Halifax JD385 damaged by enemy aircraft, returned to Elvington airfield.

On the evening of the 3rd November 1943 the crew of this 77 Squadron aircraft took off from Elvington airfield at 17.02hrs for an operational flight to bomb Dusseldorf. During the night the aircraft was attacked and badly damaged by an Me110 but despite loosing an engine the crew were able to bring the Halifax back to base, landing before midnight. After an inspection the damage was deemed too severe to warrant a repair and it was written off. For his actions on this night the pilot was awarded a Bar to the DFC and the citation for his award adds more detail, it 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."

Pilot - Acting S/Ldr Edgar Charles Badcoe DFC RAFVR (66001).

Second Pilot - Sgt Maurice William Mills RAFVR (1464204).

Flight Engineer? - P/O Matthew Holliday RAF (52822).

Navigator - P/O Frank Gordon Chell RAFVR (159435).

Bomb Aimer - P/O Reginald William Folkes RCAF (J/18382).

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O William Dewi Rees RAFVR (146276).

Air Gunner? - Sgt D Ricketts.

Air Gunner - Sgt John Bompas Mannix RCAF.

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. 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. He remained in the RAF until 1960 retiring in the rank of Wing Commander.

Reginald Folkes was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1918 and enlisted for RCAF service there in 1941. Having received a commission earlier in 1943 he was awarded the DFC for service with 77 Squadron, Gazetted on 27th June 1944. The citation for his DFC mentions the events of 3rd November 1943 (as stated at the top of this page), it reads.. "Pilot Officer Folkes has completed a tour of operations during which he has participated in attacks against many of the enemy's most heavily defended targets in Germany. He is a most valuable member of a gallant crew whose ability as bomb aimer has been amply demonstrated by photographic results. In November 1943 his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters and so badly damaged that control was temporarily lost. Nevertheless, the target was attacked from a much lower altitude and good photographs obtained. This officer has played no small part in the many successes attained by his crew."

Matthew Holliday received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 2nd June 1943 and rose to F/O six months later. For service with 77 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 2nd June 1944.

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. For service with 77 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, also Gazetted on 2nd June 1944.

Reginald Folkes received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 28th April 1943 and rose to F/O six months later. For service with 77 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 6th June 1944. Post-ww2 he remained in the RAF until 1962.

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.

Maurice Mills briefly flew with 77 Squadron before being posted to 35 Squadron and joining the PFF. He received a received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 18th April 1944, rising to F/O six months later. For service with 35 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 14th November 1944.

Back to monthly table.