Halifax NA582 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.

On the night of 10th/11th September 1944 just under 1000 aircraft bombed Le Havre and a number of East Moor based aircraft sustained flak damage, although many not serious. This aircraft was struck but not seriously and the pilot returned safely to East Moor. The aircraft is believed to have carried a dorsel turret and gunner on this flight.

Pilot - P/O F M Forbes RCAF.

Flight Engineer - Sgt R A Afford RAF.

Navigator - P/O James K Fernie RCAF (J/35761), of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Bomb Aimer - Sgt Stanley E Morris RCAF, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt D A (or V A) Vitarelli RCAF, of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Mid Upper Gunner - Sgt C Lovie.

Rear Gunner - Sgt John C J Scarf RCAF, (late J/90970). Of Fort Erie, Canada.

Mid Under Gunner - Sgt P Morrison.

During the evening of 2nd November 1944 many of those named above were flying Halifax MZ882 on Ops to Dusseldorf when the aircraft was attacked by a Junker Ju88. Sgt Afford was injured in the back during the attack, the rear turret was badly damaged and the rear of the aircraft was set on fire. The air gunners returned fire and damaged their attacker. F/O Forbes was able to keep control with the help of two of his crew holding onto the elevator controls and landed at Woodbridge airfield at 21.10hrs. Two of the crew were recommended for DFC's and their recommendations relate to this incident.
James Fernie was born in Scotland in 1915 but his family moved to Canada when he was young. He enlisted in Toronto in June 1942 and was commissioned in September 1943. He was recommended for the DFC after he had flown thirty one operational flights on 21st December 1944, notification appeared in the London Gazette on 13th April 1945. The recommendation reads..

"This officer has navigated his aircraft to many heavily defended German targets under adverse conditions. Highly skilled and always enthusiastic for operations, he has also been most helpful in ground training. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."

John Scarf was born in Welland, Ontario in 1923 and lived at Fort Erie and was working as a clerk when he enlisted in Hamilton on 12th November 1942. He received his commission in September 1944. He was awarded the DFC for service with 415 Squadron, Gazetted on 17th April 1945. The Award was presented in Stamford Centre, Ontario on 7th August 1949. The citation reads..

"Pilot Officer Scarf has completed many operational sorties, the majority of which have been flown against important and heavily defended enemy targets. At all times he has displayed the utmost vigilance and skill which combined with his accurate gunnery and determination have largely contributed to the successes achieved by his crew. In November 1944 his aircraft was detailed for a mission against Dusseldorf. While on the way to the target this officer sighted a Junkers 88 preparing to attack his aircraft. By his accurate fire and excellent directions to his pilot he destroyed the enemy fighter. Pilot Officer Scarf's courage and devotion to duty at all times have been most praiseworthy."

Stanley Morris was born in 1922 in Toronto and was a student theer when he enlisted on 13th August 1942. He was award the DFC, effective of 10th May 1945. The award was presented in Toronto on 30th January 1949. He was Recommended for the award on 22nd December 1944 when he had flown thirty one operational flights and whilst an NCO he was initially recommended for a DFM. This recommendation reads..

"Throughout his operational career this officer has shown skill, initiative and determination of a high order. He has participated in many sorties against a wide range of targets. On one occasion in November 1944, during an attack against the heavily defended city of Dusseldorf, his aircraft was severely damaged by enemy fighters. Pilot Officer Morris helped to extinguish fires in the aircraft and in addition he discovered and repaired a fault in the tail of the aircraft which was causing a great loss of control. By his great resourcefulness and skill he was largely instrumental in ensuring the safe return of the aircraft."

Halifax NA582 was built to contract ACFT/891 by Fairey Aviation Ltd at Stockport and was awaiting collection on 19th July 1944. It was issued to 420 Squadron at Tholthorpe but it may never have arrived there as it was on charge with 415 Squadron at East Moor by 28th July 1944. It suffered Cat.A/FB damage after being hit by flak in August1 944 with repairs carried out on site and with it completed by 7th August 1944. It was again damaged by flak in September 1944 (detailed above) and again repaired. It was destroyed, with Cat.E2/FB damage recorded, on 15th October 1944 when returning from Ops to Duisburg and in the circuit of East Moor, it crashed near Stillington, Yorkshire. The crew escaping injury. NA582 commenced Ops with 415 Squadron on 28th July 1944, this flak incident took place on it's fifth. It was lost on it's thirty thirrd.