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Francis William Frudd 2023-11-01
1943-July-04 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Gordon Karr Harrison 2023-11-01
1943-July-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Rankin 2023-11-01
1943-July-04 PoW RAFVR Raymond Bagnall Smith DFC 2022-06-22

Halifax HR816

s/n
 HR816

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Elberfield,25.6.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Elberfeld Germany 1943-06-24 to 1943-06-25

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft HR 816 missing whilst making a night attack against Elberfeld, Wuppertal, Germany

1943-June-25 PoW RAF Sergeant Peter Charles Andrews 2024-11-02
1943-June-25 PoW RAF Frank Bowker 2023-10-22
1943-June-25 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Kingsley 2023-11-30
1943-June-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Wendelin Kucinsky 2023-11-01
1943-June-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant Charles William Patterson Price 2023-11-01
1943-June-25 PoW RAF Gordon Charles Tisbury 2022-06-22

Halifax HR817

s/n
 HR817

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Failed to Return, Peenemunde, 18.8.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-July-20

Combat Peenemunde Germany 1943-08-17 to 1943-08-18

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

Halifax II aircraft HR 817 LQ-C strayed south of its intended route and was shot down by flak near Flensburg during a night attack against the V-2 rocket sites at Pennemunde, Germany. The bomber crashed at Friedenshugel, Germany

All were Killed in Action


1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Colin Brodie Angus 2024-11-02
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Thomas John Bowling 2022-06-22
1943-August-18 KIA RAF Hubert William Cooke 2024-04-06
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Edwin Gimby 2022-06-22
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Willard Melvin Haugen 2022-06-22
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harry Starkey McIntyre 2022-06-22
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Thomas Alan Pargeter 2022-06-22

Halifax HR832

s/n
 HR832

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;1659

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Crashed on cross country training flight 16 June 1943. Struck by lightning, encountered turbulence, broke up in flight. Crashed at Clifton Farm, Clenchwarton, 2 miles west of Kins Lynn, Norfolk, UK.
last update: 2024-September-22

Operational None 1943-06-16 to 1943-06-16

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft encountered severe weather conditions and turbulence on a routine cross-country training flight. The Halifax was struck by lightning and broke up in flight, crashing at Clifton Farm, Clenchwarton, 2 miles west of Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England with the loss of the entire crew

Flying Officer RE Agassiz (RCAF), Flying Officer WC Davies (RCAF), FS CL Pudney GC (RCAF)(USA), Sergeant a Faulkner (RAFVR), Flying Officer RW Frewin (RAFVR), Sergeant MK Holliday (RAF) and Flight Lieutenant CD Lawson MiD (RAF) were all killed in this flying accident

General 405 Squadron Halifax II HR832 Fl/Lt Lawson RAF Gransden Lodge...

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...


1943-June-16 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Roland Ernest Garnault Agassiz 2022-11-28
1943-June-16 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Cecil Davies 2024-10-31
1943-June-16 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant Arthur Faulkner 2022-11-28
1943-June-16 KIFA RAFVR Flying Officer Lawrence William Arthur Frewin 2022-11-28
1943-June-16 KIFA RAF Sergeant Malcolm Keith Holliday 2022-11-28
1943-June-16 KIFA RAF Flight Lieutenant Christopher Daniel Lawson MID 2022-11-28
1943-June-16 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clinton Landis Pudney GM 2022-11-28

Halifax HR833

s/n
 HR833

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;35

Failed to Return, Wuppertal, 30.5.43
Unit 405/35
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-30 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer James Livingston Lee 2023-08-27

Halifax HR834

s/n
 HR834

Known Squadron Assignments: 1659;1666

Crash landed and burnt after starboard outer engine failed on take-off from Wombleton 27.5.44
Units 51/102/1659Heavy Conversion Unit/1666HCU

On 1944-05-27, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with HCU 1664/1669 at Wombleton, wrote in his diary: "Well we had the third of our usual string of three prangs to-day when QY-B "Beer" - this is the third B in a month so we are going to stop using that letter for awhile - HR834 - one of our newest & best kites with 4 brand new Merlin XXI engines in it. The SO [starboard outboard] engine cut out on takeoff just after he got airborne, it swung to the right, ploughed through the top of 4 big trees right in the middle of the bomb [storage] dump (I'm sure glad that didn't stop him or the whole dump would have gone up & I wouldn't have been writing this) then caromed of another tree to end up in the middle of a nearby farmers field where the kite broke up badly & then caught fire."

