On the night of 28th / 29th June 1943 the crew of this 10 Squadron aircraft took off from Melbourne airfield at 23.08hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Cologne. They bombed the target area at 01.48hrs from 18,000 feet through 10/10ths cloud on to PFF target markers but while over the target area the aircraft received minor flak damage to the wings and tail. Despite the damage the crew managed to make the return to base and landed at Melbourne at 04.10hrs.
Pilot - Acting F/Lt Raymond Herbert Brookbanks RNZAF (NZ413809).
Navigator - F/O Alan George Taylor RAFVR (120348).
Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt Albert Josiah Janes RCAF (R/88329).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Charles Reginald Farrar RAFVR (1263134).
Air Gunner - Sgt Edward Frederick Schmidt RCAF (R/128113).
Flight Engineer - P/O Vernon Royle RAFVR (144883).
Air Gunner - Sgt Henry Hutchinson Lewis McDaniel RCAF.
Charles Farrar also received his commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 7th June 1943 (148039). He too was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, also Gazetted on 19th October 1943. He was later promoted to F/O on 7th December 1943 and F/Lt on 7th June 1945. He remained in the RAF until 11th December 1958.
Edward Schmidt was awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 19th October 1943. He later received his commission and is believed to have served with 427 Squadron before the end of the War. His DFM citation (as located by and recorded in Hugh Halliday RCAF research) mentions the battle damage incident in November 1942 as recorded above, the citation states that "Since joining his squadron this airman has completed a successful tour of duty and has now been posted to instructional duties. The aircraft in which he has been flying as air gunner was on one occasion attacked by a Junkers 88 and again by three Focke Wulf 190s and has several times been damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Sergeant Schmidt has nevertheless continued to operate with the greatest enthusiasm. He is a skilful air gunner who has always displayed great courage and determination."
Alan Taylor received his commisison to the rank of P/O on probation on 4th April 1942 and was promoted to F/O on 4th October 1942. He too was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 15th October 1943. By March 1944 he was flying a second Tour with 78 Squadron, on 31st March 1944 he was flying in he is buried in Hannover War Cemetery and was twenty six years old.
Henry McDaniel was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 14th September 1943. The citation was also fairly detailed.. "Pilot Officer McDaniel, an outstanding member of a particularly successful crew, has consistently displayed keenness and devotion to duty, showing complete fearlessness in the face of danger. His aircraft has been badly damaged on at least six occasions and has also been involved in two crashes. Despite these trying experiences this officer has continued to operate with undiminished ardour, efficiency and enthusiasm."
Vernon Royle received a commission on 5th April 1943. He was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 16th November 1943.
Albert Janes was awarded the DFM for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 15th October 1943.
Raymond Brookbanks was born in Auckland, New Zealand in August 1919 and was working as a secretary and accountant when he enlisted for the RNZAF in July 1941. He was awarded the DFC for service with 10 Squadron, Gazetted on 15th October 1943 and while in the rank of Acting F/Lt.
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