Whitley Z6814 damaged by flak, landed at Leeming airfield.
On the night of 27th / 28th February 1942 the crew of this aircraft were undertaking an operational flight to bomb Wilhelmshaven and took off from Leeming at 18.15hrs. The aircraft sustained damage to the tail by flak while over Germany but the crew were able to make a safe return to Yorkshire and landed at Leeming, believed to have been after midnight.
Pilot - Acting F/Lt Stephen Delancy Watts RNZAF (404008), of Morrinsville, Auckland, New Zealand.
Second Pilot - Sgt James Ernest Church RAFVR (1376275).
Observer - Sgt Kenneth Clarence Edward Corke RAFVR (930297), of Pinner, Middlesex.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Reginald Wilde RAFVR (1051977), of Birkenhead.
Air Gunner - Sgt James Ferguson RAFVR (986430), of Alexandria, Dunbartonshire.
Whitley Z6814 was built to contract 106962/40 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd. at Baginton and was awaiting collection on 17th June 1941 and after preparation was taken on charge by 10 Squadron at Leeming the following month. It then spent a short time with 58 Squadron at Linton on Ouse before being transferred to 77 Squadron back at Leeming in early 1942. As a result of the minor damage on 28th February 1942 Cat.A/FB damage would have been the damage assessment and it would have been repaired on site. Later in 1942 the aircraft was transferred to 161 Special Duties Squadron at Newmarket but they ceased operating Whitley MkV's in December 1942 and the aircraft was transferred to 81 OTU at Whitchurch Heath. On 1st June 1943 Whitchurch Heath airfield became known as Tilstock. This aircraft was a long serving Whitley, it moved with 81 OTU to Sleap on 26th January 1944 but by 16th November 1944 it had been placed in MU storage pending disposal and was struck off charge on 11th January 1945.
Stephen Watts was awarded the DFC for service with 77 Squadron, Gazetted on 26th June 1942 and he was then Mentioned in Despatches on 2nd June 1943. He later served with and commanded 692 Squadron, for service with this squadron he was awarded the DSO, Gazetted on 13th June 1944, for his actions in May 1944. The citation for his award was a joint one with other members of his squadron, it reads.. "One night in May 1944 several crews of Mosquito aircraft were detailed for a difficult and dangerous mine-laying mission. The operation called for the highest standard of skill and accuracy. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, balloon defences and considerable searchlight activity the attack was pressed home with great precision from low level. That complete success was achieved in spite of such hazards is a high tribute to the calm courage and iron determination shown by the following officers who participated in various capacities as leaders and members of aircraft crew." W/Co Stephen Watts was killed on 11th July 1944 when Mosquito PF380 on Ops to Berlin and has no known grave. He was twenty eight years old and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. He was the squadron's commanding officer from March 1944 until July 1944.
Sgt James Fergsuon was killed flying with 77 Squadron during their detachment with Coastal Command on 9th September 1942. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Sgt James Church and Sgt Kenneth Corke were killed flying with 77 Squadron on 13th March 1942 when Whitley Z6975 crashed near Leeming on return from Ops to Boulogne. They are buried in Leeming Churchyard.
Sgt Reginald Wilde was killed flying with 77 Squadron on 24th April 1942 on Ops to Rostock in Whitley Z9363. He is buried in Hamburg Cemetery.