Halifax NP695 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.

On 19th July 1944 this aircraft was coned in searchlights and then was hit by flak whilst on ops to bomb oil plants at Wessling. The bomb aimer, P/O Cresswell (or Cromwell) was injured in the leg but the pilot was able to keep control and land safely back at East Moor. The crew was probably the same as those involved in a similar incident at the start of the month, minus that is, the under-gunner.

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 - P/O Creswell or Cromwell, injured.

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.

On 12th October 1944 the crew named above were on their last Op of their Tour, a daylight trip to Wanne Eickel in Halifax NP738. They were hit by flak and damage was sustained to the forward fuselage which killed the replacement bomb aimer, F/O Todd, and severely injured the flight engineer, Sgt Knight. On return to England the pilot opted to try and land at the crash strip at Woodbridge but flew into trees on approach. Sgt Knight was admitted to hospital where his hand could not be saved. For his actions and bravery he was awarded the CGM. F/O Todd was later buried at Brookwood Cemetery.
Henry Britton was recommended for the DFC for service with 432 Squadron on 19th October 1944 when he had flown twenty eight operational flights between 27th June 1944 and 12th October 1944. His DFC was Gazetted on 19th January 1945 but there was no proper citation. The recommendation as located by Hugh Halliday added more details, it 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 (Non-Immediate)."

As stated above Sgt Ernest Knight was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) while serving with 432 Squadron. He was born in Billinghurst, Sussex in 1920 and enlisted in February 1939. Notification of his CGM was printed 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."

It is very likely that the wireless operators correct identity was one Stewart John Walker. He enlisted in North Bay, Ontarion in July 1941 and was recommended for the DFC for service with 432 Squadron on 28th December 1944 when he had completed twenty six operational flights between 28th June 1944 and 12th October 1944. The DFC was granted and notification was printed in the London Gazette on 22nd May 1945, although there was no full citation the recommendation was detailed and 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 (Non-Immediate)."

Halifax NP695 was built to contract ACFT/1688/C4/C by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and delivered to 432 Squadron at East Moor during the last week of June 1944. It suffered Cat.A/FB damage in the incident detailed above and was repaired on site with repair being completed by 24th July 1944. It was damaged by flak on 6th September 1944 and after repair it was later lost on 6th December 1944 when it and the crew failed to return from Ops to Osnabruck. Two were killed, five became PoW's. NP695 was named 'Katy Bug' while with 432 Squadron, was lost on it's forty fourth operational flight with 432 Squadron. It commenced Ops with them on 1st July 1944.