Halifax LL593 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.
During the evening of 27th August 1944 this 415 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb a flying bomb site at Mimoyecques. The crew took off from East Moor airfield at 18.16hrs and the crew released the bomb load from 17,000 feet at 20.16hrs. During the course of the flight the aircraft sustained flak damage to fuselage resulting in mid-upper gunner being injured about the face. The pilot was able to return to East Moor and land at 21.43hrs with no further damage being sustained.
Pilot - F/O James Allister Weir RCAF (J/24474).
Flight Engineer - P/O James Edward Potter RAFVR (179046).
Navigator - F/O Ronald Mitchell Fleming RCAF (J/24920).
Air Bomber - F/O R T Bowen RCAF (J/27227).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O H F Lyons RCAF (J/13805).
Mid Upper Gunner - P/O John Nicholson Thompson RAF (54311). Injured.
Rear Gunner - F/Sgt H G Warner RCAF (R/134960).
Air Gunner - Sgt D G Barrett RCAF (R/207756).
Halifax LL593 was built to contract ACFT/637 by Rootes Securities Ltd at Speke and was received by 48 MU on 31st July 1944. The aircraft was taken on charge by 415 Squadron at East Moor on 3rd August 1944. As a result of flak damage sustained on 27th August 1944 Cat.A/FB damage would have been the damage assessment. A repair on site followed at East Moor with repair complete by 28th August 1944. On 11th September 1944 it suffered an engine failure and flak damage on Ops. Cat.Ac/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site at East Moor and returned to 415 Squadron on 29th September 1944. On 9th October 1944 the aircraft was again damaged by flak with the pilot being forced to land at Manston on return to England. Cat.Ac/FB damag was again the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. The aircraft was returned to 415 Squadron on 1st December 1944. The aircraft was transferred to 1665 Heavy Conversion Unit at Tilstock on 22nd February 1945 who moved to Saltby on 26th March 1945 and then to Marston Moor on 1st August 1945. On 6th March 1946 the aircraft the aircraft was flown to 48 MU and was then struck off charge as 'sold for scrap' on 30th July 1946.
John Thompson was later awarded the DFC for service with 415 Squadron, Gazetted on 27th October 1943. Hugh Halliday has located the following account which possibly relates to this incident on 27th August 1944. "Now on his second tour of operational duty, this officer has taken part in many operational sorties as an air gunner. He has attacked a wide variety of targets and has at all times displayed exceptional skill and fortitude under fire. On a recent sortie, his aircraft was attacked and badly damaged by enemy night fighters. Although suffering from lack of oxygen, the supply of which had been damaged, he resolutely gave his pilot skilful evasive instruction and continued to engage the enemy with the one remaining serviceable gun. His efficiency and determination are highly commendable."
Sgt Barrett had earlier served with 420 Squadron, he later received a commission.
James Weir was one of the original members of the 415 Squadron Halifax crews to serve in Bomber Command. He and crew commenced Ops on 1st August 1944 (415 Squadron's second Halifax operational flight). The above incident took place on his eleventh. In all he completed twenty one operational flights with 415 Squadron with the last being on the night of 14th / 15th October 1944. He was born in Windsor, Ontario in January 1922, he was living there and enlisted there in February 1942. His crew trained at 1666 HCU at Wombleton and was involved in a taxiing accident on 26th April 1944 in Halifax W7804. He was posted to 415 Squadron in mid-May 1944 and was later awarded the DFC for service with 415 Squadron, Gazetted on 19th December 1944. Post war he worked as a medical officer with Trans-Canada Airlines. The DFC citation reads.. "In October 1944, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Bochum. Early on the outward flight the port outer engine became defective but Flying Officer Weir continued his mission. Whilst over the enemy territory the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. One of the petrol tanks was pierced by fragments of shrapnel. A little later an enemy fighter closed in but by skilful manoeuvring the enemy fighter was evaded. Whilst over the target the bomber was again hit by anti-aircraft fire. Nevertheless, Flying Officer Weir executed a successful bombing attack and afterwards flew the damaged aircraft to an airfield in this country. This officer has invariably displayed a high standard of skill, courage and resolution."
Ronald Fleming was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in 1912, he worked there as a salesman when he enlisted in Halifax in April 1942. He was awarded the DFC, effective from 19th December 1944. The Citation reads.. "This officer was the navigator of an aircraft detailed to attack Bochum one night in October 1944. During the operation the aircraft sustained extensive damage when hit by anti-aircraft fire. Much of his navigational equipment was rendered useless. In spite of this Flying Officer Fleming navigated the aircraft home with his usual accuracy. He set a fine example of skill and devotion to duty in most difficult circumstances. This officer has participated in a large number of sorties involving attacks on a wide range of enemy targets."
I credit Hugh Halliday's RCAF awards research which has been used to compile this webpage.