Austin, Charles Wendell (Flight Sergeant)

156 Squadron (We Light The Way) Wellington III aircraft BJ 646 encountered severe electrical storms over England and the Channel. The aircraft was struck by lightning over English Coast at 2045 hours the port engine stopped, flares jettisoned and course set for base but the aircraft could not maintain height. Approaching French Coast at 4500 ft the Wellington was engaged by intense and accurate flak, immediately lost more height and crew baled out, but captain, Flight Lieutenant DR Greenup (RAF) found he could maintain height and flew back and belly landed at Manston. The Wellington was repaired, returned to service until finally struck off 1947-05-12. FS CW Austin (RCAF) was killed, his body washed ashore near Zoutelande, Holland, 1942-10-20. P/O(s) TE Trotman (RAF), F Purvis (RAF), W Douglas (RAF) and Sergeant VP Youdell (RAF) were taken Prisoner of War. Detail from www.rafcommands.com