Lancaster KB831 damaged in the air, landed at Croft airfield.
In the early hours of 21st March 1945 this 431 Squadron aircraft flew an operational flight to bomb a target at Heide. This aicrraft took off from Croft airfield at 01.32hrs and the crew released their bombs from 9,400 feet at 04.30hrs on to target markers. While over the target a 500lb bomb dropped from a higher flying aircraft struck the port wing of Lancaster KB831 and made a hole in the wing near the port outer engine some two feet by three feet. Part of the main spar and also the engine mounting was damaged. the pilot remained in control but the engine had to be feathered. Severe vibrations were felt all the way back to England and part of the rudder trimming tabs. The crew landed at 08.14hrs at Croft airfield. The pilot was later awarded the DFM for service with 431 Squadron and the citation refers to this incident.
Pilot - F/Sgt Frederick George Kennneth Saunders RCAF (R/210293).
Navigator - F/Sgt D B Barrigen RCAF (R/202570).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt T L Hood RCAF (R/219125).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Robert Lauriston McKendrick RAFVR (1822556).
Air Gunner - Sgt J F Frederickson RCAF (R/276013).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt D Haggart RCAF R/283120).
Flight Engineer - Sgt W J P Boyle RCAF (R/180576).
Frederick Saunders was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for servcie with 431 Squadron, Gazetted on 5th June 1945. The citation states that "In March 1945, this airman was detailed to attack Heide. During the bombing run, the aircraft sustained severe damage. A large hole was torn in the port wing. The aircraft became almost uncontrollable and went into a dive. Flight Sergeant Saunders succeeded in levelling out and turned away from the target. The mounting of one of the engines was badly damaged and Flight Sergeant Saunders was forced to feather the propeller. The aircraft began to lose height and was vibrating badly and could scarcely be manoeuvred. Nevertheless, this pilot displayed the greatest coolness and later brought the aircraft down safely. In hazardous circumstances this airman set a splendid example of skill, courage and resolution." The recommendation also located by historian Hugh Halliday stated "This Non-Commissioned Officer, a pilot of a heavy bomber, was detailed to carry out an attack on Heide, 21st March 1945. While making his bombing run his aircraft was hit by a 500-pound bomb dropped from another aircraft. Though a large hole was torn in the port wing and the aircraft severely jolted, Flight Sergeant Saunders bombs were dropped on the target. His aircraft becoming almost unmanageable, this pilot showed great airmanship in pulling the aircraft from a dive and finally being able to keep it on an even keel. He was forced to feather an engine as the mounting was damaged, vibration became so bad that rear gunner was ordered from his turret, it being considered unsafe, and the balance tabs fell of the tail plane. Losing height in an aircraft that could hardly be maneouvred, Flight Sergeant Saunders, though only on his eighth sortie, showed great coolness and expert ability... this condition he effected a difficult but safe landing ... outstanding ability and fearlessness in the face of great ... (recommended for the award of an ) immediate Distinguished Flying Medal."