Halifax MZ632 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.

On 4th July 1944 the crew of this Halifax were tasked with a daylight operational flight to attack a flying bomb-site at Biennais when it suffered minor flak damage. Although numerous holes were reported in the Halifax its pilot was able to land the aircraft safely back at East Moor and it was later repaired. The crew were not injured, although the complete list is not 100% confirmed it is likely to have been those listed below.

Pilot - P/O Henry Britton RCAF (J/85998). Of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Flight Engineer - Sgt Ernest W Knight RAF (635682), of Horsham, Sussex.

Navigator - Sgt D Hyatt RCAF.

Bomb Aimer - F/O Frank G Todd RCAF (J/27271), of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada..

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O Stewart J Walker RCAF (J/12623), of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.

Mid Upper Gunner - Sgt R Dickinson RCAF.

Rear Gunner - Sgt W Hoffman RCAF,

Air Gunner - Sgt G C Wilburn RCAF (R/196822). (flew as dorsal gunner)

Henry Britton enlisted in Toronto on 3rd July 1942. He was recommended for the DFC for service with 432 Squadron on 19th October 1944 when he had flown twenty eight operational sorties between 27th June and 12th October 1944 (132 hours flying). The DFC notification was printed in the London Gazette on 6th January 1945. The recommendation reads..

"Throughout his operational career this officer has displayed enthusiasm and keenness for operational flying. He has been an inspiration to the members of his crew and at all times has shown a high degree of airmanship and dogged determination, having completed twenty-eight successful sorties. His calm, quiet manner, qualities of leadership and splendid record warrant a strong recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.""

On F/O Britton's last trip of his tour was to attack to oil manufacturing plants at Wanne-Eickel Halifax NP738 was hit by flak. The bomb aimer F/O Frank Todd was killed and the flight engineer Sgt Knight was injured. An emergency landing at Woodbridge was attempted but control was lost and NP738 crashed into trees about a mile from the airfield. P/O Britton was seriously injured but the second pilot F/Lt D W Speller RCAF, Sgt Hyatt, F/Lt Walker and F/Sgt's Hoffman and Dickinson escaped with minor injuries. Sgt Knight survived but his severely damaged hand could not be saved, for his bravery he was awarded the C.G.M.

Ernest Knight was born in Billinghurst in 1920 and enlisted in February 1939. The details of the award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) was published in the London Gazette on 15th December 1944. The citation reads..

"One morning in October 1944, this airman was the Flight Engineer of an aircraft detailed to attack Wanne Eickel. Whilst over the target the aircraft was badly hit by anti-aircraft fire. The bomb aimer was killed and Sergeant Knight was wounded. His injury was severe. Although suffering acutely he insisted on remaining at his post, ready to give of his best to assist his captain in his attempt to fly the badly damaged aircraft home. One engine was completely out of action, whilst a second was kept functioning only by Sergeant Knight's constant attention. This airman displayed courage, fortitude and devotion to duty of a high order. His example was most inspiring."

F/O Todd had already flown thirty four operational flights, he was buried at Brookwood Cemetery. He was twenty four years old.

Stewart Walker enlisted in North Bay in July 1941. He too was recommended for the DFC for service with 432 Squadron on 28th December 1944, having flown twenty six operational flights between 28th June and 12th October 1944 (124 hours flying). The DFC was granted and appeared in the London Gazette on 22nd May 1945, the recommendation reads..

"Flight Lieutenant Walker has completed twenty-six successful operational sorties. Many of these have been accomplished in the face of heavy opposition. As Wireless Operator he has displayed great courage and skill and has at all times co-operated in the highest possible degree with the other members of his crew. For his splendid record, loyalty and devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross"

He returned home after the war and died in Bobcaygeon, Ontario in January 2000.

Halifax MZ632 was built to contract ACFT/2553 by E.E.C. Ltd at Salmesbury and delivered to 432 Squadron at East Moor during the first week of May 1944. It suffered Cat.A/FB damage in the above incident and was repaired on site and ready the following day. The aircraft transferred to 415 Squadron also at East Moor in late-July 1944 and then transferred to 1665 HCU at Tilstock in February 1945 where it suffered a Cat.E2/FA accident on 17th March 1945 when a tyre burst on landing there when the aircraft swung and undercarriage collapsed. MZ632 completed twenty eight operational flights with 432 Squadron between 8th May and 8th July 1944. It then completed a further forty fives with 415 Squadron as "6U-W" between 28th July 1944 and 9th February 1945. The aircraft is believed to have had the dorsal turret fitted. This aircraft was a real veteran of Bomber Command operations. Halifax MZ632 carried the nose art "Willie the Wolf" replacing Halifax NP707.