Squadron: 487 Sqn (RNZAF)
Start Date: 1943-10-09
Completion Date: 1943-10-09
Mission: Combat
Operation: unspecified
Target City: Metz France
Target Specific:
Base: RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk, England
Take Off Time: 11:10
Squadron Code:
Radio Code:
Return Base: RAF Manston, Kent, England
Return Time: 14:30
Crash City:
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason:
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable
6 Group Unavailable
487 New Zealand Squadron (Ki Te Mutunga). Target - Metz, France. When crossing the enemy coast, heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Wing Commander Wilson's aircraft HX 965 was repeatedly hit and sustained much damage. The navigator was mortally wounded and his parachute and equipment were set on fire. Wing Commander Wilson, unable to access the fire extinguisher, promptly smothered the flames with his hands and threw the smouldering equipment overboard. He afterwards flew the damaged bomber home to an airfield where he effected a successful crash-landing. This officer displayed great courage, skill and determination in the face of very trying circumstances. HX 965 crashed at the aerodrome at Manston, England.
6 Group Unavailable
487 New Zealand Squadron (Ki Te Mutunga). Target - Metz, France. When crossing the enemy coast, heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Wing Commander Wilson's aircraft HX 965 was repeatedly hit and sustained much damage. The navigator was mortally wounded and his parachute and equipment were set on fire. Wing Commander Wilson, unable to access the fire extinguisher, promptly smothered the flames with his hands and threw the smouldering equipment overboard. He afterwards flew the damaged bomber home to an airfield where he effected a successful crash-landing. This officer displayed great courage, skill and determination in the face of very trying circumstances. HX 965 crashed at the aerodrome at Manston, England.
