Wellington HZ273 damaged by flak, returned to Topcliffe airfield.
On the night of 4th / 5th April 1943 this 424 Squadron Wellington was being flown on an operational flight to Kiel. They took off from Topcliffe at 20.36hrs and the aircraft was over the target at 23.15hrs. It was slightly damaged by flak in the port wing but the crew made a safe return to Topcliffe landing at 03.00hrs.
Pilot - Sgt Arthur Robert Harrison RCAF (R/108536).
Navigator - F/Sgt F Rath RCAF (R/105255).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Edward Alexander McQuarrie RCAF (R/102405).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt J E Malkin RAF (657735).
Rear Gunner - Sgt Arthur John Cockaday RCAF (R/90414).
Wellington HZ273 was built to contract B.92439/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd, at Squires Gate and was taken on charge by 426 Squadron at Dishforth on 25th February 1943. It was swiftly transferred to 424 Squadron at Topcliffe the following day. As a result of flak damage on 5th April 1943 Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. On the night of 14th / 15th April 1943 this aircraft with the crew named above failed to return from Ops to Stuttgart. All became PoWs. Cat.Em damage was recorded on the aircraft's paperwork and it was struck off charge.