Halifax NA608 damaged by flak, landed at East Moor airfield.
During the afternoon of 12th September 1944 this 415 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb a target at Wanna Eickel and took off from East Moor airfield at 11.26hrs. The crew released their bomb load onto the target area from 17,500 feet at 14.01hrs and while over the target the aircraft sustained flak damage to the fuselage. Despite the damage the crew returned to East Moor and landed at 16.16hrs.
Pilot - F/Lt H G Barnes RCAF (J/7614).
Flight Engineer - Sgt J Rome RAFVR (1822216).
Navigator - F/O J D Moulden RCAF (J/28701).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt Wesley Alexaner MacLeod RCAF (R/161894).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - P/O Joseph Edward Lawrence Dubois RCAF (J/88326).
Air Gunner - Sgt L Ballantyne RCAF (R/211166).
Air Gunner - Sgt S J Bayerle RCAF (R/203574).
Air Gunner - Sgt C J Labercane RCAF (R/107163).
Sgt Labercane had earlier flown with 434 Squadron.
Wesley MacLeod later received a commission and went on to complete thirty two operational flights, he was awarded the DFC for service with 415 Squadron. I thank Mr James Weatherdon, son-in-law of Wesley MacLeod for his contact and the extra information he was able to provide this account. Wesley was born in Kinross, Prince Edward Island in 1917 where he was working as a teacher when he enlisted in Ottawa in May 1942, he was granted a commission in September 1944. His DFC appeared in the London Gazette on 27th March 1945. Research by Hugh Halliday has found the recommendation for the award and this reads.. "Warrant Officer MacLeod has completed a notable tour during which he has taken part in several attacks on the most heavily defended enemy targets including Kiel, Wanne Eickel, Essen and Cologne. He is a most determined and gallant member of aircraft crew and his successes are an excellent testimony to the accuracy of his bombing. His conduct at all times has been exemplary." The DFC was presented to him on 4th September 1945 and his Tour was carried out between 1st August 1944 and 18th November 1944, flying thirty two operational flights lasting just short of 160 hours flying time.
P/O Joseph Dubois RCAF (J/88326) was killed on 17th December 1944 when Halifax MZ538 of 425 Squadron crashed near Alne, Yorkshire shortly after take off for ops to Duisburg. He is buried in Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. On the webpage to the accident to MZ538 I have included a detailed biography of him.