Halifax NP736 damaged by flak, landed at East Moor airfield.
At 11.45hrs on 12th September 1944 the crew of this 432 Squadron aircraft took off from East Moor tasked with flying an operational flight to bomb a synthetic oil manufacturing plant at Wanna Eickel. The crew released their bomb load at 14.01hrs from 18,000 feet and the aircraft was hit by flak over the target, sustaining damage to the port wing and instrument panel. Despite the damage the crew landed normally at East Moor at 16.38hrs.
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).
Jack Mills was born in Hamilton, Ontario 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)." I credit Hugh Halliday's RCAF awards research in locating this information.
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.
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.