Halifax BB383 damaged by flak, returned to Pocklington airfield.
On the night of 2nd / 3rd August 1943 the crew of this 102 Squadron aircraft were flying an operational flight to Hamburg and took off from Pocklington at 23.41hrs. The aircraft received flak damage during the course of the flight, possibly outbound because they jettisoned the bomb load rather than dropping it over the target area. The crew nursed the aircraft back to the UK and are believed to have landed safely at base of Pocklington at 04.55hrs.
Pilot - F/Lt John Lindley Causton RARVR (127905).
Navigator - F/O G Russell.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt George Ollerhead.
Air Gunner - P/O K G Harris.
Air Gunner - F/Sgt B Valvasori.
Flight Engineer - Sgt J S Rowland.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt J G Rowlands.
John Causton was awarded the DFC for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 7th December 1943, the citation reads.."On every occasion, Flight Lieutenant Causton has pressed home his attacks with vigour and determination. His objectives have included such heavily defended targets as Berlin, Hamburg and Essen. In August 1943, while over Berlin, the port outer engine of his aircraft failed but by his skillful airmanship, he flew back to base and landed safely with only three engines functioning. This officer has the complete confidence of his crew and has proved to be an outstanding captain." The August trip referred to in the citation occurred on 31st August 1943 and involved this same Halifax BB383 and the same crew as listed above. He was later granted an OBE on 12th June 1965.