RAAF Bomber Losses 460 SQDN

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Compilation Alan Storr 2006
The information appearing in this compilation is derived
from the collections of the Australian War Memorial and the
National Archives of Australia.
Author : Alan Storr
Alan was born in Melbourne Australia in 1921.
He joined the RAAF in October 1941 and served in the Pacific theatre of war.
He was an Observer and did a tour of operations with No 7 Squadron RAAF
(Beauforts), and later was Flight Navigation Officer of No 201 Flight RAAF
(Liberators). He was discharged Flight Lieutenant in February 1946.
He has spent most of his Public Service working life in Canberra first arriving
in the National Capital in 1938. He held senior positions in the Department of
Air (First Assistant Secretary) and the Department of Defence (Senior Assistant
Secretary), and retired from the public service in 1975.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Melbourne University) and was a
graduate of the Australian Staff College, Manyung, Mt Eliza, Victoria.
He has been a volunteer at the Australian War Memorial for 21 years doing
research into aircraft relics held at the AWM, and more recently research work
into RAAF World War 2 fatalities.
He has written and published eight books on RAAF fatalities in the eight RAAF
Squadrons serving in RAF Bomber Command in WW2.
He is a member of Canberra Legacy.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Author acknowledges and thanks Kerrie Leech, currently Curator, Private
Records, at the Australian War Memorial, for the great contribution she has
made ensuring compatibility between my laptop and an AWM computer, so that
research material on my laptop can be downloaded, and for her expertise in
solving any computer problem that has arisen during the project. Without her
contribution, the project would not have got off the ground.
Alan Storr. A WW2 photo of the Author
REFERENCE SOURCES :

Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour Print Outs.

AWM 237 (65) RAAF WW2 Fatalities by Squadrons

AWM 237 (63) Airmen and (64) Officers : Register of Deaths and Burials of RAAF
Personnel who died on service 1939-1947

AWM 65 ( ) Citations held by Australian War Memorial

(NAA) National Australian Archives at East Block, Canberra :: Series A705 RAAF
WW2 Casualty files. Series A9300 and A9301 RAAF Members WW2 Service
records files.

Micro Film No 463 OAFH ) Office of RAAF Air Force History.

Veteran Affairs Nominal Roll 1939-1947 RAAF members .

Commonwealth War Graves records.

RAAF WW2 POW Files held at the Australian War Memorial : File Ref Series A54
File 779/3/129, Parts 1 to 30.

W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, Volumes
1939 to 1947.

Michael Maton : DFCs for Australians in World War 2

Ian Tavender : DFM Registers for WW2 Volumes 1 and 2.

SECOND WORLD WAR OVERVIEW : ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

The Royal Australian Air Force was expanding when war broke put, having 12
Squadrons formed, or in the process of forming. Most were located in Australia, but
Australian airmen would end up serving in every theatres of war.

At the outbreak of war, 10 Squadron RAAF was in Britain collecting Sunderland
flying boats purchased by the RAAF. The squadron was offered to Britain to serve as
part of the Royal Air Force Coastal Command, flying anti-submarine patrols over the
Atlantic Ocean for the duration of the war. 11 Squadron was stationed at Port
Moresby with Catalina flying boats, flying long-range reconnaissance patrols over
northern Australia and north of Papua New Guinea. In 1940, 3 Squadron was posted
to the Middle East as an army co-operation squadron with the Australian Imperial
Force, but became a fighter squadron.

Plans had been made to raise and send more squadrons overseas but the Australian
Government then signed up to the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), under which
the Royal Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Air Forces would train aircrews to
be loaned to the Royal Air Force. Most would serve in British squadrons, though
some would be posted to Article XV, or 400-seriessquadrons. These squadrons
were raised by the RAF but with their nationality officially recognised for instance
460 Squadron RAAF, to which the famous Lancaster G for George at the Australian
War Memorial belonged. Many aircrews who survived their tours of duty returned to
Australia to serve in RAAF Squadrons as instructors.

Training of EATS recruits took place in Australia, Canada, Rhodesia and Britain. By
wars end almost 40,000 Australians had been sent overseas under this scheme.,
serving in Europe, the Middle East, Burma and other places. Many men in Australia
and overseas died in training accidents. Many who graduated from courses flew with
Bomber Command, which had the highest operational loss rate of any British
Commonwealth force in the war. The RAAF also sent ground crews to serve in most
of the Article XV squadrons (as well as 3 and 10 Squadrons), most serving up to four
years service overseas. Hundreds of RAAF members became prisoners of war in
Germany and Italy, as well as a smaller number in the Far East.

The majority of RAAF personnel remained in Australia. The massive expansion of
the forces required extensive administration, training, supply and maintenance
services, and there was also a strong commitment to home defence, so many men
and most women who volunteered for the RAAF never got a chance to serve
overseas. To assist in meeting the demand for manpower within Australia, the RAAF
formed the Womens Australian Auxiliary Air Force in 1941, recruiting women to
serve in administrative roles and to perform routine maintenance on aircraft, serving
alongside men, in non-operational units (mostly training establishments) in Australia.

In 1940, the RAAF sent three squadrons to Malaya; in 1941 these were joined by an
Article XV squadron, 453, raised at Bankstown, New South Wales, along with some
EATS graduates posted to British squadrons. They were the first to see action against
Japanese forces.About 200 RAAF men, mostly ground staff, were taken prisoner by
the Japanese. By the end of 1942, RAAF squadrons also had seen extensive
operational service in northern Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and Papua New
2.

Guinea. Other squadrons flew anti-submarine patrols over the shipping lanes around
Australia. .

The majority of RAAF personnel who saw active service served in these campaigns
against Japan. A few had previously served in Europe or the Middle East. Along with
flying squadrons, RAAF members served in various supporting units including
headquarters, supply depots, communications flights, medical aerial evacuation units,
radar stations and airfield construction squadrons some of the latter two types of
units serving in the Philippines in 1945 with American forces. The RAAF also played
a part in the repatriation of prisoners of war at the end of the war. The only RAAF
servicewomen to see active service were members of the RAAF Nursing Service.

Source : Veterans Affairs World War 2 Nominal Roll

Note : There were 11,061 RAAF fatalities in World War 2..
(Australian War Memorial Fact Sheet No 19 refers).*

comprising
5,117 fatalities in RAAF members attached to RAF (primarily) or in some
instances other Air Forces (Source : Count of fatalities in AWM 237 (62)
Register of Deaths.
and
5,944 fatalities in RAAF Squadrons and support units..

* Source AWM 148 Roll of Honour cards, RAAF, Second World War.

460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES

Date of Death : 17 February 1942

Source:
AWM64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)

Aircraft Type: Wellington
Serial number: V 1327
Radio call sign: UV -
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington V 1327 took off at 1920 hours on 17/2/1942 from RAF Breighton on a night
cross country training flight. The route was Breighton Peterborough Harwell
Pershore Sywell Breighton. Wireless communication was established between the
aircraft and Holme HF/DF Station until 2222 hours. At 2228 hours the aircraft crashed
into a hillside at Farnley Tyas near Huddersfield and was completely destroyed by fire.
The crew were all killed. These casualties in this non-operational training flight were the
first WW 2 casualties in the Squadron.

Crew:
RAAF 402897 Sgt Ware, J H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 402894 Sgt Tresidder, R L (2
nd
Pilot)
RAF Sgt Ashplant, W L (Observer)
RAF Sgt Davies, C C (1
st
Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Dutton, F (2
nd
Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Dickeson, C R (Rear Gunner)

Both Sgt Ware and Sgt Tresidder are buried in St. J ohn the Baptist & All Saints
Churchyard, Holme-on-Spalding, Yorkshire. UK.

1

Date of Death : 13 March 1942
Source:
AWM64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/169/81

Serial number: X 1251
Radio call sign: UV X
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington X 1251 took off at 1934 hours on 13/3/1942 from RAF Breighton to bomb
Dunkirk, France. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Five aircraft of the
squadron were engaged on the mission.

Crew:
RNZAF Sgt Cooney, J P D Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404688 Sgt Turnock, J S (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 400413 Sgt Hart, I E (Observer)
RAF Sgt Woodward, J (1
st
Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Winter, G N (Front Gunner)
RAF Sgt Pascoe, W A (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft crashed at St Georges near Yeser Canal, Belgium,
and exploded on impact. This crew were the first WW2 fatalities of the squadron on an
operational mission. Both Sgt Turnock and Sgt Hart are interred in St J oris Communal
Cemetery, Lez, Nieuport, Belgium.

2

Date of Death : 29 April 1942

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B13 AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/161/200

Serial number: Z 1290
Radio call sign: UV T
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1290 took off from RAF Breighton at 2226 hours on 28 April 1942 to
attack Kiel, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not
return to base. 10 aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 402885 Flt Sgt Shephard, L M Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404868 Sgt Carpender, J F (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 402836 PO Bond, R (Observer)
RAAF 402600 Sgt McIlveen, T H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 404661 Sgt Perroux, W W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 408122 Sgt Cosgrove, J P (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Neumunster and that
all the crew were killed. In 1953 a statement by a citizen of Poland (through the Red
Cross) reported that the aircraft was shot down by a German fighter and exploded in mid-
air. The crew are interred in the Hamburg War Cemetery, Ohlsdorf.

3

Date of Death : 7 May 1942

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B14 AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/98/501

Unit: 460 Sqn RAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1388 took off at 2105 hours on 6 May 1942 from RAF Breighton to bomb
Stuttgart, Germany, being one of 10 aircraft from the Squadron on the mission. Z 1388
returned from the mission at 0550 hours on 7 May. The second pilot, Sgt Corser (RAAF)
was found to be missing from the aircraft and as a large hole was found in the bottom of
the fuselage in the mid under gun position, it was assumed that Sgt Corser kicked the
hole prior to abandoning the aircraft. All the remaining crew members returned safely to
base.

Crew:
RAAF 407192 FO Bourke, T H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404718 Flt Sgt Corser, H G R (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 404353 PO Murphy, W M (Observer)
RAAF 407285 Sgt Davis, R P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 407280 Sgt Balleine, B G P (Air Gunner)
RAAF 402290 Sgt Holborrow, A T (Air Gunner)

In a later statement the aircraft Captain FO Bourke reported when the aircraft was
returning from the mission it met heavy flak and searchlight activity over the French
coast near Gravelines. He took violent evasive action and then called up each crew
member and receiving no reply from Corser sent the Wireless Operator to look for him. It
was then discovered that Corser was missing from the aircraft having taken his parachute
and left his helmet behind. A large hole was found in the bottom of the fuselage with the
escape hatch broken open and it was assumed that Sgt Corser had baled out over enemy
territory. No orders had been given to the crew to abandon the aircraft.

It was later established from German records that Flt Sgt Corsers body had been found
near Pointe DOyelnt, Gravelines. Flt Sgt Corser is interred in the Communal Cemetery,
Pihen-les-Guines, France.

4
Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 15 AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/40/44
Radio call sign: UV X
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
FO Kennedy and crew were detailed to operate against Stuttgart, Germany, on the night
of 6/7th May 1942. Z 1413 took off from RAF Breighton at 2130 hours on 6th May but
failed to return to base after the mission. The aircraft was one of ten aircraft from the
Squadron that took part in the mission.
Crew:
RAAF 402362 FO Kennedy, W J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 406180 PO Keys, I F (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 402913 PO Train, H R (Observer)
RNZAF Sgt Sharp, S H
RAAF 400762 Sgt Stephenson, J M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 406089 PO Ferry, R R (Air Gunner)
FO Kennedy is interred in the Avesnes-Sur-Helpe Communal Cemetery, British Section,
Nord, France. The remainder of the crew were POWs.
In a later statement by PO Train (POW) he said The aircraft was shot down at approx
0250 hours on 7/5/1942 at a position approx 10 miles south east of Maubeuge. All other
members of the crew left the aircraft safely. I was last out at about 1000-2000 feet with
FO Kennedy still at the controls although preparing to leave. He did not say that he was
then wounded although there was a hole in the perspex in front of him. When my
parachute opened the aircraft was burning on the ground. The Germans picked me up
about 36 hours later and took me to the scene of the crash. The remains of one of the
crew was still in the wreckage. He later was told by PO Ferry that the remains were
buried at Maubeuge.
Sgt Stephenson (POW) said FO Kennedy was killed when the aircraft, of which he was
Captain, crashed in a wood approx 15kms from the village of Eppe le Sauvage in France,
near the Belgium border.
In his statement PO Ferry (POW) also stated Kennedy was doing a magnificent job at
the controls and this factor undoubtedly enabled the lives of the rest of the crew to be
saved. Ferry also reported the aircraft was attacked by an ME110 and the port engine
and wing was set on fire. The Captain ordered the crew to bale out and the crew
acknowledged. The Captain was unable to bale out and he crashed with the aircraft. The
aircraft was at 1200 feet and in a shallow dive when I baled out. It crashed near Eppe le
Sauvage, France. I was four days at large and then betrayed by a French farmer and
captured by the French police.

5

Source:
NAA : A705, 163/146/128

Radio call sign: UV L
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Sqn Ldr Gilbert (RAF) and crew were detailed to operate against Stuttgart, Germany on
the night of 6/7th May 1942. Z 1254 took off from RAF Breighton at 2131 hours on 6th
May but failed to return to base after the mission. The aircraft was one of 10 aircraft from
the Squadron that took part in the mission.

Crew:
RAF Sqn Ldr Gilbert C L Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404705 Sgt Murphy, R H (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 400335 Sgt Shearer, J R (Observer)
RAF Sgt Dixon, C N (Wireless Operator)
RAAF 404421 Sgt Lake, J G (Air Gunner)
RCAF Flt Sgt Fogg, K A (Air Gunner)

Sgt Lake (RAAF) became a POW, and Sgt Murphy and Sgt Shearer (RAAF) along with
their other three comrades are interred in the Bad Toelz (Durnbach) War Cemetery,
Germany, 28 miles south of Munich, Germany. In a later statement by Sgt Lake he
reported the aircraft was caught in searchlights and shortly after set on fire by flak. The
aircraft was enveloped in flames in a matter of seconds. Nothing was heard from the
Captain and Lake baled out at approx 11000 feet and landed in a village about 1.30am
and was captured by police after daylight. No others had baled out and shortly after he
left the aircraft there was an explosion. The aircraft was hit near Karlsruhe.

6


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/39/64

Radio call sign: UV R
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1391 took off from RAF Breighton at 2342 hours on the night of 29/30
th

May 1942 to bomb Gennevilliers, France, a target near Paris. Nothing was heard from the
aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Four aircraft from the Squadron took
part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 402967 FO J ones, R A P Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400320 Sgt Younger, R A (Observer)
RAF Sgt Mellowes, K R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Houghton, G (Front Gunner)
RAAF 404388 Sgt Loder, G H (Rear Gunner)

Sgts Younger and Loder became POWs. In a statement by Sgt Younger he reported
The aircraft was at 200 feet. The starboard wing was set on fire by light flak. Orders to
bale out were given to me verbally to me and on the emergency light signal to other crew
members. The Front Gunner was also informed of the order by me. The Wireless
Operator was in the astro dome and probably hit and incapacitated. I baled out. The
aircraft crashed near the Gnome Rhone works. I was assisted by the French people. I hid
during the day and walked at night. On the 8
th
day I was arrested by the French police as
a suspicious character and handed over to the Germans. Loder also became a POW.

Three bodies were recovered by the Germans FO J ones, Sgt Mellowes and Sgt Houghton.
FO J ones is interred in the Dreux Communal Cemetery, France.

7


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/24/255

Radio call sign: UV J
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1388 took off at 2343 hours from RAF Breighton on 29 May 1942 to bomb
Gennevilliers, France. The aircraft was one of four of the Squadrons aircraft to take part
in the raid. Z1388 failed to return from the mission.

Crew:
RAAF 407192 Flt :Lt Bourke, T H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404353 FO Murphy, W M (Observer)
RAAF 407285 Flt Sgt Davis, R P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 407280 Flt Sgt Balleine, B G P (Front Gunner)
RAAF 402290 Sgt Holborow, A T (Rear Gunner)

Sgt Holborow became a POW, and the remaining four crew members are buried in the
Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, France, approx 4kms east of Versailles.
In a later statement Sgt Holborow said the only information I have is that according to
the Germans in Paris all the other four were killed. I am of the opinion that they had very
little chance of escaping from the aircraft. The place of the crash is recorded as
Colombes-on-de Ille-Marante, France.

PO Brill W.L, Captain of one of the Wellington aircraft participating in the above raid
was awarded the DFC for his courage in the attack. He was the first member of the
Squadron to be decorated and later on was awarded a bar to the DFC.

8

Date of Death : 1 J une 1942

Source:
NAA : A705, 163/176/283

Radio call sign: UV Z
Unit: 460 Sqn RAF

Summary:
Sgt Walsh and crew were detailed to operate in Wellington Z 1311 against Essen,
Germany on the night of 1/2nd J une 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Breighton at
2325 hours and since then nothing was heard of either the aircraft or crew. Bomb load of
8 x 90 x 4lb incendiaries. Z1311 was one of nineteen aircraft of the squadron that took
part in the second Thousand Plan raid.

Crew:
RAAF 404701 Sgt Walsh, J F Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 14243 Sgt Spongberg, W M (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 403576 Sgt Fitzgerald, M M (Observer)
RAF Sgt Lee, T (Bombaimer)
RAF Sgt Moore, J B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 402612 Sgt Sams, W H (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near the village of Esinnes Au Mont,
Belgium and all the crew were killed. They are interred in the Charleroi Communal
Cemetery, Belgium.

9


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/91/224

Radio call sign: UV W
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
FO Holland and crew were detailed to operate in Z 1344 against Essen, Germany on the
night of 1/2nd J une 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Breighton at 2321 hours on 1
st

J une but nothing was heard from the aircraft and it failed to return to base. Bomb load 8 x
90 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft was one of nineteen aircraft of the Squadron that took
part in the second Thousand Plan raid.

Crew:
RAF FO Holland, A J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 406349 Sgt Douglas, C S (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 400080 Sgt Dansey, A P D (Observer)
RAAF 406136 Flt Sgt Beinke, D R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 408047 Sgt Cheese, W D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 407308 Flt Sgt Watkins, T L (Air Gunner)

FO Holland, Sgt Douglas and Sgt Dansey became POWs. In a later statement by FO
Holland he reported On J une 1
st
1942 at about sea level, my aircraft was hit by enemy
aircraft. It was badly damaged and put on fire. Five or six seconds after we hit the sea.
The aircraft broke up. Part of the aircraft sank immediately and other parts were on the
water. I fought my way to the surface as well as Dansey, Cheese, Beinke and Douglas.
The fire was blazing on the surface and we swam to open water. We were picked up by
ship about 15 minutes later. Watkins drowned and Beinke died while being taken out of
the water The others were injured and taken to hospital at Bergen-Op-Zoom Cheese died
later and the others recovered.

The bodies of Flt Sgt Beinke and Sgt Watkins were recovered from the sea and are
interred at Flushing (Vlissengen) Nth Cemetery, Zealand, Holland. Sgt Cheese who
became a POW, died on 20 J uly 1942 and is buried in Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery
Holland.

10

Source:
NAA : A705, 163/40/48

Radio call sign: UV Q
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1394 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2326 hours on 2
J une 1942 detailed to carry out a raid on Essen, Germany. Bomb load 720 x 4lb
incendiaries. Ten aircraft of the squadron participated in the raid. Nothing was heard
from Z 1394 after take off and it did not return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 402742 FO Keene, J W Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400894 Flt Sgt Waldon, R F (Observer)
RAF Sgt Kendall, W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 404471 Sgt Butterworth, D (Front Gunner)
RAAF 407282 Flt Sgt Biglands, R J (Rear Gunner)

Sgt Butterworth (RAAF) who became a POW, later made this statement After bombing
the target and flying out low at 2/300 feet over the Dutch coast in the vicinity of Flushing,
the aircraft crashed into the sea without warning. It sank immediately. He was captured
by a crew in a launch about 3 hours after the crash. Biglands and Kendall had been killed.
Keene was still alive when last seen and said he had not been badly wounded. They
started swimming together but got separated. Waldon was still alive when last seen., but
nothing was seen of Kendall or Biglands.

FO Keene, Sgt Waldon and Sgt Kendall are interred in the Vlissingen Flushing
Cemetery, Holland. Sgt Biglands is missing and his name is commemorated on the
Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK.

11


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B26 AWM237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/137/160

Radio call sign: UV K
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1249 took off from RAF Breighton at 2230 hours on 2 J une 1942 to attack
Essen, Germany. Bomb load 720 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft
after take off and it did not return to base. Ten aircraft from the squadron took part in the
raid.

Crew:
RAAF 402910 Flt Sgt Levitus, S Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400524 Flt Sgt Brodie, H R (Observer)
RAAF 405020 Sgt Gaiter, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RCAF Flt Sgt Read, R G (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Townsend, T G (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down at 1.40am on 3 J une 1942 at
Deulken near the town of Muenchen Gladbach, about 20 miles west of Dusseldorf,
Germany. The aircraft exploded and wreckage was scattered over a wide area. All the
crew were killed instantly. German documents revealed that they removed the remains of
the crew for burial, but a post war search for their graves was unsuccessful. The names of
the crew are recorded on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK, as
having no known grave.

12


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/133/148

Radio call sign: UV H
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1486 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off at 2339 hours on 19 J une 1942 from RAF
Breighton, detailed to attack Emden, Germany. Bomb load 90 x 4lb and 8 x 30lb
incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to
base. Twelve aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 400805 WO Kitchen, D G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403109 Flt Sgt J ames, L H (Observer)
RAAF 400160 Sgt Stevens, G L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Watson, D J W (Air Gunner)
RAAF 401408 Sgt Anivitti, M (Air Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft crashed on a sandbank near Rysum, which is
located 7 miles west of Emden, Germany.

The crew of five are all buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg, Germany.

13


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/94/239

Radio call sign: UV D
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1383 took off from RAF Breighton at 2247 hours on the night of 21/22
nd

J une 1942 to carry out a mine laying operation in French waters off Lorient. Bomb load
Assembly 1PDM7, Assembly 22, and 2 x 250 GPTD. Nothing was heard from the
aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Four aircraft from the squadron took
part in the mission.

Crew:
RAAF 400578 Flt Sgt Buckingham, R J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400333 Sgt Roget, R G M (Observer)
RAAF 403479 Sgt Martin, F R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 403277 Sgt McQueen, W S (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Moores, J (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that all the crew were killed and they are interred in the
Lorient (Kerentrech) Communal Cemetery, France.

14


Source:
AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/107/116

Aircraft Type:
Serial number:
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
403662 Sgt Elliott, R V (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) died of illness on 25 J une 1942
at Menston, UK. He is interred at Harehills Cemetery, Leeds, Yorkshire. UK.

