Wellington damaged by FLAK, (returned to East Moor).

On the 25th of May 1943 this was one of fourteen 429 Sqdn aircraft detailed to bomb Dortmund. There were three early returns of those dispatched and no losses. This aircraft had taken off at 23.43hrs and proceeded to the target. At 01.40 hrs flak opened up near Julich this aircraft flying at 18,000 feet. The flak hit the starboard engine nacelle and released the dingy which flapped around the wing. The tyre on the starboard side was also punctured. Because of the damage and the dinghy flapping in the slipstream the aircraft began to vibrate and loose height. The pilot ordered the bombs to be jettisoned live and asked the navigator, Sgt Phillips to plot a course for East Moor. When they arrived back at East Moor flying control advised them to continue circling and not attempt a landing until all the other squadron aircraft had landed. Once flying control gave the authorization the aircraft came in for his landing on the runway, they touched down and ran straight until they lost speed when the Wellington veered to starboard, because of the punctured tyre, and ran off the runway. As it hit soft ground it slewed around and nosed over, breaking both propellers and the plexiglass in the bomb aimers position. The crew were uninjured.

The actual aircraft quoted in squadron records is Wellington HE865, but this aircraft was flying again two days later on Ops, HE859 never flew again after this date suggesting it was indeed this aircraft damaged in this incident.

Pilot - Sgt R E Murray RCAF, ok.

Nav - Sgt Gerald I Phillips RCAF, ok.

BA - Sgt R B Paul RCAF, ok.

W Op / AG - F/Sgt R E Moden RAF, ok.

Rear Gunner - Sgt J G Stuffco RCAF, ok.

All airmen were posted in on 30th April 1943 from 22 OTU and posted out on 13th September 1943 to 432 Sqdn.