Wellington BK505 damaged by flak, returned to Topcliffe airfield.
On the evening of 18th February 1943 the crew of this 426 Squadron aircraft undertook an operational flight to lay mines in the waters around the Frisian Islands and they took off at 17.48hrs. The aircraft was hit by flak from a flak ship at 19.31hrs and damage was sustained to the electrical and hydraulic systems. Due to the damage they opted not to continue to lay their mines. The pilot was able to bring the aircraft back to the UK and they landed at Topcliffe at 21.45hrs.
Pilot - F/O James Bert Millward RCAF (J/10255).
Navigator - P/O John Frederick Lewis RCAF (J/11224).
Bomb Aimer - P/O Reginald George Frank Hunt RCAF (J/11498).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Richard Cann Taylor RAFVR (1378964).
Air Gunner - P/O William Mead Maxwell RCAF (J/17114).
Air Gunner - Sgt W F G Woodley.
James Millward was born in Montreal in 1911 and prior to enlisting into the RCAF had attended both the McGill University (gaining a BA) and Bishops University (gaining a MA). He was posted to 426 Squadron in October 1942 on its formation, he was awarded the DFC for service with them, Gazetted on 13th August 1943,
the citation reads.. "On two occasions this officer has flown his aircraft safely back to base although damage had been sustained from enemy action. He has also had much success in securing photographs of the target area. As deputy flight commander Squadron Leader Millward has assisted in building up the squadron to its present high state of efficiency. The quiet determination with which he completes his duties has won him the admiration and respect of all." He was posted from 426 Squadron to Leeming in October 1943, he later served with 405 Squadron and gained the Bar to the DFC, Gazetted 15th August 1944, the citation for which reads.."Wing Commander Millward has completed many successful sorties during which he has attacked a wide range of strongly defended targets. He is an exceptionally keen and capable flight commander and has at all times displayed fine qualities of courage and devotion to duty." He was also Mentioned in Despatches on 14th June 1945 and received the award of the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star (France). Post-war he returned to Canada and remained in the RCAF, he was awarded Queen's Coronation Medal in 1953 when commanding officer at Trenton. He rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.
Richard Taylor was born in Newburn on Tyne, Northumblerland in 1911. He received his commission on 18th March 1943 (144711) to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency). He too was awarded the DFC for service with 426 Squadron, Gazetted on 14th September 1943. He was later posted to 405 Squadron and would fly with Millward again there.
John Lewis was born in London, Ontario in 1922. He was also posted in to 426 Squadron in October 1942, he too was awarded the DFC for service with 426 Squadron, Gazetted on 14th September 1943 the citation reads.. "In spite of continuous air sickness, the navigational ability displayed by Flying Officer Lewis has been of the highest order. He has participated in attacks on all the major targets in Germany, including several on the Ruhr Valley. One night in February 1943, his aircraft was badly damaged over Hamburg and due to this officer's navigational skill the long journey home, at reduced speed, was successfully completed. He has at all times displayed coolness and determination." This incident must have been on the night of 3rd/4th February 1943 when S/Ldr Dowie was his pilot. He was later posted to 405 Squadron and awarded the Bar to the DFC with this unit, Gazetted on 15th August 1944, the citation for this award reads.. "This officer has flown on a great number of sorties against strongly fortified targets in Germany. His technical skill and keenness for operational flying has set a fine example to the rest of his crew." He survived the War and died in Ottawa in 1998.
Reginald Hunt born in Verdun, Quebec in 1918 and enlisted into the RCAF in May 1941. He was posted to 426 Squadron with his pilot in October 1942. For service with 426 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 12th November 1943. He was later posted to 434 Squadron as Bombing Leader. He died in January 2002.
William Maxwell was born in New Jersey in 1920 but was lving in Leamington, Ontario, Canada when he enlisted into the RCAF in 1941. For service with 426 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 17th August 1943, the citation reads.."This officer has an excellent operational record. He has participated in attacks on such heavily defended enemy targets as Kiel, Duisburg, Bochum and Wuppertal and in several successful mine-laying sorties. The initiative and vigilance which he has always displayed have been assets of high value to his crew and in no small measure contributed to the safe return of his aircraft on several occasions. His courage, skill and devotion to duty have been most praiseworthy." He transferred to the USAAF in October 1943.
Hugh Halliday's RCAF awarded research has been drawn upon for much of these biogs.
Wellington BK505 was built to contract B.124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd. at Hawarden and was awaiting collection in November 1942. It was received by 22 MU on 9th November 1942 and was taken on charge by 426 Squadron at Dishforth on 29th November 1942. As a result of battle damage sustained on 18th February 1943 minor Cat.Ac/FB damage resulted. It was repaired on site by a team from Vickers at Weybridge and was returned to 426 Squadron on 20th March 1943. It then suffered minor battle damage on 17th April 1943, Cat.A/FB damage was again the assessment and another repair on site was required. This incident is not recorded on it's AM Form 78 so was possibly less serious and repaired locally. On 24th April 1943 the aircraft was transferred to 18 O.T.U. at Finningley. On 2nd July 1943 it crash landed at Finningley, Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was written off. It was struck off charge on 11th July 1943.