6 Bomber Group June 24, 1944
99 Halifaxes from 424, 427, 429, 431, 433, and434 squadrons were ordered to attack a V-1 launching site at Bonnetot. The sky was clear and the crews bombed from between 12,000 and 14,500 feet, releasing 753,000 lbs of high explosives accurately on target. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
The aircraft, KC-G, piloted by Flight Lieutenant JA Edwards DFC was carrying a Tallboy 12,000 lb bomb to attack a V1 and V2 storage site at Wizernes, France . It was on its bombing run when it was hit by flak before it could drop its bomb. It crashed at 16:58 at Leulinghem, France. The aircraft carried a crew of 8, with a mid-under gunner in addition to the standard crew positions. Three of the crew were taken PoW, the remaining 5 were killed.
There were three Canadians in the crew:Flying Officer LT Pritchard DFC, Flying Officer JI Johnston DFC and Warrant Officer 2nd Class TWP Price. Price was killed in the crash, Johnston was severely injured and died 2 days later, and Pritchard was taken PoW. The remainder of the crew were in the RAF. Flight Lieutenant Edwards, Flying Officer LWJ King DFC, and Flight Sergeanf S Isherwood were killed. Flight Sergeants JH Brook and GH Hobbs were taken PoW.