15
Date of Death : 3 J uly 1942
Source:
NAA : A705, 163/103/213
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Wellington Z 1381 took off from RAF Breighton at 2327 hours on 2 J uly 1942 to attack
Bremen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return
to base. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.
Crew:
RAAF 404784 Flt Sgt J ohnston, A M Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 407709 Sgt Downing, D (2nd Pilot)
RAAF 405001 Sgt Wyllie, M J MID, (Observer)
RAAF 405139 Sgt Radke, D A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 407775 Sgt Taylor, W J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner-Front Gunner)
RAAF 402479 WO Reed, W G DCM (Rear Gunner)
WO Reed, Sgt Radke and Sgt Wyllie became POWs. In a later statement WO Radke
said Near the Dutch border returning from the target while at about 13,000 feet, the
Front Gunner reported two gun flashes in front and directly in line with us, and then
almost immediately we received a hit on the port motor or nacelle. The Pilot ordered me
to open the front turret my first attempt being unsuccessful. The plane was diving all the
time, seemingly uncontrollable and unresponsive to movement of control column. I
handed the pilot his chute turned to see the front gunner getting out of his turret. Ordered
by the Pilot to abandon which was done in this order from the port hatch myself, front
gunner, observer. The 2
nd
pilot was still by the main spar when observer left and the pilot
still at controls. About 9000 feet when I left. Aircraft still in dive and burning from port
nacelle or wing. Rear gunner baled out independently. 2
nd
skipper jumped too late (at
about 50 feet) and skipper was still at controls when crash occurred. Saw no chutes in the
air. Made no contact with other surviving members Wyllie and Reed until 5 hours after
capture. Germans showed us the other three members personal kit and told us Skipper
was killed when plane crashed. Dowling (2
nd
pilot) killed when chute failed at low
altitude, Taylor was killed when caught in H.T.wires while landing by chute.
WO Reed also in a later statement reported the aircraft received a direct hit when
returning from the target at 8000 feet. The aircraft was on fire and I abandoned the
aircraft. Radke and Wyllie were captured with me. J ohnston, Downing and Taylor were
all killed.
Sgt Wyllie (POW) was shot on 22 April 1943 while trying to escape from captivity and is
buried in the Cracow British Military Cemetery, Poland. Flt Sgt J ohnston, Sgt Downing
and Sgt Taylor are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Memorial, Cleves, Germany.

16


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/177/286

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1470 took off from RAF Breighton at 2331 hours on the 2 J uly 1942 to
attack Bremen, Germany. Bomb Load was 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb
base. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 404844 Sgt Whittick, A F Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 406272 FO Webb, A E W (Observer)
RAAF 403409 FO Lark, C O (Observer)
RAAF 401237 Sgt Hancocks, J D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 406444 Sgt McCrea, A E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)

FO Lark who became a POW Later reported The aircraft was badly damaged by an
enemy night fighter over Germany. He was wounded during the combat and on calling
other members of the crew received no reply. The aircraft appeared to be diving and out
of control with the fuselage on fire. I baled out landed in a lake and swam ashore. The
Germans informed him later that the rest of the crew were dead.

Post war searches could not locate the aircraft or the other missing members of the crew
Their names are commemorated on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK.

.

17


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/145/219

Radio call sign: UV U
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1328 took off from RAF Breighton on 12 J uly 1942 to carry out a mine
laying operation in the vicinity of the Frisian Islands off the north west coast of Holland.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twelve
aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission.

Crew:
RAAF 407534 Sgt Moyle, A L Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404948 Sgt Brayne, F C (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 402551 Sgt Sharkey, R J B (Observer)
RAAF 404950 Sgt Belford, T D (Observer)
RAAF 403785 Sgt Perry, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 407844 Sgt Dreyer, L C U (Air Gunner)

Following post war investigations when no trace of the missing aircraft was found, the
names of the missing crew are recorded on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey,
UK.

.

18


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B 34 AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/24/281

Radio call sign: UV P
Unit: 460 Sqn RAF

Summary:
PO Burgess and crew were detailed to operate in Z 1399 against Duisberg Germany, on
the night of 25/26 J uly 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Breighton at 0030
hours on 26 J uly and since then nothing has been heard of the aircraft or crew. The
aircraft was one of fifteen aircraft from the Squadron that took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 406344 Flt Lt Burgess, C H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400330 Flt Sgt Nettle, W H (Observer)
RAF Sgt Bagley, D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Milligan, J M (Front Gunner)
RAAF 407298 PO Mills, D B (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Duisberg, Germany, and all the
crew were killed. They are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves.

19


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/160/252
Unit: 460 Sqn RAF
Summary:
Sqn Ldr Leighton and crew were detailed to operate Z 1462 against Duisberg, Germany,
on the night of the 25/26
th
J uly 1942. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Breighton at
2351 hours on 25
th
J uly and since then nothing has been heard of the aircraft or crew. The
aircraft was one of fifteen aircraft from the Squadron that took part in the raid.
Crew:
RAF 40053 Sqn Ldr Leighton, J W E MID Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 405219 Sgt Sinclair, C F (Observer)
RAAF 404804 Sgt Sherman, R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 6201 Sgt Taylor, W G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 407834 Sgt Sams, L J (Air Gunner)
Sgt Sinclair and Sgt Sherman became POWs. The remaining three crew members are
interred in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.
In a later statement Sgt Sinclair said attacked twice by enemy night fighters. The first
attack set the starboard engine in fire. The second set the fuselage on fire near the
auxiliary tanks. The order to bale out was given, acknowledged by all except the Rear
Gunner. I went to check on the Rear Gunner but he was dead. The first attack was about
five minutes before the target. I met Sherman at Stalag 3. He saw the aircraft explode
after he baled out. The other three were in the aircraft when it blew up,
Sgt Sherman later reported after baling out I walked for three days in the direction of
Zuider Zee, obtaining food from several Dutch farmers. On the third day I was offered
food and a bed by another Dutch farmer. Whilst I was asleep the farmer bought the
police.

Sqn Ldr Leighton served in the RAF in WW2 and at the time of his death was attached to
460 Sqn RAAF as OC B Flight of the squadron. He was born in Australia at Goulburn
on 15/4/1917 and educated at De La Salle College, Ashfield, NSW. His service career
began in the RAAF in J une 1936 commencing training at Point Cook, Vic. In J uly 1939
he was a Pilot Officer serving in 52 Bomber Sqn of No 2 Bomber Group RAF. He was
also been Mentioned in Despatches. (References : Cwealth War Graves, RAF Lists
J anuary 1939 and J uly 1942).

For further information re Sqn Ldr Leighton refer to publication R940.544941 S886a
held in the AWM Research Centres reference collection.

20


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/24/282

Radio call sign: UV C
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
PO Breen and crew were detailed to operate in Z 1335 against Hamburg, Germany, on
the night of the 26/27
th
J uly 1942. The aircraft left RAF Station Breighton at 2248 hours
on 26 J uly but the aircraft failed to return. Bomb load 9 x 30 x 4lb incendiaries. Twelve
aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid on Hamburg.

Crew:
RAAF 402760 F/O Breen F J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403965 Sgt Storey, J (Observer)
RAAF 405066 Sgt Bice, A A (Bombaimer)
RAAF 401865 Sgt Tulloh, I T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 400741 Sgt Tinkler, A E (Air Gunner)

All the crew are interred in the Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlsdorf, Germany.

21


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/132/192

Radio call sign: UV D
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1483 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2255 hours on the
night of 26/27
th
J uly 1942 detailed to attack Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load 9 x 30 x 4lb
base. Z 1483 was one of twelve aircraft from the Squadron to take part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 406359 Flt Lt Keyser, V F Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400974 PO Ferguson, K McD (Observer)
RAF Sgt Horsfall, W E (Air Bomber)
RAAF 402947 Sgt Gower, G R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 408143 Flt Sgt Foley, M J (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire
over the town of Uthlede approximately 20 miles north west of Bremen, Germany. The
aircraft fell into a field about 1.5 miles south west of Uthlede and exploded on impact.
All the crew are interred at Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany.

22


Source:

Radio call sign: UV Y
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1343 was detailed to operate against Saarbrucken, Germany on the night of
29
th
J uly 1942. It took off from RAF Breighton at 2309 hours and carried a bomb load of
5 x 90 x 4lb and 4 x 8 x 30lb incendiaries. Z1343 which was one of 13 aircraft from the
Squadron on the raid attacked the target at 0240 hours from a height of 10000 feet. Many
bursts were seen on the target and in the vicinity. Whilst engaged on the operation, Z1343
was engaged by an ME 110 in position 50.04N, 04.48E. A burst of machine gun fire and
cannon shell damaged the aircraft and killed the Rear Gunner Sgt J ohns, R A. The
aircraft returned safely to the UK and landed at Manston at 0420 hours on 30 J uly.

Crew:
RAAF 403160 Sgt Brittingham, R A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403396 Sgt Matchett, W M J (Navigator)
RAAF 401053 Sgt Simpson, N H (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Rogers, P J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 402710 Sgt J ohns, R A (Rear Gunner)

Sgt J ohns the only casualty is buried in the Aylesham Cemetery, Kent, UK

23

Date of Death : 4 August 1942

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294 Appendix B 39 AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/118/409

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1422 of 460 Sqn RAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2214 hours on 4th
August 1942 to carry out a gardening operation. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after
take off and it did not return to base. Z 1422 was one of ten aircraft from the Squadron
that took part in the mission.

Crew:
RAAF 402948 PO Grand, A G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 405273 Sgt Howard, A W (Navigator)
RAAF 405274 Sgt Mac Leod, A D (Air Bomber)
RAAF 404313 Sgt Hobgen, T C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 405277 Sgt Lowis, C R D (Air Gunner)

It was later established that Sgt Hogbens body had been washed up near Port Ivy and his
remains are buried in Quiberon Communal Cemetery, France, which is 20 miles south
west of Vannes. Port Ivy is 3.5m miles north west of Quiberon. It was also recorded that
the remaining four missing crew members had lost their lives at sea, and their names are
commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runneymede, Surrey, UK.

24


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/112/156

Radio call sign: UV L
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1463 took off from RAF Breighton at 0010 hours on 10 August 1942 to
attack Osnabruck, Germany. Bomb load was 2 x 1000lb and 3 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. 12 aircraft from the
squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 403175 Flt Sgt Finlay, J A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 401080 Sgt Ponton, R A (Observer)
RAAF 403561 Sgt Dan, N (Bomb Aimer) *
RNZAF Flt Sgt Goord S B (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 402832 Flt Sgt Smith, K A (Air Gunner) *
* Members of No 27 Operational Training Unit RAF.

Post war enquiries established that the aircraft crashed at Hengelo near Zutphen, Holland,
and that all the crew were killed. The four RAAF crew members are interred at the
Hengelo General Cemetery, Gelderland, Holland.

25


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/26/253

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
bomb Mainz, Germany. Bomb load was 8 x 90 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard
from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seven aircraft from the
Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 400886 FO Clegg, W A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 405208 Sgt Holland, A (Navigator)
RAAF 405194 Sgt Smith, R D (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 403942 Sgt Mayne, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 405360 Sgt McMichael, L K (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at 0114 hours on
the 13 August 1942 at Eisden (Limburg), 15kms ENE of Genk, Belgium. All the crew
were killed and their remains are interred at the Herverlee War Cemetery, Louvain,
Belgium.

26


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/57/220

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1259 took off at 2006 hours on the night of 27 August 1942 from RAF
Breighton, detailed to attack Kassel, Germany. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. The
aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part
in the mission.

Crew:
RAAF 403152 FO Summers, J F Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 406579 PO Parsons, F E (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 405216 Sgt Munro, R J (Observer)
RAAF 404600 Sgt Bass, N G (Bombaimer)
RAAF 403878 FO Pinfold, F C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 402683 Sgt Tubman, W H (Air Gunner)

Sgt Tubman who became a POW later stated I have no knowledge of the fate of the
crew. I believe I saw our plane in flames and that FO Summers lost his life.
The place of the crash was established as Gladbeck-Rentford, about 9 miles in a northerly
direction from Essen, Germany.
The remaining five crew members are interred in Reichswald Forest British War
Cemetery, Germany.

27


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/175/108

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1212 took off from RAF Breighton at 2007 hours on the night of 27 August
1942 detailed to bomb Kassel, Germany. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was
heard from Z 1212 after take off and it did not return to base. Ten aircraft of the squadron
took part in the raid on Kassel.

Crew:
RAAF 408139 Flt Sgt Viney, C C Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 411451 Sgt J arrett, W W (Navigator)
RAAF 405133 WO Munckton,, H I (Air Bomber)
RAAF 411397 Sgt Smith, C H Mack (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 403158 Sgt Turner, H T A (Rear Gunner)

WO Munckton became a POW. The remaining four members of the crew are interred in
the Municipal City Cemetery, Dalfsen, Province of Overejssel, Holland.
In a later statement WO Munckton said The aircraft was attacked at 14000 feet by three
night fighters over Holland in a half hour engagement. The port petrol tanks were
damaged and the intercom u/s. I was standing besides Kim Viney when our controls were
shot away and he told me to bale out by pointing his thumbs downwards. Kim had every
chance of getting out but evidently tried to get the rest of the crew out first and I believe
they were still in the plane when it crashed 200 yards away from me. I baled out at 1500
feet. The aircraft was too low for the others to bale out. There is little else I can tell you
here.

28


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/30/73

Radio call sign: UV B
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
attack Saarbrucken, Germany. The bomb load carried was 810 x 4lb incendiaries. Six
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Nothing was heard from Z 1485 after take
off and it did not return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 403663 FO Elrington, R D Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 401559 FO Dillon, W (Navigator)
RAAF 401436 Sgt Hare, E N (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 411413 Sgt Smith, J A Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 401469 FO Taylor, N A (Air Gunner)

Post war enquires and investigations found no trace of the missing aircraft or crew, and
their names are recorded on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK as having no known
grave.

29


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/18/541

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1412 took off from RAF Breighton at 2314 hours on the night of 8
th
J une
1942 to attack Essen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it
did not return to base. Seven aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 402862 Sgt Hurditch, D D Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt Hendden, C C (Observer)
RAAF 404448 Sgt Maher, E F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Tinkler, D (Front Gunner)
RAAF 402436 Sgt Campbell, C M (Rear Gunner)

All the crew became POWs. In a report by Sgt Hurditch (later a Flt Lt) he stated : After
bombing the target the aircraft was attacked by J U 88, height 13,000 feet. First attack
damaged rear turret and recuperators, rudder, elevator trims, hydraulics and set the
aircraft on fire. Second attack at 5000 feet wounded rear gunner, navigator and wireless
operator. Third attack over Holland at 2000 feet, U/S starboard engine and set aircraft on
fire. Order given to stand by to abandon aircraft but cancelled as height insufficient.
Crash landed. Hurditch was captured after 5 hours on the Dutch coast near Laiden.

There is also a comprehensive report dated April 1945 written by the then Flt Lt Maher
after his release as a POW, on the combat and evacuation of the aircraft by the crew and
of his experience as a POW. (NAA : A705, 166/27/646 refers)

Sgt Campbell subsequently died when a POW on 29 August 1942. He is interred in
Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

30

Date of Death : 10 September 1942

Source:
NAA : A705, 163/150/232

Serial number: R 1695
Radio call sign: UV Y
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington R 1695 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Breighton at 2022 hours on the
night of 10th September 1942 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. R 1295 carried a bomb load
of 810 x 4lbs incendiaries, and was one of ten aircraft that took part in the raid. Due to an
engine failure R 1295 made a forced landing in the sea at 2155 hours 15 miles north of
Cromer, UK. Bombs and petrol were jettisoned into the sea.

Crew:
RAAF 404941 Flt Sgt Pearson, J C Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 407735 Sgt Evans, M J (Navigator)
RAAF 406599 Sgt Lawton, R W (Air Bomber)
RAAF 411102 FO Parton, E C (Wireless Operator)
RAAF 408194 Sgt Murphy, J H (Rear Gunner) (A member of 460 Conversion Flt)

Both Sgt Evans and Sgt Lawton were picked up by launches suffering bruises and
exposure and were taken to RAF Hospital, Great Yarmouth. The remaining three missing
crew members lost their lives at sea, and their names are commemorated on the Memorial
to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

31


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/93/666

Radio call sign: UV S
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1216 took off from RAF Breighton at 2019 hours on the night of 10
September 1942 to bomb Dusseldorf. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was
heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Ten machines took off
from Breighton on the raid. Z 1216 was on loan from RAF Station Hemswell whilst the
crew of Z 1216 were members of 460 Conversion Flight.

Crew:
RAAF 404601 Flt Sgt Bryden J A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403105 Flt Sgt Brown, A E (Navigator)
RAAF 404403 Sgt Danks-Brown, K J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 406980 Sgt King, J K (Front Gunner)
RAAF 406453 Flt Sgt Harris, T C (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Cologne, Germany
and all the crew were killed. They are interred in the Rheinberg British Military
Cemetery, Germany.

32


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 163/93/676

Radio call sign: UV Z
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Wellington Z 1385 took off from RAF Breighton at 0017 hours on 14 September 1942
detailed to attack Bremen. Bomb load 810 x 4lb incendiaries. The aircraft which was on
loan from No 310 (Polish) Sqn, RAF Hemswell, failed to return to base after the mission.
Seven aircraft from the Squadron were detailed to carry out the mission.

Crew:
RAAF 404949 Flt Sgt Brasher, E K F DFM Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 411007 Sgt Crowther A D (Navigator)
RAAF 403139 Sgt J ohnson, D W (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 403793 Sgt Monk W J C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)*
RAAF 407992 Flt Sgt Bennett, K C (Air Gunner)
*A member of No 460 Conversion Flight.

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down on 14 September 1942 and all
the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Bennett is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
The other four crew members are buried in the Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg,
Germany.

33


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/92/190 WR Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in
the Second World War, Page 223, volume 1942.

Aircraft Type: Halifax
Serial number: DT 481
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Halifax DT 481 based at RAF Breighton was detailed on 19 September 1942 to carry out
an air firing exercise, but to make a call first to the drome at RAF Binbrook. The aircraft
overshot the drome on its first approach, and when it overshot again on the second
approach, smoke was pouring from the starboard outer engine which had failed and
caught fire. At 1030 hours while making a gentle turn to the left at 800 feet the aircraft
stalled, then spun and crashed. All the crew on board were killed.

Crew:
RAAF 403079 Flt Sgt Solomons, S A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400931 Flt Sgt Morant, A R (Navigator)
RAAF 401220 Sgt Keys, F R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 403658 FO Brander, H S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 416113 Sgt Bishop, F E (Front Gunner)
RAAF 404860 Flt Sgt Sutton, J T (Rear Gunner)
RAAF 22126 Cpl Hazelton, W J R (Fitter 2A)
RAF Sgt Betteridge, A S (Flight Engineer)

All the RAAF crew members are interred in the Binbrook (St Mary) Churchyard,
Lincolnshire.UK.

34


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/31/42

Aircraft Type: Halifax
Serial number: W 1272
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Halifax W 1272 of 1656 Conversion Flight took off on the 22 September 1942 to carry
out a training exercise including tank changing, 3 engine flying, cross wind landings and
demonstration of rudder stall. At 10.30am the aircraft crashed a quarter of a mile east of
Middle Farm, Catterton, Yorkshire near Tadcaster UK. All the crew were killed and the
cause of the crash could not be established.

Crew:
RAF FO Purcival, J W (Pilot Instructor)
RAAF 400952 Flt Lt Falkiner, J A (Pilot under training)
RAF Sgt J ones, LO H (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 402589 Flt Sgt Cox, R G (Rear Gunner) *
* A member of No.20 Op. Training Unit RAF.

Flt Lt Falkiner of 460 Sqn is buried in St Lawrence Church, Wootton, near Basingstoke,
Hampshire, UK. Sgt Cox is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire.

35

Date of Death : 19 October 1942

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (64)
NAA : A705, 163/32/142

Aircraft Type: Manchester
Serial number: R 5780
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Manchester R 5780 of 1656 Conversion Training Flight RAF and temporarily stationed at
RAF Breighton was engaged on a short flight air firing practice on 19 October 1942. The
aircraft struck a tree low flying tore off the starboard main plane and dived into the
ground, 2kms ENE of Lichfield drome, Staffordshire. All the crew which included three
members of 460 Sqn were killed.

Crew:
RAF PO Horner, R D Captain (Pilot)*
RAAF 404146 FO Murphy, D M (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 408768 FO Wood, R W (Navigator)
RAAF 405580 FO Forrester L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF AC2 Dobell*
RAF AC1 Hodges*
*Members of 1656 Conversion Training Flight RAF.

The three RAAF members of 460 Sqn are interred in Fradley (St Stephens) Churchyard,
Alrewas, Staffordshire.

36


Source:
AWM 237 (64)
NAA : A705, 163/25/212

Aircraft Type:
Serial number:
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
412481, PO Chapman, Robert Herbert, an Observer of 460 Sqn, whilst in the RAF
Officers Hospital, Torquay, UK awaiting an operation suffering from tonsillitis, was
killed on 25 October 1942 by a direct hit on the hospital from a bomb dropped during an
enemy air raid when two lone enemy bombers suddenly appeared from low cloud.

PO Chapman is buried in the Torquay Cemetery, Devonshire, UK.

37
Date of Accident : 22 November 1942
Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 65 (2318) and (2225) W R Chorley : RAF Bomber
Command Fatalities in the Second World War, Page 265, Volume 1942.
Aircraft Type: Lancaster
Radio call sign: UV A
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster W4273 took off from RAF Breighton at 1815 hours on the night of 22/23
rd

November 1942 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 2 x 1000lb and 90 x 4lb
base. Nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and one W 4273 failed to
return.
Crew:
RAAF 400976 PO Galt, D T DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 404624 PO Given, F G (Navigator)
RCAF Sgt J C Shuttleworth (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 407281 PO Berry, G R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt T H Hanstock, (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 408617 WO C E Austin, (Air Gunner)
RAAF 401036 PO Hayman, F W (Air Gunner)
W R Chorley states that this was the first Lancaster from 460 Sqn to be reported missing
on operations. It was later established that there were no fatalities in the missing aircraft.
All the crew survived with Flt Lt Given, PO Berry, WO Austin (later Flt Lt) and PO
(Later Flt Lt) Hayman becoming POWs, while PO Galt, Sgt Hanstock and Sgt
Shuttleworth evaded capture and returned safe to the UK.
In his statement PO Galt said I was pilot in the crew of an aircraft which took off from
RAF Breighton about 1830 hrs on 29 Nov 42. On the outward flight to Stuttgart we
crash-landed in flat country about 14 miles S.E. of Amiens about 2015 hrs. The aircraft
was on fire and exploded a few minutes after coming down. None of the crew was
injured. We dispersed immediately walking south. I went alone believing by doing so I
would be more likely to avoid capture. Galt evaded capture and there is an absorbing
account of his 18 day journey across France/Spain to safety on file AWM 65 (2225).

In his report the then Flt Lt Given stated : We were shot down on 22 Nov 1942 south of
Amiens by light flak which set the port inner petrol tank and engine on fire, with holes in
the rear of the fuselage. None of the crew were injured. The pilot was able to make a
forced landing on wheels. All the crew left the aircraft unhurt. I believe the aircraft
crashed near the village of Campion near Amiens. There is a further report by Flt Lt
Given on his experiences until he was capture on 28 Nov 42 by the gendarmerie and sent
to Dulag Luft. (AWM 65 (2318) refers)

A report also by the then Flt Lt Hayman appears on NAA : A705, 166/17/851.

38

Date of Death : 4 J anuary 1943

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/6/7
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4274 took off form RAF Breighton at 1726 hours on 4 J anuary 1943 to
attack Essen, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 10 SBC. The aircraft failed
to return to base. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 405156 Flt Sgt Brooks, H G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 411327 Flt Sgt Hutchinson, F E (Navigator)
RAAF 405443 Flt Sgt Gray, H P (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 403273 Flt Sgt Lonsdale, R T (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Watson, J H (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 405547 Flt Sgt Fletcher, E J B (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 408163 Sgt Harris, K J H (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed
at 2022 hours on 4 J anuary near Nijmegen, (Gelderland), Holland. All the crew were
killed and they are interred in the Uden War Cemetery, North Brabant, Holland.

