Wellington W5443 damaged by flak, returned to Driffield airfield.
On the night of 2nd / 3rd August 1941 104 Squadron supplied Wellingtons and crews for an operational attack on Berlin. This aircraft took off from base of Driffield at 22.00hrs and the crew released their bomb load from 13,500 feet but was slightly damaged in the rear turret by anti-aircraft fire. The aircraft was landed safely at Driffield at 05.34hrs.
Pilot - Sgt Rodney Charles Holyman RAFVR (907357).
Second Pilot - Sgt Ronald Edward Cornwell Hudson RAFVR (591141).
Observer - Sgt Gerald Cox RAFVR (939111).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Tom Herrington RAFVR (940147).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt William Maxwell RCAF (R/65593).
Air Gunner - Sgt Tom Bell RAFVR (1064095).
On the night of 12th / 13th August 1941 this crew were flying Wellington W5443 again on Ops to Berlin again when the aircraft failed to return. All were killed and are buried in Hanover War Cemetery, Germany.
Wellington W5443 was built by Vickers Armstrong and was received by 9 MU on 13th March 1941. It was taken on charge by 104 Squadron at Driffield on 31st May 1941. The damage sustained on 2nd / 3rd August 1941 is not recorded on it's AM Form 78 so was probably very minor Cat.A/FB damage and resulted in a quick repair on site being made. The aircraft was lost on Ops on 12th / 13th August 1941. It was struck off charge on 1st September 1941.