Squadron: 464 (B) Sqn (RAAF)
Start Date: 1943-04-04
Completion Date: 1943-04-04
Mission: Ferry Flight
Operation: unspecified
Target City:
Target Specific:
Base: RAF Methwold, Norfolk, England
Take Off Time: 18:00
Squadron Code: SB A
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City: Netherlands
Crash Specifics: North Sea about 40 miles off Dutch coast
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: flak
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable
464 Australia Squadron (Aequo Animo). Ventura aircraft AJ 169 was on a mission to bomb the docks at Rotterdam, Holland. There was considerable opposition over the target area with heavy and accurate flak and several aircraft were damaged. AJ169 was hit over the target area but continued in formation until about 40 miles from the Dutch coast when it lagged behind, lost height and eventually ditched and was believed finished off by enemy fighters in the vicinity. A search sent out later in the day was unsuccessful. Casualties included W/O2 E.W. Cole (RCAF), W/O W.W. Collens (RAAF), Flt. Sgt. D.F. Fulford (RAAF), and Flt. Sgt. A.L. Lush (RAF).
6 Bomber Group April 4, 1943
6 Wellingtons from 431 Squadron were ordered on a sea search. All crews safely returned to base, but unsuccessful. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
464 Australia Squadron (Aequo Animo). Ventura aircraft AJ 169 was on a mission to bomb the docks at Rotterdam, Holland. There was considerable opposition over the target area with heavy and accurate flak and several aircraft were damaged. AJ169 was hit over the target area but continued in formation until about 40 miles from the Dutch coast when it lagged behind, lost height and eventually ditched and was believed finished off by enemy fighters in the vicinity. A search sent out later in the day was unsuccessful. Casualties included W/O2 E.W. Cole (RCAF), W/O W.W. Collens (RAAF), Flt. Sgt. D.F. Fulford (RAAF), and Flt. Sgt. A.L. Lush (RAF).
