Halifax DT743 damaged by flak, returned to Pocklington airfield.
On the night of 16th / 17th April 1943 the crew of this 102 Squadron aircraft were detailed to attack Mannheim and left base at 21.34hrs, they attacked the target area from 18,500 feet and reported good visibility with slight ground haze and they identified the target manually and by (PFF) markers. The aircraft sustained one small flak hole in the port outer engine "muff" but the crew were able to make a safe landing at Pocklington at 05.02hrs.
Pilot - Sgt Thomas Henry Dargavel RAFVR (1088817).
Navigator - F/O Hubert Parry Jeffreys RAFVR (127973).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Arthur Gordon Harris RAFVR (1381862).
Air Gunner - P/O E P J Beheils.
Air Gunner - Sgt John Rees Sellars/Sillard Power RAFVR (1316549).
Flight Engineer - Sgt H Walton.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt William Albert Thomas Brewer RAFVR (1387509).
Thomas Dargavel received a commission on 5th June 1943 to the rank of P/O on probation. As Acting F/Lt he was awarded the DFC for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 22nd October 1943, the citation reads.."F/Lt Dargavel is a courageous captain who has set a high standard throughout his tour of operations. One night in August 1943, this officer piloted an aircraft which attacked Gladbach. During the operation, the aircraft was attacked by a fighter and sustained much damage. The rear gunner was wounded, while some ammunition boxes were set alight. Nevertheless, Flight Lieutenant Dargavel succeeded in evading the attacker and afterwards flew the damaged bomber to base. His coolness and resolution in harassing circumstances were highly commendable". He was promoted to F/O on 7th November 1943 and to F/Lt on 7th May 1945. He was awarded the AFC on 13th June 1945 for service with 10 OTU.
Hubert Jeffreys received a commission on 31st July 1942 to the rank of P/O and was promoted to F/O on 31st January 1943, he was also awarded the DFC as a result of the same incident in August 1943, Gazetted on 2nd November 1943 for which Dargavel received his DFC, the citation reads.."One night in August 1943, this officer was the navigator of an aircraft which attacked Munchen-Gladlbach. During the operation the bomber was extensively damaged in an encounter with an enemy fighter. In harassing circumstances, Flying Officer Jeffreys displayed great skill and coolness, rendering material assistance to his captain during the homeward flight. This officer has participated in very many sorties and has proved himself to be a most dependable member of aircraft crew." He was later promoted to F/Lt on 31st July 1944. Post-war he remained in the RAFVR until relinquishing his commission on 27th January 1956.
John Power was awarded the DFM for service with 102 Squadron probably for the same incident as in Dargavel's DFC, it was Gazetted on 2nd November 1943, the citation reads..
"As air gunner, Flight Sergeant Power has participated in very many sorties over enemy territory. One night in August 1943, he took part in an attack on Munchen Gladbach. Whilst over the target area, his aircraft was attacked by a fighter. During the combat, Flight Sergent Power was wounded and his turret rendered unserviceable. Despite this, he insisted on remaining at his post until all danger of interference by enemy fighters had passed. His conduct was characteristic of the determination he has displayed throughout his tour." He was awarded his commission on 27th August 1943 to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) (161722) and rose to F/O on 27th February 1944 and F/Lt on 27th August 1945.
Arthur Harris was also awarded the DFM for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 2nd November 1943, the citation also refers to the same incident in August 1943 and reads.. "Sergeant Harris is a highly efficient wireless operator whose determination and devotion to duty has set an excellent example. He has taken part in many sorties and on several occasions his ability to repair essential equipment during flight has proved his skill. On a recent occasion, whilst attacking Munchen Gladbach, his aircraft was hit by gunfire from a fighter. A fire started amongst the ammunition boxes. Sergeant Harris acting promptly, was able to extinguish it and afterwards rendered first aid to a wounded comrade. His coolness was most praiseworthy"
William Brewer received a commission to the rank of P/O on 3rd June 1943, he was promoted to F/O on 3rd December 1943 and later to F/Lt on 3rd June 1945. He was Mentioned in Despatches on 2nd June 1944.
Halifax DT743 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electic Co. Ltd. at Samlesbury and it was flown to 18 MU at Dumfries on 13th January 1943. On 27th January 1943 the aircraft was transferred to 45 MU at Kinloss and it was taken on charge by 102 Squadron at Pocklington on 25th March 1943. As a result of flak damage on 17th April 1943 Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site at Pocklington. On 28th May 1943 it was again damaged by flak on an operational flight, a safe landing was made and Cat.Ac/FB damage was the damage assessment. The aircraft was repaired on site again and was returned to 102 Squadron. On 20th December 1943 the aircraft was transferred to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall. On 13th August 1944 it swung on take off from Riccall which caused the undercarriage to collaps. Cat.E1/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 13th August 1943 having clocked up an impressive 830 hours total flying time.