Winnipeg, ManitobaTook off from Warboys in Wellington Mk III (Sqn code: GT- Bomber Command) on an operation to Saarbrucken Germany.
Shot down on his fifth sortie Warrant Officer Class 2 Bastable was captured in the Rouen area in September 1942 along with four others: POWs: Sergeant Edward William Cunning RCAF R/102136 POW Stalag 344 Lamsdorf. Sergeant William Milligan RCAF R/86381 POW Stalag 344 Lamsdorf. Sergeant Earl James Scott RCAF R/92563 POW Stalag Luft L6 Heydekrug. Sergeant William Frederick Waterworth RCAF R/92606 POW Stalag 344 Lamsdorf.
Bastable was held in various prison camps. He made his first attempt to escape in May 1943, whilst with a working party at Metsdorf, Sudetenland, having obtained civilian clothes from the Czechs. His true identity was discovered and he was returned to Stalag 344. Warrant Officer Class 2 Bastable then decided to make an immediate attempt to escape in an Army uniform. He cut the wire of a second floor window and, timing his action to miss the guards, he jumped clear and escaped. He travelled in the direction of Prague but after three days he was discovered by some German civilians. He was handed over to the authorities and sent to a Gestapo prison where he was kept for fourteen days in solitary confinement. He was sent back to Stalag Luft 344 and spent a further ten days in solitary confinement. In October 1943, Warrant Officer Class 2 Bastable made another attempt to escape by means of an emergency ladder in the main shaft of a coal mine in which he was working. He gained his liberty for two days after which he was recaptured by German police in company with a Czech air force sergeant. He made another attempt to escape from Stalag 344 but both were recaptured and were returned to camp. Warrant Officer Class 2 Bastable and the same Czech sergeant finally escaped in October 1944 by jumping from the roof of their billets over the fence and proceeding into some woods nearby. Here they were assisted by Czech civilians. They eventually made contact with the Czech underground with arms and ammunition and took part in many operations, destroying railways, bridges, road blocks, and electrical installations. The Czech sergeant was captured again and has not been seen or heard of since. Warrant Officer Class 2 Bastable continued serving in the underground movement until he was liberated by the Russians in May 1945. Awarded the Military Cross 1946-05-17. Back in England, June 1945; repatriated to Canada, July 1945. Released 1945-10-12. Military Cross formally presented 1948-10-30. Killed at Winnipeg in a Vampire, while with 402 Squadron, 1949-03-27.
Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)
Wikipedia Vickers Wellington
RCAF - Vickers Wellington
YouTube Vickers Wellington documentary