Halifax W7882 damaged by flak, returned to Pocklington airfield.

On the night of 6th / 7th December 1942 this 102 Squadron aircraft took off from Pocklington airfield at 16.57hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Mannheim. The crew believed that they had released their bombs over the target area from 10,000 feet through thick cloud. During the course of being over Germany the aircraft received a flak hole in the fuselage. The aircraft appears to have escaped further damage and a safe return to Pocklington was made, landing at 00.32hrs.

Pilot - Sgt Hugh Alexander Ross-Thomson RAFVR (1330740).

Navigator - Sgt Richard William Coffin RAFVR (1264837).

Air Gunner - Sgt Douglas Victor Gwillam RAFVR (1217158).

Flight Engineer - Sgt Glyndwr Guerrier RAF (568519).

Bomb Aimer - Sgt Douglas Hubert Watt RCAF (R/67910).

Air Gunner - Sgt C G Whittaker.

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt J H Nightingale.

Halifax W7882 was built to contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. On 18th October 1942 it was taken on charge by 76 Squadron at Linton on Ouse but on 31st October 1942 it was transferred to 102 Squadron at Pocklington. As a result of the flak damage sustained on 7th December 1942 Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. On 3rd February 1943 it failed to return from Ops to Cologne, Cat.E(m) damage was recorded. The aircraft was struck off charge on 14th February 1943.

On board Halifax W7882 on the night of 2nd / 3rd February 1943 the first five named above were flying it when it collided with Lancaster W4819 of 44 Squadron. Both aircraft fell in Holland with all airmen being killed. They are buried in Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery.

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