Wellington X3872 damaged by flak, believed returned to Dishforth airfield.
On 23rd January 1943 the crew of this 425 Squadron aircraft were tasked with a daylight raid on Essen. This aircraft was slightly damaged by
flak but the damage did not prevent the aircraft returning to England and almost certainly landed without further incident at Dishforth. The aircraft had taken off at 12.01hrs and landed at 16.54hrs.
Pilot - P/O Sidney Leon Murrell RCAF (J/16203), of Gainsville, Texas, USA.
Navigator - P/O Frederick William Hodge RCAF (J/16996), of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - P/O Robert Andrew Livingston RCAF (J/17110), of Norwood, Manitoba. Canada.
Navigator - P/O Joseph Henry Thomas Jacques Lemieux RCAF (J/16796), of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Air Gunner - Sgt Ralph Lavis Robinson RCAF (A/8142), of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt Sydney Arthur Whitby RAFVR (1393852).
Sidney Murrell was born in 1917 in Gainsville, Texas but enlisted into the RCAF in Windsor, Ontario in February 1941. He received his commission in 1942. He was
involved in a more serious incident a week after this flak incident also in Wellington X3872, the later recommendation for the DFC on 20th March 1943 (as researched
by Hugh Halliday) states that.. "On the 30th January 1943, Pilot Officer Murrell was captain of a Wellington bomber detailed for a daylight attack on Oldenburg. On the way to the target, about 30 miles from the enemy coast, cloud cover was scanty. However, Pilot Officer Murrell could see well built up clouds over the land, and as he had received no general recall signal, he decided to continue and to attempt an attack on the target. He did not reach his objective, but he did bomb a built-up area in enemy territory. On the return journey, where no cloud cover existed, Pilot Officer Murrell was set upon by two ME.109's, which in the ensuing 20 minute running fight, made twelve separate attacks. By skilful maneouvering, Pilot Officer Murrell enabled both his beam and rear gunners to bring fire to bear on the attackers so that only on the final attack did they come to close range and score any hits. Pilot Officer Murrell is an extremely enthusiastic bomber pilot and is an asset to the squadron. I recommend that he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)." The DFC was granted and notification printed in the London Gazette on 13th May 1943, the citation for the DFC was less detailed and reads..
"In January 1943 this officer, as captain of aircraft, was detailed for a daylight attack on a target in northwest Germany. Cloud cover was scanty, but with determination he succeeded in attacking an alternative target. On the return journey his aircraft was attacked by two Messerschmitt 109s. In the ensuing engagement, which lasted twenty
minutes, the hostile aircraft made twelve separate attacks but Pilot Officer Murrell, by skilful manoeuvering, enabled his gunners to frustrate the attackers. By his keenness,
determination and fine fighting spirit this officer has set an inspiring example to all." Sadly F/Lt Murrell was killed on 22nd June 1943 while flying with 405 Squadron in
Halifax JD124 on Ops to Krefeld. He was twenty five years old and is buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.
Robert Livingston was also awarded the DFC for his actions during the raid on Oldenburg later in January 1943, Gazetted on 13th July 1943. The citation for his award reads..
"This officer has taken part in a large number of operational missions as wireless operator air gunner. He has always shown the greatest determination to achieve his objective.
On one occasion, during a daylight attack on Oldenburg, the aircraft in which he was flying was hit by cannon shells from two enemy fighters and fire broke out behind the
navigator's seat. Pilot Officer Livingston promptly put the fire out, thus enabling the aircraft to return safely. At all times his devotion to duty and coolness under
fire have set a fine example to his crew."
Of those listed above, Hodge, Livingston, Lemieux and Robinson also followed Sid Murrell to 405 Squadron and died in the same incident to Halifax JD124
as F/Lt Murrell. They are also buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery.
Sydney Whitby was killed flying with 428 Squadron on 24th September 1943 when Halifax EB207 failed to return from Ops to Mannheim. He is also buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery.
Wellington X3872 was built to contract.92439/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd. at Squires Gate. On 31st May 1942 it was received by 37 MU and was transferred to 48 Mu at Hawarden on 3rd July 1942. It was taken on charge by 425 Squadron at Dishforth on 21st November 1942. As a result of minor battle damage on 23rd January 1943 and also on 30th January 1943 minor Cat.A/FB damage resulted on both occasions and a repair on site was carried out each time. The aircraft was transferred to 29 O.T.U. at North Luffenham on 19th April 1943 where it remained for the next eighteen months. It received minor damage on at least four occasions which saw repairs on site being made each time. On 23rd January 1945 it was flown to 8 MU and was placed in long term MU storage. It was struck off charge on 12th May 1947.