Whitley P4950 damaged by flak, returned to Dishforth airfield.
On the night of 12th / 13th August 1940 this 78 Squadron crew were tasked with bombing industrial targets the Ruhr Valley. The aircraft was hit by flak
over the target but the crew were able to return to Dishforth and land safely at 05.25hrs where the damage to the cockpit was soon repaired.
Pilot - F/Sgt Louis Frank East RAF (563147).
Pilot - S/Ldr Gerald Thomas Toland RAF (34033).
Sgt W W Edgar
Sgt R F East
Air Gunner - Sgt Robert Graham RAF (627958).
Louis East completed his Tour in late August / early September 1940 and was recommended for
the DFM, he was posted to 10 OTU, probably to instruct. On the night of 12th/13th September 1940
he was the pilot of Whitley P4997 which encountered severe weather, he ordered the crew to
abandon the aircraft, which they did safely, he then put the aircraft down on it's wheels
in a field near St. Neots, undamaged. It was flown out the following day. He received his
commission on 25th September 1940 (with seniority back dated to 18th September 1940) to the rank of
P/O on probation. On 11th October 1940 he was flying as second pilot in Whitley N1526 which crashed
near Akeman Street landing ground at 23.00hrs killing all six on board. P/O East was buried at Townshend
Methodist Chapelyard, Cornwall. The notification that it was granted the DFM only came through in the
London Gazette eleven days after his death (and after his commission), he probably was unaware that it had
been granted.
Whitley P4950 was built to contract 75147/38 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd. at Baginton and was
awaiting collection on 15th April 1940 and was taken on charge by 78 Squadron at Linton on Ouse
a few days later. On 15th July 1940 it moved with 78 Squadron to Dishforth airfield. Cat.M/FB
damage was recorded following the incident detailed above and it was repaired on site and returned
to the unit. It was lost on 29th December 1940 Cat.W(m) damage was recorded when it failed to return to base.
The then crew were flying an operational flight to Lorient and left Dishforth at 16.04hrs. Nothing further was
heard but it must have been abandoned over France as four of its crew were made PoW's while one evaded capture.