On the night of 27th / 28th June 1944 the crew of this 425 Squadron were tasked with attacking a flying bomb launch site at Foret-de-Eawy and took off from Tholthorpe at 22.20hrs. The crew released their bombs over the target area at 00.32hrs from 12,000 feet, soon after releasing their bomb load the port outer engine failed. The crew were able to make the return flight up to Yorkshire on three engines and attempted to land at Tholthorpe at 03.07hrs. Unfortunately the aircraft crashed into Halifax LW680 the ground that was fully loaded with bombs and parked on a dispersal point on the side of the perimeter track. Unfortunately a large fire developed. Some of the bombs on board the parked Halifax later exploded destroying the aircraft and injuring a number of people trying to rescue some of the trapped aircrew inside Halifax MZ683. Halifax MZ618 was also badly damaged in the explosion and was written off. Halifax LW590 and Halifax LW467 suffered repairable damage.
Various acts of heroism resulted after the crash which resulted in various awards for gallantry. A/C Arthur Dwight Ross lost a hand and was awarded the George Cross. F/Sgt Joseph René Marcel St.Germain was awarded the George Medal. Cpl Maurice Marquet was awarded the George Medal. LAC Melvin Muir McKenzie was awarded the British Empire Medal. LAC Robert Rubin Wolfe was awarded the British Empire Medal. F/O Andrew Dollar Baillie received a Mention in Despatches. The citations for the awards was a joint one between Ross, St.Germain, McKenzie, Marquet and Wolfe and stated.. "One night in June 1944, an aircraft, while attempting to land, crashed into another which was parked in the dispersal area and fully loaded with bombs. The former aircraft had broken into three parts and was burning furiously. Air Commodore Ross was at the airfield to attend the return of aircraft from operations and the interrogation of aircrews. Flight Sergeant St.Germain, a bomb aimer, had just returned from an operational sortie and Corporal Marquet was in charge of the night ground crew, whilst Leading Aircraftmen McKenzie and Wolfe were members of the crew of the crash tender. Air Commodore Ross, with the assistance of Corporal Marquet, extricated the pilot who had sustained severe injuries. At that moment ten 500-pound bombs in the second aircraft, about 80 yards away, exploded, and this officer and airman were hurled to the ground. When the hail of debris had subsided, cries were heard from the rear turret of the crashed aircraft. Despite further explosions from bombs and petrol tanks which might have occurred, Air Commodore Ross and Corporal Marquet returned to the blazing wreckage and endeavoured in vain to swing the turret to release the rear gunner. Although the port tail plane was blazing furiously, Air Commodore Ross hacked at the perspex with an axe and then handed the axe through the turret to the rear gunner who enlarged the aperture. Taking the axe again the Air Commodore, assisted now by Flight Sergeant St.Germain as well as by Corporal Marquet, finally broke the perspex steel frame supports and extricated the rear gunner. Another 500-pound bomb exploded which threw the three rescuers to the ground. Flight Sergeant St.Germain quickly rose and threw himself upon a victim to shield him from flying debris. Air Commodore Ross' arm was practically severed between the wrist and elbow by the second explosion. He calmly walked to the ambulance and an emergency amputation was performed on arrival at station sick quarters. Meanwhile, Corporal Marquet had inspected the surroundings and, seeing petrol running down towards two nearby aircraft, directed their removal from the vicinity by tractor. Leading Aircraftmen McKenzie and Wolfe rendered valuable assistance in trying to bring the fire under control and they also helped to extricate the trapped rear gunner, both being seriously injured by flying debris. Air Commodore Ross showed fine leadership and great heroism in an action which resulted in the saving of the lives of the pilot and rear gunner. He was ably assisted by Flight Sergeant St.Germain and Corporal Marquet who both displayed courage of a high order. Valuable service was also rendered by Leading Aircraftmen McKenzie and Wolfe in circumstances of great danger."
Pilot - Sgt M J P Lavoie RCAF (R/136732). Seriously injured.
Flight Engineer - Sgt P Raper RAFVR (1592787). Seriously injured.
Navigator - Sgt J P Nault RCAF (R/180757).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt J A J Lalonde RCAF (R/161431).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt J R Noiseux RCAF (R/179315).
Under Gunner - Sgt A H Piche RCAF (R/189709). Burns to face and hands.
Mid Upper Gunner - Sgt Harry Peter Kuczma RCAF (R/18432).
Rear Gunner - Sgt C G Rochon RCAF (R/195725).
LAC Robert Rubin Wolfe. Injured.
LAC Melvin Muir McKenzie. Injured.
LAC Jardine. Injured.