39


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/8/18

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4816 took off from RAF Breighton at 1700 hours on 17 J anuary 1943 to
bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1260 x 4lb incendiaries. W 4816 could not locate the primary
target possibly due to a hit sustained in the Stettin area. The aircraft bombed an
unidentified village in the north east of Berlin. The bombs were released from 18000 feet.
The DR compass was faulty and petrol shortage made the homeward journey difficult.
W4816 ran out of fuel just after passing Flamborough UK and crashed. The crew baled
out at 5000 feet and landed safely with the exception of Sgt Corfe who was killed owing
to the obstruction of his parachute by the intercom wires on his helmet. Seven aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid.
Crew :
RAAF 403389 Sgt Wendon, W M Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403619 Sgt Kennedy, A (Navigator)
RAAF 411124 Sgt Corfe D A (Bombaimer)
RAAF 411082 Sgt Williams, C A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Askam C (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 408605 Sgt Wynn B C (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 404684 Sgt J ohnston, A C (Rear Gunner)

Sgt Corfe is interred at All Saints Parish Church, Bubwith, England.

40


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/8/25

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4308 took off form RAF Breighton at 1714 hours on 23 J anuary 1943 to
attack Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 1080 x 4lb
incendiaries. The aircraft failed to return to base from the mission. Six aircraft from the
Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAF Sqn Ldr Osborn, R B DSO, DFC, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403620 FO Longworth, S U C (Navigator)
RAAF 411084 Sgt Conlon, J V (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 406441 Sgt Martin, P A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 400391 PO Methven, S C (Air Gunner)
RAAF 401812 Sgt Brown, R A (Air Gunner)

Sqn Ldr Osborn, Flt Sgt Longworth, Sgt Martin, and Sgt Brown became POWs. In a
statement by Sqn Ldr Osborn he reported The aircraft was attacked by an ME110 just
over the coast on the way home. I decided to attempt a belly landing with only the right
arm, the left upper arm had been injured by a cannon shell. Conlon baled out and
probably went into the sea. Methven was dead in the plane and Brown was badly injured
in the right leg.

Both Sgt Conlon and PO Methven are buried in the Bakhuizen R.C. Cemetery
Caasterland,Friesland, Holland.

41


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (64)
NAA : A705, 166/2/14

Aircraft Type:
Serial number:
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
400804, Flt Lt Kearns, J ohn Howard, the Squadron Adjutant died of an illness in the
York Military Hospital on 26 J anuary 1943. He is buried in Budwith (All Saints) Parish
Churchyard, Selby, Yorkshire,UK.

42


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/27/27

Radio call sign: UV M
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4837 took off from RAF Breighton at 1747 hours on 26 J anuary 1943
detailed to bomb Lorient, France. Bomb load 2 x 1000 lb, 1080 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Three
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 403368 Sgt Oliver, H B Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403701 Sgt Sedger, G R (Navigator)
RAAF 404975 Flt Sgt Mason, N T (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 403913 Flt Sgt Day, E A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 14444 Sgt Matthews, S J (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 405618 Sgt Austin, W E J (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Brierley, J R (Air Gunner)

Following post war searches and enquiries when no trace of the missing crew was found,
it was recorded in 1950 that they had no known grave. Their names are commemorated
on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
Note : Flt Sgt Masons date of death is recorded in AWM 237 (63) as 26 J anuary 1943.

43


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/6/29

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 8177 took off from RAF Breighton at 1714 hours on the night of 27 J anuary
1943 to bomb Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000 lb, 1080 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Five

Crew:
RAAF 403160 PO Brittingham, R A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 6946 Sgt Williams, T H (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 403396 PO Matchett, W M J (Navigator)
RAAF 401053 Flt Sgt Simpson, N H (Air Bomber)
RAF Flt Sgt Rogers, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 401739 Flt Sgt Brodie, I G (Air Gunner)
RAAF 407994 Flt Sgt Swain, J K (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Viersen-Ummer and all members
of the crew were killed. They are interred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany,
located about eleven miles north west of Duisberg.

44


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/14/15

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4864 took off from RAF Breighton on a cross country training flight
including bombing practice on the night of 2/3
rd
March 1943. The aircraft encountered
bad weather and at 0012 hours on 3 March crashed one mile west of Shawbury,
Shropshire. The aircraft hit a tree on high ground while making a circuit preparatory to
landing. All the crew were killed.

Crew:
RAAF 411890 Sgt Fulton, E C Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Milledy, T P G (Flt Engineer)
RAF Sgt Kerr, R W (Navigator)
RAAF 401457 Flt Sgt Murphy, E F (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 411312 Sgt Graham, R C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Bacon, R F (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Oldfield, R (Air Gunner)

The three RAAF members are buried in the Shrewsbury General Cemetery, Shropshire,
U K.

45


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/43/110

Serial number: ED 354
Radio call sign: UV O
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 354 took off from RAF Breighton at 1954 hours on 26 March 1943 to
attack Duisberg, Germany. Bomb Load was 1 X 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb
base. Eleven aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 413468 Flt Sgt Wilson, R E Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Cooper, D J (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Haseman, P J (Bomb Aimer)
RAF PO Bramham, C O (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Harrison, F V (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Lever, N A (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Brown, H B (Air Gunner)

No trace of the missing aircraft or crew could be found after the war.
The names of all the crew are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the
Missing, Surrey, UK.

46

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/7/64 and A705, 166/17/97.

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster W 4327 took off from RAF Station Breighton, East Yorkshire, at 2157 hours
on 29 March 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 48 x 30lb, 540
x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return
to base.
Crew:
RAAF 416322 Flt Sgt Charlick, D H V Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 405381 FO McNeill, T H (Navigator)
RAAF 403502 Flt Sgt Cooper, E N (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 411445 FO Falkenmire, F J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Perry, P (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 408578 Flt Sgt Hampton, G V (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Chapman, W P D (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter at Lievelde
(Geiderland), 4kms NNE of Lichten Voorde. FO (later Flt Lt) Falkenmire (RAAF)
became a POW. All the other crew members were killed and are interred in the Lichten
Voorde General Cemetery, Holland.
In a statement by FO Falkenmire he reported : At about 0300 hours on the 30 march
1943, we were travelling home in just about 10/10ths cloud, and I heard the Rear Gunner
say Look out and then I heard canon fire hit us along the floor of the fuselage. The
machine nosed over and then dived. I heard nothing from the Captain whom I fear must
have been killed immediately. I do not know if anyone else was hit. I put on my
parachute and then was thrown to the roof; my reaction was to pill the ripcord. This
dragged me out of the machine. I landed practically within 50 feet of the wreckage. The
aircraft was burning very furiously with its nose in the ground. I was very dazed but I
think it exploded. I ran over to the machine where I saw four bodies, all dead. The
Germans told me that besides the four people found dead, two others were still in the
machine. I am sorry to have to report that all my crew were killed. PO T H McNeill, Sgt
D Charlick, Sgt E N Cooper, Sgt G Hampton, Sgt Perry and Sgt P Chapman. They were
buried at Dinardo in Holland. Would you please convey to the parents and relatives of the
deceased the sincere sympathy of their crews and myself.

47


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/16/43

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 391 took off from RAF Station Breighton at 2145 hours on the night of
29/30th March 1943 to attack Berlin. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 48 x 30lb,
540 x 4 lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not
return to base. Nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 403735 Flt Lt Grenfell, K H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403754 FO McCullagh, S F S (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Cordingley, R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 411010 Flt Sgt Dunn, P W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Lewis, G E (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 406680 Flt Sgt Potter, R L (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Webber, S G (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter crashing at
Kloosterhaar (Overijssel), 10kms SSE of Hardenberg, Holland. All the crew were killed
and they are buried in the Hardenberg Protestant Churchyard Cemetery, Holland.

48


Source:
AWM64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 163/45/167

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4310 took off from RAF Breighton at 2052 hours on 4 April 1943 to attack
Kiel, Germany. Bomb load was 11 x 1000 lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft
after take off and it did not return to base. Thirteen aircraft from the squadron took part in
the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 400595 Flt Lt Moore, K DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 411192 FO Rust, B K (Navigator)
RAAF 403363 PO Lee, J G (Air Bomber)
RAAF 401209 WO Gooding, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Lloyd, H (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 405502 Flt Sgt Ranclaud, W B (Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Cooksey, D F (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft was
hit by flak and crashed at 2325 hours on 4 April 1943 near Bordesholm between Munster
and Kiel. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Kiel War Cemetery.

49


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 16/5/115

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W4785 took off from RAF Breighton at 2111 hours on 8 April 1943 to attack
Duisberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine
aircraft5 from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 408949 Sgt Ball, J H Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Frampton, C E J (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Gray, D M (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt Mordecai, D G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Langley, W C (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 403806 Flt Sgt Garven, A A (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Dobson, G G (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at Meiderich on
the North west bank of the River Ruhr, a few kms nornor east of the target area.
All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery,
Cleves, Germany.

50


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/26/84

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 521 took off from RAF Breighton at 2044 hours on 9 April 1943 to attack
Duisberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nine

Crew:
RAAF 405593 PO MacDonald, D I Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400698 Flt Sgt Dodgshun, J H (Navigator)
RAAF 401688 Sgt Forrest, J L (Air Bomber)
RAF Flt Sgt J ones, W K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 8939 Sgt Meadows A K(Flight Engineer)
RAAF 408558 Flt Sgt Allsopp, W F (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Hoofe, M (Air Gunner)

No trace of the missing aircraft or crew was found following post war enquiries. The
names of the missing crew are recorded on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey,
UK

51


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/27/95

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard
from the aircraft after take and it failed to return to base. Fifteen aircraft from the

Crew:
RAAF 411165 Flt Sgt Miller, I G Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Richmond, N P (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Capon, M G (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt Wilson, G J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Curtis, D (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Hall, R A (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Beaumont, R (Air Gunner)

From post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed and exploded south of
Oggersheim, 4kms north west of Ludwigshafen, Germany. All the crew were killed and
they are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

52


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/43/150

Radio call sign: UV U
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 711 took off from RAF Breighton at 2059 hours on 16 April 1943 to attack
Pilsen, Czechoslavikia. Bomb load carried was 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs.
Nothing was heard from ED 711 after take off and it did not return to base. The aircraft
was one of 15 aircraft from the squadron to take part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 408896 PO White, D E DFM Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409331 Flt Sgt Stewart, J S (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 411121 PO Charlton, W R K, (Navigator)
RAAF 411207 Flt Sgt Ward, F H DFM (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 412265 PO Parker, A K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 9431 Sgt Knilands, B (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 401730 Flt Sgt Baker, R H (Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Smith, A K (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed on 17 April 1943
near Boeblingen, approx 9 miles south west of Stuttgart. All the crew were killed and are
interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

53


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 164/178/366

Radio call sign: UV F
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4942 took off from RAF Breighton at 2106 hours on 16 April 1943 to attack
Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. The bombload was 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. W4942 was one of
15 aircraft from the squadron that took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 416135 Flt Sgt Williams, J N Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 411335 Flt Sgt King, E R (Navigator)
RAAF 409034 Flt Sgt Ebbott E C (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Smith, L C (Wireless Operator)
RAAF 205848 Sgt Bell, J C (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Clarke, A W (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Ablewhite,, E J (Air Gunner)

Post war examination of German documents established that the aircraft crashed at 0034
hours on 17 April at Horcheim, approx 12 miles northwest of Mannheim, Germany. The
four RAAF members of the crew are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.
The three RAF members are interred at the Rheinberg British Military Cemetery.

54

Date of Death :20 April 1943

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix E AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/118/68

Radio call sign: UV O
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
the port and U boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after
take off and it did not return to base. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x
4lb incendiaries. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 416574 Flt Sgt Hogben, R S Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Pomfret, J (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Boland, T (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt Smith, R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Cousins, A J (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 412633 Flt Sgt McGlinchy, F (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Dixon, H E (Air Gunner)

From post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at West Slagelse,
Zealand, Denmark. German documents recorded that the bodies of Flt Sgt McGlinchy
and Sgt Dixon had been identified but the others unidentified. The German documents
did not record where the remains were buried, and no trace has been found where they
are interred. The crew names have been recorded on the Runnymede Memorial to the
Missing as having no known grave.

55


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix F AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/33/27

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W4956 took off from RAF Breighton at 2135 hours on 20 April 1943 to bomb
the port and U boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Bomb load of 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb
and 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did
not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 409221 Flt Sgt Pridgeon, W F Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 416552 FO Dollar, R E (Navigator)
RAAF 411469 Flt Sgt Mackenzie, P M (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Solly, (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Willis, C A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 409146 Flt Sgt King, R S (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Chapman, R J (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the body of Flt Sgt MacKenzie had
been washed ashore on the west coast of Fehmarn Island near Puttsee. Fehmarn Island is
situated in the Baltic Sea approx 44 miles north east of Kiel. Flt Sgt Mackenzie is interred
in the Kiel War Cemetery, Germany. It was assumed that the aircraft had crashed in the
Baltic Sea east of the Fehmarn Island, and the names of the remaining missing crew are
commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing at Surrey, UK.

56


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix G AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/20/35

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
the port and U boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Bomb load carried was 1 x 4000lb bomb and
48 x 30lb, 540 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it
did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 408656 Flt Sgt J ames, K Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409175 Flt Sgt Muir, B M (Navigator)
RAAF 413482 Flt Sgt Finnane, B (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt Mayoh, W D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Smith, B (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 405921 FO Mahoney, E A (Air Gunner)
RAAF 412957 Flt Sgt Harvey, B H (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at 0312 hours on
21 April 1943 at Vestbirk, 14kms north west of Horsens, Denmark. All the crew were
killed and they are interred at the Esbjerg (Fourfeldt) Cemetery, Denmark.

57


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA B: A705, 166/20/41

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W4818 took off from RAF Breighton at 2220 hours on 4 May 1943 to bomb
Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Nineteen

Crew:
RAAF 416680 Flt Sgt J aekel, D N Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 414506 FO Russ, S M (Navigator)
RAAF 412479 Flt Sgt Candish, E J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 412139 Flt Sgt Hilton, A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Turpin, W T (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 20047 Flt Sgt Barry, J L (Air Gunner)
RAAF 405597 Flt Sgt Williams, W (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at
Schieringhausen, some 8kms WSW of Lunen. All the crew were killed and they are
interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany. The crew were on
their first operation and W.R.Chorley in his book RAF Bomber Command losses WW2,
(1943) records that Flt Sgt J aekel at age 19 years 9 months was one of the youngest
bomber pilots to be killed on operations during 1943.

.

58


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/9/88

Radio call sign: AR J
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W4984 took off from RAF Binbrook at night on 23 May 1943 to attack
Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 540 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty
four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 405966 Flt Sgt Davis, B M T Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 412411 Flt Sgt Dyce, K D (Navigator)
RAAF 405849 Flt Sgt Goldthorpe, G (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 411839 Flt Sgt Biffen, J S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Rowlands, E
RAAF 421066 Flt Sgt Wright, C S (Air Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Ralph, F W C

Flt Sgt Goldthorpe who became a POW reported that the aircraft was attacked by a night
fighter. The port engines and wing were on fire. Orders to abandon were given by
gestures. The controls appeared damaged. Two baled out at 18,000 feet. I landed near the
German Holland border, and was handed over to the Germans. I was told later that all the
other six crew members were killed. Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed
near Oud Schoonebeek (Drenthe), 14kms SSE of Emmen Holland.

All the six crew members are buried in the Oud Schoonebeek General Cemetery,
Holland.

59


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/2/72

Radio call sign: AR Z
Unit: 460 Sqn RAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 804 of 460 Sqn took off at 2314 hours on 27 May 1943 from RAF
Binbrook detailed to attack Essen, Germany. It carried a bomb load of 1 x 4000 lb, 48 x
30lb incendiaries and 600 x 4 lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after
take off and it did not return to base. ED 804 was one of 19 aircraft of the squadron to
take part in the attack.

Crew:
RAF PO Harrison, C Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413434 Sgt Schrader, W G (Navigator)
RAAF 413391 PO Bates, C C (Bombaimer)
RAF Sgt Blackwell, N A (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Morris, C R S (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 414697 Flt Sgt Kerr, E J (Air Gunner)
RAAF 420661 Flt Sgt Grant, J A (Air Gunner)

Sgt Schrader (RAAF) who became a POW later reported the aircraft was shot down by a
night fighter. The aircraft immediately began to fall being on fire in the starboard wing
and the belly. The order to abandon was given and acknowledged by both gunners. The
Wireless Operator was killed and unable to leave the machine. Both Bates and Morris
baled out ahead of me and the other four were still in the aircraft when I baled out at
approx 10000 feet. The aircraft was not under control and it exploded soon after I left.
Harrison landed beside me but was dead. I think by concussion from the explosion.
PO Bates and Sgt Morris also became POWs.

It was later established that the aircraft crashed at 0209 hours on 28 May at Herveld
(Gelderland) on the north bank of the Waal, some 10kms north west of Nijmegen,
Holland. Sgt Kerr (RAAF) and Sgt Grant (RAAF) are interred in the Uden Cemetery,
Holland.

60


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/6/101

Radio call sign: AR X
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 759 took off from RAF Binbrook on the night of 29/30 May 1943 to attack
Wuppertal, Germany. Bomb Load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 48 x 30lb, 6600 x 4lb
base. Twelve aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 413924 Flt Sgt Bull, H E Captain (Pilot0
RAF Sgt Sherratt, F C (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Munday, D R (Air Bomber)
RAF Sgt Willars, P C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Powis, G G (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Anderson, R M (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Meech, A W G (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Remscheld-Luttring-Hausen and all
the crew were killed. Flt Sgt Bull is interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery,
Germany.

61


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)

Radio call sign: AR O
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4985 took off from RAF Binbrook on 29 May 1943 to attack Wuppertal,
Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000 lb bomb, 548 x 30lb and 600 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twelve aircraft

Crew:
RAF Sgt Russell, T P Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 414917 Sgt Dun, R W (Navigator)
RAAF 413803 Flt Sgt Taylor, T (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Findlay, P W (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Clague, W F C (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Gordon, D G (Air Gunner)
RAAF 409057 Sgt Kirk, G A (Air Gunner)

Both Sgt Dun and Sgt Kirk (RAAF) became POWs. The remainder of the crew were
killed. Flt Sgt Taylor is interred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
In a later statement Sgt Kirk said The aircraft was badly damaged by flak. The outer port
and starboard engines, tail plane, wing and fuselage were damaged. I abandoned the
aircraft and landed on the east bank of the Rhine. Captured after two hours. Taylor and
Gordon were wounded. The aircraft crashed into the Rhine near Koblenz.

62


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/7/123

Radio call sign: AR R
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4960 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2147 hours on 11 J une 1943 to attack
Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 780 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 416324 Flt Sgt Christie, R S Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 408309 Flt Sgt Heath, J (Navigator)
RAAF 414352 Flt Sgt Horwood, J H (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Lewis, R L (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Kerwin, R SW (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 420637 FO Bennett, B W (Air Gunner)
RAAF 413866 Flt Sgt Hogan, P J (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed
at 0205 hours on 12 J une 1943 at Sluipwijk (Zuide) Holland, and all the crew were killed.
The five RAAF crew members are interred in the J onkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen,
Holland.

63


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64(1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/17/176

Radio call sign: AR K
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Bochum, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb incendiaries.
two aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 404704 PO Hadley, L H M, DFC, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 400470 FO Horne, U D H, DFC, (Navigator)
RAAF 412739 Flt Sgt Stanley, J V (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Bond, E H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 22230 Flt Sgt Baldwin, E A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 405504 Flt Sgt Simpson, N R (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Connor, L N (Air Gunner)

Post war examination of German documents recorded that the aircraft crashed at 0215
hours on 13 J une 1943 near Bochum, Kornharpen. All the crew were killed and are
interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

64


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/25/45

Radio call sign: AR Q
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4316 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2310 hours on 12 J une 1943 detailed
to attack Bochum, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, and 56 x 30lb, 690 x 4lb
base. Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAF Sgt Vaughan, R O Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 412986 Flt Sgt Lundie, D C P (Navigator)
RAF PO Young, C W R (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Thomas, D A (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Day, L F C (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 409404 Flt Sgt Gordon, A (Air Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Cornish, J C (Air Gunner)

It was later established that the aircraft crashed at Grafhorst (Overijssel), 3kms NNE of
Kampen, Holland. All the crew were killed with the exception of Sgt Cornish (RCAF)
who became a POW. Both Flt Sgt Lundie (RAAF) and Sgt Gordon (RAAF) are interred
at Grafhorst General Cemetery, Holland.

.

65


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/8/137

Serial number: EE 167
Radio call sign: AR -
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster EE 167 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2235 hours on 14 J une 1943 to attack
Oberhausen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 690 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. 22 aircraft

Crew:
RAAF 411680 Flt Sgt Cope, G R Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409472 FO Gordon, H L (Navigator)
RAAF 405842 Flt Sgt Douds, D (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 415021 Flt Sgt Crouch, D H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Booth, E (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 408907 Flt Sgt Finlason, D S (Air Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Matheson, W R (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by night fighters and crashed
at 0111 hours on 15 J une 1943 some two miles south east of Schinbeld (Limburg), 8kms
ESE of Sittard, Holland. Sgt Booth (RAF) and Sgt Matheson (RCAF) became POWs.
The remaining five crew members were killed and they are interred at the J onkersbos
War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.

66


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAAV : A705, 166/27/150

Serial number: DV 160
Radio call sign: AR N
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster DV 160 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2257 hours on 14 J une 1943 to attack
Oberhausen, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb and 56 x 30lb, 720 x 4lb
incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to
base. 22 aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAF Sgt Crook, R E Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 420697 Flt Sgt Marriage, S J (Navigator)
RAAF 414196 Flt Sgt Buckeridge, C R (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Grimshaw, G E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 14824 Flt Sgt Morrison, J (Flight Engineer)
RAF Flt Sgt Fletcher, G W G (Air Gunner)
RAAF 413307 Flt Sgt Grant, D R (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter crashing at
0221 hours on 15 J une 43 at Schellingwoude, (Noord Holland) in the north eastern
suburbs of Amsterdam.
Flt Sgt Morrison became a POW, and in a later statement he said The aircraft exploded
in mid air. I was thrown clear but have no information re Buckeridge. After the aircraft
was hit I heard Buckeridge say that he could not get the escape hatch open. The aircraft
then blew up and I found myself in mid air.
All the other crew members were killed. Flt Sgt Marriage, Flt Sgt Buckeridge and Flt Sgt
Grant are interred in the New East Cemetery, Amsterdam, Holland.

.

67


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/9/110

Serial number: LM 324
Radio call sign: AR - O
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM 324 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2254 hours on 14 J une 1943 to attack
Oberhausen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb
base. Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 413178 FO Dennett, W J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413079 FO Flashman, A C R (Navigator)
RAAF 412785 Flt Sgt Williams, T (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Bogle, E A (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Watson, R E (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 410593 FO Emery, W E (Air Gunner)
RAAF 14228 Flt Sgt Birk, D P (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that all the crew were killed. They are all interred in the
Heverlee War Cemetery, Louvain, Belgium.

