Halifax JD235 damaged by flak, returned to Snaith airfield.
On 9th July 1943 this aircraft took off from Snaith airfield at 23.19hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Gelsenkirchen.
The crew experienced problems opening the bomb doors while over the target area at 01.29hrs while flying at 18,500ft, they were opened
not long after they had passed over the target so the crew released their bombs but two hung up. This aircraft sustained damage by flak
just after leaving the target area. The crew were able to bring the aircraft back, jettisoning the two hung-up bombs off Beachy Head and
they landed safely at Snaith airfield in the early hours of 10th July 1943 at 05.21hrs.
Pilot - Sgt Stanley Charles Turner RAFVR (1314773), of Norbury, Surrey.
Navigator - Sgt David Bruce Leslie RAFVR (969562).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt A J East RAF (1266472).
Wireless Operator - F/Sgt Edward Blanchard RAF (619748).
Flight Engineer - Sgt T G Stevens RAF (644971).
Air Gunner - Sgt R H Evans RAF (1136458).
Air Gunner - Sgt Edward Jack Liptrott RAFVR (1397331).
David Bruce received his commission on 21st August 1943 to the rank of P/O on probation (155934) though the London Gazette
printed notification of this well after his death on 5th October 1943.
Stanley Turner received his commission on 21st August 1943 to the rank of P/O on probation (156119) though the London Gazette
printed notification of this well after his death on 5th October 1943.
Warrant Officer Edward Blanchard received the DFC for service with 51 Squadron effective of 31st August 1943 but Gazetted on 20th March 1945.
All of the above were flying Ops to Berlin with 51 Squadron on 31st August 1943 in Halifax JN902 when the aircraft was
damaged over Germany. Stevens, East, Blanchard and Evans baled out and survived to become PoWs. P/O Turner (22). P/O Bruce (26)
and Sgt Liptrott (21) were killed, they are buried in buried at Hanover War Cemetery.