Halifax BB282 damaged by flak, returned to Linton on Ouse airfield.
On the evening of 18th February 1943 this 76 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to lay mines. Having taken off from Linton on Ouse airfield at 18.38hrs they released their mines from 600 feet at 20.45hrs. During the course of the flight the aircraft received damage to one of the turrets by flak but this did not prevent a safe landing at Linton on Ouse at 22.39hrs.
Pilot - Sgt Harold Clifford Hoover RCAF.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt Eldon Kenneth Bergey RCAF (R/107194).
Navigator - Sgt C M Howden RCAF (R/97592).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt John Mossop DFM RAFVR (954264).
Air Gunner - Sgt Patrick Charles Howard Tripp RCAF (R/106621).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Gordon William Albert Lloyd RAF (576385).
Air Gunner - Sgt Clifford Alan Hill RAF (635984).
Patrick Tripp was awarded the DFC for service with 76 Squadron. He later served with 166 Squadron.
Halifax BB282 was built to contract B.124357/40 by the London Passenger Transport Board Ltd. at Leavesden and appears to have been awaiting collection on 10th November 1942. It was taken on charge by 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall on 17th January 1943 but almost immediately was then transferred to 76 Squadron at Linton on Ouse on 2nd February 1943. As a result of the damage sustained on 18th February 1943 Cat.A/FB damage would have been the damage assessment but there is no mention of this on it's AM Form 78. A repair on site was made and was returned to 76 Squadron use. On 5th March 1943 it failed to return from Ops to Essen. Cat.E(m) damage was recorded. Sadly the then crew of seven were lost without trace. The aircraft was struck off charge on 7th March 1943.
All of the above were posted to 1664 HCU on 22nd June 1943 once their Tour with 76 Squadron was complete.