Yemen, David Johnston (Flight Sergeant)
Prisoner of War 1945-March-08
Birth Date: 1915-February-12
Born:
Parents:
Spouse:
Home: Theodore Saskatchewan
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: unkown date
Service
RCAF
Unit
550 (B) Sqn- Squadron (RAF)
Per Ignem Vincimus Through fire we conquer
Base
North Killingholme
Rank
Flight Sergeant
Position
Navigator
Service Numbers
R/206017
Theodore Saskatchewan
www.findagrave.com
Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)Crew or Other Personnel
Lancaster ME428
Mission
Lancaster Mk.I/III ME428
Bombing Dessau Germany 1945-March-07 to 1945-March-08
550 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF North Killingholme
February 18, 1945 at 550 Squadron at North Killingholme by the base photographer. From left to right: Douglas Hicks, Tom Ditson, Robert Harris, Kenneth Smith, David Yemen, Gerard Kelleher, Gordon Nicol. Source: 550 Squadron Association. https://www.sasktoday.ca/central/local-arts/new-book-follows-wwii-lancaster-crew-4154538
From 550 Operations Record Book Summary
27 aircraft took off at approximately 17:00 on operations, but not without incident. "E2" Warrant Officer Lukies proved most fractures. The starboard outer engine cut on takeoff. The aircraft swung dangerously, but the pilot by masterly handling avoided a hanger and other obstacles, proceeded to the jettison area and returned safely. The other aircraft met course on the long route to Dessau. Cloud amount was variable. Opposition was lively, both from Flak and night fighters, but the former was not so strong over the target. Some crews bombed ground markers through 3/10 cloud with a clear view of the town and River Elba; others had to rely on sky markers owing to 10/10 cloud. General opinion was that the attack was well concentrated, and that the target was well and truly a blaze. "M" Squadron Leader, Pickles had its "Gee" unserviceable from Southern England outwards, but the crew pressed on, and after some meandering found themselves near to the target. They bombed in solitary state, a healthy contribution of fires left by their comrades. Two crews reported inconclusive combats with night fighters. Three aircraft "V" Flying Officer Jones, "O" Flying Officer Harris, and "R" Flying Officer Nielsen failed to return, and it was with deepest regret that they were reported missing. Nothing was heard from any of them after takeoff.
Three aircraft and crews carried out flying training involving over 7 hours flying.
550 ORB Month End Summary
"The Harris Crew" by Allyson NewburgLancaster serial: ME428
Avro Lancaster Mk. X RCAF Serial FM 213
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The Avro Lancaster is a British Second World War heavy bomber. It was designed and manufactured by Avro as a contemporary of the Handley Page Halifax, both bombers having been developed to the same specification, as well as the Short Stirling, all three aircraft being four-engined heavy bombers adopted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the same wartime era.
The Lancaster has its origins in the twin-engine Avro Manchester which had been developed during the late 1930s in response to the Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use". Originally developed as an evolution of the Manchester (which had proved troublesome in service and was retired in 1942), the Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlins and in one version, Bristol Hercules engines. It first saw service with RAF Bomber Command in 1942 and as the strategic bombing offensive over Europe gathered momentum, it was the main aircraft for the night-time bombing campaigns that followed. As increasing numbers of the type were produced, it became the principal heavy bomber used by the RAF, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and squadrons from other Commonwealth and European countries serving within the RAF, overshadowing the Halifax and Stirling. Wikipedia
Lancaster Bomber
Wikipedia