Whitley Z6624 damaged by flak, returned to Linton on Ouse airfield.
On the night of 8th / 9th April 1941 the crew of this aircraft were one of a number of 10 Squadron crews tasked with flying operational flights to bomb Kiel. The aircraft was hit by flak bursts several times and received slight damage including the trailing aerial being shot away. The crew made a safe return to Linton on Ouse, landing at 03.35hrs.
Pilot - Sgt Frank William Sturmey RAFVR (748606).
Wireless Operator - Sgt Christopher William Charlton RAFVR (971845).
Observer - Sgt Bassett
Wireless Operator - Sgt Pearce
Air Gunner - Sgt Charlton
Frank Sturmey received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 17th July 1941 (101517). He rose to F/O on 17th July 1942 and F/Lt on 17th July 1943.
F/Sgt Charlton was later awarded the DFM for service with 161 Squadron, Gazetted on 9th November 1943, the citation reads.. "As wireless operator / air gunner
this airman has taken part in a very large number of sorties. He has at all times proved himself to be a most reliable member of aircraft crew and his skilful
work has contributed materially to the successes obtained. Flight Sergeant Charlton has set a fine example of devotion to duty." He received his commission to the rank
of P/O on probation on 1st October 1943 (158540) and rose to F/O on 1st April 1944 and F/Lt on 1st October 1945.
Whitley Z6624 was built to contract 106962/40 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd, at Baginton and was awaiting collection on 20th March 1941. It was taken on charge by 10 Squadron at Leeming a few days later. As a result of the minor flak damage on 9th April 1941 Cat.A/FB was almost certainly as serious as the damage assessment got. It would have been repaired on site at Leeming and it continued to serve with 10 Squadron until being lost on 26th July 1941 when it failed to return from Ops to Hanover, believed crashed in the North Sea with the then crew of five being killed.