Halifax JB788 damaged by flak, returned to Elvington airfield.
On the night of 27th / 28th May 1943 the crew of this 77 Squadron aircraft were tasked with flying an operational flight to bomb Essen and took off from Elvington airfield at 22.44hrs. They bombed the target area from 18.000 feet but the aircraft was damaged by flak whilst over the target. This flak injured the pilot in the right thigh and although the crew were able to make a safe return to Elvington and land there at 04.34hrs he was admitted to hospital. This aircraft was damaged by flak three times in May 1943 with this crew involved in two of them.
Pilot - Sgt Francis Edwin Mathers RAAF (413221). Injured.
Flight Engineer - Sgt Roy Gough RAFVR (1184858).
Navigator - P/O William Rhymer Simpson RAFVR (130239).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt William Goldsbrough RAFVR (1040030).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Edward George Owen French RAFVR (1332367).
Air Gunner - Sgt Guy Anthony Muffett RAFVR (1802465).
Air Gunner - Sgt William Fisher Speedie RAFVR (1555010).
"One night in June, 1943, Sergeants French and Spedie were the wireless operator / air gunner and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Mathers, which attacked Mulheim. Whilst over the target area, the bomber was subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences and was repeatedly hit. Two engines were rendered unserviceable in quick succession, while the starboard aileron control was shot away and 3 petrol tanks were pierced all of which leaked rapidly. In spite of this, Flight Sergeant Mathers flew clear of the defences and set course for this country. On the return flight, the bomber gradually lost height and all movable equipment including the guns of the mid-upper turret and some ammunition, were jettisoned. Shortly after crossing the enemy coast, the disabled aircraft was intercepted by an enemy fighter. In the ensuing engagement, Sergeant Spedie skillfully used his guns and, eventually with a devastating burst from close range, he shot the attacker down into the sea. The bomber was down to 500 feet but, displaying superb airmanship, Flight Sergeant Mathers, receiving much assistance from Sergeant French who diligently worked his wireless apparatus to obtain direction fixes, struggled to reach an airfield near the coast. Although the undercarriage could not be lowered, this pilot successfully effected a crash-landing. In most harassing circumstances Flight Sergeant Mathers displayed exceptional skill, courage and fortitude, while Sergeants French and Spedie displayed conduct worthy of the highest praise."
All of the above were flying together on the night of 5th / 6th September 1943 in Halifax JB839 on Ops to Mannheim when the aircraft failed to return and all on board were killed. They are all buried in Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany. Sgt Muffett was just eighteen years old.
Francis Mathers was born on 8th November 1921 and enlisted into the RAAF in August 1941 in Sydney.
In June 1943 this crew were undertaking Ops to Mulheim in Halifax JD110 when the aircraft was hit by flak and very badly damaged, with great difficulty Sgt Mathers brought the aircraft back to the UK and belly-landed at Martlesham Heath. For their actions on this night Sgt Mathers was awarded the CGM and Sgt's French and Speedie were awarded the DFM. Their award notifications were printed in the London Gazette on 16th July 1943 and the citation reads..
Halifax JB788 was built to contract ACFT/1808/C4 by English Electric Co. Ltd. at Samlesbury and was flown to 18 MU at Dumfries as new on 27th February 1943. The aircraft was taken on charge by 77 Squadron at Elvington on 4th May 1943. It sustained Cat.A/FB damage assessments following minor flak damage incidents on 14th May 1943, 26th May 1943, 28th May 1943 and 10th July 1943. After each incident a repair on site was carried out. On 30th September 1943 the aircraft was transferred to 466 Squadron at Leconfield and on 17th November 1943 it was transferred to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit at Marston Moor. On 29th December 1943 it crash landed off Drub Lane, Cleckheaton following a propeller detachment on a training flight. Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 10th January 1944 having clocked up some 296 flying hours from new.