Wellington HE859 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.
On the night of 25th May 1943 this aircraft was one of fourteen 429 Squadron aircraft detailed to bomb Dortmund. There were three early returns
of those dispatched and no losses. This aircraft had taken off at 23.43hrs and proceeded to the target but at 01.40 hrs flak opened
up near Julich and struck this aircraft flying at 18,000 feet. The flak hit the starboard engine nacelle and released the dingy which
flapped around the wing. The tyre on the starboard side was also punctured. Because of the damage and the dinghy flapping in
the slipstream the aircraft began to vibrate and loose height. The pilot ordered the bombs to be jettisoned and asked the navigator,
Sgt Phillips to plot a course for East Moor. When they arrived back at East Moor flying control advised them to continue circling
and not attempt a landing until all the other squadron aircraft had landed. Once flying control gave the authorization the aircraft
came in for the landing on the runway, they touched down and ran straight until they lost speed when the Wellington veered to
starboard, because of the punctured tyre, and ran off the runway. As it hit soft ground it slewed around and nosed over, breaking
both propellers and the plexiglass in the bomb aimers position. The crew escaped uninjured. The aircraft, Wellington HE859 never flew with this
unit again.
Pilot - Sgt R E Murray RCAF,
Navigator - Sgt Gerald I Phillips RCAF, of Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada. Uninjured.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt R B Paul RCAF,
WOp/AG - F/Sgt R E Moden RAF,
Rear Gunner - Sgt J G Stuffco RCAF,
"This officer has completed 25.5 successful operational sorties, sixteen of which have been over
strongly defended targets in Germany. He has proven himself to be an outstanding navigator and an
inspiration to the members of his crew. On all occasions he has shown outstanding fortitude and
skill and has cheerfully filled every assignment given to him. For his fine record of achievement,
his superb leadership and his devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of
the Distinguished Flying Cross."
All these airmen were posted in to 429 Squadron on 30th April 1943 from 22 OTU and
posted out on 13th September 1943 to 432 Squadron. Nothing more is known of them.
Gerald Phillips was born in 1918 in Selkirk, Manitoba and was living there when he
enlisted in Winnipeg in June 1941. He received his commission in 1943 and on 20th January 1944 he
was recommended for the DFC with 432 Squadron when he had flown twenty five and a half operational flights (154 hours
flying) between 16th May 1943 to 14th January 1944. The DFC was granted and notification appeared in the
London Gazette on 21st April 1944 though was not presented unit 30th October 1948. The recommendation reads..