"There were 9 men in the kite & they all got out in one of the most miraculous escapes I ever expect to see, with very minor injuries. I hoped on my motor bike & was there 5 minutes after it happened to see the crew wandering around not quite knowing how they got out. I helped the rear gunner who was cut badly about the face into a truck & then it got stuck in the mud & we had to push it out. Two others had broken ankles & 3 had to be treated for minor shock. Other than that there wasn't much else the matter with them. We tried to get the fire out but it was pretty hopeless especially with all the ammunition exploding all over the place. I was using a fire extinguisher for awhile until the intense heat drove us away. An investigation later showed that an inlet valve spring broke on the B bank causing the explosive charge to blow by into the induction manifold & setting fire to the mixture coming into the cylinder. Quite a small thing to right-off an aircraft & almost the crew."

Museum Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM



last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR835

s/n
 HR835

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Dortmund, 24.5.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Brown 2021-09-06

Halifax HR836

s/n
 HR836

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, 24.5.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Henry Graham Freeman 2021-08-06
1943-May-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Merton Earl Zapfe 2021-08-05

Halifax HR838

s/n
 HR838

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Nurnburg, 11.8.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-11 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 James Steven Campbell 2024-08-18
1943-August-11 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Bernard Wyatt 2024-08-01

Halifax HR839

s/n
 HR839

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-29 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Aymerick Essex Vidal 2023-08-27

Halifax HR840

s/n
 HR840

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Wuppertal, crashed at Swalmen, Holland, 30.5.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-30 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Stephen James Marugg 2021-08-16

Halifax HR841

s/n
 HR841

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;77;97

Failed to Return, Berlin,29.1.44
Units 405/35/77
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-January-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Mcintosh Duncan 2024-10-29
1944-January-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant Geoffrey Maynard Jandron 2024-04-21
1944-January-29 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Craig Thom 2024-11-01

Halifax HR843

s/n
 HR843

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Crashed and burnt in forced landing at Staplefield, Gatwick, ex ops Gesenkirchen 10.7.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-10 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John George McDonald 2023-09-13

Halifax HR844

s/n
 HR844

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Dortmund, 24.5.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-23 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Gerald Francis Donald Neumann 2024-06-27

Halifax HR847

s/n
 HR847

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Force-landed at Lichfield after engine trouble 28.4.44
Units 405/35/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR849

s/n
 HR849

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft #HR 849 LQ-E was shot down by flak over Bremen, Germany while on an operation to Hamburg, Germany. The entire crew was lost on this, their 5th operation and the 10th bomber lost on this 4th raid against targets in Hamburg

FS WJ Crozier (RCAF), Sergeant T Brownless (RAFVR), Sergeant H Gardner (RAFVR), Sergeant AF Gregory (RAFVR), Sergeant SJ Passey (RAFVR), Sergeant ST Pitt (RAFVR) and Sergeant D Rowbotham (RAF) were all killed in action

The Battle of Hamburg, Allied Bomber Forces Against a German City in 1943 by Martin Middlebrook, Appendix 4 page 343

General Allied Losses and Incidents: All Commands

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...


