Halifax LL576 damaged by flak, landed at East Moor airfield.
During the evening of 11th September 1944 this 415 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Castrop Rauxel and took off from East Moor airfield at 16.11hrs. The crew released their bomb load onto the target area from 18,000 feet at 18.48hrs and while over the target the aircraft sustained flak damage to the port fin, starboard wing, nose and mid upper turret. Despite the damage the crew returned to East Moor and landed at 21.29hrs.
Pilot - F/O Ronald Sierolawski RCAF (J/27553).
Flight Engineer - Sgt John Dickson Wood RAFVR (1348569).
Navigator - P/O J M Page RCAF (J/37176).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt W D Webb RCAF (R/155483).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O A R Joyce RCAF (J/35763).
Air Gunner - Sgt James Vine RCAF (R/250546).
Air Gunner - Sgt William Molden RCAF (R/208806).
Air Gunner - Sgt D C Shubrook RCAF (R/268151).
Ron Sierolawski and his crew commenced Halifax operations with 415 Squadron on 1st August 1944. The incident above took place on his fourteenth operational flight and he completed a total of thirty two operation flights and his Tour with 415 Squadron on 2nd December 1944. On 21st / 22nd November 1944 the same crew were again hit by flak on Ops flying Halifax NA600 and landed at Wombleton on their return with many of their fellow 415 Squadron aircraft. It is believed that Ronald Sierolawski was still alive and well in Canada when this webpage was first created in 2010 through searching the internet. Ron flew a number of his operational flights in the aircraft (Halifax MZ632) that carried the famous "Willie the Wolf" noseart, the original artwork for the first "Willie the Wolf" NP707 is preserved in Canada. In an interview given in Canada some years ago Ron spoke to being hit by flak on an operational flight and the rudder of the aircraft (MZ632) being damaged. Had they then landed in Yorkshire on their return I should then have this incident listed on this website but currently have not got it down on record. I am seeking further information.
Halifax LL576 was built to contract No.ACFT/637 by Rootes Securities Ltd at Speke and was delivered to 415 Squadron at East Moor on 14th July 1944. The aircraft commenced being used on operational sorties on 28th July 1944. It was slightly damaged by flak on 5th August 1944 resulting in a landed at Riccall airfield. Following a repair on site for Cat.A/FB damage it was returned to 415 Squadron use. On 8th August 1944 it sustained minor damage to a wing when a jack struck it when being towed. The aircraft's Cat.Ac damage was repaired and it was returned to 415 Squadron use.
It was again damaged by flak on 11th September 1944 and was again repaired on site. Once servicable it continued to be used by 415 Squadron, flying its last operational flight on 27th November 1944. The aircraft was transferred to 1664 Heavy Conversion Unit at Dishforth on 30th November 1944. On 28th January 1945 it flew into high ground on the Yorkshire Dales near Pateley Bridge killing some of its then crew. The damage saw a Cat.E2/FA damage assessment be recorded and the aircraft was written off.
Sgt Shubrook also have served with 425 Squadron as part of S/Ldr T Chapman's crew before the end of the war. His Christian name may have been Dennis but I await clarification.
James Vine was born in Winnipeg in 1925, he lived in St.James, Manitoba where he was a student and a member of the Royal Canadian Artillery when he enlisted in Winnipeg in February 1943. He received a commission in November 1944 and was also awarded the DFC, effective from 5th April 1945. The Citation reads.. "Through a tour of operations as air gunner Pilot Officer Vine has shown enthusiasm, vigilance and courage of a high order. On one occasion during a mission against Castrop Rauxel his aircraft was attacked by three enemy aircraft in succession. While engaged on the third attack Pilot Officer Vine's guns jammed. Despite this his excellent tactics saved his aircraft from major damage and the mission was completed. His devotion to duty has always been most praiseworthy."
William Molden was born in 1922 in Winnipeg, he enlisted there on 23rd March 1942. He was awarded the DFM on 15th March 1945 but when recommended on 20th December 1944 he had flown thirty four operational flights. This recommendation for his DFM reads.. "This non-commissioned officer has completed a very successful tour as Mid-Upper Gunner involving attacks on many heavily defended German targets. Although attacked by enemy aircraft on several occasions, and in once case by two enemy aircraft in quick succession, major damage to his aircraft has been averted by his good judgement and accurate fire. Always displaying a high standard of skill and determination, his fine co-operative spirit and devotion to duty have contributed materially both in the air and on the ground." He received his commission (J/93081) just before the recommendation went in in November 1944. He remained in the RCAF after the War. His DFM was presented on 13th September 1947. Hugh Halliday reports that his medal set was sold in 1997 for over $1,500.
John Wood received a commission on 24th November 1944 to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency)(188976). He was promoted to F/O (War Subs) on 24th May 1944.