Halifax NP695 damaged by flak, landed at East Moor airfield.
During the afternoon of 6th September 1944 this aircraft was one of 432 Squadron crews and aircraft tasked with bombing Emden and took off from East Moor at 16.35hrs. The crew released their bomb load from 17,500 feet at 18.34hrs and during the course of the flight it was slightly damaged by flak. The crew made the return to East Moor, landing at 20.49hrs.
Pilot - F/O Jack Moore Mills RCAF (J/27545).
Navigator - F/O William George Muldowney RCAF (J/28861).
Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt L P C Caron RCAF (R/177035).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt D R Burke RCAF (R/152552).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt G J Anton RCAF (R/211552).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt William Victor Beaulieu RCAF (R/213559).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Kenneth Hardy Rimmer RAFVR (943686).
Halifax NP695 was built to contract ACFT/1688/C4/C by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and was delivered to 432 Squadron at East Moor on 7th June 1944. On 19th July 1944 it sustained flak damage, Cat.Ac/FB damage would probably have been the damage assessment although the assessment is not logged on the AM Form 78, the repair on site at East Moor being carried out Handley Page is on the AM Form 78. The aircraft appears to have been servicable by 24th July 1944 and was then returned to 432 Squadron. It was damaged by flak on 6th September 1944 with a Cat.Ac/FB damage asssessment resulting. Again it was repaired on site at East Moor and returned to 432 Squadron on 20th October 1944. On 6th December 1944 it failed to return from Ops to Osnabruck. Cat.Em damage was recorded on the paperwork and the aircraft was struck off charge. Halifax NP695 carried the nose art 'Katy Bug' while with 432 Squadron.
Jack Mills was born in Hamilton in 1922 and enlisted there in May 1942, he was an artist prior to enlisting. He received a commission in June 1943 and was recommended for the DFC on 27th November 1944 when he had flown twenty seven operational flights between 7th August and 18th November 1944 with 432 Squadron. The DFC was granted and effective from 15th March 1945. The recommendation reads.."During a most successful tour of operational duty, this officer has proved himself to be a most valuable member of his squadron. He is an outstanding operational captain and has invariably made the utmost effort to complete his duties. His cheerful confidence and willing co-operation has always been apparent in whatever task he is assigned to. For his inspiring example, his fine record of achievement and devotion to duty, this officer is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
William Muldowney was born in Toronto in 1918 and had already served in the Royal Canadian Artillery when he enlisted for RCAF service in Toronton in July 1942. For service with 432 Squadron he was awarded DFC, Gazetted on 17th April 1945. He survived the War and returned home.
Kenneth Rimmer received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) on 3rd October 1944 (186247) and was promoted to F/O on 3rd April 1945.
William Beaulieu was born in July 1923 and enlisted into the RCAF in Regina, Saskatchewan in January 1943. He trained at 3 B&G School, 24 OTU and 1666 HCU before posting to 432 Squadron. P/O William Beaulieu was Mentioned in Despatches for service with 432 Squadron, Gazetted on 14th June 1945. He died in October 2006.