Halifax NP736 hit by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.

On the night of 27th/28th August 1944 this aircraft was on Ops to Oeuf en Ternois in northern France to bomb a V-1 launch site, the Halifax suffered flak damage to the forward fuselage injuring the wireless operator. The pilot was able to make the return home and they landed safely at East Moor airfield.

Pilot - P/O Douglas P Frost RCAF (J/86102),

Flight Engineer - Sgt J Haley,

Navigator - F/O Robert H Shearer RCAF (J/29530),

Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt E Harmon,

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt D Williams. Injured.

Air Gunner - Sgt Leonard Farrell RCAF,

Air Gunner - Sgt Richard E Young RCAF (R/146488).

P/O Frost and crew joined 432 Squadron towards the end of June 1944 and commenced Ops on 1st July 1944. This incident took place on their sixteenth. P/O Frost completed a tour of thirty with the last being on 6th December 1944.

Douglas Frost was born in 1923 in Winnipeg. He enlisted there in March 1942 and was Commissioned in 1944. He was recommended for the DFC on 14th December 1944 when he had flown thirty four operational flights. The DFC was effective from 15th March 1945 when his rank was Flying Officer. This recommendation reads..

"This officer has made thirty-four successful sorties over enemy territory. During these trips he has shown a high degree of skill and has been an outstanding captain of aircraft. At all times he has been a keen, willing worker and an inspiring example to other pilots. For his airmanship, intense loyalty and splendid record, Flying Officer Frost is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."

Robert Shearer was born in London, Ontario in 1916 where he lived and had served with the Royal Canadian Artillery prior to enlisting the RCAF. He was recommended for the DFC on 18th December 1944 when he had flown thirty two operational flights. The DFC was effective from 15th March 1945. The recommendation reads..

"During a most successful tour of operational duty, this officer has proved to be a most valuable member of his squadron. He is an outstanding navigator 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)."

Richard Young was born in Chilliwick, British Columbia in 1923 and lived in Sardis when he enlisted in Vancouver in February 1942. He was recommended for the DFM on 24th March 1945 some time after he had completed thirty four operational flights on 6th December 1944. The award was effective from 5th July 1945, but post-war F/Sgt Young stayed in the RCAF, he was presented with the DFM in Winnipeg in May 1955.
Leonard Farrell was born in November 1923 at Bay du Hord, Newfoundland. He enlisted in Halifax in February 1943 and was Commissioned after this flak incident on 16th October 1944 (J/90896). He was also recommended for the DFC, on 23rd March 1945, on completion of the Tour on 6th December 1944 after he flew thirty four operational flights. The award became effective from 5th July 1945. He returned home on 25th April 1945. The recommendation reads..

"This officer has completed thirty-four successful sorties over enemy territory. His tenacity of purpose, endurance and fine offensive spirit have contributed largely to the success of the crew. His splendid record and high degree of courage warrant a strong recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."

Halifax NP736 was built to contract ACFT/1688/C4/C by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and delivered to 432 Squadron at East Moor on 1st August 1944. It suffered Cat.A/FB damage in the incident detailed above and was repaired on site with repair complete by 6th September 1944. It was damaged by flak on 12th September 1944 and was again repaired before being damaged (Cat.B/FB) at Croft when it collided with HAlifax NP755 on 18th November 1944. It was again repaired on site with this repair completed by 14th January 1945. The Unit disbanded on 15th May 1945 and the aircraft was flown to MU store at Clifton. It was later struck off charge and sold for scrap on 30th December 1949. NP736 had commenced Ops on 5th August 1944 replacing NP702. This incident above took place on it's twelveth operational flight. It went on to complete fifty eight with the last being on 25th April 1945.