Lancaster DS688 damaged by flak, landed at Linton on Ouse airfield.
On the night of 23rd / 24th August 1943 the crew of this 426 Squadron Lancaster were undertaking an operational flight to bomb Berlin and had taken off from Linton on Ouse at 20.24hrs. The aircraft was coned in searchlights before reaching the target and fired upon by flak, the pilot took evasive action and escaped the searchlights but the aircraft had been damaged by flak which had damaged the hydraulic system. With the damage sustained they crew dropped their bombs over Bremen at 23.45hrs and made for home. On their return to Linton on Ouse the undercarriage would not lower normally so the crew used the emergency air bottle to lower it. They landed safely at base at 01.35hrs. The night before this incident the main part of this crew had shot down an enemy Me109.
Pilot - S/Ldr James Bert Millward DFC RCAF (J/10255).
Second Pilot - F/Sgt Alan Ludvig Olsson RCAF.
Navigator - F/O Russell Edwin David Ratcliffe RCAF (J/10421).
Bomb Aimer - P/O Reginald George Frank Hunt RCAF (J/11498).
Wireless Operator - P/O Richard Cann Taylor RAFVR (144711).
Flight Engineer - Sgt W Corrigan.
Air Gunner - P/O Kenneth Albert Nordheimer RCAF (J/26606).
Air Gunner - P/O William Mead Maxwell DFC RCAF (J/17114).
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 a commission on 18th March 1943 to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency). He 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 James Millward again there.
Reginald Hunt born in Verdun, Quebec in 1918 and enlisted into the RCAF in May 1941. He was posted to 426 Squadron way back 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.
Russell Ratcliffe was born in Kingston in 1919 and was the regular navigator in 426 Squadron's commanding officer, W/C Bill Swetman's, crew. For service with 426 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 24th May 1944. He remained in the RCAF post-ww2 and was Commended for Valuable Service in the Air on 13th June 1952.
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.
P/O Alan Olsson was killed on 26th March 1944 while flying with 426 Squadron when Lancaster DS789 crashed in Germany. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
F/O Kenneth Nordheimer was killed flying with 405 Squadron on 17th August 1944 when Lancaster PB239 crashed in the sea off Denmark. He was still just twenty years old and is buried in Kirkeby Churchyard, Denmark.