1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas Brownless 2022-07-26
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William James Crozier 2024-05-22
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Henry Gardner 2022-07-26
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Albert Frank Gregory 2022-07-26
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Sydney John Passey 2022-07-26
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Stanley Thomas Pitt 2022-07-26
1943-August-03 KIA RAF Sergeant Douglas Rowbotham 2022-07-26

Halifax HR850

s/n
 HR850

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-29 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Charles Henry Bullock DFM 2023-01-29
1943-June-29 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Nelson Alexander Cobb DFC 2024-03-07
1943-June-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Palfrey Trask DFM 2021-05-11

Halifax HR852

s/n
 HR852

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Dusselfdorf, 12.6.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-June-11 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Robert Wilfred Featherstone 2021-08-05
1943-June-11 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Herbert Lawrence Levere 2021-08-05
1943-June-11 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Keith MacEachern 2021-08-05
1943-June-11 PoW USAAF Flying Officer David Stephen Percy Roberts 2021-08-05

Halifax HR853

s/n
 HR853

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Force-landed at Highfield Farm, Doncaster to Selby Rd, after starboard engine failed, ex ops, 26.5.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-May-26 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arthur Cephas Worden 2021-08-05

Halifax HR854

s/n
 HR854

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Montbeliard, 16.7.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Combat Montbeliard France 1943-07-15 to 1943-07-16

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

Took off from Gransden Lodge at 21:53 in Halifax Mark II (Sqn code: LQ-A Bomber Command, Pathfinder Force)

Aircraft was attacked by German Night-fighters on the homeward journey, over Tonnerre. The two starboard engines were shot up, and after loosong considerable height over 35 minutes, the Pilot ordered the crew to bail out.Crashed near Tonnerre, France

The crew came down at about 03:15 hours, just West of Beliecarde. They buried their parachutes, mae wests in thick undergrowth and pulled briar over them.. They moved South, reaching a canal, which they walked along, for about 30 minutes. As it became light, the crew hid in a wood along the canal bank. At 23.00 hours on 16 July 1943, they continued along the canal, endeavouring to find a bridge. They eventually crossed the canal and continued walking until 02:00 hours, when they again hid in woods. The crew spent all of the day, 17 July 1943, in the woods, and began to walk South at 23:00 hours., eventually reaching the outskirts of Les Bordes at 05:30 hours.. From the cover of a wood, they watched a nearby farmhouse, which they eventually approached, were taken in, fed and sheltered

Those who dared - A Comprehensive List of World War ll Allied Escapers

1943-July-16 Evader RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Henry Foy DFC 2022-06-29
1943-July-16 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Thompson Huston MiD 2022-06-29
1943-July-16 Evader RCAF Squadron Leader Albert Lambert DFC & Bar 2022-06-29
1943-July-16 Evader RCAF G MacGregor 2024-01-10
1943-July-16 Evader RCAF Pilot Officer John Bert McDougall MiD 2022-06-29
1943-July-16 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Arthur Osbourne Prior 2023-09-25
1943-July-16 Evader RCAF Flying Officer T W Simpson 2022-06-29

Halifax HR855

s/n
 HR855

Known Squadron Assignments: 428;1666

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Groundlooped on takeoff and undercarriage retracted to avoid another aircraft, Wombleton,8.8.44
Units 35/428/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR856

s/n
 HR856

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*W". Named "Willie". Failed to return from raid on the Fiat Motor Works at Turin, Italy on 17 August 1943. 7 crew lost.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-17 Failed to Return Failed to return from raid on the Fiat Motor Works at Turin, northern Italy. 7 crew lost. 2019-08-20

Bombing Turin Italy 1943-08-16 to 1943-08-17

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*W". Named "Willie". Failed to return from raid on the Fiat Motor Works at Turin, Italy on 17 August 1943. 7 crew lost.

