Halifax NP721 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.
On 14th October 1944 432 Squadron and 415 Squadron were instructed supply aircraft for two raid on Duisburg, one during the day and the second overnight. 432 Squadron supplied sixteen for the first and seventeen for the second. Halifax NP721 took part in the first and was hit by flak causing
damage to two of the port petrol tanks and an oil tank. Its pilot was able to fly the aircraft back to the UK, believed to be back to base and landed
safely. The aircraft did not take part in the second raid and neither did it's crew.
Pilot - S/Ldr Robert A Jack RCAF (J/12339)
Crew - Names unknown.
"Flight Lieutenant Jack is a capable and confident captain, whose determination to complete his
sorties successfully has been a feature of his tour. In his capacity of Flight Commander he has
maintained an exceptionally high standard in every branch of activity. His twenty-nine sorties
have all been successful and include a wide variety of targets."
For his splendid qualities of leadership, loyalty and an inspiring example to those in his flight, this officer is recommended for the award of
the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Robert Jack was born in Vancouver in 1922 and was living in Powell River, British Columbia when he
enlisted in Calgary on 31st July 1941. He was recommended for the DFC on 9th September 1944 when he
had flown twenty nine operational flights between 18th April and 31st August 1944. The DFC was granted and
notification was printed in the London Gazette on 8th December 1944 but there was no proper citation. The
recommendation was much more detailed and reads..
Halifax NP721 was built to contract 1688/C4/C by Handley Page at Radlett and delivered to 426 Squadron at Linton-on-Ouse on 28th
July 1944 by mistake, it was a mistake as this unit only operating Halifax B.III's at the time, so it was immediately transferred
to 432 Squadron at East Moor, arriving on 30th July 1944. The aircraft suffered damage recorded as Cat.A(c)/FA on 6th August 1944.
It was repaired on site and the repair was completed by 27th August 1944. It was again damaged, this time
suffering flak damage on 14th October 1944 during a day-light attack on Duisburg, it sustained flak damage to the port wing, holing
two fuel tanks and an oil tank. It returned safely to East Moor and was repaired on site with repair being completed by 16th
November 1944. It was destroyed not long after with Cat.E/Burnt damage recorded on 5th December 1944 when swung out of control
on take off for Ops to Soest and crashed, caught fire and later exploded. NP721 commenced Ops on 1st August 1944 and was
setting off on it's twenty first when it exploded at East Moor.