Halifax NP695 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.
During the afternoon of 6th September 1944 this aircraft was one of a number tasked with bombing Emden.
It was struck by flak but not seriously and the pilot was able to make a safe return to East Moor.
Pilot - F/O Jack M Mills RCAF (J/27545), of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Crew - Names unknown.
"During a most successful tour of operational duty, this officer has proved himself to be a most valuable member of his squadron. He is an outstanding operational captain and has invariably made the utmost effort to complete his duties. His cheerful confidence and willing co-operation has always been apparent in whatever task he is assigned to. For his inspiring example, his fine record of achievement and devotion to duty, this officer is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
Jack Mills was born in Hamilton in 1922 and enlisted there in May 1942, he was an artist prior to enlisting. He was
Commissioned in June 1943. He was recommended for the DFC on 27th November 1944 when he had flown twenty seven operational flights
between 7th August and 18th November 1944, the DFC was granted and effective from 15th March 1945.
The recommendation reads..
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.