1943-August-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Edward Beavo 2023-08-15
1943-August-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Richard Alexander Carney 2024-01-06
1943-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John David Hawkins 2022-07-13
1943-August-17 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Peter William Manning DFC 2022-04-19
1943-August-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Gordon Campbell McKay 2022-07-13
1943-August-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Malcolm Stephen Miller 2022-07-13
1943-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Harold Viney 2022-07-13

Halifax HR857

s/n
 HR857

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;428;1659

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*K". Struck off charge, 25.1.45
Units 405/35/428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR858

s/n
 HR858

Known Squadron Assignments: 408

Struck off charge, 1.11.45
Units 158/51/781652 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR859

s/n
 HR859

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Edward Robert Sklarchuk 2021-10-02

Halifax HR860

s/n
 HR860

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Struck off Charge, 1.11.45
Units 405/10/1652 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2024-July-20

Combat Gelsenkirchen Germany 1943-07-09 to 1943-07-10

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

N405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Pathfinder Force). Target - Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Halifax aircraft HR 860 was badly damaged by flak over the target but returned and landed safely at RAF Station, Gransden Lodge. F/O. Law was the only casualty and was killed in the aircraft by shell fragments.

1943-July-10 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Albert Clayton Law 2022-06-29

Halifax HR864

s/n
 HR864

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Essen, 26.7.43
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-07-25 to 1943-07-25

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge

405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft HR 863 LQ-M was shot down by Oberleutnant Paul Zorner of the 3/NJG 3, flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 inbound for an operation against the Krupp Works armament factories in Essen, Germany. The Halifax crashed and exploded between Thesinge and Ten Boer, Groningen, Netherlands with the loss of all but one crew member

Flying Officer ME Tomczak (RCAF), Flying Officer AP McCracken (RCAF), Pilot officer MS Smyth (RCAF), Warrant officer Second Class CJV Kettley (RCAF), Flight Sergeant EK White (RCAF), and Sergeant AJ Wood (RAF) were all killed in action

The Bomb Aimer, Flight Lieutenant AJ Sochowski (RCAF) was the only crew member to escape the aircraft before it crashed and survived to become a Prisoner of War

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Aviation Safety Network

General Results

General The RAF Pathfinders Archive


1943-July-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Clifford John Vosper Kettley 2023-07-13
1943-July-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alexander Purves McCracken 2023-07-13
1943-July-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Michael Sydney Smyth 2023-07-13
1943-July-25 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Alexander Joseph Sochowski 2023-07-13
1943-July-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Marcel Emmett Tomczak 2023-07-13
1943-July-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Kenneth White 2023-07-13
1943-July-25 KIA RAF Sergeant Albert Joseph Wood 2023-07-13

Halifax HR865

s/n
 HR865

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43
Unit 405/102
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR867

s/n
 HR867

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;102

Failed to Return, Berlin, 30.12.43
Units 405/102
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-December-30 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Edward Ludwig Carlson 2024-08-08
1943-December-30 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Harry Hope Hesketh 2024-08-08

Halifax HR869

s/n
 HR869

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Nurnburg, 28.8.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald John Cameron 2024-07-30
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Herbert Francis Maughan 2024-07-30

Halifax HR871

s/n
 HR871

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43, crashed in Baltic Sea Unit 405

The following links to video documenting recovery of HR871 parts from the Baltic.

Facebook BCM Halifax Recovered Parts Video 1

Facebook BCM Halifax Recovery Operation Video

Facebook BCM Halifax Recovery Discussion

last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft encountered a massive electrical storm during an operation against targets in Hamburg, Germany. Battling towards the target, with ice building up on the wings, the Halifax was struck by a blinding flash of lightning. Both inboard engines lost power, the electrical system and radio destroyed, the bomber lost altitude while the pilot fought to regain control, managing to do so at an altitude of about 4000 feet. Return to the UK was out of the question and the navigator instead plotted a course for neutral Sweden. The Halifax crashed into the Baltic Sea near Kampinge Bay, Sweden shortly after the crew safely abandoned the bomber and all became interned prisoners of Sweden

In an interesting turn of fate, many of the Canadians on this and other downed crews not only survived being shot down, they also played hockey against Swedish teams while they were interned. They were well treated and housed and played hockey for several months before being repatriated to UK 1944-01-30

Amazingly, the wreckage of Halifax HR 871 was located by Swedish divers in 2011 and is now in the process of being recovered, lead by Karl Kiarsgaard, Director of the Halifax 57 Rescue (Canada), Bomber Command Museum of Canada. The plan is to have the Halifax restored as a static display at the museum, similar to Halifax NA 377, recovered by Halifax 57 Rescue from the bottom of Lake Mjosa, Norway. The aircraft was beautifully restored to static condition and is now on display at the RCAF Memorial Museum at Trenton, Ontario.