68


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : NA705, 166/32/132

Radio call sign: AR - M
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4332 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2259 hours on 16
th
J une 1943 to attack
Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 510 x 4lb
base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 412338 Flt Sgt Phillips, F G Captain (Pilot)
RAF PO Davey, E F (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Prince, G D (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Ousley, J W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Emmett, J H (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 420762 Flt Sgt Little, L T (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Smith, F S (Air Gunner)

It was established from post war investigations that the aircraft had crashed at sea. It was
shot down by a night fighter and crashed into the Oosterschelde NW of Wissekerke
(Zeeland) on the island of Beveland. The bodies of Sgt Prince, Sgt Ousley, Sgt Smith (all
RAF) and Flt Sgt Little (RAAF) were washed ashore along the Belgian coast and the
south west coast of Holland. Flt Sgt Little is interred in the New Communal Cemetery,
Ostend, Belgium. It was presumed that the remaining three missing crew members
including Flt Sgt Phillips had lost their lives at sea, and their names are recorded on the
Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK.

69


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294)
NAA : A705, 166/32/131

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 5007 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2302 hours on the night of 16 J une
1943 detailed to attack Cologne, Germany. Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb, and 1 x
500lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 480 x 4lb and 30 x 4lb incendiaries. W 5007 which was one of
eighteen aircraft from the squadron to take part in the raid, failed to return to base. The
aircraft called up Binbrook to say that the hydraulic system had been shot away and they
were very badly shot up. Shortly after at 0445 hours on 17 J une, W 5007 crashed at
Elsham Wolds, UK. All the crew were killed.

Crew:
RAF Sgt Strath, D J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 420050 Flt Sgt Plummer, J C (Navigator)
RAAF 414255 Flt Sgt McDonnell, L M (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Gent, R S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Harman, R T (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 414549 Flt Sgt Flitcroft, N O B (Air Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Brodie, W (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Plummer (RAAF), Flt Sgt Mc Donnell (RAAF) and Flt Sgt Flitcroft (RAAF) are
interred in Brigg Cemetery, Lincolnshire, UK.

70


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/17/193

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster EE 166 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2315 hours on the night of 22/23
rd
J une
1943 to bomb Mulheim, Germany. Bomb load, 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 500lb bombs, 48 x
30lb and 600 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it
did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 416669 FO Harrison, L E Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Bartlett, W H (Navigator)
RAAF 409544 FO Heffernan, R J (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Brown, S K (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Callout, J S (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Cotton, K A C (Air Gunner)
RAAF 412553 Flt Sgt Lockrey, R J (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft had crashed at a mill near Mulheim-Heissen
and that all the crew were killed. Both FO Harrison and Flt Sgt Lockrey are interred in
the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany, while FO Heffernan is missing
and his name is recorded on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK.

71


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/39/88

Radio call sign: AR L
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Krefeld, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 500lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 600 x 4lb
base. 20 aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 414436 Flt Sgt Teerman A W Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Hosking, A L T (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Thompson, H (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Cassell, J E O (Wireless Operator)
RAF PO Trafford, H J (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Hetherington, J (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt ONeill, B D (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries, it was believed that the aircraft was shot down at 0240
hours on 22 J une near Monchengladbach.
Sgt Thompson (RAF) who became a POW later made a statement in which he said I can
tell you very little. I was captured 18 hours after coming down and shown our aircraft
close by. Three bodies were in the aircraft but I was unable to identify them. He only saw
three. I was told later that the other three were killed and he was the only survivor.

Flt Sgt Teerman is interred in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

72


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294)
NAA : A705, 166/11/50

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4844 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2329 hours on the night of 2/3rd J uly
1943 to bomb Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 500lb, 1 x 400lb, 48 x 30,
570 x 4 and 30 x 4lb incendiaries. W 4844 failed to return to base after the mission. 17
aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 411885 PO Edwards, C Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 421093 FO Spier, W F (Navigator)
RAAF 22378 Flt Sgt Truscott, C F J (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Young, C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Tytherleigh, A E (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Rees W J (Air Gunner)
RAAF 420653 Flt Sgt Frazer, L J (Air Gunner)

All the crew are missing and their names commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial,
UK.

73


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/4/54

Radio call sign: AR

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W 4987 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2308 hours on the night of 24/25
th
J uly
1943 to attack Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 2 x 1000lb bombs. 48 x
did not return to base. Twenty six aircraft from the squadron took part in the attack.

Crew:
RAAF 413522 Flt Sgt Ashley, A G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 412860 Flt Sgt Taylor, F C (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Acheson, J McF (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt J oyce, J V (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt Metcalfe, D W (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Flt Sgt Perron, A J E (Air Gunner)
RAAF 414293 Flt Sgt Forsyth, F S (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Cuxhaven.
All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau,
Germany, which is approx 30 miles north of Wessermunde, Germany.

74


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/14/73

Serial number: J A 689
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J A 689 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2221 hours on 29 J uly 1943 detailed to
attack Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 510
x 4lb and 50 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it
did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 415079 PO Fuhrmann H L, DFM, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 416735 FO Anderson, C B, DFC (Navigator)
RAAF 405884 PO Scott, S N (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 415135 Flt Sgt Gliddon, A W H (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Woods, G W (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Doyle, J P (Air Gunner)
RAAF 415066 Flt Sgt Bent, T E (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed in the Hamburg
area on 30 J uly 1943. Sgt Doyle (RAF) is interred in the Soltau (Becklingen) British
Military Cemetery, Germany. The names of the remaining six crew members who are
missing are recorded on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK.

75


Source:
AWM 64 ((1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/21/52

Radio call sign: AR
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 525 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2355 hours on 29 J uly 1943 to attack
Hamburg, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 2 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 510 x
4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard form the aircraft after take off and it did not return to
base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 402507 FO J ohnson, A J Captain (Pilot)
RAF WO Scruton, D G (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Ralph, F S (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 411440 WO Burcher, R M (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF PO Fox, S F N (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 403397 FO ORiordan, C T (Air Gunner)
RAAF 402508 WO J ones, P L E (Air Gunner)

Post war enquiries established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter on 30
J uly and crashed near Floglen, approx 41 miles north of Bremen, and that all the crew
were killed. FO ORiordan is buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau, Germany
which is about 45 miles east of Bremen. FO J ohnson, Flt Sgt Burcher and Flt Sgt J ones
are missing and are commemorated on the Runnymede Missing Memorial, Surrey, UK

76


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/27/207

Radio call sign: AR - U
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 421 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2055 hours on 23 August 1943 to
attack Berlin. Bomb load was I x 4000lb and 2 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb

Crew:
RAAF 413786 Flt Sgt Richards, A J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413574 Flt Sgt Gay, K (Navigator)
RAAF 412175 Flt Sgt Munro, J G (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 404749, Flt Sgt Collins, J G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Finlay, W A (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Smale, T (Air Gunner)
RAAF 414359, Flt Sgt Marsh, J (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Richards, Flt Sgt Gay and Flt Sgt Munro were POWs. In a later statement by Flt
Sgt Gay he said We were attacked and blown up in mid-air. Richards, Munro and I were
hurled clear, but the other lads in the crew were killed. I lost consciousness, came too
with both legs broken. Landed OK and then received the best possible treatment.
Flt Sgt Collins and Flt Sgt Marsh are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

77


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294)
NAA : A705, 166/18/168

Radio call sign: AR J 2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 986 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2037 hours on the night of 31 August
1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb, 48 x 30, 660 x 4 and 30 x 4lb
incendiaries. ED 986 failed to return to base after the mission. 21 aircraft from the

Crew:
RAAF 411910 PO Hocking, J D Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 415364 FO Symons, H F (Navigator)
RAAF 413199 Flt Sgt Ingram, W R Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 415082 PO Haymes, L J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 414014 Flt Sgt Fitzgerald, W H (Air Gunner)
RAAF 411699 Flt Sgt J ones, T J (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Wood, J J (Flight Engineer)

Following post war investigations and examination of German documents it was
established that the aircraft crashed on 1 September 1943 into the grounds of the
Daimler-Benz works at Ludwigsfelde which is approx 16 miles south west of Berlin.

Both Sgt Wood (RAF) and Flt Sgt Ingram (RAAF) became POWs, but they could
provide no information about the fate of the other crew members.
The remaining five crew members are interred in the Berlin (Heerstrasse) British War
Cemetery, Berlin.

78


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/26/227

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster EE 132 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1940 hours on 3 September 1943 to
attack Berlin. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 690 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 413788 Flt Sgt McPhan, R B Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Simpson, M J (Navigator)
RAAF 421135 Flt Sgt Spence, J A (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Freeman, R L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt McCulloch, T O S (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 408934 Flt Sgt Stobart, A A (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Hilton, J B (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on 3 September and exploded on
impact near the village of Benschop, which is approx 24 miles south of Amsterdam,
Holland. Both Flt Sgt Stobart and Sgt Hilton became POWs. The remaining crew
members are buried in the General Cemetery (Oudlausden) Ammersfoort, Holland.

79


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/22/118

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster EE 138 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1958 hours on 3 September 1943 to
attack Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 630 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty four

Crew:
RAAF 267504 Sq Ldr Kelaher, C R Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 416558 FO Forrester S M (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 407963 WO Carthew E G (Navigator)
RAAF 401605 WO Walsh, C A (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Coombes, J C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J owett, H F (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Rolfe, A (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Thirkettle, (Air Gunner)

Post war enquiries and investigations established that the aircraft crashed and sank into a
large water hole at Stadil, Denmark and all the crew were killed. Stadil is close to the
west coast of J utland, Denmark, approx seven miles NW of Ringkobing. German
documents recorded that one unidentified body was recovered from the wreck and
interred at Svine Cemetery on the Danish island of Zealand.
The names of the eight crew members are commemorated as having no known grave on
the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK, On the 5 May 1950 a memorial
was erected by local residents at Stadil at the site where the aircraft crashed.

80
Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/8/216
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster W4988 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1957 hours on 3 September 1943 to
attack Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 630 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four
Crew :
RAAF 413896 FO Randall, F A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413829 Flt Sgt Conway, N J (Navigator)
RAAF 403601 PO Greenaway, L G (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 411636 Flt Sgt OBrien, A J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J ohns, A H (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Bell, H (Air Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Ward, H K (Air Gunner)
FO Randall (RAAF), Sgt Bell (RAF) and Sgt J ohns (RAF) were interned in Sweden and
later returned safe to the UK. PO Greenaway (RAAF), Flt Sgt OBrien (RAAF) and Sgt
Ward (RCAF) were POWs, and Flt Sgt Conway (RAAF) lost his life at sea.
The following is a summary of POW statements as set out in a letter to relatives : The
aircraft was repeatedly hit by flak over the target and attacked by fighter aircraft. The
aircraft was temporarily out of control and the crew ordered to bale out. After one
member had baled out the Captain regained control of the aircraft and the bale out order
was cancelled. The course was set for Sweden. The navigation instruments were
destroyed and the Navigator got high praise from the Captain in navigating the aircraft by
dead reckoning course. Lights were sighted and the aircraft was considered over Sweden.
The bale out order was given. Conway and the Captain were the last out.. The Captain
was in the sea one and half miles from Danish coast. Forty five minutes later the Captain
plus one were picked up by a Swedish trawler. The trawler searched for half an hour that
night for Conway and the next day but no trace of him was found. Randall, J ohns and
Bell were picked up in the sea, taken to Sweden for interment, and later arrived safe back
in the UK. It was presumed that Flt Sgt Conway had lost his life at sea and his name is
commemorated on Runnymede Missing Memorial as having no known grave.
There is an absorbing report by FO Randall on his internment in Sweden and of his return
to the UK that is held on Archives file A705, 166/35/141. In respect of the above mission
Randall was awarded the DFC on 23/11/1943.On his return to UK he rejoined 460 Sqn
only to lose his life on operations on 16 December 1943.

81


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/5/298

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster DV 219 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1900 hours on 22 September 1943 to
attack Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 64 x 30lb, 540 x
4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to
base. Twenty four aircraft took part in the operation.

Crew:
RAAF 22001 Flt Sgt Hansen, R H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 406912 Flt Sgt Barrett-Lennard, M G (Navigator)
RAAF 416935 Flt Sgt Cox, D V (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Mott, L O (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Sedgwick, J F (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 421512 Flt Sgt Rushton, A N F (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Shepley, N (Air Gunner)

Post war enquiries established that the aircraft was shot down and crashed at Branstedt
near Vechta at 2230 hours on 22 September. Wreckage was scattered over a wide area
and all the crew were killed. The remains of the crew were recovered by the Germans and
buried in Vetcha cemetery. The four RAAF crew members were re-interred at the Sage
War Cemetery, located 13 miles south of Oldenburg, Germany.

82


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/38/215

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J A 859 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1903 hours on 22 September 1943 to
attack Hanover. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and 570 x 4lb

Crew:
RAAF 413665 PO Smith, C K Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 420328 FO Watson, M T L (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 409683 Flt Sgt Galt, K R (Navigator)
RAAF 5148 Flt Sgt Sibbit, E M (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 420155 Flt Sgt Cranfield, A A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Clayton, E G (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 409560 Flt Sgt Lucy, H K (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Hampton, R T (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries and investigations, it was established that the aircraft
crashed on the east bank of the Weser river at Bremen-Walle north west from the city
centre. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Becklingen War Cemetery,
Soltau, 45 miles east of Bremen, Germany.

83

Date of Death :23 September 1943

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix 137 AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/32/195

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster DV 174 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1839 hours on 23 September 1943 to
attack Mannheim, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb and
30 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not
return to base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 23729 Flt Sgt Plant, B A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413989 FO Hadley, G A (Navigator)
RAAF 414338 Flt Sgt Cumming, A B (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Hirst, D S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Davis, V A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 421436 Flt Sgt Morrison D E (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Harris, D C (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed at Speyer on 23rd
September presumably shot down by enemy aircraft. Speyer is approx 12 miles south of
Mannhein, Germany. All the crew were killed and their remains are interred in the
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery at Cleves, located 40 miles norwest of Duisberg.

84


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/9/182

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J A 861 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1939 hours on 27 September 1943 to
attack Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb
incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take odd and it did not return to
base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 413967 PO Dargie, L M Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409462 FO Cole, S V (Navigator)
RAAF 409888 Flt Sgt Bolger, C K (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Whiteside F (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Barnes, A (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Thornhill, W (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J effcock, C (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the target area and all the crew
were killed. They are interred in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

85

Date of death : 2 October 1943

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/24/194

Radio call sign: AR C
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J A 856 took off form RAF Binbrook at 1852 hours on 2 October 1943 to attack
Munich, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen

Crew:
RAAF 412552 PO Lloyd, F L R DFM Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Hurrell, W (Navigator)
RAAF 409567 PO Mitchell, A S (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Woodford, C E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Douglas, G (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Sim, L A (Air Gunner)
RCAF Flt Sgt Sheehan, F (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Deisenhofen, 13 miles SSE of the
centre of Munich. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Durnbach War
Cemetery, 28 miles south of Munich, Germany.

86


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (^3)
NAA : A705, 166/11/85

Radio call sign: AR H
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W4301 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1844 hours on 2 October 1943 to
attack Munich, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 630 x 4lb
base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 414113 Flt Sgt Weller, G L Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413687 Flt Sgt Taylor, A F (Navigator)
RAAF 412737 Flt Sgt Tompson, H C (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 410153 Flt Sgt Farmer, J S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Bond, F S (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 414919 Sgt Edmonds, W E (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Dunn, F S (Air Gunner)

All the crew became POWs with the exception of Sgt Edmonds (RAAF) who was killed.
Flt Sgt Farmer in a statement reported that I can only state that the Germans informed
me that Sgt Edmonds had been killed, but I have no concrete evidence to substantiate this
statement. Have not heard from him or seen him as a POW. It was later established that
the aircraft had crashed between Holzkirchen and Mitterdarching, some 32 miles SSE of
Munich.
Sgt Edmonds is interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

87


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/30/33

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster EE202 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2259 hours on 8 October 1943 to bomb
Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb
base. Eighteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Two of these aircraft
including EE202 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 400102 Wg Cdr Norman, R A , DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 416750 Flt Sgt Ellery, E J (Pilot)
RAAF 413688 Flt Sgt Thomas, D S (Navigator)
RAAF 409238 Flt Sgt Simpson, J O (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Cleverly, G E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Wells, L E P (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Kille, P F (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt ODonoghue, D (Air Gunner)

Wg Cdr Norman who was in command of the Squadron for only a few weeks became a
POW, as did Flt Sgt Ellery and Flt Sgt Simpson. Flt Sgt Thomas lost his life and is buried
in the Hanover War Cemetery. Records available do not reveal the fate of the four RAF
members.

88


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705,
166/7/224

Radio call sign: AR C2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED985 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1716 hours on 18 October 1943 to
bomb Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 38 x 30lb, 840 x
4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to
base. Nineteen aircraft took part in the raid and ED 985 was the only aircraft of the
squadron that failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 416809 PO Turnbull, J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 410304 FO Carter, L T (Navigator)
RAAF 410402 FO White, C G (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Graham, E (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Spencer, R W (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 421737 Flt Sgt Lake, D C (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Brunton, A B (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at 2005 hours on 18 October 1943
near Barenburg, 4kms NW of Kirchdorf.. All the crew were killed and they are interred in
the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

89


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/7/218

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED 658 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2313 hours on the night of 8 October
1943 to attack Hanover, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 3 x 1000lb bombs, 48 x
30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did
not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 409506 FO Caffyn, M C Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 414639 FO Brown, F T (Navigator)
RAAF 413301 Flt Sgt Wulfff, N L (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt McGarvey, R R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Marshall C W (Flight Engineer)
RAF` Flt Sgt Richardson, T A (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Cannon, R N (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at 0155 hours on 9 October north
west of the Bahnhof at Wiedensahl, 10kms east north east of Petershagen.
All the crew became POWs. FO Caffyn however died on 27 October 1943 during transit
from Dulag Luft to Stalag Luft 111. His remains are buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War
Cemetery.

90

Date of Death : 18 November 1943

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/15/141

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster DV341 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1710 hours on 18 November 1943 to
attack Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 990 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty nine

Crew:
RAAF 420465 Flt Sgt Gibson, J G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409723 Flt Sgt Malcolm, J D (Navigator)
RAAF 410606 Flt Sgt Manning, W F J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 425369 FO Slennett C G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J ones, D C (Flight Engineer)
RAF PO Spain, H S (Air Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Megit, R K (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft was attacked by enemy
aircraft, exploded in mid air and crashed at Zornigall on 18 November 1943. Zornigall is
4 miles east of Wittenberg, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the
Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery, Germany.

91


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) App B58 AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/6/334

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster W4162 took off form RAF Binbrook at 1711 hours on 23 November 1943 to
bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty six aircraft
from the squadron took part n the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 412003 Flt Sgt Brown, R Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 420013 Flt Sgt Henderson, R M (Navigator)
RAAF 38780 Flt Sgt Louthean, D (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Camm, C S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt White, G (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 402770 PO Crookston, D A (Air Gunner)
RAAF 410846 Flt Sgt Muntz, J W (Air Gunner)

PO Crookston (RAAF) became a POW and in a later statement reported that the aircraft
was attacked by fighters at 21,000 feet over Luebben-Unter-Spree. Fire broke out and the
Captain ordered abandon. Almost immediately the aircraft exploded. I was blown out and
landed by chute. I was wounded and in a local hospital. The Germans told me that all the
rest of the crew were found near the wreck and buried in Luebben.
Luebben is approx 44 miles SE of Berlin.

The remaining six crew members are interred in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

This same crew had successfully bombed Berlin in W4162 on the previous nights of 18th
November and 22
nd
November 1943, but failed to return from the above mission.

92


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/14/129

Radio call sign: AR A2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED644 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1737 hours on 23 November 1943 to
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty six aircraft

Crew:
RAAF 413561 PO Freeman, M J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413508 Flt Sgt Ashley, A E (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Liddle, P A F (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421339 Flt Sgt Kingsmill, C R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J ackson, D A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 427631 Flt Sgt Aberle, D B (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Elliott T (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near the Bahnof at Mollen, 5kms NW
of Dinslaken. Flt Sgt Ashley, Flt Sgt Kingsmill (RAAF), Sgt Liddle and Sgt J ackson
(RAF) became POWs. In a later statement Flt Sgt Ashley said I last saw Freeman still
at the controls and uninjured. After the others were taken into custody the Wireless Air
Gunner and Flight Engineer were informed by local authorities that Freemans chute had
opened but he was fatally hit by flak during the descent. Sgt Liddle also reported he did
not see any bodies but saw Freemans identity disc and other items.

PO Freeman, Flt Sgt Aberle and Sgt Elliott are interred in the Reichswald Forest War
Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

93


Source:
AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/29/76

Serial number: J B 647
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 647 was one of three aircraft detailed for cross country flying from RAF
Binbrook on 24 November 1943. J B647 struck high ground in rain about 12 miles south
of Grimsby, and crashed near Kelstern at 1630 hours on 24
th
November.

Crew:
RAAF 416780 Flt Sgt Newstead, T Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 412373 Flt Sgt Bradbury, K (Navigator)
RAAF 413274 Flt Sgt Stuart, J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 410243 Flt Sgt Lawrence (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Bailey (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Stevenson (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Espley (Air Gunner)

Flt Sgt Newstead was killed, and Flt Sgt Stuart and Sgt Bailey died in hospital from their
injuries. The other four crew members were also injured and hospitalised.
Flt Sgt Newstead is interred in a church cemetery at Nottingham UK. Flt Sgt Stuart is
interred at the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.
Note : AWM 237 (63) records Flt Sgt Stuarts date of death as 25 November 1943.

94


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/38/347

Serial number: ED370
Radio call sign: AR B2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED370 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1715 hours on 26 November 1943 to

Crew:
RAAF 421097 Flt Sgt Stones, E J Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Smith, K G (Navigator)
RCAF Sgt McNair, N W (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Bolton, W (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt J ones, R G (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Sgt Arnott, G D (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt McIvor, J M (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by flak and crashed at 2245
hours on 26 November approx 500 yards west of Grossenkneten Railway Station, approx
22kms SSE of Oldenburg, Germany. All the crew were killed are they are buried at the
Sage War Cemetery at Oldenburg.

95

Date of Death : 2 December 1943

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/3/150

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B608 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1633 hours on 2 December 1943
detailed to operate against Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1230 x 4lb
base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these
aircraft including J B608 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 420333 Flt Lt Alford, T D H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 415236 WO Daley, A E (Navigator)
RAAF 412153 WO Leask, L (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 410783 Flt Sgt Ginn, N L (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF WO Folland, H J (Flight Engineer)
RAF PO Howe-Brown, F D K (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF WO Mason, S T (Rear Gunner)

Following post war investigations it was established that the aircraft was shot down and
crashed near Buchholz. Five of the crew became POWs viz : WO Daley, WO Leask, and
Flt Sgt Ginn of the RAAF, and WO Folland and WO Mason of the RAF.
In a statement WO Leask said The aircraft was attacked by two J U88s and an ME110
fighter shortly after bombing. Violent evasive action was taken. One fighter scored hits in
the fuselage and starboard wing. We attempted to extinguish the fire in the wing. The
aircraft was blazing furiously although was under control. Alford ordered abandon
aircraft and this was acknowledged by the crew. The Mid Upper gunner was hit and
unable to bale out. I was the first to bale out.
Two of the crew Flt Lt Alford and FO Howe-Browne are interred in the Berlin 1939-45
War Cemetery.

