Halifax W1152 damaged in the air, landed at Topcliffe airfield.
On the night of 13th / 14th October 1942 the crew of this 405 Squadron aircraft undertook an operational flight to bomb Kiel and took off from Topcliffe at 18.30hrs. Heavy flak on the approach to the target damaged the aircraft, and a piece of flak entered the cockpit and struck the pilot in the neck. Despite the injury the pilot remained at the controls and the crew flew toward the target area but then jettisoned the load live three miles short of the target. The aircraft was flown back toward base by Sgt T E Carlon RCAF and landed without incident at Topcliffe at 01.08hrs. The pilot and navigator were later awarded the DFM for their actions on this night and the recommendations for their awards add more detail.
"On 13th October 1942, during the attack on Kiel, at the moment preparations were being made to drop bombs, the aircraft was surrounded by heavy flak, and Sergeant Chretien was wounded in the neck by shrapnel, from which he bled very extensively. Although in a serious condition, he carried out evasive action and gave orders to jettison the bombs, which he arranged when they were heading directly towards the target. Subsequently the aircraft was caught and held for several minutes by two searchlight cones, and from these, by violent evasive action, he succeeded in escaping. He then made directly for the coast. When over the sea the navigator induced Sergeant Chretien to sit back and take things easily whilst the aircraft was flown by the automatic pilot. The navigator maintained this situation until five miles away from base, when Sergeant Chretien again took over, and with remarkable determination circled the aerodrome and carried out an excellent landing with the assistance of the Flight Engineer, who helped him to pull back the stick, and the navigator, who operated the throttle. It was subsequently discovered that flak had damaged the trimming controls so that the aircraft had to be landed in a nose-heavy condition as for a full bomb load. As an example of courage, devotion to duty and personal fortitude, Sergeant Chretien's operational sorties, and in particular this last one, are completely outstanding and merit recognition. This Non-Commissioned Officer is specially recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal." I credit Hugh Halliday with researching this recommendation.
Pilot - Sgt George Theodore Chretien RCAF (R/83457). Injured.
Navigator - Sgt Thomas Edward Carlon RCAF (R/79113).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt John Scott Probert RCAF (R/95710).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Harold G Reynolds RCAF (R/82514).
Air Gunner - Sgt Robert Moore RAFVR (1040804).
Air Gunner - Sgt D G Walsh RCAF (R/120097).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Arthur Cyril Collin RCAF (R/60126)