General Royal Air Force serial and Image Database

General RESURRECTION - Vintage Wings of Canada

General Halifax Bomber Recovery

General The unknown RCAF hockey story from World War II Sweden


1943-August-03 Interned RAFVR Ronald A Andrews 2023-11-05
1943-August-03 Interned RCAF Sergeant Wilfred Herbert King 2023-11-05
1943-August-03 Interned RAFVR Flight Sergeant Vernon Alfred Knight 2023-11-05
1943-August-03 Interned RCAF Sergeant Lloyd David Kohnke 2023-11-05
1943-August-03 Interned RCAF Flight Sergeant Graham William Mainprize 2023-11-06
1943-August-03 Interned RCAF Sergeant Herbert C McLean 2023-11-05
1943-August-03 Interned RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Alwyn "Pee Wee" Phillips DFM DFC 2023-11-05

Halifax HR872

s/n
 HR872

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Lost on operations to Mannheim on 10 August 1943, crashed in Belgium.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Mannheim Germany 1943-08-09 to 1943-08-10

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Shot down by a night- fighter (Lt Norbert Pietrek 11. on operations to Mannheim on 10 August 1943, crashed in Belgium.

1943-August-10 KIA RCAF Sergeant Douglas Allan Black 2023-08-26
1943-August-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Henry Evans 2023-08-26
1943-August-10 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Macgregor Gray 2023-08-26
1943-August-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Hanna 2023-08-26
1943-August-10 KIA RAFVR Henry King 2022-07-14
1943-August-10 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Allan John Middleton 2023-08-26
1943-August-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles William Pickering 2023-08-26

Halifax HR876

s/n
 HR876

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;35

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Berlin, 3.12.43
Units 405/35
last update: 2024-September-22
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Francis Cole McCubbin 2021-08-17
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harley Vernon Stinson 2021-07-22

Halifax HR905

s/n
 HR905

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Failed to Return, Aachen, 14.7.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-July-20

Bombing Aachen Germany 1943-07-13 to 1943-07-14

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Target - Aachen, Germany.. Shot down by a night- fighter and disintegrated near Asten (Noord Brabant) 9 km SE of Helmond Holland.

1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Douglas Glenn Bebensee DFM 2022-07-14
1943-July-14 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Douglas Milne Clarke 2024-02-26
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Henry Navin Emerson DFM 2022-07-14
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Glover McGladrey DFC 2022-07-14
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Roy Gordon Morrison DFC 2022-07-14
1943-July-14 PoW RNZAF Donald John Smith 2022-07-14
1943-July-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Maurice Witt 2022-07-14
1943-July-14 KIA RAF Squadron Leader Denzel Lloyd Wolfe DFC 2022-07-14

Halifax HR907

s/n
 HR907

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Hannover, 28.9.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Ralph Wilbert Tully 2023-08-14

Halifax HR910

s/n
 HR910

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;419

Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*R". Lost during mining operation to the Frisian Islands off Borkum on 12/13 February 1944.
Units 405/419
last update: 2024-September-22

Minelaying Borkum Island Germany 1944-02-11 to 1944-02-12

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of Berlin

Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*R". Lost during mining operation to the Frisian Islands off Borkum on 12/13 February 1944. Five other crews were in the same area at the same time and reported no enemy activity. The loss of this crew remains a mystery. 52 Aircraft deployed incl. Units 405/419


1944-February-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Joseph Gilles Bachand 2024-11-06
1944-February-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Russell William Kemp 2022-12-07
1944-February-12 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant David Drysdale Laidlaw 2022-12-07
1944-February-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alfred Stephen Miller 2022-12-07
1944-February-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Earl Rempel 2022-12-07