96


Source:
AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/8/319

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 611 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1635 hours on 2 December 1943 to
bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1230 x 4lb incendiaries.
five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Five of these aircraft including
J B611 failed to return

Crew:
RAAF 405122 Sqn Ldr Corser, E G M DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 412054 Flt Sgt Brown, A J J (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Young, W A (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Price, L R (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Harrington, W W (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 404296 WO Kent, L A DFC (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Keymer, H G (Rear Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed near Doeberitz and all the crew were
killed. Sqn Ldr Corser is interred in the Garrison Cemetery, Doeberitz. Flt Sgt Brown
and WO Kent have no known grave and are commemorated on the Runnymede
Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK.

97


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/11/97

Radio call sign: AR E2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster DV296 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1646 hours on 2 December 1943 to
five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Five of these aircraft including
DV296 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 24574 Flt Sgt Edwards, C H Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Hobbs, D J (Navigator)
RAF Sgt MacDougall, A (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 413645 Flt Sgt McKee, J I (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Tarling, R (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Sullivan, E (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Webber, P R (Air Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of
the village of Mahlow, Germany, at approx. midnight on the 2 December. Mahlow is
approx 11 miles south of Berlin and 6 miles ESE of Tetlow. All the crew were killed and
they are buried in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

98

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/12/4
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster W4881 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1844 hours on 2 December 1943 to
bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid. Of these five aircraft including W4881 failed to
return.
Crew:
RAAF 413843 PO English, J H J DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 24541 PO Anderson, N J (Navigator)
RAF Flt Sgt Catty, A W (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Cole, A G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Miller, W L (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Flt Sgt Rodin (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 409716 Flt Sgt Kan, A E (Rear Gunner)
Mr Stockton (civilian)

Post war investigations established that the aircraft crashed at Paderdamm near
Brandemberg, Germany.
PO Anderson (RAAF), Flt Sgt Catty and Sgt Miller (RAF) became POWs.
In a statement PO Anderson reported the aircraft was shot down by night fighters a
running fight for 10 minutes. A fatal burst underneath causing fires among the
incendiaries in the bomb bay and the port inner tank. The aircraft was later on fire astern
also. From the Pilot came the words stick with it boys. My sincere belief was that the
pilot was endeavouring to crash the aircraft on to the target but it was too well ablaze.
The port side tail plane burnt off and the aircraft went into a spiral dive, Then something
blew up and I was blown out at approx 17,000 feet. Also Miller and Catty who became
POWs. The aircraft crashed approx 12 miles SE of Groningen. I believe the pilot hung
on too long (who had an outstanding fighting spirit) trying to finish the job after the time
we should have abandoned. English was probably killed in the crash I am practically
positive he did not have his chute on. Rodin was probably killed in the turret, and Kan
probably died in the turret or when the aircraft crashed.

The four remaining crew members and Mr Stockton were killed in the crash and they are
buried in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

99


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix (B63) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : 166/27/290

Radio call sign: AR H2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM 316 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1632 hours on 2 December 1943 to
bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these including LM 316 failed to
return.

Crew:
RAAF 409933 FO Mitchell, A R Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 408329 Flt Sgt Cole, R O (Navigator)
RAAF 410255 Flt Sgt Phelan, I R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 410830 FO Boyd, J O (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Cooper, G H (Flight Engineer)
RAF PO Ellis, L J (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Keir, K G V (Air Gunner)
Capt Grieg, J M B (Norwegian War Correspondent)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Doberitz, Germany, and that all on
board were killed. FO Mitchell, Flt Sgt Phelan and Flt Sgt Cole (all RAAF) are interred
in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery. FO Boyd (RAAF) is recorded as missing and his
name is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK

100


Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) AWM 64 (1/294) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/35/141

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B657 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1632 hours on 16 December 1943 to
bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Twenty
three aircraft from the Squadron were detailed for the operation.
At 2304 hours J B657 returning from the mission was given permission to land at base. At
2312 hours the Captain called to say the aircraft had hit a tree just below cloud, and at
2348 he called to say he was firing Verey cartridges as he could not see the aerodrome.
No further messages were received but the aircraft crashed in an ammunition dump at
Stanton Market and all the crew were killed.

Crew:
RAAF 413896 FO Randall, F A DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413890 Flt Sgt Petersen, H H (Navigator)
RAAF 415467 FO Dedman, H G D (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt McKenzie, J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAAF 414349 Flt Sgt Halstead, W K (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 414938 Flt Sgt Howie, C G (Air Gunner)
RAAF 407391 Flt Sgt Moynagh, R A (Air Gunner)

All the crew are interred in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.

There is an absorbing account by FO Randall on his internment in Sweden and safe
return to the UK when flying with another crew on an earlier mission to bomb Berlin.
This report is to be found on Archives file A705, 166/35/141. It is respect of this mission
on 3/9/1943 that he was awarded the DFC on 23/11/1943, only to lose his life on
16/12/1943.

101

Date of Death: 16 December 1943

Source:
AWM 64 (1/293) Commonwealth War Graves Records
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities of the Second World War. Page 428,
Volume 1943.

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster DV173 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1625 hours on the night of 16/17
th

December 1943 to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1250 x 4lb
incendiaries. Having successfully bombed the target, on the return journey the aircraft
crashed into a field at Normanby Site near Caistor, Lincolnshire, UK. One member of the
crew was killed, and other members were injured or badly shaken in the crash.

Crew:
RAAF 405887 WO M. Stafford, Captain (Pilot)
RCAF PO.Hanson, C E (Navigator)
RAAF 27232 Sgt W F H McIntyre, (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 420225 Flt Sgt R Mansfield, (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt F D Dixon, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt J Davies (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF PO Garment, H (Rear Gunner)

PO Garment (RAF) the Rear Gunner was killed in the crash and he is buried in the
Ruislip (St Martin) Churchyard Extension Cemetery, Middlesex , UK
102


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/26/328

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 298 took off from RAF Binbrook on the night of 28/29
th
December 1943
detailed to attack Berlin. Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 56 x 30lb 1100 x 4lb and 120 x 4lb
incendiaries. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Twenty aircraft from
the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 414721 FO McIntyre, R K Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 410483 FO Grant, J P (Navigator)
RAAF 421852 FO Poole, J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 425263 FO Beattie, G P (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Garside, R (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 422031 Flt Sgt Irvin, G H (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF PO Read, W R (Rear Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft exploded in the air over
Gross Ziethen on the southern outskirts of Berlin, and all the crew must have been killed
instantly.
FO McIntyre, FO Grant and FO Beattie (all RAAF) and Sgt Garside (RAF) are listed as
missing with no known grave. FO Poole (RAAF) Flt Sgt Irvin (RAAF) and PO Read
(RAF) are interred in the Berlin (Heerstrasse) British War Cemetery.

103


Source:
AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/19/38


Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 607 took off from RAF Binbrook on 29 December 1943 to bomb Berlin.
Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1230 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard
from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the
squadron took part in the raid and two of these including J B 607 failed to return.

\Crew:
RAAF 412010 PO Ireland, S J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 416114 PO Blight, A E (Navigator)
RAAF 413435 Flt Sgt Seery, R J (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Seddon, C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Squire, W A H (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Poulter, R J (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 421518 Flt Sgt Squires, M H (Rear Gunner)

at 2239 hours on 29 December 1943 at Kerkrade (Limburg) a Dutch town on the border
with Germany, and approx 8kms north of Aachen. All the crew were killed except Flt Sgt
Seery (RAAF) who became a POW. In his report Flt Sgt Seery stated I have received no
information from the Germans re PO Ireland. Our aircraft exploded and almost
immediately I baled out when PO Ireland was still at the controls. I believe he had his
chute on attached at all times, but could not say if he was blown out safely or not.
The remaining six crew members are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery,
Cleves, Germany, approx 40 miles NW of Duisberg.

104


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA, A705 166/23/34

Radio call sign: AR T
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B738 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2330 hours on 2 J anuary 1944 detailed
to bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb and 840 x 4lb incendiaries. After
take off and rising normally, J B738 commenced turning to port and the rate of turn
increased until about half a circuit had been completed. It then banked vertically and
dived into the ground where the bombs exploded. The aircraft crashed at 2336 hours
about 10 miles south west of Grimsby at Binbrook village, and all the crew were killed.

Crew:
RAAF 402869 Flt Lt Knyvett B A DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 421860 Flt Sgt Farthing, J W A (Navigator)
RAAF 410467 Flt Sgt Dobinson, J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 420874 Flt Sgt Gill, H J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Trett, R D (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 407562 PO Ross, E J DFM (Air Gunner)
RAAF 421122 FO Pickworth, C R (Air Gunner)

All the RAAF crew members are interred in the RAF Cemetery Cambridge, UK.
Sgt Trett (RAF) is buried in the Islington Cemetery, Finchley, UK.

105
` 460 SQUADRON RAAF, WORLD WAR 2 FATALITIES


Source:
AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/40/125

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 606 took off from RAF Binbrook on 2 J anuary 1944 to bomb Berlin. Bomb
load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 48 x 30lb, 840 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the
aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron
were detailed to take part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 409747 Flt Sgt Rowley, R W Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409619 FO Truscott, E C (Navigator)
RAAF 420402 FO Robinson, A (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 420146 Flt Sgt Chester L A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Fleming, W (Flight Engineer)
RAF PO Bennett, H E (Air Gunner)
RAAF 427652 Flt Sgt Lawn, R H (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at approx 0300 hours on 2 J anuary
1944 2kms from Muckendorf, and all the crew were killed.
All the crew are interred in the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

106


Source:
AWM 64 (1/313) NAA :A705, 166/25/109

Radio call sign: AR E
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 739 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1614 hours on 20 J anuary 1944 to

Crew:
RAAF 410355 Flt Sgt Lynch, A J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 420081 Flt Sgt Trinder, H S (Navigator)
RAAF 420083 FO Vaughan, J D (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 413823 Flt Sgt Cassidy, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Mortimer, E (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 419417 FO Alexandratos, D (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 419318 Flt Lt Lawler, L F (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that both Flt Sgt Lynch (RAAF) and Sgt Mortimer (RAF) had
lost their lives and the remaining five crew members became POWs.
In a report by Flt Sgt Cassidy he stated At approx 19000 feet on 20/1/44 an ME410
fired a long burst into the aircraft. The port inner engine caught fire, the port inner tank
holed and the port rudder stripped. Extinguishing procedure was taken and effective on
the port engine, but petrol from the port inner tank caught fire. The bombs were
jettisoned and the aircraft was dived in an attempt to blow out the fire. This was
ineffective and the captain gave the order to bale out. The rear gunner said I shall stay in
the turret in case the enemy aircraft comes back. The Captain said No everybody get
out. No one was injured at the time I left the aircraft following the two gunners through
the rear door. I baled out at 18000 feet. The aircraft was still under control and flames
coming from the inner tank were twice the length of the aircraft. The aircraft crashed in
the vicinity of Waren Mecklenburg. The Germans told me that the Pilot and the Engineer
were killed and had been buried.
Flt Sgt Lynch is buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

107


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B71 AWM 237 (63 (64)
NAA : A705, 166/3/168
Radio call sign: AR M
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B702 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1945 hours on 21 J anuary 1944 to bomb
Magdeburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1350 x 4lb incendiaries.
one aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 416830 PO Allan, R N Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 403288 PO Thomas, E G (Navigator)
RAAF 416904 Flt Sgt Trout, M R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421791 Flt Sgt Chadwick, W R Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt McCauley, W A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 426685 Flt Sgt Reed, C W (Air Gunner)
RAAF 421917 Flt Sgt Liersch, C C (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was hit by flak at 2200 hours on 21 J anuary
1944 over the village of Raines and set on fire. Wreckage was scattered over a wide area.
Raines is a small village on the east side of the Elbe River, approx 6kms south of
Gommern, Germany. All the crew were killed in the crash. Their remains are buried in
the Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery.

108

Date of Accident: 22 J anuary 1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295)

Serial number: ND 366
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND366 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1958 hours on the night of 21/22nd
J anuary 1944 to bomb Madgeburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb
and 1350 x 4lb incendiaries. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission.
Homebound from the target the aircraft crashed at 0314 hours on 22 J anuary on
Whitegate Hill near the small town of Caistor, Lincolnshire. All the crew were injured
but none were killed. Sgt Allison and Sgt Norwood needed extensive treatment.

Crew:
RAAF 420507 Flt Sgt P A Teece, Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt J Allison (Navigator)
RAF Flt Sgt W McIntyre, (Bomb Aimer))
RAAF 420225 Flt Sgt R. Mansfield (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt R.S.Hollingworth, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt P C Robins, (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt G.T.Norwood, (Air Gunner)

The pilots report on the mission stated Arrived over target early, orbited 10 minutes
awaiting markers, T.I greens and flares seen. Believed bombed on greens. Time
unknown. Large area of fires, no trouble or sightings en route. Identified base on return
and told to prepare to land 1312 hours. During circuit at 1000 feet both starboard engines
unaccountably cut though plenty of petrol. Aircraft crashed and caught fire. Each member
of crew thrown clear. Bomb Aimer broke leg. Rest minor injuries but badly shaken.

The above is the second crash from which Flt Sgt Mansfield survived, only to lose his
life on 9 April 1944 when a member of another crew in Lancaster ME727 which crashed
when taking off from RAF Binbrook to bomb Villeneuve St George railway yards, Paris.
109


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294 Appendix B70 AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/33/126

Radio call sign: AR B
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B637 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1725 hours on 27 J anuary 1944 to bomb
Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft
after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft form the squadron took part
in the raid. Three of these aircraft including J B637 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 409590 WO Power, R J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409632 PO Whiteside, S (Navigator)
RAAF 405909 Flt Sgt Hurley, E W J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 410673 PO Kerby, J A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt McKenzie, A W (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 426412 Flt Sgt Worley, J F (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Wortley, A E (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established from German records that the aircraft was shot down in the
vicinity of Werder in the Russian Zone of Occupation in Germany. Werder is approx 22
miles south west of Berlin. A German resident of Stuecken about 24 miles south west of
Berlin stated that on the night of 27 J anuary 1944 a Lancaster crashed on his land and all
the crew of seven were killed. This aircraft was established as being J B637. All the crew
are interred in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery.

110


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/26/353

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J A860 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1735 hours on 27 J anuary 1944 to bomb
Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb and 1070 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was
heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Eighteen aircraft from
the squadron took part in the raid. Three of these aircraft including J A860 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 414947 Flt Sgt McLachlan, W R Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Yates, R C (Navigator)
RAF Sgt J ones, J M (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 413143 Flt Sgt Rofe, R J (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Murray, W V (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 424189 Flt Sgt J onas, W A (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt White, R D (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Rofe, Flt Sgt J onas (RAAF) and Sgt White became POWs. In a later statement by
Flt Sgt Rofe he reported The aircraft was attacked by two fighters at about 21,000 feet.
The attack made the back turret and the intercom u/s. The abandon order was given but
was not heard by the navigator, bomb aimer and flight engineer apparently as they were
still in the aircraft when the two gunners and I baled out. The flight engineer was
wounded in the leg, but did not know if he was able to bale out. I baled out at approx
8/10,000 feet. The members left in the aircraft were McLachlan, Yates, J ones and
Murray. At the time the aircraft was in a dive and out of control. I was captured the next
day.

The remaining four crew including Flt Sgt McLachlan were killed and are buried in the
Posen Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland.

111

Source:
AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/16/278
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster J B 610 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2334 hours on 19 February 1944 to
bomb Leipzig, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was
heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid. Of these two aircraft including J B610 failed to
return.
Crew:
RAAF 412945 PO Godwin, K J Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Wiggins, M (Navigator)
RAAF 414542 Flt Sgt Dellit, A B (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421332 Flt Sgt Hennessey, F A (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Wood, G (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 419274 FO Morris, J N (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Clarkson (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft exploded in the air and crashed into the
Steinhudermeet lakenear the town of Hagenburg, Germany, with wreckage scattered
over a wide area. Flt Sgt Dellit (RAAF) and Sgt Wiggins (RAF) became POWs and the
remainder of the crew were killed.
Sgt Wiggins in a statement said A fighter gave us a three second burst from tail to nose.
The pilot asked if the crew were OK. Only the bomb aimer, engineer and self replied.
While attending to a fire on my desk, my intercom became disconnected. Then the
engineer passed me to go down the fuselage. At that time I saw the wireless operator
getting up from his seat. After finishing with the fire on my desk, I followed the engineer
to a fire amidships but both he and the wireless operator had disappeared. The fire was
impossible to control so I returned to my desk to report to the pilot over the intercom, but
received no reply from any of the crew. I looked around the blackout curtain and saw the
pilot seat vacant, and also the bomb aimers compartment, so I assumed they had baled
out. I followed suit. This statement was written in the presence of the bomb aimer.

Both FO Morris and Flt Sgt Hennessey (RAAF) are buried in the Hanover War
Cemetery, Germany, and PO Godwin is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing,
Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

112

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix 74 AWM237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/35/222
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster ND 569 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2348 hours on 19 February 1944 to
bomb Leipzig, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 56 x 30lb, 1260 x 4lb
base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Two of these aircraft
including ND 569 failed to return.
Crew:
RAAF 410248 Flt Sgt Mackrell, S V Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 425072 Flt Sgt Tappenden, J E (Navigator)
RAAF 421771 Flt Sgt Thomson, I A (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421803 Flt Sgt Groves, K K (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Fidler, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Weller, (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 423323 Flt Sgt Randell, N J (Rear Gunner)
Both Flt Sgt Tappenden and Flt Sgt Groves became POWs. Flt Sgt Groves in a later
statement said After bombing the target, a fighter got below us. As we started evasive
action the plane was raked from front to back with cannon fire. The Pilot ordered the
crew to bale out with the two port engines on fire and the aircraft out of control. Injuries
to the crew were unknown. He did not hear any crew acknowledge bale out. The
navigator saw the engineer go to the forward hatch. When I passed through the bomb
aimers compartment both the engineer and the bomb aimer were missing so presumed
both had baled out as the hatch was open. When I left the pilot was still in position. There
was no word from either gunners. The fuselage from beyond the wireless operators
position back was all on fire. I baled out at 3000 feet. The aircraft seemed in a very steep
dive. The fire in the fuselage was too severe and prevented me going out the rear hatch.
As I went forward past the pilot I saw the two port engines on fire and the port wing. I
made contact with the navigator on the ground. I was captured three hours later.

Post war searches to locate the aircraft and the other five crew members in the vicinity of
Zietz, 20 miles south of Leipzig were unsuccessful. German reports said that Flt Sgt
Thompson plus one other crew member had been buried at Troglitz about 3 miles from
Zietz, but only one grave was found and the remains could not be identified.
The names of the five missing crew members are commemorated on the Runnymede
Memorial to the Missing, Surrey, UK.

113


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/7/420

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND419 took of from RAF Binbrook at 2330 hours on 20 February 1944 to
bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. On return
from the mission, ND419 in blizzard conditions flew into trees and crashed at 0650 hours
on the 21 February half a mile south of North Witham, which is 10 miles south of
Grantham in Lincolnshire, UK. All the crew were killed.

Crew:
RAAF 416953 PO Grant, G A Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 422261 FO Cleveland, F A (Navigator)
RAAF 417085 Flt Sgt Lawrie, E H (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421426 Flt Sgt Young, A G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Rawson, P D (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt McCarthy, J E (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 417816 Flt Sgt Dietman, J A (Rear Gunner)

All the crew are buried at the RAF Cemetery Cambridge, UK.

114

Date of Accident : 24 February 1944

Source:
W.R.Chorley : RAF Bomber Command losses of the Second World War.

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 547 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1637 hours on 24 February 1944 for a
Bullseye training sortie during which a mid air collision occurred with a 166 Sqn RAF
aircraft engaged on the Schweinfurt operation. J B547 crashed at Willoughby Manor near
Kirton in Lindsey, Lincolnshire, UK. The crew parachuted but two of the crew were quite
badly injured and required hospital treatment.
Despite the serious nature of this incident, details of the 460 Sqn crew are omitted from
the squadron ORB, and the above information is from the accident record card.
Chorley on Page 102 (1944 volume) records that Flt Sgt D H Stitt (RAAF) was a member
of the crew.

The following entry appears on Page 99 of Chorley (1944 volume) :
Lancaster ME 641 of 166 Sqn RAF (AS B) took off from RAF Kirmington on 24
th

February 1944 to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany. The aircraft collided near Bully Hill,
Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, UK at 2200 hours, with a 460 Sqn Lancaster out from
Binbrook. Five of the 166 Sqn crew were killed (4 RAF and 1 RCAF) and 1 RAF and 1
RCAF survived the crash.

115


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/18/295

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND 394 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1802 hours on 24 February 1944 to
bomb Schweinfurt, Germany. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 6 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and two including ND 394 failed to return. There
were no RAAF members in the crew of the other missing aircraft LM 315.

Crew:
RAAF 410033 WO Baxter, D W Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 414565 Flt Sgt Hopgood, C B (Navigator)
RAAF 422445 FO DArcey, A (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 414996 Flt Sgt Ferguson R C (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Mallon, P (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 424319 WO Martin, W J (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Dunlop, J D (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Villiers Sous Preny, some 33kms
south of Nancy, France. WO Martin became a POW, WO Baxter and FO DArcey (all
RAAF) evaded capture and were returned safe to the UK. The remaining four crew
members were killed.
In a statement, WO Baxter reported The aircraft was attacked by a night fighter at
22,000 feet approx 15 miles south west of Metz when approaching the target. The
starboard inner engine was on fire and the aircraft out of control. The bombs were
jettisoned and the crew instructed to abandon. The navigator, mid upper gunner and the
bomb aimer baled out at 15,000 feet. The aircraft then turned on its back and I was
thrown through the perspex at about 10,000 feet. The bomb aimer and I have no further
knowledge of the rest of the crew, but consider the aircraft was totally destroyed.

Flt Sgt Hopgood and Flt Sgt Ferguson are buried in the Village Church Yard at Villiers-
Sous-Preny, Lorraine, France.

116


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix B77 AWM237 (63)
AWM 64 (1/313) NAA : A705, 166/27/366

Radio call sign: AR D
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B742 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2129 hours on 25 February 1944 to
bomb Augsburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb bombs. Nothing was heard
from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the

Crew:
RAAF 420838 PO Martin, R C Captain (Pilot)
RCAF PO Strain, J E (Navigator)
RAAF 421861 Flt Sgt Gurdon, P W B (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 425120 Flt Sgt Carlile, W D (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Willis, F C (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Woodward, F (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 418842 Flt Sgt Howiss, W J (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on 25 February 1944 near Stetten,
8kms west of Rottweil, which is 50 miles south west of Stuttgart.
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

117

Date of Death: 25 February 1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Grave Records

Radio call sign: AR K2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM315 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2024 hours on the night of 24/25
th

February 1944 to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany, a centre specialising in the manufacture
of ball bearings vital to the German war effort. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after
take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew:
RAF Sgt R.Yates, Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt F Lloyd, (Navigator)
RCAF FO Mark, A R (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt M Goldman, (Wireless Operator)
RAF Sgt D J Halke, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt N H Lerigo (Mid Upper Gunner)
RCAF Sgt L L N De Celles, (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that all the crew died and they are buried in the Durnbach
War Cemetery, Germany.
118


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/32/326

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND 393 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1916 hours on 15 March 1944 to
bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 120 x 30lb and 600 x 4lb
incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to
base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and only one aircraft
ND 393 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 413416 PO Parkinson, G E Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Marley, G P (Navigator)
RAAF 413874 WO Krone, H (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 413393 WO King, R G (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Read, E J (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 434078 Flt Sgt Bell, J H (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 427559 Flt Sgt Sherwood, R C (Rear Gunner)

Following post war searches and enquiries no trace of the missing aircraft or crew could
be found. Their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at

119


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C28 AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/26/44

Serial number: ME 640
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ME640 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1839 on 24 March 1944 to bomb
Berlin. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 156 x 30lb and 420 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was
heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft
from the Squadron took part in the raid, and two of these including ME640 failed to
return.

