On the night of 10th / 11th August 1943 the crew of this 77 Squadron aircraft were detailed to attack Nuremburg and took off from Elvington airfield before midnight. The aircraft was attacked by an Me109 but the two air gunners on board the Halifax returned fire and combined with evasive action taken the attacker was shaken off. The aircraft then sustained damage by flak but despite the damage the crew managed to return safely to Elvington. If this aircraft was JD321 then it had only just been flak damaged a week earlier with a different crew.
Pilot - Acting S/Ldr Edgar Charles Badcoe RAFVR (66001).
Flight Engineer - P/O E (or D E) Lowry.
Navigator - Sgt Frank Gordon Chell RAFVR (1319190).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt E Walton.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - P/O William Dewi Rees RAFVR (146276).
Air Gunner - Sgt John Bompas Mannix RCAF.
Air Gunner - Sgt D Ricketts.
Frank Chell received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 26th August 1943 and rose to F/O six months later. He had also earlier served with 10 Squadron. For service with 77 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, also Gazetted on 2nd June 1944.
John Mannix completed a tour with 77 Squadron and later flew a second tour with 429 Squadron. He was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 6th November 1945. He died in 2011.
Edgar Badcoe received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 23rd December 1940 (with seniority of 6th December 1940). Under the terms of his commission he rose to F/O a year later and to F/Lt a further year later. In early 1943 he served with 10 Squadron. For service with 77 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 2nd November 1943, the citation for which reads.. "S/Ldr Badcoe has undertaken very many sorties involving attacks on important and well defended targets. He has invariably displayed great keenness and enterprise and his successes have been proved by the many excellent photographs he has obtained. One night in October 1943, he piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Frankfurt. In spite of much difficulty, which occurred in the early stages of the flight, Squadron Leader Badcoe went on to complete his mission. This officer is an inspiring leader, whose courageous example has won great praise." He was then awarded the Bar to the DFC a month later, Gazetted on 10th December 1943 for his actions on 3rd November 1943. The citation for this award reads.. "One night in November 1943, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Dusseldorf. When nearing the target, the aircraft was attacked by a fighter. The bomber was hit by machine gun fire from the enemy aircraft and temporarily went out of control. Squadron Leader Badcoe regained control, however, and then went on to the target and executed a vigorous attack, afterwards flying the damaged bomber to base. Squadron Leader Badcoe displayed exceptional skill, great coolness and determination, setting an inspiring example.". He remained in the RAF until 1960 retiring in the rank of Wing Commander.