On the evening of the 12th March 1943 this 10 Squadron aircraft left Melbourne airfield at 19.25hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Essen. The aircraft bombed the target area at 21.20hrs from 16,500 feet, around the time of releasing their bomb load the aircraft received flak damage to the tail fins, rear turret, starboard outer engine and the bomb doors. The rear gunner also received serious injuries and was later awarded an immediate DFM for his actions on this night. The crew were able to bring the aircraft back to base and landed at Melbourne at 23.33hrs and the rear gunner was taken to hospital.
Pilot - F/Sgt George Alexander Vinish RCAF.
Navigator - F/O Edward Ernest Kitchen RAFVR (116202).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt Robert Alfred Walker RAFVR (1235107).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Andrew MacDonald Black RAFVR (1369216).
Air Gunner - Sgt Richard Eric Heap RAF (649556).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Alan John Crouch RAFVR (1444440).
Air Gunner - Sgt Joseph Arthur Jacques Barsalou RCAF (R/104782).
Halifax DT789 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge by 10 Squadron on 2nd February 1943. As a result of flak damage on both 12th March 1943 and later on 1st May 1943 Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment each time and a repair on site was made each time. On 24th May 1943 it failed to return from an operational flight to Dortmund which saw it's then crew of seven being killed. Cat.E(m) damage was recorded on the paperwork. It was struck off charge on 29th May 1943.
Joseph Barsalou was born in Montreal, Canada in 1921 and was living there when he enlisted for RCAF service in May 1941. He was posted to 10 Squadron August 1942 and as a result of his actions on the night of 12th March 1943 he was awarded the DFM, Gazetted on 6th April 1943. The citation adds much more detail and reads.. "One night in March 1943, this airman was the rear gunner of an aircraft which attacked Essen. When nearing the target area the bomber was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire and its fuselage was pierced in eighteen places. The rear turret was riddled and Flight Sergeant Barsalou was severely wounded but refrained from informing his captain who went on to bomb the objective. A few minutes later when his captain once more inquired if he was all right, Flight Sergeant Barsalou gave a reassuring reply and warned him of the presence of an enemy fighter. It was shaken off and a member of the crew was ordered to investigate the rear turret. Flight Sergeant Barsalou was then found slumped over his guns and the turret a mass of blood. He had received several shrapnel wounds. Although in great pain, very weak and bleeding profusely, he attempted to minimize his injuries and insisted that he could bear up until the English coast was reached. When the aircraft was finally landed Flight Sergeant Barsalou was rushed to hospital. This airman displayed courage, fortitude and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force." He was presented with his DFC in July 1943 and received a commission in August 1943. He doesn't appear to have returned to an operational squadron, seeing out the war at various RCAF airfields in the UK, possibly instructing.
George Vinish was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1920. He was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th July 1943. The citation also mentions the incident above on 12th March 1943 and reads.. "Throughout his tour of operational duty Pilot Officer Vinish has been an outstanding captain of aircraft. In March 1943, while on a sortie to Essen, he completed his mission successfully though his tail gunner seriously wounded and one engine in his aircraft was unserviceable. On another occasion he again bombed Essen effectively, although his windscreen had been shattered and fragments blown into his face. Pilot Officer Vinish has a splendid record and it is largely due to his resolution and enthusiasm that his crew has achieved many success."
Edward Kitchen received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 31st January 1942 and rose to F/O on probation on 1st October 1942. He was also awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th July 1943. He was later promoted to F/Lt on 31st January 1944 and remained in the RAF until 1954.
Alan Crouch was awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th July 1943. He received a commission on 21st July 1943 to the rank of P/O on probation and rose to F/O six months later. On 13th May 1944 he was killed while flying a second tour with 76 Squadron and is buried in Schoonselhof Cemetery, Belgium.
Andrew Black was also awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 9th July 1943. He received a commission on 21st January 1944 and rose to F/O six months later and to F/Lt on 21st January 1946.
Richard Heap was also awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th July 1943. He received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 28th January 1944 and rose to F/O six months later. By March 1945 he was back flying with 10 Squadron and on 6th March 1945 he was killed. He is buried in Berlin War Cemetery.
Robert Walker was posted to 115 Squadron in April 1943 and was killed flying with them on 13th July 1943 when Lancaster DS690 failed to return from Ops to Aachen. He is buried in Les Hayons Churchyard, Belgium.
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