Halifax NR206 damaged in the air, landed at Skipton on Swale airfield.
On the night of 2nd / 3rd December 1944 this 424 Squadron aircraft was to be flown on an operational flight to bomb Hagen and took off from Skipton on Swale airfield at 17.34hrs. At 18.01hrs while this aircraft was circling to gain height and to allow the other 424 Squadron aircraft to get airborne a collision appears to have occurred with 424 Squadron Halifax MZ754 at 7,000 feet. The AM Form 1180 for MZ754 states that NT206 was the other aircraft involved although the squadron records do not identify it. NR206 cannot have sustained much damage as the crew continued with the sortie. On the way to the target the aircraft was slightly damaged by flak at 20.53hrs over Aachen. The crew released their bomb load onto the target area from 15,000 feet at 21.09hrs. Despite the damage the aircraft landed safely at Skipton on Swale at 00.34hrs.
For his actions on this night the pilot was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 16th February 1945 the citation states.. "One night in December 1944, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Hagen. On the outward flight some of the navigational equipment became unserviceable but Flight Lieutenant Stalberger continued his mission. When approaching the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The port outer engine was put out of action. Some height was lost. Even so, Flight Lieutenant Stalberger went on to press home a successful attack. This officer has completed many sorties and has displayed skill and determination throughout." The recommendation was more detailed and stated.. "On the night of December 2nd, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Stalberger, captain of a four-engined heavy bomber was detailed to attack Hagen. On the way to the target the navigator reported several important navigational aids unserviceable but the captain continued with the mission. Later, severe icing conditions were encountered. Just before reaching the target area the aircraft was accurately predicted by flak with the result that the port outer engine was very badly damaged and put out of action, with a consequent loss of altitude down to 15,000 feet. Despite this great handicap, Flight Lieutenant Stalberger still persisted in pressing on to the target which he bombed successfully. He then brought his aircraft safely back to base. By his coolness and courage plus his exceptionally fine display of airmanship in this instance, I consider that Flight Lieutenant Stalberger fully merits the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross." (credit Hugh Halliday).
Pilot - F/Lt Jerome Joseph James Stalberger RCAF (J/13402).
Navigator - F/O V E Birley RCAF (J/37538).
Air Bomber - F/O N A S Johnson RCAF (J/35580).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O Vincent Ambrose Stortz RCAF (J/39393).
Flight Engineer - Sgt J M Reid RAFVR (3200318).
Air Gunner - Sgt R B Keech RCAF (R/209076).
Air Gunner - Sgt Earl W Jackman RCAF (R/205774).