Wellington HE595 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.
On the night of 25th / 26th May 1943 this aircraft was one of fourteen 429 Squadron aircraft detailed to bomb Dortmund. This aircraft had taken off at 23.43hrs and proceeded to the target but at 01.40 hrs flak opened up near Julich and struck this aircraft flying at 18,000 feet. The flak hit the starboard engine nacelle and released the dinghy which flapped around the wing. The tyre on the starboard side was also punctured. Because of the damage and the dinghy flapping in the slipstream the aircraft began to vibrate and loose height. The pilot ordered the bombs to be jettisoned and asked the navigator, Sgt Phillips to plot a course for East Moor. When they arrived back at East Moor flying control advised them to continue circling and not attempt a landing until all the other squadron aircraft had landed. Once flying control gave the authorization the aircraft came in for the landing on the runway, they touched down and ran straight until they lost speed when the Wellington veered to starboard, because of the punctured tyre, and ran off the runway. As it hit soft ground it slewed around and nosed over, breaking both propellers and the plexiglass in the bomb aimer's position. The crew escaped injury.
Pilot - Sgt R E Murray RCAF (R/139214).
Navigator - Sgt Gerald Irwin Phillips RCAF (R/110968).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt R B Paul RCAF (R/109366).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Robert Eric Moden RAFVR (1330467).
Air Gunner - Sgt J G Stuffoo RCAF (R/131901).
All these airmen were posted in to 429 Squadron on 30th April 1943 from 22 O.T.U. and were posted out on 13th September 1943 to 432 Squadron.
Gerald Phillips was born in 1918 in Selkirk, Manitoba and was living there when he enlisted in Winnipeg in June 1941. He received a commission in 1943 and on 20th January 1944 he was recommended for the DFC with 432 Squadron when he had flown twenty five and a half operational flights (154 hours flying) between 16th May 1943 to 14th January 1944. The DFC was granted and notification appeared in the London Gazette on 21st April 1944 though it was not presented until 30th October 1948. The recommendation for the DFC reads.. "This officer has completed 25.5 successful operational sorties, sixteen of which have been over strongly defended targets in Germany. He has proven himself to be an outstanding navigator and an inspiration to the members of his crew. On all occasions he has shown outstanding fortitude and skill and has cheerfully filled every assignment given to him. For his fine record of achievement, his superb leadership and his devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."
Wellington HE595 was built to contract B.124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd. at Hawarden and was delivered to 23 M.U. at Aldergrove on 9th February 1943. On 14th March 1943 the aircraft was taken on charge by 425 Squadron at Dishforth but was transferred to 429 Squadron at East Moor on 25th April 1943. As a result of the damage sustained on 26th May 1943 Cat.Ac/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site by a team from Vickers at Weybridge. On 23rd July 1943 the aircraft was returned to 429 Squadron charge. On 29th July 1943 it sustained received a Cat.B/FA damage assessment but what happened to receive this is not known. The aircraft was repaired in works by Brooklands Aviation Ltd. at Doncaster and was listed as awaiting collection on 19th November 1943. On 1st December 1943 the aircraft was flown to 23 M.U. at Aldergrove and remained in store until being taken on charge by 21 O.T.U. at Moreton in Marsh on 26th April 1944. On 3rd August 1944 the aircraft received a Cat.Ac damage assessment so was repaired on site by a team from Vickers with it returned to 21 O.T.U. charge on 23rd September 1944. Again on 14th February 1945 a Cat.Ac assessment was made, Vickers repaired it on site and it was returned to 21 O.T.U. on 24th February 1945. On 17th October 1945 the aircraft was flown to 12 MU at Kirkbride and it lasted until being struck off charge on 9th June 1947.