Wellington HE278 at Croft airfield.
On 14th March 1943 this 427 Squadron aircraft lost power on take off from Croft airfield for a daytime training flight, the pilot aborted the take off but could not stop the aircraft before it ran into a ditch which removed the undercarriage. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, it was the first Wellington MkX to be written off by 427 Squadron. The pilot's name is confirmed however his crew is currently an assumed one believed to have been his regular crew at the time of the incident. Many of this crew were later decorated for their actions on 17th / 18th August 1943 in fighting off an attacking enemy aircraft and returning their damaged Halifax DK227 to England.
Wellington HE278 was built to contract B.124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd at Hawarden and was awaiting collection in December 1942. The aircraft was immediately taken on charge by 427 Squadron at Topcliffe on 16th February 1943. As a result of the crash at Croft on 14h March 1943 the damage was assessed as being Cat.E2/FA Burnt and it was written off.
Pilot - Sgt William Henry Schmitt RCAF (R/107263), of Arborfield, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Bomb Aimer - P/O George Lindsay Vogan RCAF (J/17351), of Millbank, Ontario, Canada.
Navigator - Sgt Alan Henry Fernand RAFVR (1381474), of Swansea, Wales.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt "S" George Fahner RCAF (R/107292), of Eldersley, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Rear Gunner - Sgt Reginald McNamara RCAF (R/101601), of Carman, Manitoba, Canada.
Back row - "Len" Gray, Fahner, Fernand, Vogan. Front row - McNamara and Schmitt.
He received his commission and was later posted to 415 Squadron, for service with them he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 17th July 1945 the citation reads.. "This officer has a splendid record of operational flying. He has completed many sorties against important targets in enemy territory since the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. As gunnery leader in his squadron he has trained its gunners to a high standard of skill and efficiency and by his own courage and vigilance on operations has set a fine example to all."
William Schmitt was born in Holdfast, Saskatchewan on 23rd November 1920. His father was German and his mother was a Native American. Prior to WW2 he worked as a bush pilot in British Columbia and the Yukon Territories. The address he gave was Arborfield, Saskatchewan when he enlisted into the RCAF in Saskatoon on 9th June 1941 shortly after graduating from college. He flew his first operational flight with 427 Squadron in January 1943 and for service with them he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 19th October 1943, the citation reads.. "This captain of aircraft has by his leadership and coolness in danger and his skill and determination under difficulties, given his crew every confidence and established a fine fighting spirit. On one occasion in June 1943, his aircraft was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire; nevertheless, Pilot Officer Schmitt completed his mission, later making a forced landing at an airfield. More recently when detailed for an attack he skilfully evaded an enemy night fighter which was shot down by his rear gunner. Pilot Officer Schmitt then pressed home his attack on the target" Bill Schmitt was posted to 23 OTU on 8th September 1943 for instructional duties. He later converted to flying Lancasters and was based at Leeming airfield. Post-war he returned to Saskatchewan and worked in farming as well as being a bush pilot. He also worked for the United Grain Growers for many years. He died in Winnipeg in April 2003.
Reginald McNamara was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England in October 1922 but had moved to Carmen, Manitoba, Canada at a young age. When he enlisted into the RCAF in April 1941 he was already serving in the Canadian Army. He was awarded the DFM for service with 427 Squadron, Gazetted on 19th October 1943 (the same date as Schmitt), the citation for his DFM reads.. "Sergeant McNamara has successfully completed a number of sorties during which he has displayed a very high degree of skill and initiative during a flight to Peenemunde. Before reaching the target his aircraft was attacked by a Focke Wulf 190 but, handling his guns with cool determination, Sergeant McNamara returned the fire and was successful in shooting down the enemy aircraft. He has at all times displayed calm and quiet efficiency in the execution of his duty."
George Vogan was born in Wellesley, Ontarion in August 1918 and enlisted into the RCAF in July 1941, he too was awarded the DFC for service with 427 Squadron, Gazetted on 10th December 1943 but with a brief citation of.."Pilot Officer Vogan has completed many successful operations against the enemy in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." He later trained as a bombing leader and returned to 427 Squadron and later served as Bombing Leader at Bomber Command Instructors' School, Finningley. He was later Mentioned in Despatches on 1st January 1946 for his work with No.6 Group Headquarters RCAF. He later returned home to Canada and was ordained as a United Church Minister and taught in St.Stephen's College, Edmonton and other colleges. He died on 11th October 2009.
Alan Fernand received his commission to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) on 15th March 1943 (the day after Wellington HE278 would crash at Croft) and was later promoted to F/O on probation (War subs) on 15th September 1943. He also received the DFC for service with 427 Squadron, Gazetted on 19th October 1943 the citation reads.."...has completed a number of successful sorties, during which he has displayed determination, skill and devotion to duty. His keenness and energy on operational flying have been outstanding and his skill as a navigator has been of great value to his crew." He was promoted to F/Lt (war subs) on 15th March 1945 and on 21st September 1945 he was awarded the Bar to the DFC for service with 109 Squadron. Post-wa he transferred to the RAF and on 29th October 1948 he was granted a permanent commission in the RAF as F/Lt, he was promoted to S/Ldr on 1st April 1955 and finally relinquished his commission on 2nd September 1964.
Nothing was known about George Fahner when I last updated this webpage.