Halifax W7934 damaged on Ops, returned to Pocklington airfield.
On the evening of 3rd April 1943 the crew of this 102 Squadron aircraft were tasked with flying an operational flight to Essen, they left Pocklington at 19.50hrs and attacked the target area from 18,000ft. On landing at Pocklington at 00.32hrs on 4th April 1943
the bomb doors were found to have been damaged but the crew reported that the cause was unknown. The crew's initials are those given in the 102 Squadron ORB but may include errors. At the end of April 1943 all were flying Ops to Duisburg and suffered another battle damage incident.
Pilot - F/Sgt Terence McKinley RNZAF (402544), of Wellington City, New Zealand.
Navigator - Sgt Frank Alexander Sutherland RCAF (R/85849), of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt K Millar.
Air Gunner - Sgt M L O'Grady.
Air Gunner - Sgt K F Crosby.
Flight Engineer - Sgt N Shaw.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt F/P Allibone RAFVR (1058804?).
Terence McKinley completed a Tour with 102 Squadron and was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 17th August 1943. The citation stated that
"he is an outstanding captain" and "his fine fighting spirit, courage and leadership have gained him the entire confindence of his crew."
He was born in Nelson, New Zealand in 1922 and was working as a clerical cadet in the Government Housing Construction Dept when he
joined the RNZAF in July 1940. The photograph of him was kindly provided by air historian and author Mr Brian Lunn. After his time
with 102 Squadron he was posted to 1652 HCU as an instructor. On 14th November 1943 he was the pilot of Halifax DG230 which was being
air-tested, the aircraft suffered a double engine failure and crashed out of control at Kirk Hammerton, between York and Harrogate with
the loss of four of the men on board. F/O McKinley was 21 years old and is buried in Harrogate Stonefall Cemetery.
Frank Sutherland was awarded the DFM for service with 102 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th August 1943. Hugh Halliday has located the citation for his award which reads.."Flight Sergeant Sutherland, who has served with both Coastal and Bomber Command, has taken part in attacks against such heavily defended targets as Essen, Hamburg, and Berlin. On several occasions his aircraft has been damaged
by anti-aircraft fire and attacked by night fighters. An outstanding member of a gallant crew, Flight Sergeant Sutherland has consistently set a high standard of efficiency, confidence and devotion to duty."
Nothing is known about the other members of this crew and their names are taken from the squadron ORB which may contain errors.
Halifax W7934 was built to contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was taken on charge by 102 Squadron at Pocklington on 28th November 1942. It received Cat.A/FB damage on 4th April 1943 and was repaired on site. On 2nd May 1943 it collided with Halifax DT702 at Pocklington sustaining Cat.A/FA damage. On 30th May 1943 it failed to return from Ops to Wuppertal and subsequentally crashed near Monchengladbach with the seven man crew being killed. Cat.Em damage was recorded on the paperwork and it was struck off charge on 2nd June 1943 having clocked up a total of 250 hours total flying time.