Crew:
RAAF 407531 Flt Lt McKinnon, A F DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 410619 FO Bird, J P (Navigator)
RAAF 32665 WO Goodwin, J I (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Flt Sgt Craven, A (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt White, G F (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 402602 FO Fitzgerald, G D (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 425392 Flt Sgt West, J D (Rear Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at 0018 hours on
25 March 1944 between Osterbrock and Teglingen, two villages east of the Dortmund-
Ems Canal, and between the towns of Lingen and Meppen in the Althare district,
Germany. All the crew were killed except FO Fitzgerald who became a POW.
In a statement FO Fitzgerald reported I cannot supply any information concerning Flt Lt
McKinnon. The Germans informed me that the body of McKinnon had been found in the
wreckage and they produced his identity card.
The six crew members killed in the crash are buried in the Reichswald Forest War
Cemetery, Cleves, 40 miles north west of Duisberg, Germany.

120


Source:
NAA: A705, 166/8/404

Radio call sign: AR S
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
bomb Berlin. Bomb load 1x 4000lb bomb, 156 x 30lb, 420 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and two of these aircraft failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 420157 PO Cusick, M J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 414313 WO Martin, J R (Navigator)
RAAF 418349 Flt Sgt Clifton, J W (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 425306 Flt Sgt Forrest, P A (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Foster, J (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 434660 Flt Sgt Speering, G N (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 418917 Flt Sgt Bunpstead, A (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on a hillside near the village of
Hollenstein, approx 45 miles south west of Hanover. Flt Sgt Forrest (RAAF) became a
POW. The other six crew members were killed and they are interred in the Hanover War
Cemetery, Germany.

121


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C29 AWM 237 (64)
NAA : A705, 166/6/457

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B 598 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2012 hours on the night of 26 March
1944, detailed to attack Essen Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take
off and it did not return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 415757 FO Burnell, B D Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Pole, H (Flight Engineer)
RAF Flt Sgt Knight, R A (Navigator)
RAF FO Bestwick, R B (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Taylor, R D (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Milliner, E A (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Bailey, D W (Air Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Weistervenn, which is approx 4
miles west of St Vith, Belgium. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the
Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

122


Source:
AWM237 (64) NAA: A705, 166/22/16

Serial number: NB 553
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NB553 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1655 hours on 30 March 1944 to carry
out a day fighter patrol exercise. Following completion of the exercise an accident
occurred due to the ejection of the dinghy during flight. The dinghy became entangled
with the starboard side of the tail plane and elevator causing the pilot to lose control of
the aircraft. The aircraft crashed near Witchford, Cambridge UK about 4 miles south west
of Ely.

Crew:
RCAF Flt Lt Healey, W A Captain (Pilot) (a member of 49 Sqn RAF)
RAF FO Bailes R, (Navigator)
RAF Sgt J J ones, (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt F Boardman. (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 405246 Flt Lt Kirby, J A DFM (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt T A Hutchison, (Air Gunner)
RAF FO J agger, B DFM (Air Gunner)

Flt Lt Kirby was instruction in gunnery, and FO J agger was a member of the RAF
Bombing Development Unit based at Gransden Lodge.
Flt Lt Healey, Flt Lt Kirby, FO J agger, Sgt Boardman and Sgt Hutchison are buried in the
RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. FO Bailes is buried in the Methley (St Oswald)
Churchyard, Yorkshire, and Sgt J ones in the Kirkford (St J ohn the Baptist) Churchyard
Extension, Sussex, UK.

123


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/3/193

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND750 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2224 hours on 30 March 1944 to bomb
Nuremberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 96 x 30lb and 1020 x 4lb
base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and three of these
including ND750 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 28817 PO Anderson, P R Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt J ohnson, G (Navigator)
RAF FO Woods, R L (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Pitfield, A S (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Lax, D G (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt J ones, R (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Parmenter, R S (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft when nearing Koblenz on the outward leg,
was hit by flak and crashed at Rodenback, 4kms NW of Neuwid.
FO Woods, Flt Sgt J ohnson, and Sgt J ones survived the crash and became POWs. The
remaining four crew members were killed. In a statement FO Woods said The last time
I heard Anderson was when he ordered abandon over the intercom. At that time he was
apparently unwounded. I can supply no further details.
PO Anderson (RAAF) and his three RAF crew members killed in the crash are buried in
the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

124

Date of Death : 31March1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294 Appendix C31 AWM 237 (64)
NAA : A705, 166/41/10

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 156 x 30lb and 420 x 4lb
base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and three including ND
361 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 403438 Sqn Ldr Utz, E A G DFC and Bar Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 413641 PO McLeary, R J (Navigator)
RAAF 412774 PO Thomson, J H DFM (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Flt Sgt Dawson, T (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Green, K E (Flight Engineer)
RAF FO Howarth, J (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 412480 PO Chadwick-Bates, A G J DFC (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by an enemy night fighter and
crashed on 31 March at Oberhausen, approx 60 miles south of Nuremberg. PO McCleary
became a POW and the remaining six crew members were killed. They are buried in the
Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

125


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/17/520

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 2000lb bomb, 24 x 30lb and 1800 x 4lb
incendiaries. The aircraft failed to return to base after the mission. Twenty four aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and three failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 421596 Flt Sgt Hargreaves, C H Captain (Pilot)
RAF FO Beaumont, J E (Navigator)
RAAF 418689 Flt Sgt Spargo, W H (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Flt Sgt Moody, G D (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Siddall, D F (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Leggett, A E (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt J ones, G (Rear Gunner)

A message was received from ND738 when about 45 miles south east of Selsey Bill on
the south coast of England. There was no indication of any difficulty at the time. The
aircraft became overdue, but searches found no trace of the aircraft.
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Graefenberg at 0100 hours on
the 31 March and all the crew were killed. They are buried in the Durnbach War
Cemetery, some 20 miles south of Munich, Germany.

126


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/26/417

Radio call sign: AR X2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ME 727 was detailed to bomb railway yards at Villeneuve St Georges, south
east of Paris on the night of 9 April 1944. Bomb load 12 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs.
The aircraft took off from RAF Binbrook at 2124 hours and after take off it dropped the
port wing, executed a turn to port with the wing still down. It continued to turn six
complete circles in the air moving away from the drome, losing height and gradually
getting steeper in the turn. It finally crashed in woods at 2130 hours approx one and a half
miles from the drome, and all the crew were killed. It was later established that the
aircraft took off with the trim incorrectly set.

Crew:
RAAF 410367 PO McKenzie, W D Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 423957 Flt Sgt Weekes, W D (Navigator)
RAAF 412200 Flt Sgt Simpson, B J J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 420225 Flt Sgt Mansfield, R (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Barber, S B (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Crouch, J L (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Pyne, J (Air Gunner)

Sgt Barber is buried in Alcocks Green (St Mary) Churchard, and the other six crew
members are buried in the RAF Cemetery Cambridge, UK

127


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/8/423

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ME663 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2120 hours on 9
th
April 1944 to carry
out a mining operation in the Danzig Bay area of the Baltic. Nothing was heard from the
aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twelve aircraft from the squadron took
part in the operation.

Crew:
RAAF 416656 Flt Lt Crosby, P A DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409280 FO Suffren, C E DFC (Navigator)
RAAF 414191 Flt Sgt Billett, C (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 410641 Flt Sgt Chapman, L H (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF PO Bender, M H (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 418879 FO Robb, L W (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 426100 Flt Sgt Hodge, S F (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Sknaale, 10kms west of Horsens,
Denmark. Both FO Suffren and Flt Sgt Hodge became POWs. In a later report Flt Sgt
Hodge reported The aircraft was badly shot about and set on fire by three enemy aircraft
at 23,000 feet. At about 18000 feet the Captain ordered abandon aircraft and all the crew
acknowledged. The plane lurched and at 6000 feet straightened out and the Captain said
hurry and abandon. The aircraft started to dive again. I left by way of the rear turret. The
aircraft was burning in both wings and the flames were coming back both sides. The
starboard side was the worst. The aircraft was shot up in the vicinity of Arrhus and
Horsens. I did not see the aircraft crash. I was met by Danes and taken for a meal. Then
the Germans turned up. I have no information re the other crew.

FO Suffren (POW) died of his wounds ten months later on 16 February 1945. He is
buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. The remaining five crew members who
were killed are buried in the Fourfeldt Cemetery, Esbjerg, Denmark.

128

Source:
NAA: A705, 166/6/479
Serial number: J D 600
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster J D600 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2030 hours on 9 April 1944 to carry out
a mining operation in the Danzig Bay area of the Baltic. Nothing was heard from the
Crew:
RAAF 420438 PO Burke, R W DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 420385 PO Henry, A (Navigator)
RAAF 426045 Flt Sgt Brooks, J L (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421657 Flt Sgt Fleming, P S (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Stedman, (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 427454 Flt Sgt Cooper, S W (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 420388 Flt Sgt Hosier, J S DFM (Rear Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down when homeward bound by
night fighters and crashed at 0330 hours near Torrrild, 10kms south of Skanderborg,
Denmark. All the crew were killed except Flt Sgt Cooper who became a POW. In a report
he stated The aircraft was attacked by enemy aircraft over Denmark. The aircraft
disintegrated. I was thrown clear and captured on landing. We had dropped our mines and
were returning over Denmark when first attacked at 17,000 feet from underneath by a DO
217. The intercom was poor. The starboard inner engine was knocked out, the starboard
wing set on fire and the fuselage damaged. I believe Hosier (Rear gunner) was killed in
either the first or the second attack. The second attack was from astern. I believe the pilot
was hit because evasive action ceased and the aircraft was in a shallow dive. On the
second attack the mid upper gunner returned fire and this set the enemy aircraft port
engine on fire, and the starboard engine and cabin shortly after. The DO217 disintegrated.
A minute later there was another attack by a J U88 from dead astern setting the remaining
engines and fuselage on fire. The turret was being operated manually and the mid upper
gunner got in a sustained burst on the J U88 setting it afire. The enemy aircraft broke
away. The mid upper gunner was wounded in the foot, crawled out of the turret and
donned his chute. Our aircraft was completely afire and went into a spin. It exploded and
threw me clear. I landed near the crashed aircraft.
The six crew members who lost their lives are buried in the Fourfeldt Cemetery, Esbjerg,
Denmark.

129


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/36/240

Serial number: J D 734
Radio call sign: AR R2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J D734 took off form RAF Binbrook at 2115 hours on 9 April 1944 to carry out
a gardening operation in the Danzig Bay area of the Baltic. Nothing was heard from the

Crew:
RAAF 413894 PO Proud, R J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 422302 FO Ryan, L M (Navigator)
RAAF 417503 Flt Sgt Martin, D H (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421239 Flt Sgt Boyce, W G (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt McKinstry, T (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Edwards, S (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 426943 Flt Sgt Oberhardt, E (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter on the
homeward leg, and it crashed between 0300 and 0330 hours on 10 April 1944 near
Gunderup, 10kms north of Varde, Denmark. All the crew were killed and they are buried
in the Fourfeldt Cemetery, Esbjerg, Denmark.

130


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C36 AWM237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/33/146

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ED586 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2341 hours on 10 April 1944 to bomb
the railway junction and marshalling yards at Aulnoye, France. Bomb load 12 x 1000lb
bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.
Twelve aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 420054 FO Probert, A H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 410609 FO McDougall, R B (Navigator)
RAAF 425207 Flt Sgt Palfreyman, A H (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Robbins, D E (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Wiseman, B G (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 429322 Flt Sgt Hogg, W G (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 418695 FO Ryan, K F (Rear Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Vieux Mesnil at 0230 hours on 11
April 1944. Vieux Mesnil is near Maubeuge situated on the River Sambre close to the
Belgium border. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Centre Cemetery,
Maubeuge Nord, France.

131

Date of Accident : 18 April 1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World
War (Page 173 1944 volume)

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B662 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2226 hours on the night of 18/19
th
April
1944 to bomb Rouen, France. When taking off the aircraft swung out of control and
crashed. It caught fire, an explosion occurred and the aircraft was wrecked. All the crew
managed to escape but the runway was unserviceable for several hours. There were no
fatalities.

Crew:
RAAF 417025 WO R H White, Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 416945 Flt Sgt H J Fry (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 417136 Flt Sgt K C Tweedle, (Navigator)
RAF Sgt J Bailey (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 426523 Sgt W R Elgar, (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt K Applegarth, (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt J H Holloway, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Winstanley, (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt G Graham (Rear Gunner)

132


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/3/204

Radio call sign: AR T
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM525 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2254 hours on 22 April 1944 to bomb
Dusseldorf, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 108 x 30lb and 1170 x 4lb
base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one LM525 failed to
return.

Crew:
RAAF 5182 Flt Sgt Allen, R Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 415384 FO Orr, W M (Navigator)
RNZAF Flt Sgt Collett, K P (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Swinton, S Mc (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Lord, D (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Sgt Stewart, J S (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Bond, J G (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter from 21,000
feet and crashed at Sythen, 4kms north east of Haltern. Flt Sgt Allen was killed and the
remaining six crew members became POWs. In a later statement FO Orr said On the
night of 22/23
rd
April our aircraft was attacked by a night fighter near Dusseldorf. The
Captain remained in the aircraft and tried to land Flt Sgt Collett another crew member at
Stalag Luft 111 stated he identified the body of Allen and he is buried in Haltern,
Germany.
In a letter to relatives in 1951 they were advised that Flt Sgt Allen was buried in Sythen
Civil Cemetery at Haltern, At the end of hostilities the Americans removed the body for
reburial most likely thinking it was American, but despite prolonged investigation it had
not been possible to find the place of reburial. Flt Sgt Allens name is commemorated by
a Kipling Memorial in the Rheichswald Forest War Cemetery at Cleves, Germany.

133


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/37/387

Serial number: NR 652
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NR652 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2326 hours on 26 April 1944 to bomb
Essen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 108 x 30lb and 1170 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base Twenty
five aircraft from the Squadron took part in the raid and one NR652 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 27542 FO Sharpe, J W Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 423929 Flt Sgt Theyer, W J (Navigator)
RAAF 423921 FO Steinbeck A K (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 413423 FO Pritchard, J S (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Robinson, G A (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Warren, G B (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 432114 FO Callahan, P R (Rear Gunner)

at Mulheim, Germany. All the crew were killed and they are interred in the Reichswald
Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

134


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/20/120

Radio call sign: AR L2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM523 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2127 hours on the night of 27 April
1944 to bomb Freiderichshafen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb bombs, 84 x
did not return to base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and three
of these aircraft including LM523 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 404507 Sqn Ldr J arman, E G D DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 408034 FO Carroll, M W DFC (Navigator)
RAAF 404503 FO J ackson, F G DFC (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 404467 FO Harrison, H R (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Champkin, D G (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 411227 FO Neal, R L (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 414807 PO Lynch, T J (Rear Gunner)

at Lahr. PO Lynch became a POW and the remaining six crew members were killed.
They are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

135


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/24/435

Radio call sign: AR F
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND364 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2133 hours on 27 April 1944 to bomb
Freidrichshafen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb bombs, 84 x 30lb, 810 x 4lb
base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and three of these including
ND364 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 415259 WO Leary, J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 420928 WO Farrar, A J (Navigator)
RAAF 422684 Flt Sgt Patterson, A R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 21660 Flt Sgt McAllister, H G (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt J ones, T E (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 406094 FO Bown, L W (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Pountney, R S (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft exploded in mid air and crashed at Luxluin
near Rupt-Sur-Mosselle (Vosges) France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in
the Rupt-Sur-Mosselle Communal Cemetery, France.

136

Date of Death: 28 April 1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313)
Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command
Losses of the Second World War (Page 198 1944 Volume)

Serial number: LL 906
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LL906 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2132 hours on the night of 2728
th
April
1944 to bomb Friedrichshafen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 60 x 30lb and 600
x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to
return to base. Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and three of
these failed to return.

Crew:
RAF FO Brown, G H Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt G.Cranston (Navigator)
RAF Sgt B. Forshaw (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt E G Sneyd, (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt A T G J ones, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt S Rennie, (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt W Milner (Rear Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft was shot down by an
enemy night fighter and crashed in the triangle formed by Appenwihr Neuf Brisch
Hettenschlag (Haut Rhin), and within 10kms of the Rhine and Franco-German border.
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Appenwihr Churchyard Cemetery,
7kms south east of Colmar, France.
137


Source:
AWMK 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/294) Appendix C44 AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705 : A705, 166/14/197

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ME740 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2146 hours on 3 May 1944 to bomb
the military camp at Mailly Le Camp, France. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb
bombs.Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base.
Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these including
ME740 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 416945 Flt Sgt Fry, H J G Captain (Pilot)
RAF FO Sumner, L (Navigator)
RAAF 426563 Flt Sgt Elgar, W R (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Applegarth, K (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Holloway, J H (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Sgt Winstanley, T S (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Graham, C G (Rear Gunner)

From post war enquiries and investigations it was established that the aircraft was shot
down soon after bombing the target, and it crashed and exploded at Marigny Le Grand on
4 May, 11kms south east of Sezanne and 64 miles east of Paris.
All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Marigny Le Grand Communal
Cemetery, France.

138

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/38/512

Radio call sign: AR G
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND630 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2143 hours on 3 May 1944 to bomb a
military camp at Mailly Le Camp, France. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 16x 500lb
Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took impart in the raid and five of these including
ND630 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 409760 PO Smart, J W Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 422100 Flt Sgt Barber, G C (Navigator)
RCAF Flt Sgt Warnock, G R P (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Naismith, F FR (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Oulton, T (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Sgt Moore, A B (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Stannet, E F (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down soon after leaving the target
and it crashed at Chapelle Valon, 13kms north of Troyes, France on 4 May. All the crew
were killed and they are buried in the Chapelle Valon Communal Cemetery, France.

139


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/24/439

Radio call sign: AR F2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ME728 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2147 hours on 3 May 1944 to bomb a
military camp at Mailly Le Camp, France. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb
Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and five of these including
ME728 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 414050 PO Lloyd, N D L Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 424297 Flt Sgt Hobbs R H (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Wootton-Woolley, B T (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 418910 Flt Sgt Barr, D R (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Turnbull, J G (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Fry, P D (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt J ohnson, R A Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down after leaving the target and
crashed on 4 May 1944 near the village of Avant Les Marcilly, 21 miles north west of
Troyes, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried in the Avant Les Marcilly
Parish Cemetery, France.

140

Date of Death: 4 May 1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) Commonwealth War Graves records. W R Chorley :
RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War (Page 208 1944 Volume)

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B741 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2156 hours on the night of 3/4
th
May
1944 to bomb military camp installations at Mailley-Le-Camp, France. Bomb load 1 x
4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it
failed to return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and
five of these failed to return.

Crew:
RAF FO Baker, F W Captain (Pilot)
RCAF PO Thompson, W H (Navigator)
RCAF Sgt W B Martin (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt G E ONeill, (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt J W Ranger (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt W C Maxwell (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt H P Black (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down within site of the AP and
crashed at Dommartin Lettree (Marne), 22kms SSW of Chalons sur-Marne, France. All
the crew were killed and they are buried in the Dommartin Lettree Churchard Cemetery,
France.
141


Source:
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command fatalities in the Second World War, Page 208
1944 Volume). Commonwealth War Graves records.

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND860 of 460 Sqn RAAF took off from RAF Binbrook on the night of 3/4
th

May 1944 to bomb military installations in Mailley-Le-Camp, France. The aircraft was
manned by a crew from 101 Squadron RAF. The aircraft failed to return from the
mission.

Crew:
RAF Flt Lt Hull, W E Captain (Pilot)
RAF FO Wilson, R D DFM (Navigator)
RAF FO Widger, W H DFM (Bomb Aimer)
RAF PO Atkinson, C (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Flt Sgt F J Bell, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Flt Sgt E.Bailey, (Air Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt J C Earl, (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down exiting the target and crashed
in the St Remy-sous-Barbuise (Aube) area, 22kms north of Troyes, France. All the 101
Sqn crew were killed in the crash and they are buried in the St Remy sous-Barbuise
Cemetery, France.
142


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) Commonwealth War Graves records.
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command fatalities in the Second World War, Page 208
volume 1944

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM531 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2200 hours on the night of 3/4
th
May
1944 to bomb military installations at Mailley-Le-Camp, France. Nothing was heard from
the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Seventeen aircraft from the
squadron took part in the mission and five of these failed to return.

Crew:
RAF WO G K Gritty, Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt J Orbin, (Navigator)
RAF Sgt L H Williams, (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt S R Russell (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt L R Vale, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt B Morgan (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt J Chandler, (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by an FW190 during a wait for
bombing instructions, and crashed at 0025 hours on 4
th
May 1944 into a courtyard
adjoining 15 Rue Porte Muree, Chalons-Sur-Champagne, France.
WO Gritty, Sgt Vale, Sgt Russell and Sgt Chandler were killed and they are buried in the
cemetery at Chalons -en-Champagne which is the chief town in the Department of the
Marne, France.The cemetery is on the east side of the town approx 1.5kms east of the
railway station.
Sgt Orbin, Sgt Williams and Sgt Morgan survived the crash, evaded capture and were
returned safe to the UK.
143


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Graves records.
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War, Page 230
1944 volume.

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LL951 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2229 hours on the night of 21/22
nd
May
1944 to bomb Duisberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 130 x 30lb and 777 x
4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return
to base. Twenty one of the squadron aircraft took part in the mission and one of these
LL951 failed to return.

Crew:
RCAF FO McDougall, R E Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt R R Bunker, (Navigator)
RAF FO ODonoghue, E (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt J Herkes, (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt W H Leaney, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt W F ONeill, (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt H R Elsbury, (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down near Zundert (Noord-Brabant)
a large village 17kms south of Breda astride the main road between Breda in Holland and
the Belgian port of Antwerp. Sgt Leaney and FO ODonoghue became POWs. The
remaining five crew members were killed and they are buried in the Zundert Protestant
Church Cemetery, Netherlands.
144

Date of Death : 28 May 1944.

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/22/254

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM545 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2330 hours on 27 May 1944 to bomb
coastal gun emplacements at Merville, France. Bomb load was 11 x 1000lb and 6 x 500lb
bombs. Nothing was heard from LM545 after take off and it did not return to base.
Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and of these only LM545 failoed
to return.

Crew:
RAAF 420961 PO Kirkland, R N Captain (Pilot)
RAF FO Hardman, J (Navigator)
RAF Sgt OBree, H G J (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Gott, F V (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Allen, A P (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 434094 Flt Sgt Wilson, B (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Puiu, A G (Rear Gunner)

The bodies of Sgt OBree and FO Hardman (RAF) were washed ashore on the beach
some 12 miles north east of Caen. They are buried in the Communal Cemetery at Caen,
France. The names of the remaining five crew members are commemorated on the
Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

145

Date of Death : 7 J une 1944.

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/23/57

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster J B700 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2202 hours on 6 J une 1944 to bomb
railway bridges at Vire, France. Bomb load was 14 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard
from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the
squadron took part in the raid, and of these J B700 was the only aircraft that failed to
return.

