Halifax W7920 damaged by flak, returned to Pocklington airfield.
On the night of 26th / 27th March 1943 the crew of this 102 Squadron aircraft were tasked with bombing Duisburg and left Pocklington airfield at 20.01hrs. They bombed the target but the aircraft sustained flak damage. The main damage sustained was a damaged oil tank which resulted in the port inner engine failing and the crew flew the rest of the trip on three engines, making a good landing at Pocklington at 00.58hrs.
Pilot - F/O Haywood Sam Hartley RAFVR (109071).
Navigator - Sgt Frank James Steer RAFVR (914557).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt J F Thomson.
Air Gunner - Sgt Jack Louis Stanley Lowings RAFVR (1322699).
Air Gunner - Sgt Leslie Lazenby RAFVR (623616).
Flight Engineer - Sgt J R Flannery RCAF.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt Henry John Hooper RAFVR (1317978).
Halifax W7920 was built contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. It was taken on charge as new by 102 Squadron at Pocklington on 8th November 1942. As a result of damage sustained at Pocklington on 26th November 1942 Cat.Ac/FB damage was the assessment and it was repaired on site. It was returned to 102 Squadron on 30th December 1942. On 19th February 1943 while on an operational flight to bomb Wilhelmshaven the port inner engine cowling came lose and bent back causing minor damage, the pilot was able to land safely. Cat.Ac/FB damage was the damage assessment, it was repaired on site and was servicable by the end of the month. On 27th March 1943 it sustained flak damage, Cat.A/FB resulted and it was repaired on site at Pocklington. On 21st April 1943 it sustained battle damage on an operational flight to Stettin, Cat.A/FB damage was again the damage assessment and it was repaired on site at Pocklington. On 28th May 1943 it sustained flak damage while on an operational flight to bomb Essen, Cat.A/FB damage was again the damage assessment and it was repaired at Pocklington. On 2nd July 1943 it sustained Cat.Ac/FA damage on the ground at Pocklington when a propeller broke off while the engines were being run up. The aircraft was again repaired on site and was returned to 102 Squadron on 5th August 1943. On 23rd September 1943 the aircraft was transferred to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall. Unfortunately on 5th October 1943 it crashed on landing at Riccall. Cat.E/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 16th October 1943.
Leslie Lazenby was awarded the DFM for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 14th September 1943.
Frank Steer received a commission the day after this battle damage incident. He was awarded the DFC for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 19th October 1943. He survived the War and remained in the RAF until 1962.
Sam Hartley was awarded the DFC for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 22nd October 1943, the citation reads.."This officer, who has participated in very many sorties, is an extremely efficient and zealous captain. He has invariably pressed home his attacks and, on more than one occasion, his aircraft has been damaged by enemy action. Each time, he has succeeded in flying his damaged bomber to base. His courageous and inspiring example has been worthy of great praise."
Sgt Jack Lowings was killed on 28th May 1943 while serving with 102 Squadron and is buried in Wieringen Cemetery, Netherlands.