Halifax NP692 damaged in the air, landed at East Moor airfield.
On the night of 28th / 29th July 1944 the crew of this 432 Squadron aircraft undertook an operational flight to bomb a target at Hamburg. The crew took off from East Moor airfield 22.22hrs and released their bomb load onto target markers from 17,000 feet at 01.15hrs. At 01.56hrs and at 4,000 feet the Halifax was approached by a Junkers Ju88 from below, the crew spotted it and took evasive action. The Junkers Ju88 opened fire and caused minor damage to the starboard wing and elevator while the Halifax's gunners returned fire, strikes were seen to hit the enemy aircraft and it was seen to dive away sharply with the engines on fire. The crew later claimed the Junkers Ju88 as destroyed. Despite the damage the Halifax returned to East Moor and landed safely at 05.52hrs. Both air gunners were later given awards for their actions on this night.
Pilot - S/Ldr Maurice William Pettit DFC RCAF (J/16060).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Arthur Victor Plummer RAFVR (1803113).
Navigator - W/O Alex Henry Branch RCAF (J/87394).
Bomb Aimer - F/O W Gray RCAF (J/24023).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - W/O J Keogh RCAF (R/86786).
Air Gunner - W/O Ralph Gordon Bullivant RCAF (J/86703).
Air Gunner - Sgt Douglas Richard Penny RCAF (R/163541).
Douglas Penny was born in 1923 and he enlisted in Regina on 23rd April 1942. He was awarded the DFM with 432 Squadron and for the same occurance as Ralph Bullivant. Penny's DFM was effective from 26th September 1944 although it was not presented until 2nd November 1946. The citation reads.. "As rear gunner this airman has participated in very many sorties, most of which were against targets in Germany. He is a fearless and efficient member of aircraft crew whose devotion to duty has been unfailing. One night in July 1944, when returning from Hamburg, his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88. In the ensuing fight his excellent evading directions and good shooting assisted in the destruction of the enemy fighter." He returned home and later served as National President of the Ex-Air Gunners Association from 1990 to 2000. He died in 2007.
Ralph Bullivant enlisted in Calgary on 19th January 1942. He flew a Tour with 196 Squadron before joining 432 Squadron. He was awarded the DFC for service with 432 Squadron on his second Tour, the award effective from 26th September 1944 with the award presented to him on 10th July 1945. The citation reads.. "This officer has completed very many sorties on his second tour of operational duty. He is a cool, confident and skilful air gunner and has displayed a worthy part in the defence of his aircraft. One night in July 1944, whilst over enemy territory, his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88. In the ensuing fight, Pilot Officer Bullivant co-operated excellently with his co-gunner (Doug Penny) and their good shooting caused the destruction of the enemy aircraft." After the War he returned to Canada but in 1947 married a girl from Sacramento, California where he lived for the rest of his life. He died on 3rd December 2000.