F/Sgt (later P/O) Joseph René Marcel St.Germain RCAF (R96959/J89972) was awarded the George Medal for his actions at Tholthorpe on 28th June 1944, notification was printed in the London Gazette on 27th October 1944. He was born in Montreal in November 1919 and enlisted there in October 1941. He initially started pilot training but was taken off this and undertook bomb aimer training. As a bomb aimer he was posted to the UK in July 1943. The recommendation for his award was specific to him, it stated.. "Having just returned from an operation against Foret d’ Eawy, France, on the night of June 27th 1944, Flight Sergeant St.Germain, Bomb Aimer with 425 Squadron, saw a Halifax bomber of his squadron crash on the aerodrome and burst into flames. Heedless of the imminent danger, this courageous Non-Commissioned Officer immediately ran to the scene of the crash. Cries were heard from within the aircraft, and he quickly perceived that the Rear Gunner was imprisoned in the tail turret. After seizing an axe from someone nearby, Flight Sergeant St. Germain was hacking at the side of the turret when a violent explosion hurled him to the ground. It was in this first explosion that Air Commodore Ross, who had been working alongside him, sustained an injury which resulted in the loss of a hand. Undaunted by the serious injury to this officer, Flight Sergeant St.Germain, with exceptional tenacity of purpose and with complete disregard for personal safety, returned to his self-appointed task. The heat was most intense, and the flames inside the turret had begun to lick at the imprisoned gunner’s jacket. A sufficiently large aperture having been made, Flight Sergeant St.Germain succeeded in pulling out the gunner and, with the assistance of others, took him to the ambulance. Returning to the scene of the crash, he was again thrown violently to the ground by a second explosion. On this occasion, with a magnificent display of self-sacrificing courage, he quickly rose and threw himself upon another victim lying near, shielding the latter’s body from missiles resulting from the explosion. Flight Sergeant St.Germain’s tireless efforts, great presence of mind and fearlessness in the face of imminent danger, the Rear Gunner undoubtedly owes his life. I recommend that outstanding act of heroism be recognized by the award of the George Medal." He would later receive a commission in September 1944 and attended Buckingham Palace to be invested with the George Medal by King George VI in November 1944, also with him were A/C Ross, LAC Marquet and LAC McKenzie. Around this time he was recommended for the DFC. It took some weeks for the recommendation to carry through and he was awarded the DFC for service with 425 Squadron, Gazetted on 19th January 1945. The citation stated that... "Pilot Officer St.Germain has proved himself to be an excellent bomb aimer. His outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty have materially contributed to the successful completion of many operations against heavily defended targets. On one occasion in September 1944 his aircraft was detailed for an attack against Calais. While over the target area one engine of his aircraft was damaged and rendered unserviceable. Pilot Officer St.Germain gave his pilot directions and a second run was successfully accomplished. On the return flight, as the aircraft was nearing base, another engine caught fire. This officer's accuracy and coolness while acting as second pilot enabled his captain to execute a masterly landing." By January 1945 he appears to have already been repatriated to Canada in November 1944. He was released from the RCAF in March 1945.
LAC Melvin Muir McKenzie RCAF (R/273581) was awarded the British Empire Medal for his actions on 28th June 1944 at Tholthorpe with the London Gazette printing notification of his award on 27th October 1944. He was born in September 1924 at Little Current, Saskatchewan and worked in farming in Tehkommah, Ontario when he enlisted for RCAF service in August 1943 for General Duties. He arrived in the UK in February 1944. The recommendation for his award was specific to him and stated.. "On the night of June 27/28th, 1944, Leading Aircraftman MacKenzie was on duty as a firefighter on the crash tender when an aircraft in attempting to land, crashed into another, which was parked on a dispersal and exploded. The crash tender immediately went to the scene, and in addition to trying to bring the fire under control, Leading Aircraftman MacKenzie went to the assistance of the rear gunner who was trapped in his turret. During his attempts several bombs exploded in the aircraft which had been struck by the landing aircraft. Despite the fact that there was further danger from exploding bombs and that he had suffered extremely from blast of the first explosion, Leading Aircraftman MacKenzie continued in his efforts until the rear gunner was released. He had just achieved this when a second explosion occurred which caused him to be seriously injured - multiple shrapnel wounds. His undaunted devotion to duty during this hazardous occasion sets a high standard and his cool courage is most commendable. Leading Aircraftman MacKenzie's efforts undoubtedly assisted in the saving of the life of the rear gunner, and he is strongly recommended for the award of the British Empire Medal." He attended Buckingham Palace in November 1944 to be invested with the George Medal by King George VI, also with him were A/C Ross, LAC Marquet, F/Sgt St.Germain. As a result of the injuries he sustained on 28th June 1944 he was repatriated to Canada on 24th September 1945 and released from the RCAF on 30th November 1945.