Halifax HR912

s/n
 HR912

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;429

Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*F". Failed to return from attack on the rail yards at Vaires, France on 29/30 March 1944. No survivors.
Units 35/419
last update: 2024-September-22
   1944-March-30 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on the rail yards at Vaires, no survivors. 2019-08-20

Bombing Vaires-sur-Marne France 1944-03-29 to 1944-03-30

419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George

Battle of Berlin

76 Halifaxes and 8 Mosquitoes of 4, 6 and 8 Groups attacked the railway yards at Vaires, near Paris, in bright moonlight. The bombing was very accurate and 2 ammunition trains which were present blew up; it is reported that 1,270 German troops were killed. 1 Halifax lost.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). The crew of Halifax aircraft HR 912 were engaged in a night trip to the rail yards at Vaires, France when their aircraft was hit by flak over Le Havre, France. The pilot made a crash landing in the English Channel.


1944-March-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Alexander Greenidge 2022-12-12
1944-March-30 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Elmore Oliver Elvidge Humphreys 2022-12-12
1944-March-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Bentley Lowe 2022-12-12
1944-March-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Vernal Norwood Lunney 2022-12-12
1944-March-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Gordon Surridge 2022-12-12
1944-March-30 KIA RCAF Sergeant Maurice William Wheeler 2022-12-12

Halifax HR915

s/n
 HR915

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to return from operation to Berlin on 31 August 1943. (The Halifax File claims it was 1.9.43) Crew member Squadron Leader G.T. Pearson taken POW, part of the team that planned and carried out the Great Escape.
last update: 2024-September-22

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-31 to 1943-09-01

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Berlin

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to return from operation to Berlin on 31 August 1943. (The Halifax File claims it was 1.9.43)

1943-September-01 PoW RAF A. N. Gocher 2023-08-23
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Curtis Albert Goring 2022-07-20
1943-September-01 PoW RAFVR Pilot officer James Tilston Maddock 2024-01-10
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Edwin Matthew McArthur DFM 2024-10-31
1943-September-01 PoW RAF F Peacock 2023-09-23
1943-September-01 PoW RCAF Squadron Leader George Thomas Pearson DFC 2022-07-20
1943-September-01 PoW RAF L Ramsden 2024-01-10

Halifax HR916

s/n
 HR916

Known Squadron Assignments: 405;428;1659

Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Struck off Charge 21.2.45
Units 405/35/428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR917

s/n
 HR917

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43
Unit 405
last update: 2024-July-20

Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft HR 917 failed to return from a night raid on Hamburg, Germany. Six RAF members of the crew, Flight Lieutenant H.W.J. Dare, P/Os J.R.F. Ratcliffe, K.C. Rigby, Sergeants E. Darbyshire, W. Hutchison, and D.A. Thomas, were also killed.

1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant James Orville Rice 2022-07-20

Halifax HR918

s/n
 HR918

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G". Shot down, probably by night fighter, crashed north of Haldensleben, NNW of Magdeburg en route to Berlin on 23 August 1943.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1943-August-23 Accident Crash Crashed north of Haldensleben, NNW of Magdeburg en route to Berlin. 2019-08-20

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-23 to 1943-08-24

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Berlin

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G". Shot down, probably by night fighter, crashed north of Haldensleben, NNW of Magdeburg en route to Berlin on 23 August 1943.

1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader William Henry Baldwin DFC 2024-11-05
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frank Albert Harman 2022-10-13
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Philip John Ashworth Magson 2024-04-22
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Allan Menzies 2024-04-23
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Arthur Miller 2024-04-23

Halifax HR920

s/n
 HR920

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return, Montlucon, 16.9.43
Unit 10
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-15 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Frank Mackenna 2023-10-18

Halifax HR922

s/n
 HR922

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return, Hannover, 27.9.43
Unit 10
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Morgan Wood 2021-08-06

Halifax HR923

s/n
 HR923

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43, crashed at Sandhammaren, Sweden
Unit 405
last update: 2024-July-20