Crew:
RAAF 422801 PO Knight, F J Captain (Pilot)
RAF FO Read, J J (Navigator)
RAF FO Lynam, W (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Harrison, F (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Croom, L P (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Elcombe, R (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Hillman, L W (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed and exploded on impact and that all
the crew were killed. They are buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

146


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/29/127

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ME696 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2313 hours on 10 J une 1944 to bomb
railway facilities at Acheres, France. Bomb load was 18 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was
heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty five aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and only ME696 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 417220 PO Nicholson, R L Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt Fisher, A (Navigator)
RAAF 417307 Flt Sgt King, K L (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Murray, J P (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Cunningham, C A (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Sgt Arksey, W L (Mid Upper Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Collett, A J (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed on 10 J une at Elancourt, two miles
west of Trappes, and 16 miles WSW of Paris. The aircraft hit high tension wires and all
the crew were killed. They are buried in the Viroflay New Communal Cemetery, France.

147


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/36/289

Radio call sign: AR H2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not
return to base. Nine aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only ME785
failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 5136 PO Roche, A F Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 422165 FO Fry, J R (Navigator)
RAAF 20076 Flt Sgt Hill, R T (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Flt Sgt Sage, T E (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Ross, J B (Flight Engineer)
RAF Barker, G (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 417920 Flt Sgt Whittenbury, M T (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in flames at 0130 hours on 13 J une
after being hit by a night fighter. The aircraft crashed at Middel near Olst Holland and all
the crew were killed. They are buried at the Duur General Cemetery, Olst, Holland.

148


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/3/235

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LM547 took off From RAF Binbrook at 2228 hours on 22 J une 1944 to bomb
railway facilities at Rheims, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off
and it did not return to base. Sixteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and
two of these including LM547 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 400388 FO Lamble, F S Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409298 WO English, W N (Navigator)
RAAF 419017 Flt Sgt Tomkins, K J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 424224 Flt Sgt Shelton, D M (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Foddering, E J (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Spiers, K H (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 423033 FO Allsep, S J (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Frettemolle (Somme), 9kms SW of
a small town of Poix-de-la-Somme, France. All the crew were killed and they are buried
in the Poix (Somme) Churchyard, Frettemolle, France.

149


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/13/252

Serial number: NE 116
Radio call sign: AR G
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NE116 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2233 hours on the night of 22 J une
1944 to bomb railway facilities at Rheims, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft
after take off and it did not return to base. Sixteen aircraft from the squadron took part in
the raid and two of these including NE116 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 421453 Flt Sgt Pearson, L R Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 422304 Flt Sgt Schwilk, C W (Navigator)
RAAF 424170 Flt Sgt Flynn, W J (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Keenan, S D (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt J illings, J A (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Mason, K G (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Flt Sgt Worthington, W (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed and exploded at Morienval (Oise),
8kms NNE of Crepy-en-Valois, France. Five members of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt
Schhwilk and Flt Sgt Flynn (RAAF) evaded capture and returned safe to the UK. In a
statement Flt Sgt Schwilk saidThe aircraft was attacked by a night fighter at 7000 feet
and immediately caught fire. The aircraft was out of control and both Flt Sgt Flynn and I
baled out. I was later informed that the other crew members had been killed.
The five crew members killed are buried in the French Civil Cemetery, Morienval, Oise,
France.

150


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) 64
NAA: A705, 163/125/82

Radio call sign: AR G2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Vaires, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to
base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one of these ME793
failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 423752 PO Israel, J L Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Pester, L E G (Navigator)
RAAF 419387 Flt Sgt Hunkin, G H (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Beckwith, F W W (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt White, L G (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Rouse, A E J (Mid Upper Gunner)
RCAF Sgt Krynski, T (Rear Gunner)

No trace of the missing aircraft and crew could be found following post war
investigations and enquiries. The names of the missing crew are commemorated on the
Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

151

Date of Death : 5 J uly 1944.

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/38/590

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NE 174 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2208 hours on the night of 4
th
J uly
1944 to bomb railway yards at Orleans, France. Bomb load was 18 x 500lb bombs.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Fourteen
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one of these NE174 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 417528 PO Solomon, J A Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt J oy, D V (Navigator)
RAAF 417873 Flt Sgt Mollet, C K (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421347 WO Clark, I H (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Mickelfield, G R (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Wills F D (Mid Upper Gunner)
RCAF Sgt McLean, L (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire and crashed at
Donnemain village, approx 25 miles north west of Orleans. Four of the crew including
PO Solomon (RAAF) are buried in the St Mames Communal Cemetery, Donnemain,
France. The names of the remaining three crew members including WO Clark and Flt Sgt
Mollett (RAAF) are recorded on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK

152

Date of Death : 15 J uly 1944.

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/42/76

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ME755 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2138 hours on the night of 14 J uly
1944 to bomb Revigny, France. Bomb load was 6 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Fifteen
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and one ME755 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 421774 PO Vaughan, W A H Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt J effries, F (Navigator)
RAAF 421578 Flt Sgt Dickerson, K L T (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 424460 Flt Sgt Raftery, B F (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Allan, A (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Wade, D (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Kilsby, H S (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Chevillon (Haute-Marne), a village
some 16kms SE of St-Dizier, France. Five of the crew were killed and both Flt Sgt
Raftery and Sgt Wade evaded capture and were returned safely to UK. In a statement Flt
Sgt Raftery reported The sortie was aborted and the crew were ordered to bring the
bombs back. At 0200 hours about six minutes after the order to return was given, I heard
canon fire striking the forepart of the fuselage. Fire broke out near the wireless set and
the intercom was U/S. I looked for the navigator without success, and baled out of the
rear door. The mid upper gunner was at the time doing up his chute. The estimated height
was 2000 feet. Until the door was opened the aircraft was reasonably steady, but then
went into a steep dive. Sgt Wade was contacted on the ground. Two days later I was
informed that five of the crew were killed. I identified the bodies from photos I was
shown by the Resistance movement. All were buried at Chevillon. I saw photos of
Vaughan and Dickerson.
The five crew members who died are buried in the Haute Marne Communal Cemetery,
Chevillon, France.

153


Source:
AWM (1/295) AWM (1/294) Appendix C59 AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/7/564

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster LL957 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2302 hours on the night of 18 J uly 1944
to bomb Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and one LL957 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 400318 FO Carr, R L Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 417087 Flt Sgt Leak, L C (Navigator)
RNAF Sgt Utne, R (Bomb Aimer) (Norwegian Air Force)
RAAF 414757 Flt Sgt Brown, E B (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Cambridge, W J C (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Glenn, W D (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Ward, F (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at approx 0145 hours on the 19 J uly
at Roggel (Limburg), 10kms north west of Roermond, Holland. The location was near a
fighter drome at Venlo. Flt Sgt Leak (RAAF) became a POW. The remaining six crew
members were killed. Sgt Utne is buried in Norway, and the other five crew are buried in
the J onkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.

154

Date of Accident: 21 J uly 1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM (1/313)
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War : Page 345,
volume 1944.

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND654 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0014 on the night of 21 J uly 1944 to
bomb the railway yards at Courtrai, Belgium. Bomb load 11 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb
Twenty two aircraft from the squadron took part in the mission and one ND654 failed to
return.

Crew:
RAAF 410065 PO J opling, R H Captain (Pilot)
RCAF Sgt J G Cawley, (Navigator)
RAAF 419198 Flt Sgt R B Moffitt (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 426279 Flt Sgt D J Annat (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt K G Butler (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt R Mills, (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 419057 Flt Sgt L G Rossely, (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Poelkapelle (West Vlaanderen),
9kms NNE of Ieper, Belgium. There were no crew fatalities. Sgt Mills (RAF) became a
POW, and the remaining six crew members evaded capture and returned safe to the UK.

PO J opling later reported ; After completing the bombing the aircraft was hit by a rocket
anti aircraft bomb on the starboard wing setting the petrol tank on fire. I instructed the
crew to abandon the aircraft which was losing height rapidly and out of control. Moffitt
baled out at approx 9000 feet, followed by Cawley, Annat and Butler. Rossely and Mills
abandoned from the rear exit hatch. I baled out at approx 3500 feet. Butler and Annat
were slightly injured by the explosion and flak prior to baling out.

155


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/17/691

Serial number: PB 125
Radio call sign: AR L
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB125 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1138 hours on 3 August 1944 to bomb
a flying bomb storage at Trossy-St-Maximin, France. Bomb load 6 x 1000lb and 4 x
500lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to
base. Twenty five aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid, and one PB125 failed
to return.

Crew:
RAAF 417296 FO Fidock, R C Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt J ones, R H (Navigator)
RAAF 427328 Flt Sgt Hullett, W R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 423729 Flt Sgt Heidtman, K F (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Stock, D C (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Burke, J (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Trollope, J E (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at St Maclou de Folleville village,
6kms east of Troyes and approx 16 miles south of Dieppe, France. All the crew were
killed and they are buried in the St Maclou de Folleville Churchyard, France.

156

Date of Death: 30 August 1944

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Graves records,
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command fatalities in the Second World War, Page 405,
volume 1944.

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NE144 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2106 hours on the night of 29/30th
August 1944 to bomb the port and U Boat yards at Stettin, Poland. Bomb load 1 x
4000lband 1 x 500lb bombs, 72 x 30lb and 855 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard
from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 401959 FO Humphris, K W Captain (Pilot)
RCAF FO McNeill, J B (Navigator)
RAF Sgt G D Walsh Bomb Aimer)
RAF FO Stratford, R K DFM (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Wild, S R (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Fallon, D (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Aviet, P B (Rear Gunner)

It was later presumed that the aircraft came down in the Baltic Sea. FO Humphris, FO
McNeill, Sgt Walsh, and Sgt Walsh survived the crash and became POWs.
FO Stratford, Sgt Fallon and Sgt Aviet were killed. FO Stratfords body was washed
ashore on the island of Anholt, and he is buried in the Anholt Cemetery, Denmark.
Anholt is a small island in the Kattegat midway between J utland and Sweden.
Sgt Fallon and Sgt Aviet rest in Sweden at the Falkenberg Forest Cemetery, which is on
the south west coast in the district of Halland, 11kms south of Gothenberg, Sweden.
157


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/16/421

Serial number: PS 176
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PS176 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1303 hours on 31 August 1944 to bomb
a V2 dump at Raimbert, France. Bomb load 12 x 1000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Seventeen aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and only one PS176 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 418394 PO Grey, L J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 432167 Flt Sgt Hathaway, W E (Navigator)
RAAF 417699 Flt Sgt Coates, R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 427833 Flt Sgt Ion, J P (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Tomkinson, R (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Morris, R R C (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 412546 WO Le Gay Brereton, R (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was presumed that the aircraft came down in the North Sea. The body of Sgt
Tomkinson (RAF) was washed ashore at Domburg, and he is buried at Flushing, Isle of
Walcheren, Province of Zealand. Holland. The body of Flt Sgt Ion (RAAF) was washed
ashore on the island of Noord Beveland, and he is buried in the Colijnsplaat (Kortgene)
Communal Cemetery, N.Beveland Island, Zeeland, Holland. The remaining five crew
members are missing and their names are commemorated on the Memorial to the
Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

158


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/33/230

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB254 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1213 hours on 7 October 1944 to bomb
the small town of Emmerich whose rail and road communications were vital to enemy
supplies to the Arnhem front. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and an assorted load of incendiaries.
Thirty one aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid. Of these one aircraft failed to
return and another aircraft PB254 was badly shot up with three crew members baling out.

Crew:
RAAF 422499 FO Gratton, V K Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 408286 WO Newton, N E (Navigator)
RAAF 417313 WO Potter, K G (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 426907 Flt Sgt Pearson, A V (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Amos, D L (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 422974 Flt Sgt McNaught, L C C (Air Gunner)
RAF Sgt Priest, C W (Air Gunner)

The following is a report from the unit The aircraft PB254 was detailed to make a
daylight bombing attack on Emmerich. The aircraft arrived over the target at the correct
time and got a clear run to the target except for some small flak holes in the starboard
wing. The bombs had just been dropped when the aircraft above and to starboard made a
port correction which resulted in a number of incendiaries striking PB254 causing
considerable damage and setting it on fire. When all the fire extinguishers had been used
with the fire not under control, the abandon order was given. Newton and Amos baled out
but the remainder of the crew continued their attempt to extinguish the fire and eventually
succeeded. The Pilot although unable to see his instruments for smoke was successful in
flying the aircraft back to safety. The aircraft crash landed at 1600 hours at Hawkins
airfield at Kent UK and the four crew members on board were uninjured.
Both WO Newton and Sgt Amos became POWs, but WO Potter who also baled out did
not survive and is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

159


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/14/281

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB152 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1655 hours on 19 October 1944 to
bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb and 1800 x 4lb incendiaries.
eight aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including PB152
failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 415940 PO Fontaine, P Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 412879 WO Bain, R G (Navigator)
RAAF 437314 FO Middleton, C G (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 427929 Flt Sgt Newman, G H (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Chisman, A L (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 421870 WO Krutli, R A (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 430890 Flt Sgt Kenealy, E J (Rear Gunner)

WO Bain (RAAF) who became a POW later reported A night fighter shot us up setting
fire to the starboard engine. The order to abandon was given. I acknowledged but did not
hear any of the others do so. I was first to leave the aircraft at about 15,000 feet. The
aircraft was in a steep dive but still seemed under control. Both the starboard engines
were on fire. The aircraft was shot down and crashed approx 25 miles from Stuttgart.
After parachuting I tried to make my way to France. I spent seven days walking through
forests and along the roads at night. I was captured when breaking into a house for food. I
was informed that all the crew were killed.
The six remaining crew are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany

160


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/17/790

Radio call sign: AR A
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb and 1800 x 4lb incendiaries.
eight aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including PB175
failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 423722 Flt Lt Hamilton, D B Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 419464 Flt Sgt Fagg, E C (Navigator)
RAAF 426043 Flt Sgt Carpenter, W J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 422671 Flt Sgt Oliver, D J (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt King, F (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 428142 Flt Sgt Low, P M (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 424763 Flt Sgt J ago J L (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that all the crew were killed, and they are buried in the

161


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/35/421


Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
bomb Essen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 1000lb, 6 x 500lb bombs and assorted
incendiaries. On the return journey from the target the aircraft crashed at approx 2000
hours near Bircham Newton, North Wootton, Norfolk, about 4 miles North of Kings
Lynn, UK. All the crew were killed with the exception of Flt Sgt Cannon (RAAF) who
was injured and survived the crash.

Crew:
RAAF 422298 PO Richins, D R G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 427818 Flt Sgt Frankish, K T (Navigator)
RAAF 421764 Flt Sgt Stobo, W (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 421524 WO Treloar, J R (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Sunderland, E R (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 431006 Flt Sgt Cannon, J G (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 428900 Flt Sgt Bergelin, R W (Rear Gunner)

A subsequent court of inquiry reported The aircraft was returning from a sortie on the
night of 23 October 1944 when it struck cloud up to 20000 feet in which the icing index
was high. The Pilot descended through the cloud on track and hit a tree 70 feet high in
Houghton Hall Park. The aircraft was extensively damaged and burnt. The Rear Gunner
Bergelin was alive and trapped in the rear turret seriously injured. He died in hospital the
same night. The rest of the crew were killed with the exception of Cannon who was
unconscious under a tree all night and went unaided to Houghton Hall the next morning.
He was admitted to Sick Quarters and recovered. The main cause of the accident was the
weather with contributory factors being loss of the ASI and the pilots altimeter if static
vent frozen.
The six crew members who died are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.

162


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/35/374

Radio call sign: AR U
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
bomb Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 4 x 500lb bombs, 630 x 4lb
base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one of these
PB567 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 427044 FO Reid, E F DFC Captain (Pilot) Born 13/7/1923 Age 21y9mths
RAAF 424263 PO Emery, A F DFC (Navigator) Born 29/12/1925 Age 18y10mths
RAAF 422943 FO Flory, M A (Bomb Aimer) Born 2/12/1922 Age 21y10mths
RAAF 434018 Flt Sgt Royes, R H (Wireless Operator Air) Born 14/6/1923 21y4mth
RAF Sgt Haley, F (Flight Engineer) Age Not Available
RAF Sgt Coley, R G (Mid Upper Gunner) - Age 24yrs -
RAAF 427527 Flt Sgt Marshall, M (Rear Gunner) Born 20/11/1923 Age 21y1mth

Post war it was established that all the crew were killed. Six of the crew are buried in the
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, and the name of FO Flory who is missing is
recorded on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
W.R.Chorley records in his book RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World
War, 1944, that the average age of the crew was 20 years with Sgt Haley being the
senior at 24 years of age. The individual ages of the crew are recorded above.

163


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/7/726

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB541 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1537 hours on 18 November 1944 to
bomb Wanne Eickel, Belgium. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty three
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one PB541 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 419556 FO Carter, A G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 429655 FO Francis, A H (Navigator)
RAAF 437333 Flt Sgt Byrne, G B (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 424355 FO Beeston, J McF (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Evans, (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 422133 Flt Sgt Charlesworth, D N (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 437695 Flt Sgt Payne, R J (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed near Bochum, Germany. All the crew
were killed and they are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves,
Germany.

164


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/26/667

Radio call sign: AR P
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NE 141 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1537 hours on 21 November 1944 to
bomb Aschaffenburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these including NE141 failed
to return.

Crew:
RAAF 434470 PO McMaster, R F Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 436274 FO Pettiford, F J (Navigator)
RAAF 424101 FO Stewart, K R (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 424555 Flt Sgt Herbertson, W (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Day, H (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 433334 Flt Sgt J ones, M A (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 435535 Flt Sgt Chandler, R S (Rear Gunner)

Following post war enquiries it was established that the aircraft crashed on 21 November
at Damm, a suburb of Aschaffenburg. All the crew were killed. The names of PO
McMaster, FO Pettiford and FO Stewart are recorded on the Memorial to the Missing,
Runnymede, Surrey, UK. Flt Sgts Herbertson, J ones and Chandler are buried at

165


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/31/280

Serial number: P 490
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster P490 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1528 hours on 21 November 1944 to
bomb Aschaffenburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two including P490 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 38181 FO Ottaway, W G Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Norman, V E (Navigator)
RAAF 427760 Flt Sgt Flohm, L W (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 430137 Flt Sgt Bull, W (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Metcalfe, H S (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Briggs, G H J (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Shilstone, A N (Rear Gunner)

Six of the crew were killed and Sgt Shilstone (RAF) became a POW. The name of FO
Ottaway is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK and
the remaining crew members are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

166


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/16/486

Radio call sign: AR V
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB459 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1216 hours on 29 November 1944 to
bomb Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb and 6 x 500lb bombs, 4 x
14 clusters and 36 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off
and it failed to return to base. Twenty three aircraft from the squadron took part in the
raid and PB459 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 428772 FO Gray, M C N Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 14734 FO Butler, N E (Navigator)
RAAF 426447 Flt Sgt Armstrong, H B (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 436658 Flt Sgt Parry, E A (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Smith, R A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 405511 WO Whale, W J L (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 412983 WO Lett, R W (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the target area and all the crew
were killed. Five of the crew are buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves,
Germany, and the names of the missing crew members FO Gray and Flt Sgt Parry are
commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing, Runnymede, Surrey, UK.

167


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/31/284

Radio call sign: AR K2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND971 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1645 hours on 6 December 1944 to
bomb Merseburg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb and 8 x 500lb bombs, 2 x
14 clusters and 20 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off
and it did not return to base. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid
and only one aircraft ND971 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 427273 FO Walter P O Captain (Pilot)
RAF FO Andrews, J H (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Moule, D H (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 436361 Flt Sgt Olsen, G G (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Sadler, J R (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Charlesworth, H W (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt J ury, K J (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft collided with another Lancaster, probably
from 635 Sqn and crashed 1km east of Weddingen, 5kms WNW of Vienenburg,
Germany. An explosion occurred as the two aircraft fell and FO Walter who became a
POW was thrown clear. All the remaining crew were killed and they are interred in the
Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.

168


Source:
NAA : A705, 163/26/212

Radio call sign: AR D2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB542 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1559 hours on 12 December1944 to
bomb Essen, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs. Nothing was heard
from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eighteen aircraft from the
squadron took part in the raid and only one aircraft PB542 did not return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 402439 Sqn Ldr Clark, J DFC AFC MID Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 409224 FO Reid, B C DFC (Navigator)
RAAF 411987 FO Bethel, S J (Bomb Aimer)
RAF FO Sanders, C (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF FO Milner, L (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 411772 FO Edwards, P E (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 404043 FO Scott, J M DFM (Rear Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft was shot down by flak at Bergerhausen near
Essen at 1940 hours and burst into flames on impact. Six of the crew were killed and they
are interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany. FO Milner (RAF)
is recorded as missing and his name is commemorated in the Memorial to the Missing,
Sqn Ldr Clark who was acting CO of the Squadron at the time had completed 50
operational sorties.

169


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/37/674

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB255 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1450 hours on 24 December 1944 to
bomb Cologne. Bomb load was 1 x 4000lb, 1 x 1000lb and 8 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Eleven aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and one PB255 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 420763 FO Skarratt, M C Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 430773 Flt Sgt Dickie, R J (Navigator)
RAAF 437237 FO Ward, J M (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 434335 Flt Sgt Stewart, R I (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Newman, T C (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 30953 Flt Sgt Deed, C K (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 433717 Flt Sgt Day, G F (Rear Gunner)

A Canadian Chaplain reported that on 24 December 1944 at 1850 hours an aircraft
crashed at Oostelbeers, Holland. An explosion occurred, the aircraft disintegrated and
occupants were killed. The aircraft and crew were identified by the watch of Flt Sgt
Stewart. Their remains are buried at the Roman Catholic Churchyard Cemetery,
Oostelbeers, Holland.

170


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/43/1090


Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND822 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1903 hours on 14 J anuary 1945 to
bomb a synthetic oil producing plant at Merseburg-Leuna, Germany. Bomb load 1 x
4000lb and 12 x 500lb bombs. Sixteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid.

Crew:
RAAF 423014 PO Walker, G D Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 433507 Flt Sgt Hamilton, R W (Navigator)
RAAF 428774 WO Hutchings, K (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 432928 Flt Sgt Winton, E R (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Forrest, J G (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 437207 Flt Sgt Barnden, L R (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 432970 Flt Sgt Peterson, B R (Rear Gunner)

ND822 returning from the raid crashed between Hainton and Louth in Lincoln, UK.
A subsequent Court of Inquiry reported the aircraft was returning early from the mission
with its bomb load. The Pilot called Binbrook at 2141 saying that the starboard inner
engine was U/S and sort permission to land. The aircraft was told to prepare to land on
runway 040 but not to descend below 500 feet, and that if he could not pancake he would
be diverted. Further attempts at R/T communications were not successful and the aircraft
was seen at approx 2145 hours to be making a circuit of Ludford Magna airfield in order
to land on 020. The outer circle lights were on, but the runway lighting and the glide path
indicators were switched off. The aircraft was seen to turn in an easterly direction
heading inside the outer circle, to dive steeply, strike a cottage and crash in fields straight
ahead. It was believed that ND822 arrived and stayed in the Ludford Magna area under
the impression it was over Binbrook.
Six of the crew were killed and Flt Sgt Peterson was injured. He however died on 20
J anuary 1945. They are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.

