Brian Wilmot enlisted in Winnipeg in December 1941. He had just been posted to 415 Squadron after a rest period, having completed a Tour with 425 Squadron for which he had been awarded his DFC (Gazetted on 30th May 1944) which was presented by King George VI at Linton on 11th August 1944. The Citation for this DFC reads..

"This officer has completed many sorties during which he has attacked such well-defended targets as Berlin, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. One night in April 1944, in a sortie against the last named target, Flying Officer Wilmot displayed the greatest determination in pressing home his attack although one engine failed and some height had been lost before reaching the target. His fine fighting spirit has always been apparent and he has set a most commendable example."

As previously stated, for his actions on the night of 12/13th August 1944 S/Ldr Wilmot was awarded the Bar to the DFC (Gazetted on 27th October 1944) and presented to his next of kin after his death as he lost his life in a flying accident. The citation for his Bar to the DFC reads..

"Since the award of the DFC S/Ldr Wilmot has completed numerous sorties against a variety of targets. On a recent operation against Brunswick, although his aircraft was attacked and damaged by enemy night fighters, S/Ldr Wilmot displayed great skill and determination in pressing home his attack and in bringing his damaged aircraft safety back to base. He has set a worth example."

This incident detailed above was S/Ldr Wilmot's only Operational flight with 432 Squadron, he also completed one with his parent unit (415 Squadron) on 16th August 1944 before he, Sgt Malpass and F/O Eaglestone were killed in a tragic flying accident when ferrying Halifax MZ633 from Exeter to East Moor on 21st August 1944. The aircraft collided in cloud with Halifax NA609 and both crashed between Birkin and West Haddsley, near Selby, Yorkshire. This accident sadly resulted in all airmen in both crews being killed. Also involved was F/Lt McBain who was flying in NA609 and lost his life. The Canadians are buried in Harrogate Stonefall Cemetery and Sgt Malpass was returned to his hometown and is buried in High Wycombe Cemetery. S/Ldr Wilmot was still only twenty one years old when he died.

Walter Eaglestone's gravestone in Harrogate Stonefall Cemetery. He was born on 8th January 1917 in Readlyn, Saskatchewan and enlisted in Regina in April 1942.

Andrew McBain was born in Gibbard, Alberta in 1917 but was living in Camrose when he enlisted in Toronto in November 1941. He received his commission in 1943 flew with 415 Squadron and rose to become 415 Squadron's Bombing Leader. As stated above he was flying in Halifax NA609 on 21st August 1944 and died when the aircraft collided with S/Ldr Willmot's aircraft and both aircraft crashed near Selby, Yorkshire. He had been recommended for the DFC on 15th August 1944 when he had flown twenty eight operational flights between 2nd September 1943 and 3rd August 1944. The DFC was granted and notification appeared in the London Gazette on 14th November 1944 but there was no citation as such, the recommendation gave more details of his tour, it read..

"Flying Officer McBain has proven himself to be a most conscientious and skilful Air Bomber. Over a long period of time his consistently good work has inspired great confidence in his ability. Operating since September 1943, he has bombed such heavily defended German targets as Mannheim, Munich, Modane, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart and Berlin, and at all times has displayed a courage and outstanding ability worthy of high recognition. His quiet confidence has inspired a very high standard of morale in the crew members."

His gravestone should show that he was a DFC holder and it does not.

"Pilot Officer McKillop has participated in very many sorties as navigator against strongly defended enemy targets. He has at all times displayed a high degree of skill and determination and his ability to guide his pilot to the target without fail has contributed largely to the successes achieved. On one occasion his aircraft was attacked by enemy night fighters. In the ensuing combat the aircraft was damaged and the navigational aids were rendered useless. Nevertheless this officer skilfully guided the aircraft to the target and back to base. The calmness and reliability of this officer in the face of the enemy have been an inspiration to the crews with whom he has flown."

Details regarding the other members of the crew are not yet known but it is thought that both gunners survived the War. P/O Thompson was injured by flak flying with another crew some days later in Halifax LL593 and is detailed on this website.