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-23 to 1943-08-24

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Berlin

405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge, Halifax II aircraft HR 923 LQ-V on a raid against targets in Berlin, Germany, was attacked by an Me109 fighter and badly shot up after completing its bomb-run. Short of fuel due to punctured fuel tanks and severely damaged, the Halifax diverted to Sweden, ditching south of Sandhammaren lighthouse, near Ystad, Sweden

Warrant Officer 1st Class H Smith (RCAF), Pilot Officer D P Davies (RCAF), Sergeant L F Cassidy (RCAF), Sergeant J S Gates (RCAF), Sergeant J H Flick (RCAF), Sergeant J C Catling (RAF) and Sergeant T O'Toole (RAF) were all safe after the ditching and were interned in Sweden. The crew were very well treated and even travelled around Sweden to play hockey against Swedish teams. They played 24 games before they were repatriated to England, 1944-03-16

General Royal Air Force Serial and Image database

General RAF Forced Landing - Halifax BII - Serial # HR923

General The unknown RCAF hockey story from World War II Sweden


1943-August-24 Interned RAF Sergeant J C Catling 2024-01-20
1943-August-24 Interned RCAF Flying Officer Daniel Peter Davies 2023-11-07
1943-August-24 Interned RCAF Flying Officer James H Flick 2023-11-07
1943-August-24 Interned RCAF Flight Sergeant John S Gates 2023-11-07
1943-August-24 Interned RAF Sergeant Thomas O'Toole DFM 2023-11-07
1943-August-24 Interned RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Hector "Snuffy" Smith 2023-11-07

Halifax HR925

s/n
 HR925

Known Squadron Assignments: 419;428;1666

Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*D". Also with No. 428 Squadron, RCAF. Struck off Charge 1.11.45
Units 35/419/428/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2024-September-22

Halifax HR928

s/n
 HR928

Known Squadron Assignments: ;35

Failed to Return, Berlin. 24.8.43
Unit 35
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Osborne Lloyd Bliss DFC 2024-03-31
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter David Craig DFM 2024-05-11
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Philip Macdonell McIntosh DFM 2024-04-22
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert William Nixon DFC 2024-04-24

Halifax HR929

s/n
 HR929

Known Squadron Assignments: 405

Ditched off Sardinia, while on ops, Cannes, 12.11.43
Units 405/35
last update: 2024-August-06

Halifax HR931

s/n
 HR931

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Berlin, 31.8.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Lloyd John Brondgeest 2024-04-04
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Duncan Murray 2024-04-23

Halifax HR941

s/n
 HR941

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Hamburg, 25.7.43, shot down by Bf 110
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-July-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant Thomas Aldridge 2024-11-01

Halifax HR943

s/n
 HR943

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Munich, 7.9.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-September-07 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Ernest Raymond Soulliere 2023-08-08

Halifax HR944

s/n
 HR944

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-August-24 PoW Died RCAF Sergeant Edward Francis Wood 2024-05-03

Halifax HR948

s/n
 HR948

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, Frankfurt, 21.12.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-December-20 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Alfred Norman Gott 2024-05-26

Halifax HR950

s/n
 HR950

Known Squadron Assignments: ;51

Failed to Return, 20.11.43
Unit 51
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Franklin Tees McCutcheon 2021-08-17
1943-November-19 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant John Bradburn Walker 2023-08-16

Halifax HR952

s/n
 HR952

Known Squadron Assignments: ;10

Failed to Return, Berlin, 29.1.44
Units 51/10
last update: 2024-July-20
1944-January-29 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Bertram Spark 2023-08-08

Halifax HR977

s/n
 HR977

Known Squadron Assignments: ;158

Failed to Return, Berlin, 23.11.43
Unit 158
last update: 2024-July-20
1943-November-23 PoW RCAF Sergeant Kenneth Hannington Williams 2023-08-19

Halifax HR978

s/n
 HR978

Known Squadron Assignments: ;102

Failed to Return, Laon, 24.3.44
Units 158/102
last update: 2024-July-20