171


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/5/917

Radio call sign: AR S
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster ND970 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1948 hours on the night of 28 J anuary
1945 to bomb Stuttgart, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 12 x 500lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twelve aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and ND970 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 427892 FO Birt P N Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 410394 Flt Sgt Symes, E S (Navigator)
RAAF 418318 Flt Sgt Truman, E G (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 437488 Flt Sgt Benbow, D R (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Field, A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 433473 Flt Sgt OHara, D G (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 433749 Flt Sgt Wilson, S G (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Symes, Flt Sgt Truman Flt Sgt Benbow (all RAAF) and Sgt Field (RAF) became
POWs. In a statement Flt Sgt Benbow reported that The aircraft was attacked by J U88
fighters near Stuttgart. The aircraft was damaged. The order to put on chutes and abandon
was given and acknowledged. The port wing was burning, and the port engine and aileron
was u/s. The aircraft was more or less under a controlled dive. I landed in a forest near
Stuttgart. It was freezing and I received frostbite. I walked/crawled to a village and gave
myself up. Truman, Field and Symes were POWs. The Germans said that OHara and
Wilson were killed, and that the body of Birt was near the wreck.

FO Birt, Flt Sgt OHara and Flt Sgt Wilson are interred in the Durnbach War Cemetery,
Germany. Note : FO Birts date of death is recorded in AWM 237 (64) as 29 J anuary
1945.

172


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/27/771

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB807 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2042 hours on 2 February 1945 to
bomb Weisbaden, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 1620 x 4lb incendiaries.
Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. Twenty
four aircraft from the squadron and two of these including PB807 failed to return.

Crew :
RAAF 419193 FO Maguire, J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 434454 PO Everett, N W (Navigator)
RAF Flt Sgt Whiticar, R H (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 429820 WO May, D B (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Newton, R B (Flight Engineer)
RCAF Flt Sgt Russell, D G (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Potter, W G (Rear Gunner)

It was established post war that the aircraft crashed on the outskirts of Reidelbach, a
village approx 16 miles north west of Frankfurt. Flt Sgt Whiticar (RAF) became a POW
and the remaining six crew members were killed in the crash. Their remains are interred
in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

173
Source: AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) NAA : A705, 166/8/854
Radio call sign: AR P
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster ME 326 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2045 hours on 2 February 1945 to
bomb Weisbaden, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 10 x 150 x 4 and 2 x 60 x 4lb
incendiaries. Twenty four aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and two of these
including ME326 failed to return.
Crew:
RAAF 109 Gr Capt Parsons, K R J DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAF Flt Sgt Flattery, F J (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Bull, H J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 433250 Flt Sgt Cunningham, W A (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt J effries, W T (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt George, W A (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Human, F (Rear Gunner)
The aircraft crashed 8 miles south west of Abbeville, France. Gr Captain Parsons who
was Commanding Officer of the Squadron at the time survived the crash and all the other
crew members were killed. Gr Capt Parsons later reported At approx 2300 hours whilst
at 19,000 feet with George engaged I observed another Lancaster about 150 yards on
my starboard beam. We were flying through scattered cirrus cloud at the time and upon
emerging from one of these I observed this Lancaster turning straight across our path. I
immediately disengaged George and attempted to pull up over the other aircraft to
starboard, but he apparently became aware of my approach at the same instant and took
the same avoiding action which unfortunately caused the tail end of his aircraft to wipe
over the top of mine smashing the canopy over my head, stopping the port inner engine
and knocking the port outer engine right out of the wing. My aircraft immediately went
into a spin from which despite every effort I was unable to regain control. I ordered the
crew to abandon the aircraft and after seeing the navigator move up past me to the front I
myself left the aircraft (by parachute) at a height of approx 2000 feet by means of a hole
in the canopy. The aircraft hit the ground and burnt within 500 yards of where I landed.
On later investigation I found that the Bomb Aimer and Rear Gunner had both left the
aircraft but were too close to the ground, the Bomb Aimer being killed instantly and the
Rear Gunner dying in hospital at Abbeville. The other members of the crew were still in
the aircraft and were killed instantly. The following morning I ascertained that the aircraft
with which I collided was Obo 2 of 626 Sqn Wickenby. I also ascertained that the rear
turret of this aircraft had been completely knocked off by the collision and was lying
within 100 yards of my aircraft, the rear gunner being found a few yards away from this
spot having been killed instantly upon hitting the ground. All other members of this crew
parachuted safely. There is no other information.
The six crew members killed are buried in the Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France.

174


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/10/399

Unit: 460 SWqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB301 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1627 hours on 3 February 1945 to
bomb a synthetic oil and benzol plant at Bottrop, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 15
x 500lb bombs. Seventeen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and PB301
failed to return to base.

Crew:
RAAF 400365 Flt Lt Davies, G A T Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 429652 FO Dunn, V (Navigator)
RAAF 431564 FO Avery, J D (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 437490 FO Brown, G S (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Winstanley, R F (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 431012 Flt Sgt Bird, N B (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 429034 Flt Sgt Wilkins, F H DFC (Rear Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed in the middle of a wood approx 8kms
NNW of a German airstrip at Kirchhellan. Both Flt Lt Davies and FO Avery became
POWs and the remaining five crew members who were killed are interred in the
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

175


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/10/407

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB812 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1124am on 10 February 1945 on a
cross country training flight. The aircraft was flying the last leg of the exercise from
Luton to Scunthorpe when it crashed at 3.45pm near the Caythorpe Railway Station near
Fulbech, Lincoln, UK. Witnesses in another aircraft saw the aircraft diving almost
vertically on fire. The crash was of a severe nature and all the crew were killed.
The usual Bomb Aimer of this crew was not in the aircraft being a patient in hospital at
the time.

Crew:
RAAF 429723 PO Miller, R A G Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 418648 FO Downing, J J (Navigator)
RAAF 437951 Flt Sgt Pope, R L (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Flt Sgt Nesbit-Bell, F A C (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 435913 Flt Sgt Robinson, A G (Air Gunner)
RAAF 430736 Flt Sgt Dockery, G M (Air Gunner)

The crew of six are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.

176
Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/38/940
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster PB471 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2137 hours on the night of 20 February
1945 to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 13 x 150 x 4lb and 2 x 60 x
4lb incendiaries. Twenty six aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and PB471
was the only squadron aircraft that failed to return,
Crew:
RAAF 430033 Flt Lt J enkins, A E Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 430403 FO Swift S C (Navigator)
RAAF 429070 FO Campbell, H T (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 434620 FO Clegg, B M (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF PO Stone, F S (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 435276 Flt Sgt Braddock, B (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Graham A (Rear Gunner)
It was established post war that the aircraft crashed at Linkhout in the Belgium province
of Limburg, 6kms east of Diest. Flt Lt J enkins who survived the crash later made this
report : The target Dortmund was bombed at 1.20am of 21 February 1945, and approx
20 minutes later when the aircraft was flying at 13,000 feet in conditions of good
visibility, the pilot received a sudden order from the Rear Gunner corkscrew
starboard, but before he could take any action, a burst of fire from below hit the aircraft.
There had been no warning from the bomb aimer who was keeping his downward
lookout. There was no visible damage and the pilot carried out the rear gunners orders,
but the fighter (not identified) continued firing accurately, hitting the aircraft during the
evasive action. Both Lancaster gunners returned fire, but apparently without effect.
By then the starboard petrol tank was on fire and there was flame and smoke within the
aircraft which was still under control. The pilot endeavoured to get it straight, but before
this could be achieved, an explosion occurred, turning the aircraft on its back and
breaking off the starboard wing. The aircraft immediately went into a spin. The engineer
crawled along the perspex, probably with the idea of getting his parachute. He was the
only member of the crew seen by the pilot during the incident, and the only
communication heard from start to finish was the initial instruction from the rear gunner.
The pilot believes that most of the crew must have been killed by the explosion and that
he himself remained uninjured because of the bullet proof shield behind his back. The
pilot believed there was nothing more he could do and at about 2000 feet he baled out
and landed safely, landing about 2 miles from the crashed aircraft. He evaded capture and
met up with advancing Allied troops.
The six crew members killed are buried in the Hasselt New Communal Cemetery,
Belgium. The AWM Honour Roll records Flt Sgt Braddocks date of death as 20/2/45.

177


Source:
NAA : A705, 166/18/647

Serial number: RA 524
Radio call sign: AR V
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster RA 524 took of from RAF Binbrook at 0703 hours on 2 March 1945 to bomb
Cologne, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 12 x 500lb and 4 x 250lb bombs. Nothing
was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Twenty two aircraft
from the squadron took part in the raid and of these RA524 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 429054 Flt Lt Holmes, J H Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 405307 WO Gordon, H V (Navigator)
RAF Flt Sgt Parkinson, E (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 434180 Flt Sgt Gerrard, J M (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Devlin, J (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 436777 Flt Sgt Thomson, T A (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 427742 Flt Sgt Rankin, G W (Rear Gunner)

In a subsequent squadron report it was stated The crews of four accompanying aircraft
state that they saw RA524 shot down over the target. During the run up to the target, the
aircraft was seen to be hit by bursts of heavy flak, and black smoke trailed from the
aircraft but no flames were visible. The bomb doors closed, the aircraft dived steeply and
then levelled at 15,500 feet and the smoke ceased. Four parachutes were seen to open in
quick succession and then the aircraft went into a slow left hand spin with great volumes
of smoke re-issuing. After loosing 2000 more feet, it again levelled out, turned to
starboard, came back across the target climbing slightly with flames appearing in the
starboard wing and fuselage, then flew straight and level for 30 seconds before making a
straight steep dive and crashed on the west end of the Hohenzollern bridge. The aircraft
had a full load of bombs and exploded on impact.
All the crew were killed. Sgt Parkinson (RAF) is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery,
and the remaining six crew members are buried in the Hotton War Cemetery, Belgium.

178


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63)
NAA : A705, 166/9/554

Serial number: NG 502
Unit: 460 Sqn RAF

Summary:
Lancaster NG502 took off from RAF Binbrook on a night cross country training flight
and at approx 0100 hours on 4 March 1945 crashed near Harfield House, Langworth,
some 7 miles from Lincoln, being shot down by a night intruder J U88 aircraft.

Crew:
RAAF 420312 FO Warren, W B (Captain Pilot)
RAAF 430513 FO Gannon, S R (Navigator)
RAAF 428468 Flt Sgt Kelly, F D (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 437403 Flt Sgt Davey, R E (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt Streatfield, A (Flight Engineer/Pilot)
RAAF 430761 P O J ackson, R J (Air Gunner)
RAAF 10799 Flt Lt Grinter, G R (Air Gunner)

Two crew members were killed in the crash Flt Sgt Davey (RAAF) and Sgt Streatfield
(RAF). They are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK. The other crew members
although injured survived the crash. There was however a sequel to this shooting down.
Observer Taylor of the Royal Observer Corps, witnessed the above attack, and a short
time later, Observer J P Kelway, ROC was killed when the same J U88 shot up his car on
the nearby Welton to Spridlington road. Moments later, the enemy intruder crashed,
killing its crew, after flying into telegraph wires. They were buried a few days later in
Scampton (St. J ohn the Baptist) Churchyard, while Observer Kelway rests in Lincoln
(Newport Road) Cemetery.

179


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/18/654

Radio call sign: AR A2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB557 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1629 hours on 5 March 1945 to Bomb
Chemnitz, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb, 10 x No 14 clusters, 1 x 60 x 4lb, 1 x
150 x 4lb incendiaries. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not
return to base. Twenty one aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and only one
of these PB557 failed to return.

Crew:
RAAF 405792 Sqn Ldr Holmes, J C DFC Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 430159 Flt Sgt Clarke, T T (2
nd
Pilot)
RAAF 408440 FO Hudspeth, D G (Navigator)
RAF Sgt Hayward, R E (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 409653 FO Baudinette, I S (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt J Young, (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 412815 Flt Lt Morgan, T E V DFM (Air Gunner)
RAAF 412167 WO Mayne, E O T (Air Gunner)

Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Pfieffe, 5kms ESE of Spangenberg.
The Pfieffe burgomastert confirmed that on the 5 March 1945 a four engined Lancaster
circled low over the hills about 2 miles NW of Pfieffe, with one or more engines on fire
and crashed. Eight bodies had been recovered with 6 of these identified. Initially all the
remains were buried in the Pfieffe Chyurchyard, 25 miles NW of Eisenach. All the 8
bodies were subsequently reinterred in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.
Another crew member on the same raid reported that over the target Clarkes aircraft had
been attacked by a fighter at high altitude and that there was time to bale out.

180
Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64) NAA : A705, 166/6/1005
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster PB187 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1255 hours on 12 March 1945 to carry
out a daylight raid on Dortmund, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and 16 x 500lb bombs.
Twenty aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and PB187 failed to return.
Crew:
RAAF 423053 PO Burgess, G L Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt Little, D A (Navigator)
RAAF 418625 Flt Sgt Bryant, J D (Bomb Aimer)
RAF Sgt Grundy, K (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Flt Sgt Sweetman, P C (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt Brown, P J (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt Grant, M D (Rear Gunner)
Post war it was established that the aircraft crashed at Duisberg-Meiderich and that six of
the crew were killed with Sgt Grant (Rear Gunner) becoming a POW. Sgt Grant later
reported We turned on to the bombing run and when ready to release the bombs at
20,000 feet we were hit twice close to the nose. I do not know the extent of the damage
being in the rear of the aircraft. The Skipper informed us that the Bomb Aimer (Flt Sgt
Bryant) was killed instantly and asked if any other crew was wounded. The Engineer said
he was wounded and he fell unconscious on top of the forward escape hatch. The Skipper
then asked the navigator for a course to the nearest emergency landing field in Allied
hands about 20 minutes away. The Skipper asked the Mid Upper Gunner and WOP to see
what they could do for the engineer, and also try and release the bombs. The Mid Upper
Gunner went forward and found that bombs would not release. He then tried to put a
parachute on the engineer and bale him out. The Skipper told the rest of the crew to come
forward and bale out as soon as everything was clear. I came forward and could see the
navigator destroying his maps and equipment while waiting his turn to jump. By this time
I had no intercom. The WOP who was on intercom told me to go aft and jump from the
rear exit. He followed me down. The Mid Upper Gunner was still trying to get the
engineer out. I opened the rear escape hatch and baled out at about 5,000 feet, which was
just above the tops of the cloud. I went straight into the cloud and when I came out of the
cloud after opening my chute, I could not see or hear the plane and did not see it again.
About one quarter of a mile away I saw another crew member going down pretty fast
with a large rent in his chute. I never saw him again. I landed and estimated I was about 2
miles east of the Rhine near Duisberg. German guards took me prisoner. They told me
that all the crew were killed. I did not see them again. I was later liberated by Allied
troops. The six crew members who lost their lives are buried in the Reichswald Forest
War Cemetery, Cleves, Germany.

181

Source:
NAA : A705, 166/17/1083
Radio call sign: AR _ E2
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF
Summary:
Lancaster PB816 took off from RAF Binbrook at 1727 hours on the night of 16/17
th

March 1945 to bomb Nurnberg, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb bomb and various
base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and of these PB816 failed
to return.
Crew:
RAAF 409303 FO Hedley, V J Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 429151 Flt Sgt Halls, A F (Navigator)
RAAF 431468 Flt Sgt Prouse, J W (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 428877 Flt Sgt Parry, M J (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt MacDonald, A J (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 435564 Flt Sgt J urd, M K (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 431194 Flt Sgt Binder, K W (Rear Gunner)

It was later established that all the crew were killed with the exception of Flt Sgt Halls
(RAAF) who became a POW. In his later statement Flt Sgt Halls reported, At 19,000
feet hit in the bomb bay. A few seconds earlier the Bomb Aimer reported seeing an
aircraft below, but no evasive action taken. Aircraft immediately caught fire from ignited
incendiaries and went into spin out of control. I was thrown into Bomb Aimers
compartment with the Flight Engineer and as far as I know no order was given to
abandon aircraft. I came back and saw WOP in his seat unconscious and in the centre of
the fire. I managed to get to him but unable to move him and he appeared dead. I then
placed my chute on and left by the window next to the flight engineer. I did not notice
anyone in the pilots compartment. The chute opened just before I hit the ground and
must have been about 1000 feet when I left. The aircraft crashed near Neiderstetten. I hid
for an hour and then gave myself up as unable to assist myself due to burns and injuries.
Did not see any others leave the aircraft.
FO Hedley also baled out safely and was shot by a German member of the home guard. It
appears that Hedley was not captured and that the German who shot him stated that he
did so when Hedley was still endeavouring to evade capture and after he had ignored a
command to surrender.
The remains of the five other crew members were located in the wreck and those five as
well as FO Hedley are buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.

182


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63)(64)
NAA : A705, 166/6/1016

Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster PB155 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0052 hours on 19 March 1945 to bomb
Hanau, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb and incendiaries. Twenty two aircraft from the
Squadron took part in the raid and PB155 when returning from the mission crashed at
approx 0812 hours near Kelstern village, Lincolonshire. There was low cloud and
reduced visibility at the time and Kelstern airfield was trying to home the aircraft towards
the runway, but it crashed when it hit high ground while making its approach and all the
crew were killed.

Crew:
RAAF 430436 PO Browne, G S Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 431562 Flt Sgt Grant, L W (Navigator)
RAAF 429475 WO McBryde, G T (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 432893 Flt Sgt Stacey, J (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt David, J N (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 415265 WO Moss, A E (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 436950 Flt Sgt Schodde, R C (Rear Gunner)

All the RAAF crew members are buried in the RAF Cemetery, Cambridge, UK and Sgt
David (RAF) is buried in the Bushbury (St Mary) Churchyard, Wolverhampton, UK.

183

Date of Death: 22 March 1945

Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 64 (1/313) Commonwealth War Graves records.
W R Chorley : RAF Bomber Command Fatalities in the Second World War, Page 145,
volume 1945.

Radio call sign: AR Y
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NG466 took off from RAF Binbrook at 0111 hours on the 22 March 1945 to
bomb a benzol plant at Bruchstrasse, Germany. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb and 4 x
250lb bombs. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to
base. Nineteen aircraft from the squadron took part in the raid and one NG466 failed to
return.
Crew:
RAAF 424865 Flt Lt Heggie, D H Captain (Pilot)
RAF Sgt W T Dean, (Navigator)
RAF Flt Sgt K E Ambler, (Bomb Aimer)
RAF PO Trotter, A C (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Sgt H Brooke, (Flight Engineer)
RAF Sgt D Robinson (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAF Sgt H H Dunkerley ( Rear Gunner)

Two of the crew Flt Lt Heggie and Flt Sgt Ambler survived the crash and were returned
safe to the UK. The remaining five crew members were killed and they are buried in the
Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany, which is located 24kms north of Krefeld and 13kms
south of Wesel, Germany.
184


Source:
AWM 237 (64) NAA : A9300, Barcode 5370567

Aircraft Type:
Serial number:
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Flt Lt Davies, Gordon Atwood Tregaskis, 400365 died in a ground accident on 29 May
1945 when at the Station Sick Quarters at Brighton, UK. On 3 February 1945 he was the
Captain (Pilot) of Lancaster PB 301 which was detailed to carry out a bombing raid on
Bottrop, Germany. The plane crashed and Flt Lt Davies became a POW, but was
subsequently returned safe to UK.
He is buried in the Brookwood War Cemetery, Surrey, UK.

185


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) NAA : A705, 166/39/578
Serial number: MN 799
Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster MN 799 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2032 hours on the night of 4/5th J une
1945 to carry out a night cross country training exercise over France and the English
Channel. In a report on the flight the Captain of the aircraft stated : The homeward route
was from St Etienne to St Malo, France, and thence from 1.5 miles north of St Malo to
position 48.54N, 0138W. Throughout the flight I had been in R/T contact with all the
crew including the Rear Gunner Flt Sgt Thomas. I had spoken to Flt Sgt Thomas within
about 10 minutes of reaching St Malo.

After turning at St Malo the aircraft dived steeply for 4000 feet (from 11,000 to 7,000
feet) due in my opinion to a fault in the automatic pilot which was engaged at the time. I
disengaged the automatic pilot and pulled the aircraft out of the dive. This all happened in
a few minutes and there was apparently no cause for alarm at the time. I was sure that Flt
Sgt Thomas said what happened then to me at this time, and I replied that it was all
right now. I had no further contact with him throughout the rest of the flight to base
(Ht7000 feet 2000 feet), and was not aware that he had baled out until we landed.

The incident of the aircraft diving was the only possible cause that Flt Sgt Thomas could
have had for alarm so I assume that he baled out at that time, 0229 hours 5/6/45, position
48.52N 01.55W.

Crew:
RAAF 434498 PO Coverdale, S E Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 436506 FO Lane, (Navigator)
RAAF 430587 Flt Sgt Batty, R G (2
nd
Navigator)
RAAF 436729 Flt Sgt Duncan, L H (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 436695 Flt Sgt Crute, G R (Wireless Operator Air)
RAF Flt Sgt Maddocks, A (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 430977 Flt Sgt McLean, K H (Mid Upper Gunner)
RAAF 16696 Flt Sgt Thomas, J B (Rear Gunner)

Flt Sgt Thomas is buried in the Plevenon Communal Cemetery, France. His body was
washed ashore on 27 J uly 1945 near the village of Plevenon.

186


Source:
AWM 64 (1/295) AWM 237 (63) (64)
NAA : A705, 166/21/346

Radio call sign:
Unit: 460 Sqn RAAF

Summary:
Lancaster NG404 took off from RAF Binbrook on 14 J uly 1945 on a day bombing and
fighter affiliation exercise. With the bombing detail completed, the aircraft was carrying
out a corkscrew during the fighter affiliation exercise when the fighter pilot called up to
say the aircraft was on fire in the bomb bay. In a subsequent report the pilot said I gave
the order to prepare to abandon and all the crew acknowledged. The fumes and smoke
became intense in a matter of seconds, and I ordered the crew to abandon but received no
acknowledgement. I saw Flt Sgt Sloan and PO J ohnson enter the bomb aimers
compartment. As the smoke and flames then became intense I was forced to bale out
through the pilots window.
Flt Sgt Sloan (Flight Engineer) also reported Black smoke and fumes started to come out
of the bomb bay. The pilot ordered prepare to abandon and acknowledged. I adjusted my
chute and went to step into the bomb bay compartment. The bomb aimer had already
jettisoned the emergency exit hatch and jumped on seeing me. I immediately followed.
And as I left the Navigator was immediately behind me. The visibility was almost nil due
to smoke and fumes. I saw three chutes on the way down.

Crew:
RAAF 436360 Flt Lt Nottle, M C Captain (Pilot)
RAAF 433171 PO J ohnson, C E (Navigator)
RAAF 429723 FO Morrow, W J (Bomb Aimer)
RAAF 430318 WO Quinn, K B (Wireless Operator Air)
RAAF 437799 Flt Sgt Sloan, R K (Flight Engineer)
RAAF 55854 Flt Sgt Rogers, R J (Rear Gunner)

PO J ohnson, WO Quinn and Flt Sgt Rogers were killed in the crash. It is possible that PO
J ohnson and WO Quinn were overcome by the smoke and fumes, whilst Flt Sgt Rogers
who baled out landed in a lake and drowned. They are buried in the RAF Cemetery,
Cambridge, UK. The other three crew members survived the crash with the Captain
receiving slight injuries.

187

SECOND WORLD WAR FATALITIES.

460 SQUADRON RAAF

There were no fatalities in the following 460 Squadron crashes which occurred on the
dates shown. In some cases however members of the RAF or other Air Forces were killed
in the crash.

DATE OF CRASH

22/11/1942

16/12/1943

22/01/1944

24/02/1944

25/02/1944

18/04/1944

28/04/1944

04/05/1944

04/05/1944

04/05/1944

22/05/1944

21/07/1944

30/08/1944

22/03/1945

RAAF Bomber Losses 460 SQDN

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