Halifax DT566 damaged by flak, returned to Melbourne airfield.
During the evening of 21st January 1943 this 10 Squadron aircraft was being flown on a mine laying operational flight and it took off from base of Melbourne at 17.31hrs.
The crew released their mines at 19.18hrs, around the same time the aircraft sustained flak damage. In taking major evasive action the aircraft clipped the sea damaging a wing in the process. The captain regained control and despite an engine failing on the flight home the aircraft made a landing at Melbourne airfield at 23.00hrs.
Pilot - P/O William Allan RAFVR (135867).
Navigator - Sgt Arthur Lipshitz RAFVR (1383809).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Charles Henry Bullock RCAF (R/79195).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt Peter Brooker Corfield RAF (657276).
Air Gunner - Sgt William George Evans RCAF (R/12443).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Willie Robinson RAFVR (1136183).
Air Gunner - Sgt Donald Vincent Hibbert RAFVR (938824).
William Allan received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 16th November 1942 and rose to F/O on 16th May 1943 and F/Lt on 16th November 1944.
He received the DSO for further service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 21st September 1945 while in the rank of Acting S/Ldr. Post-war he remained in the RAF at least
until 5th June 1953 when he was appointed to a commission in the RAF Reserve of Officers.
Donald Hibbert received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 10th March 1943 (144958) and rose to F/O on 10th September 1943. For service with 158 Squadron
he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 16th February 1945. He probably rose to F/Lt on 10th March 1945 but the London Gazette entry for this has not been found.
Peter Corfield received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 18th December 1944 (195047) and rose to F/O on 18th June 1945.
F/Sgt Lipshitz was killed on 23rd December 1943 while flying with 15 OTU in Wellington W5714 on a night cross country training flight, his body was recovered from the sea in Cornwall. He was still just 21 years old and is buried in Edmonton Jewish Cemetery, Middlesex.
Halifax DT566 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge by 10 Squadron at Melbourne on 21st October 1942. On the night of 11th / 12th December 1942 it received minor damage following combat with a night fighter on Ops to Turin, the pilot was able to land at Manston with one engine not running. Minor Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. As a result of the damage sustained on 21st January 1943 Cat.Ac/FB was the assessment and it was repaired on site, being returned to 10 Squadron on 17th February 1943. On 29th March 1943 it was transferred to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit at Marston Moor. It sustained minor damage there on 28th January 1944, Cat.Ac/FA after assessment and it was repaired on site. It was returned to the unit at Marston Moor by the end of February 1944. On 26th September 1944 the aircraft was deemed beyond ecomonic repair during an assessment, Cat.E damage was recorded and it was struck off charge on the same date.
William Allan was awarded the DFC, and Sgt's Lipshitz, Corfield, Robinson and Hibbert were awarded the DFM's for service with 10 Squadron, all Gazetted on 14th May 1943.
Charles Bullock was also awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 18th May 1943. The citation for his award states..
"Flight Sergeant Bullock has a long and distinguished record of operational flying. His aircraft has been twice attacked by enemy fighters, one of which was destroyed.
On several other occasions Flight Sergeant Bullock's aircraft has been badly damaged, making the return journey on three engines. Despite these hazardous experiences
this airman has been conspicuous for his unflagging enthusiasm for operations and cheerful cool composure in times of stress. An outstanding member of a gallant crew,
Flight Sergeant Bullock has set a magnificent example to the other wireless operators in his squadron."
William Evans was posted to 22 OTU on 19th March 1943 and then to 617 Squadron in January 1944. He was awarded the DFC for service with 617 Squadron, Gazetted on 12th December 1944.