Halifax NP703 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.
On 14th October 1944 432 Squadron were instructed supply aircraft for two raids on Duisburg, one during the day and the second overnight. The squadron supplied sixteen for the first and seventeen for the second. Halifax NP703 took part in the first, it took off from East Moor at 06.42hrs and the crew released the bomb load from 19,000 feet at 08.53hrs. The aircraft was slightly damaged by flak causing damage to the port outer mainplane. The pilot was able to fly the aircraft back to the UK, believed to be back to base and landed safely at 12.03hrs. The aircraft did not take part in the second raid but it's crew did using Halifax NP803.
Pilot - F/Lt Francis Joseph Horan RCAF (J/10491).
Navigator - F/O Kenneth Urban Lunny RCAF (J/36682).
Bomb Aimer - F/O Robert East MacKerrow RCAF (J/36233).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O Charls John Traynor RCAF (J/22854).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt J H Fraser RCAF (R/213160).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt D J Nicholson RCAF (R/183281).
Flight Engineer - Sgt G D Davison RAF (1633395).
On the night of 2nd / 3rd December 1944 F/Lt Horan and crew were flying an operational flight when their aircraft was hit by flak injuring the navigator. With the ground forces making progress after the months after D-Day this crew landed at Antwerp due to a fuel shortage which would have prevented their crossing the North Sea. They returned to England soon after.
Francis Horan was born in Kenora, Ontario in 1912 and was living and working there as a storekeeper and book-keeper prior to enlisting into the RCAF. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Artillery. He enlisted in Winnipeg on 3rd May 1941 and received his commission in May 1942. He was recommended for the DFC for services with 415 Squadron on 10th April 1945 when he had flown thirty operational flights between 27th September 1944 and 31st March 1945. The DFC was granted and Gazetted on 21st September 1945. There was no proper citation however the recommendation was very detailed and located by Hugh Halliday, it reads.. "The above mentioned officer has had an extensive and useful service career. He flew operationally with No.145 (BR) Squadron on the Canadian East Coast for a year prior to coming overseas. He now has to his credit thirty successful operational sorties over Germany.
In his capacity as Deputy Flight Commander and Flight Commander, his work has at all times been of a high standard. He has inspired all crews in the squadron by his example of constancy and coolness at all times. For outstanding ability and a keen sense of devotion to duty, Squadron Leader Horan is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
Kenneth Lunny was living in Westmount, Quebec when he enlisted into the RCAF in Montreal in June 1941. F/Lt Kenneth Lunny was Mentioned in Despatches on 26th February 1946 for service with 145 Squadron for his actions on 30th October 1942 with 145 Squadron in Coastal Command. On this date he was flying as Navigator in a Hudson which attacked an enemy submarine and his navigation resulted in the successful sinking of the submarine, the delay in the award was probably down to the information coming to light after the War.
Robert MacKerrow was born in Toronto in 1915 and trained as a Lawyer, when he enlisted in Toronto in February 1942 he was working as a lawyer in Kleinburg, Ontario. For service with 432 Squadron he was awarded both the DFC and a Mention in Despatches; his DFC was Gazetted on 23rd November 1945 and his MiD on 14th June 1945. The recommendation for his DFC (as located by Hugh Halliday) reads..."As Air Bomber, this officer has completed twenty-nine successful operational sorties over enemy territory. Throughout, he has displayed the greatest keenness and his example of courage and determination has been of a high order. For his outstanding record of achievement and devotion to duty, Flying Officer MacKerrow is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
Charles Traynor was born in Sydenham, Ontario in December 1918 and was living in Owen Sound when he enlisted into the RCAF in November 1941, he had already served in the Royal Canadian Artillery. He was awarded the DFC for service with 432 Squadron on 23rd December 1945, the recommendation reads.."This officer has completed twenty-nine operational sorties over enemy territory. After completing many hours of operational flying in Canada, he has completed a most successful tour with this squadron, setting a fine example of courage and devotion to duty which served as an inspiration to the rest of the crew. The work performed by Flight Lieutenant Traynor in his section helped to set a high mark of efficiency
for the squadron. For his co-operation, coolness and devotion to duty, Flight Lieutenant Traynor is strongly recommended for an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
I credit Hugh Halliday's RCAF awards research used to compile these biographies.