Halifax NP723 damaged by flak, landed at East Moor airfield.

During the day on 4th August 1944 the crew of this 432 Squadron Halifax were tasked with bombing a supply and repair depot at Bois de Cassen and took off from East Moor at 11.12hrs. This was the aircraft's first operational flight with the squadron. The crew released the bomb load from 15,000 feet at 13.09hrs but it suffered minor flak damage. The pilot was able to return safely to East Moor and land without incident at 15.19hrs.

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 G/J Keogh RCAF (R/86786).

Mid Upper Gunner - W/O Ralph Gordon Bullivant RCAF (J/86703).

Rear Gunner - Sgt Douglas Richard Penny RCAF (R/163541).


Halifax NP723 was built to contract 1688/C4/C by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and was delivered to 432 Squadron at East Moor on 30th July 1944. on 4th August 1944 it suffered Cat.A/FB damage follwoing battle damage and was repaired on site with repair completed the following day. This was the aircraft's first operational flight. It was lost on 15th October 1944 when it failed to return from Wilhelmshaven with the then crew seven being sadly killed. Cat.E(m) damage was recorded on the paperwork and it was struck off charge.

Maurice Pettit (photograph above kindly supplied by his son Mr Pete Pettit) was born in 1920 and lived in Toronto where he enlisted on 6th January 1940. After training with 20 OTU (arrived 12th January 1942 and 1651 HCU (arrived 22nd July 1942), he was posted to 218 Squadron on 7th September 1942. He received his Commission in 1942. He completed his first Tour with 218 Squadron and was awarded the DFC for this, with the award effective from 24th March 1943. When this was presented is not known although this could have been 9th April 1948. The citation reads.. "This officer, who has completed twenty-seven operational missions, has displayed great keenness and tenacity. On two occasions towards the end of 1942 he displayed great resolution in pressing home his attack on certain targets after his aircraft had been badly damaged by enemy action. In February 1943 he took part in an attack on Cologne. Whilst over the city his aircraft was held in the searchlights and hit by anti-aircraft fire. One engine was put out of action and two windows beside the pilot were blown in. Despite this, Flight Lieutenant Pettit successfully bombed his target. His exemplary conduct has been worthy of high praise."

Maurice Pettit was then posted to 432 Squadron and completed a second Tour. He was awarded the Bar to the DFC, effective of 4th November 1944, he was recommended for this on 28th July 1944 when he had flown forty six operational flights including twenty since his DFC. The period of service being from 10th September 1942 to 11th March 1943 (twenty six operational flights) and 18th March to 24th July 1944 (twenty further operational flights). The citation for his Bar to the DFC reads... "Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Squadron Leader Pettit has completed many attacks on heavily defended targets. He has displayed outstanding qualities of courage, skill and determination. His operational record during both of his tours has set an inspiring example to all the members of the squadron."


P/O Ralph Bullivant (J/86703) enlisted in Calgary on 19th January 1942. He flew a Tour with 196 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.

Douglas Penny (photographed above) 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.


Arthur Plummer was recommended for the DFM for service with 432 Squadron on 27th September 1944 when he had flown twenty eight operational flights between 18th March and 25th September 1944 but had received his commission before the award was granted. He was promoted to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) (186040) on 18th September 1944 however notification was only printed in the London Gazette on 24th November 1944. He rose to F/O (war subs) on 18th March 1945 though this notification credits him as having the DFC not the DFM. There was no proper citation for his DFM but the recommendation added more detail, it reads.. "This Non-Commissioned Officer has taken part in 28 successful sorties over a wide variety of targets in France, and some of the most heavily defended in Germany, such as Frankfurt, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Bremen and Hamburg. During this tour he has always displayed a fine offensive spirit and proved a valuable member of his crew. For his loyalty, high technical ability and splendid record this Non-Commissioned Officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."
Alex Branch was awarded the DFC for service with 432 Squadron, Gazetted on 12th December 1944.
Credit to Hugh Halliday's RCAF award's research.

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