Bancroft, Ontario428 Ghost Squadron (Usque Ad Finem). Lancaster KB784 crashed in the sea whilst on a night raid against Kiel, Germany. Vardy and Pilot Officer Charles Males RCAF were killed in the crash.. Six Canadians, Flying Officer D M Payne, Flying Officer George C. Riley, Flying Officer Verne Banks, Sergeant T F Sinclair, Warrant Officer E V Miller, and Flight Sergeant E R O Casey were all rescued and taken Prisoners of War.
Killed: Pilot Officer Charles Males RCAF J/92952 KIA Brookwood Military Cemetery grave 55. F. 1. Pilot Officer Albert Edward Vardy RCAF J/95514 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 281.
POWs: Flying Officer Verne Banks RCAF J/42258 POW camp not listed. Flight Sergeant E R O Casey RCAF R/number POW camp not listed. Warrant Officer Class 2 E V Miller RCAF R/number POW camp not listed. Flying Officer D M Payne RCAF J/number POW camp not listed. Flying Officer G C Riley RCAF J/number POW camp not listed. Sergeant T S Sinclair RCAF R/number POW camp not listed.
On the way to the target the aircraft was hit by flak. The pilot, Flying Officer Donald M Payne DFC was wounded in both legs but pressed on. They dropped their bombs and turned for home, during the return trip they were hit again. One engine after the other cut out and they had to ditch in the sea. F/Lt Payne was again injured but all the crew got into the dinghy. They were in that dinghy for 12 daysl
They finally hit land at Bremerhaven, Germany and taken prisoner for just over a week. It took over a year for Flying Officer Payne to get his DFC and for Flying Officer G C Riley to get his MBE Flying Officer Riley had taken charge in the dinghy after F/Lt Payne became unconscious from his wounds and exhaustion. In the Citation, Riley was credited with saving the crew the last half of their ordeal.
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)
