Halifax MZ306 damaged in the air, landed at Driffield airfield.
On 27th August 1944 this 462 Squadron aircraft was one of a number that flew an operational sortie to bomb Homberg. This aircraft took off from Driffield at 11.34hrs. While the squadron records do not mention
anything about what occurred on this flight, the Driffield airfield record book does. This states that this aircraft lost an engine before reaching the Dutch coast but the crew carried on. Owing to thick cloud the crew
could not see the target so bombed Duisburg docks from 15,000 feet at 14.06hrs. The aircraft was damaged by flak but the crew flew back to base and landed at Driffield at 16.20hrs. No injuries appear to have
resulted to anyone on board.
The pilot was later awarded the DFC for his actions on this date, the citation reads "One day in August, 1944, this officer was detailed
to attack the synthetic oil refinery at Homberg. Before the enemy coast was reached the port outer engine failed, but although fully aware of the risks involved, Flying Officer Lane
flew on towards his target. In the target area the bomber sustained damage, and a second engine was hit. Being unable to identify his primary target, this officer made a successful
attack on a secondary objective. Flying Officer Lane has displayed great determination to achieve success."
Pilot - F/O Aubrey William Lane RAAF (22873).
Air Bomber - F/Sgt John Patrick O'Shea RAAF (420708).
Navigator - W/O William Edward Hughes RAAF (428015).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Robert Kimber Bradley RAAF (417792).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Alan Wenfred Orchard RAAF (430584).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Donald Charles Dunkley RAFVR (1895161).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Laurence Beecher RAF (548799).