LAC Robert Rubin Wolfe RCAF (R/188008) was awarded the British Empire Medal for his actions on this night, notification of his award was printed in the London Gazette on 27th October 1944. He was born in June 1906 and was living in Toronto when he enlisted for RCAF service in August 1942 for ground duties. He served in the ground trades and was posted to the UK in January 1943. The recommendation for his award was specific to him and stated.. "On the night of June 27/28th, 1944, Leading Aircraftman Wolfe was on duty as a firefighter on the crash tender when an aircraft in attempting to land, crashed into another, which was parked on a dispersal and exploded. The crash tender immediately went to the scene, and in addition to trying to bring the fire under control, Leading Aircraftman Wolfe went to the assistance of the rear gunner who was trapped in his turret. During his attempts several bombs exploded in the aircraft which had been struck by the landing aircraft. Despite the fact that there was further danger from exploding bombs and that he had suffered extremely from blast of the first explosion, Leading Aircraftman Wolfe continued in his efforts until the rear gunner was released. He had just achieved this when a second explosion occurred which caused him to be seriously injured - shrapnel wound in right chest. His undaunted devotion to duty during this hazardous occasion sets a high standard and his cool courage is most commendable. Leading Aircraftman Wolfe’s efforts undoubtedly assisted in the saving of the life of the rear gunner, and he is strongly recommended for the award of the British Empire Medal." As a result of the injuries he sustained in the events of 28th June 1944 he was repatriated to Canada on 16th September 1944. He was presented with his B.E.M. in Canada and was released from the RCAF on 23rd June 1945. He sadly then died on 26th December 1966.
Cpl Maurice Marquet RCAF (R/87217) was awarded the George Medal for his actions on this night, notification of his award was also printed in the London Gazette on 27th October 1944. He was born in May 1922 in Dollard, Saskatchewan and worked as an aero engine mechanic prior to enlisting for RCAF in January 1941 to serve as an Aero Engine Mechanic. He was posted to the UK in September 1942. He appears to have escaped injury on 28th June 1944. The original recommendation for Corporal Marquet was specific to him and stated.. "On the night of June 27th, 1944, Corporal Marquet was duty Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the night ground crew awaiting the return of aircraft from operations. Without consideration for his personal safety, this Non-Commissioned Officer rushed to a nearby crash to assist the crew. By his coolness and presence of mind he immediately checked the burning nose section which was separated from the rest of the aircraft and hurried back to the centre section where he found the injured pilot. Air Commodore A.D. Ross joined Corporal Marquet and both carefully extricated him from a perilous situation. Through scattered bomb and gas tank explosions, Corporal Marquet rushed to the rear gunner still helpless in his turret. More help arrived and the gunner was saved. With outstanding fortitude and skill this Non-Commissioned Officer directed the ambulance and personally saw to the injured pilot?s safety. He then ensured that all members of the crew had been saved and proceeded to inspect the surroundings of the explosion. Upon discovering the petrol running down towards two aircraft, he, under intensive heat and occasional small explosions, fearlessly towed away these two aircraft to a safe dispersal by means of a tractor. Shortly after, more bombs, gas tanks and ammunition exploded all around the crash area. Corporal Marquet's tenacity, endurance and dogged determination has saved life and complete destruction of two aircraft. His cool courage and conspicuous devotion to duty regardless of possible loss of his own life, is worthy of the highest order. In recognition of his good service, I recommend that he be awarded the George Cross." The recommendation for the George Cross was later downgraded to a George Medal and attended Buckingham Palace in November 1944 to be invested with the George Medal by King George VI, also with him were A/C Ross, F/Sgt St.Germain and LAC McKenzie. He was eventually repatriated to Canada on 7th August 1945 before being released the following month. He later joined the RCAF in January 1948 and served at least until 1956.
F/O Andrew Dollar Baillie RCAF (C/13665) received a Mention in Despatches for his actions on 28th June 1944 at Tholthorpe, Gazetted on 1st January 1945. He was born in November 1912 and was living in Morden, Manitoba when he enlisted for RCAF service in Winnipeg in July 1940 as a member of the armament trade. He received a commission in September 1942 and arrived in the UK around March 1944. For his actions on 28th June 1944 he was initially recommended for the MBE and the recommendation states... "Shortly after a bombed-up aircraft exploded and burnt at RCAF Station Tholthorpe, in the early hours of 28th June 1944, Flying Officer Baillie arrived on the scene and took immediate action to have the area cleared of on-looking personnel. In the dark, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he conducted a search for unexploded bombs in the vicinity of the wreckage. This, after a number of bombs were known to have already exploded from the intense heat. Flying Officer Baillie located several fuzed bombs, all of which were hot from the explosion and fire. He immediately unfuzed a hot bomb which might have exploded at any minute and, assisted by another officer and two Non-Commissioned Officers, he located and removed to a safe area two other hot bombs fuzed long delay. In this work Flying Officer Baillie courageously exposed himself to danger over a period of several hours until all dangerous bombs were finally disposed of. When a misfire occurred during the demolition of the two long-delay bombs, he coolly and with great presence of mind persisted in the work of laying a second explosive charge and completing the demolition. This officer's prompt action is responsible for the safeguarding of lives and the clearing of the aerodrome for further operations in a minimum of time. For sustained courage and unusual initiative it is recommended that he is worthy of the award of the MBE." He was Mentioned in Despatches again before the end of the War after service at East Moor, Gazetted on 14th June 1945. By this date he had already been repatriated to Canada (in March 1945) and he then left the RCAF in July 1945. Postwar he became a geologist and died 2001.