Halifax LW207 damaged in the air, returned to Linton on Ouse airfield.
During the afternoon of 15th August 1944 the crew of this 426 Squadron aircraft undertook an operational flight to bomb Melsbroek airfield at Brussels and took off from Linton on Ouse airfield at 10.19hrs. On the run into the target the aircraft was slightly damaged by flak and this saw the crew to slightly overfly the bombing markers before releasing their bomb load from 16,500 feet at 12.04hrs. Despite the damage the crew returned to Linton on Ouse and landed at 13.45hrs.
The pilot was subsequently recommended for the DFC, the recommendation refers to this incident. It stated" This officer has completed 23 sorties as captain of aircraft to some of Germany’s most heavily defended areas. On his 20th trip, to Foret de Chantilly, his aircraft was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire. The machine sustained severe damage. Pilot Officer Simmons carried on and completed his detail (8th August 1944, landed at Ford). On his 22nd trip, to Brussels airfield, his aircraft again received flak damage. His hydraulics were put out of action as well as most of his electrical circuits. The aircraft had 41 holes in all. Pilot Officer Simmons continued on his bombing run, bombed accurately and brought his crew and machine safely back to base. This officer has at all times pressed home his attacks with the greatest determination, displaying a high degree of skill and courage. He is highly recommended for the award of the Immediate Distinguished Flying Cross."
Pilot - P/O Stanley Alfred Simmons RCAF (J/86680).
Navigator - F/O Gordon Henry Little Lawson RCAF (J/24695).
Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt William B Mountain RCAF (R//129998).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - WO1 Lewellyn B Thistle RCAF (R/126834).
Air Gunner - Sgt A T Smith RAFVR (1576652).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt S Kogucki RCAF (R/193805).
Flight Engineer - Sgt James Felton Cooper RAFVR (1811783).