Halifax DT674 damaged by flak, landed at Leeming airfield.
On the evening of 21st January 1943 crews belonging to No.6 Group RCAF were tasked with laying mines in the area of the Frisian Islands / Simonszand. This 408 Squadron aircraft took off from Leeing at 17.03hrs. During the course of the night it was hit by flak in both wings, the pilot was able to make a safe return to base and landed at 21.49hrs. Many of those listed below were later posted to 405 Squadron.
Pilot - F/Sgt James Caldwell Harty RCAF.
Navigator - F/Sgt B L Miller RCAF.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt John Edward Paterson RAFVR (1346433).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Richard Alexander Carney RCAF (R/91321).
Air Gunner - Sgt Norman Henry Arthur Taylor RCAF (R/84381).
Air Gunner - Sgt R W Stuart.
Flight Engineer - Sgt William Norman Tatham RCAF (R/70700).
"In June 1943, Flying Officer Harty and Warrant Officer Tatham were pilot and flight engineer of an aircraft detailed to attack Dusseldorf. When returning
from the target the aircraft in which they were operating was engaged by an enemy fighter. The bomber was hit and caught fire. Warrant Officer Tatham, regardless
of the danger of an explosion due to the proximity of several oxygen containers and in spite of the fact that he was suffering from intense pain from badly burnt
hands, fought the blaze with dogged determination. The fire proved uncontrollable and the aircraft was forced down on to the sea. Although the aircraft was sinking
fast this officer and Warrant Officer Tatham, with complete disregard for their personal safely, assisted the injured members of the crew into the dinghy and rendered
first aid. The excellent example of coolness and courage displayed by Flying Officer Harty and Warrant Officer Tatham is worthy of the highest praise."
Halifax DT674 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge by 408 Squadron at Leeming on 7th December 1942. As a result of the damage sustained on 21st January 1943 minor Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment. It was repaired on site at Leeming and remained in use by 408 Squadron. On 28th May 1943 it failed to return from Ops to Essen. Cat.E(m) damage was recorded while two of it's then crew were killed and five were made PoW. The aircraft was struck off charge on 31st May 1943.
On 11th / 12th June 1943 Harty, Tatham, Miller, Paterson and Taylor were flying Ops to Dusseldorf in Halifax HR797 with 405 Squadron. The aircraft was hit by flak and later ditched off the English coast. WO1 Taylor did not survived rescue and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial but the dinghy drifted back towards occupied Europe and the others were rescued but made PoWs. F/O Harty and WO Tatham were awarded DFC's for their actions on this night with the awards Gazetted on 5th February 1945 possibly after another member of the crew had been repatriated and informed the Air Ministry of their actions. The joint citation reads..
John Paterson received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 5th March 1943.
P/O Richard Carney was also posted to 405 Squadron and reported as missing on 17th August 1943 when Halifax HR856 failed to return from Ops to Turin.
He was twenty four years old and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.