Halifax DT720 damaged by flak, returned to Melbourne airfield.

On the night of 11th / 12th June 1943 the crew of this 10 Squadron aircraft took off from Melbourne airfield at 23.35hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Dusseldorf. They bombed the target area at 001.57hrs from 18,000 feet on the PFF target markers but while over the target area the aircraft received minor flak damage to the port aileron. Despite the damage the crew managed to make the return to base and landed at Melbourne at 04.35hrs. This was one of six 10 Squadron Halifaxes damaged on this night.

Pilot - Sgt Ronald Thackray RAFVR (1231935).

Navigator - Sgt James Henry Jennings RAFVR (1335655).

Bomb Aimer - Sgt Ivan Alderwin Hibbert RAFVR (1436351).

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt G H Webb.

Air Gunner - Sgt T D Shirley.

Flight Engineer - Sgt J Clark.

Air Gunner - Sgt J Richards.

Halifax DT720 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge by 158 Squadron at Rufforth on 30th December 1942. It carried the squadron code "NP-P". As a result of damage sustained following it's first operational flight on 30th January 1943 minor Cat.Ac/FA damage was the assessment and it was repaired on site at Rufforth. The aircraft was returned to 158 Squadron charge on 10th February 1943 and then then moved to Lissett with them on 28th February 1943. DT720 next flew operationally on 3rd March 1943 but as "NP-Y". The aircraft was then transferred to 10 Squadron at Melbourne on 12th April 1943 and was coded "ZA-L", it first flew operationally with 10 Squadron on 23rd May 1943. On 12th June and also 26th June 1942 it sustained flak damage with minor Cat.A/FB resulting each time, followed by a repair on site both times at Melbourne. The aircraft was transferred to 466 Squadron on 20th September 1943 but it did not fly operationally with them. On paper the aircraft was transferred to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall on 12th March 1944. It served there until failing a major inspection on 13th November 1944 that saw it being struck off charge.
Ronald Thackray was awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 23rd November 1943. The citation reads.. "F/Sgt Thackray is an outstanding captain, whose determined efforts have been worthy of high praise. On several occasions, his aircraft has been damaged by enemy action but, each time, he has flown it back to base. His fine fighting qualities and devotion to duty have set an excellent example."

James Jennings was also awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 30th November 1943. The citation reads.. "As navigator Sgt Jennings has participated in a large number of sorties and has displayed skill of a high order. With unfailing accuracy he has guided his pilot to the target, often in the face of strong opposition, and his efforts have contributed materially to the successes achieved. Sergeant Jennings has rendered fine service."

Ivan Hibbert was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 30th November 1943. The citation reads.. "As air bomber, Pilot Officer Hibbert has participated in very many sorties and has displayed great skill, coolness and devotion to duty. On several occasions his aircraft has been damaged by enemy action but, unperturbed Pilot Officer Hibbert has executed his bombing tasks with accuracy and determination. He has displayed great confidence throughout, setting a very fine example."

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