Halifax JD127 damaged by flak, returned to Pocklington airfield.
On the night of 27th / 28th May 1943 the crew of this 102 Squadron aircraft were flying an operational flight to Essen and took off from Pocklington at 23.02hrs. The aircraft received flak damage to the fuselage, both wings and the tail but the crew nursed the aircraft back to the UK and are believed to have landed safely at base of Pocklington at 03.39hrs.
Pilot - F/Lt John Lindley Causton RAFVR (127905).
Navigator - F/O G Russell.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt George Ollerhead.
Air Gunner - P/O K G Harris.
Air Gunner - F/Sgt B Valvasorie.
Flight Engineer - Sgt John Stanley Rowland.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt J G Rowlands.
John Causton was awarded the DFC for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 7th December 1943, the citation reads.."On every occasion, Flight Lieutenant Causton has pressed home his attacks with vigour and determination. His objectives have included such heavily defended targets as Berlin, Hamburg and Essen. In August 1943, while over Berlin, the port outer engine of his aircraft failed but by his skillful airmanship, he flew back to base and landed safely with only three engines functioning. This officer has the complete confidence of his crew and has proved to be an outstanding captain." He was later granted an OBE on 12th June 1965.
Halifax JD127 was built to contract ACFT/1808/C4 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was delivered directly to 102 Squadron at Pocklington on 6th May 1943. As a result of flak damage on 26th May 1943 and then on 28th May 1943 Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment each time with a repair on site being carried out each time. On 23rd August 1943 it crashed at Pocklington on take off for Ops to Berlin. Cat.E2/FB Burnt damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 26th August 1943 having clocked up a total of 176 hours flying from new.