Halifax DT776 damaged by flak, returned to Melbourne airfield.

On the night of 12th / 13th May 1943 the crew of this 10 Squadron aircraft took off from Melbourne airfield at 23.29hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Duisburg. They bombed the target area at 17,000 feet at 02.07hrs on the burning pathfinding markers but while over the target area the aircraft was slightly damaged in the bomb doors by a flak burst. The crew managed to fly the aircraft safely back to base and landed at 04.53hrs. Many of this crew were later awarded the DFC / DFM for service with 10 Squadron.

Pilot - F/Sgt Gordon Roger Hewlett RNZAF (NZ.415847).

Navigator - Sgt D McClelland.

Bomb Aimer - Sgt Kenneth Hamilton Dempster RAFVR (1451840).

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - P/O Leslie Victor Williams RAFVR (126738).

Air Gunner - Sgt Ronald Stanley Minnett RAFVR (1702041).

Flight Engineer - Sgt Tom Leonard Thackeray RAFVR (648457).

Air Gunner - Sgt Charles MacFarlane RAFVR (993788).

Second Pilot - Sgt Frederick John Hands Heathfield RAFVR (1235550).

P/O Hewlett was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 3rd September 1943. The citation reads.. "One night in August 1943, this officer captained an aircraft detailed for an operation against Nuremburg. During the outward flight one of the engines became unserviceable. Some height was lost but Pilot Officer Hewlett flew on to the target and ultimately bombed it, afterwards piloting the aircraft back to this country. The bomber was rapidly losing height as the English coast was crossed but Pilot Officer Hewlett effected a successful landing at the nearest airfield. This officer, who has completed many sorties, has invariably displayed great determination and devotion to duty".

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