Halifax NP736 damaged by flak, returned to East Moor airfield.
On the evening of 28th August 1944 this 432 Squadron aircraft undertook an operational flight to bomb Oeuf en Ternois in Northern France where there was a V-1 launch site. They took off from East Moor at 18.41hrs and released their bomb load from 15,000 feet at 20.24hrs. During the course of the night the Halifax suffered flak damage to the forward fuselage which injured the wireless operator. The pilot was able to make the return home and they landed safely at East Moor airfield at 22.12hrs.
Pilot - P/O Douglas Patterson Frost RCAF (J/86102),
Flight Engineer - Sgt J P Haley RCAF (R/65099),
Navigator - F/O Robert Henry Shearer RCAF (J/29530),
Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt E J Harman RCAF (J/90226),
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt D A Williams RCAF (R/182251). Injured.
Air Gunner - Sgt Leonard Farrell RCAF (R/213417),
Air Gunner - Sgt Richard Edward Young RCAF (R/146488).
I credit Hugh Halliday's RCAF awards research in compiling this webpage.
P/O Frost and crew joined 432 Squadron towards the end of June 1944 and commenced Ops on 1st July 1944. This incident took place on the sixteenth. P/O Frost completed a tour of thirty with the last being on 6th December 1944. Douglas Frost was born in 1923 in Winnipeg. He enlisted there in March 1942 and was Commissioned in 1944. He was recommended for the DFC on 14th December 1944 when he had flown thirty four operational flights. The DFC was effective from 15th March 1945 when his rank was Flying Officer. This recommendation reads.. "This officer has made thirty-four successful sorties over enemy territory. During these trips he has shown a high degree of skill and has been an outstanding captain of aircraft. At all times he has been a keen, willing worker and an inspiring example to other pilots. For his airmanship, intense loyalty and splendid record, Flying Officer Frost is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
Robert Shearer was born in London, Ontario in 1916 where he lived and had served with the Royal Canadian Artillery prior to enlisting the RCAF. He was recommended for the DFC on 18th December 1944 when he had flown thirty two operational flights. The DFC was effective from 15th March 1945. The recommendation reads.. "During a most successful tour of operational duty, this officer has proved to be a most valuable member of his squadron. He is an outstanding navigator 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)."
Richard Young was born in Chilliwick, British Columbia in 1923 and lived in Sardis when he enlisted in Vancouver in February 1942. He was recommended for the DFM on 24th March 1945 some time after he had completed thirty four operational flights on 6th December 1944. The award was effective from 5th July 1945, but post-war F/Sgt Young stayed in the RCAF, he was presented with the DFM in Winnipeg in May 1955.
Leonard Farrell was born in November 1923 at Bay du Hord, Newfoundland. He enlisted in Halifax in February 1943 and was Commissioned after this flak incident on 16th October 1944 (J/90896). He was also recommended for the DFC, on 23rd March 1945, on completion of the Tour on 6th December 1944 after he flew thirty four operational flights. The award became effective from 5th July 1945. He returned home on 25th April 1945. The recommendation reads.."This officer has completed thirty-four successful sorties over enemy territory. His tenacity of purpose, endurance and fine offensive spirit have contributed largely to the success of the crew. His splendid record and high degree of courage warrant a strong recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
Halifax NP736 was built to contract ACFT/1688/C4/C by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and was taken on charge by 432 Squadron at East Moor on 1st August 1944. As a result of battle damage on 28th August 1944 Cat.A/FB damage would have been the damage assessment. A repair on site was made at East Moor with repair complete by 6th September 1944. It was damaged by flak on 12th September 1944 with a Cat.A/FB damage assessment made. It was again repaired on site. On 18th November 1944 it collided with Halifax NP755 at Croft and sustained Cat.Ac/FB damage. It was again repaired on site at Croft and returned to 432 Squadron on 13th December 1944. 432 Squadron disbanded on 15th May 1945 and the aircraft was flown to 29 MU on 1st June 1945. It was later struck off charge and sold for scrap on 30th December 1949.