Squadron:35 (PFF) Sqn (RAF)

Start Date:1943-05-12

Completion Date:1943-05-13

Mission:Combat

Operation:unspecified

Target City:Duisburg Germany

Target Specific:

Base:Graveley

Take Off Time:00:23

Squadron Code:TLA

Radio Code:

Return Base:

Return Time:

Crash City:Buurse, Overijssel, Netherlands

Crash Specifics:Behind house

Crash Latitude:0.000000000

Crash Longitude:0.000000000

Crash Reason:fighter

Flak Battery:

Enemy Claim:Oberleutnant August Geiger of the 7/NJG 1, flying a Bf 110 G-4

6 Bomber Group May 12/13, 1943

19 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 51 Wellingtons from 426, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons on an attack at Duisberg. The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 70,000 lbs of high explosives and 153,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the weather was clear and severe damage was caused to the port area and industrial sector, including the Thyssen steel works. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)

Events

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

Aviation Safety Network

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

search T/R number