Halifax MZ621 damaged in the air, landed at Tholthorpe airfield.
During the evening of 4th November 1944 this 425 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb Bochum and took off from Tholthorpe airfield at 17.00hrs. The crew released their bomb load onto the target from 18,500 feet at 19.40hrs but while over the target area the aircraft was hit from above by falling incendiary bombs released by a higher flying aircraft. Damage was caused to the wings, ailerons, flaps, elevators, rudders and trailing edges of the wings and tail plane. One of the engines was damaged and caught fire though the crew were able to put out the fire and feather the propeller. Despite the damage the crew returned to Tholthorpe on three engines and landed 23.20hrs where over thirty holes were found in the aircraft. Many of this crew were killed when Halifax MZ538 crashed at Alne on 18th December 1944.
Pilot - F/O Joseph Raymond Jean Marie Desmarais RCAF (J/87112)
Navigator - F/O Joseph Wilfred Laurier F. Bernier RCAF (J/29412)
Air Bomber - F/O Joseph Jean Louis Marcel Houde RCAF (J/37717).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - P/O Joseph Edward Lawrence Dubois RCAF (J/88326)
Flight Engineer - Sgt Joseph Blackburn RAFVR (936766).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Raymond Charles Gauthier RCAF (R/221320).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Charles De Grosbois RCAF (R/207041).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt L A Corbett RCAF (R/162841).
Joseph Bernier was also awarded the DFC for his actions on this night. The recommendation for his DFC, dated 14th November 1944, (as sourced by Hugh Halliday) states.. "Flying Officer Bernier was the navigator of a crew detailed to attack Bochum, Germany, on the night of November 4th 1944. Despite heavy flak and persistent coning by search lights, the run up to the target was made without incident. As the target was approached, the mid-upper gunner reported an aircraft above. The pilot weaved to starboard and as he did so, the aircraft was showered with some 33 incendiaries; one of these ripped the nose of the aircraft, at the same time smashing the bomb aiming instruments. The starboard inner engine was set afire by one of these bombs. A thousand-pound bomb greased the rudder, tearing away part of the tail assembly. Other incendiaries buried themselves in the wings. Three of them burst through the fuselage and remained in the aircraft. In a very calm, comforting and convincing manner, as though nothing had happened, this officer did much to help the morale of the crew. Very cooly he gave the pilot new courage and directions. Under these adverse conditions, he materially helped in the aircraft's safe return. Flying Officer Bernier displayed great presence of mind and has set a splendid example of fearlessness and outstanding leadership. His exceptional cool courage and efficiency are worthy of high praise."
Joseph Houde was also awarded the DFC for his actions on this night. The recommendation for this award states "A bomb aimer of outstanding ability and cheerful manner, Flying Officer Houde has participated on a great number of operational sorties over strongly defended targets in enemy territory. On the night of November 4th, 1944, along with his crew, this officer was detailed to attack Bochum, Germany. On the approach to the target, the mid-upper gunner reported an aircraft above and shortly after his own aircraft was showered with some 33 incendiaries. One of these ripped the nose of the aircraft, at the same smashing the bomb aiming instruments. The starboard inner engine was set afire by one of these bombs and the bomb aimer was hit on the head by another. A thousand pound bomb grazed the rudder, tearing away part of the tail assembly. Other incendiaries buried themselves in the wings. Three of them burst through the fuselage and remained in the aircraft. Despite all this, Flying Officer Houde kept absolutely cool and showed outstanding determination and efficiency and the target was successfully bombed. The flight back to base was made on three engines without any further incident. This officer has inspired the rest of his crew by showing such exceptional devotion to duty which warrants my recommendation for the award of the immediate Distinguished Flying Cross."
For his actions on this night the pilot Joseph Desmarais was awarded the DFC. Gazetted after his death on 12th January 1945. The citation for his DFC states that on "One night in November 1944, Flying Officer Desmarais piloted an aircraft in an attack on Bochum. Whilst over the target the aircraft sustained much damage and one engine was set on fire. In spite of this, Flying Officer Desmarais pressed home a most determined attack. The fire in the burning engine was extinguished but the propeller could not be feathered. Nevertheless this resolute pilot succeeded in flying his damaged aircraft to base where he effected a safe landing. This officer set a fine example of skill, coolness and determination in most difficult circumstances."