Lancaster DV311 damaged by flak and mid-air collision. Landed at either Lissett or Catfoss airfield.

On the night of 26th / 27th November 1943 the crew of this 61 Squadron aicraft took off from Skellingthorpe at 17.32hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Berlin. The crew released their bomb load from 21,000 feet and while over the target area the aircraft was coned in searchlights and damaged by flak. After taking evasive action they escaped the lights. Unfortunately the pilot's night vision was lost briefly and at 21.26hrs before it was regained Lancaster R5868 and 61 Squadron Lancaster DV311 collided over the target area. Lancaster DV311 struck upper surfaces of Lancaster R5868. The damage to DV311 appears to have been minor and did not effect the flying controls. They flew the aircraft back across the North Sea but the weather was poor on their return to the area of their base so many of the Lincolnshire-based aircraft were diverted north to land in Yorkshire. Visibility was still bad over Yorkshire. This aircraft landed at 00.57hrs at either Lissett or Catfoss airfield. There is an AM Form 1180 for the damage caused by the collision and that states that Lancaster DV311 landed at Lissett airfield. The 61 Squadron records do not state where the landings were made. 2 (C)O.T.U.'s orb states that the whole of 61 Squadron's Lancasters were landed at their airfield, ie Catfoss. Maybe Catfoss thought all had landed there but DV311 landed at Lissett.

The pilot was awarded a DFC for his actions on this night, Gazetted in January 1944 the citation stated "This officer has completed a very large number of sorties including five attacks on Berlin. On the last occasion one night in November 1943, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and sustained damage. Nevertheless, Flying Officer Einarson pressed home his attack. Soon after the bombs had been released, the aircraft was struck, the starboard wing tip and part of the aileron were torn away and the aircraft went into a steep dive. Flying Officer Einarson succeeded in regaining control and afterwards flew safely to an airfield in this country. Throughout his tour of operations this officer has invariably displayed a high degree of skill, courage and determination."

Pilot - F/O Johann Walter Einarson DFM RCAF (J/17276).

Flight Engineer - Sgt Maurice Leonard Worth RAFVR (1623406).

Navigator - F/Sgt Allan James Collins RAAF (412112).

Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt Barnaby Ryder Greatrex RAAF (413758).

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Reginald Thomas Gill RAAF (408367).

Air Gunner - Sgt L J Throng.

Air Gunner - Sgt S F Nicholas.