Halifax NP722 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor.

On the evening of 12th September 1944 this crew was tasked with Ops to Wanna Eickel, the aircraft was hit by flak over the target. The pilot was able to keep control of the aircraft and return home to East Moor airfield, where it was found to have sustained damage to the port wing tip. The landing time for this aircraft is not known and it may have been in the early hours of 13th September 1944.

Pilot - P/O Joseph A Gault RCAF (J/29071), of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Flight Engineer - Sgt William Border RAF (635121), of Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, Scotland.

Navigator - F/O R Howard RCAF.

Bomb Aimer - F/O Paul J Handkamer RCAF (J/36228).

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Arthur E Lawson RCAF (R/164656).

Air Gunner - Sgt W Carmen RCAF.

Rear Gunner - Sgt R G Walters RCAF?

On 18th August 1944 this crew were in the process of taking off from East Moor in Halifax NP690, the aircraft crashed on the runway and caught fire. The crew scrabled clear and the bomb load later blew up destroying the aircraft and creating a large hole in the runway intersections.

On 4th/5th November 1944 this crew were flying Halifax NP708 when it was hit by flak. The flight engineer suffered serious injuries and dispite the attentions by two of the crew he sadly died before they could land. The aircraft landed at Woodbridge. P/O William Border (56231) was buried in Tillicoultry Cemetery. He was twenty two years old and left a young wife. The two airmen who tried to save his life were later Mentioned in Dispatches. William Border had only just received his commission to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) on 15th October 1944.

Joseph Gault was born in Moose Jaw in 1921, he enlisted on 8th May 1942. He was recommended for the DFC on 28th October 1944 when he had flown twenty six operational flights. His DFC became effective on 15th March 1945 but there is no information to say when it was presented. The recommendation 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 has shown a high degree of airmanship and dogged determination, having completed twenty-six 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)."

He returned home to Moose Jaw and to his old job at a packaging plant at the Swift Canadian Company.

Paul Handkamer enlisted in Winnipeg in June 1942. He was Mentioned in Despatches for his actions with 432 Squadron, the details the recommendation for this read..

"On the 4th of November, 1944, this officer and airman were members of the crew of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. While over the target the Flight Engineer received severe injuries from "flak". Flying Officer Hamdkamer and Warrant Officer Lawson immediately went to the Engineer's aid. Although their efforts to save his life were in vain, due mainly to the fact that he had lost so much blood, they fought unceasingly with all means at their disposal to save his life. This officer and airman set the highest example of brotherhood and crew loyalty which I recommend be recognized by the award of Mention in Despatches (Immediate)."

Arthur Lawson enlisted in Montreal on 21st May 1942, he was also recommended to be Mentioned in Despatches for the same actions as for Paul Handkamer, this recommendation reads the same as the above.