Lancaster at East Moor.

On 14th January 1944 the crew of this aircraft weer on Ops to Brunswick but on their approach they were attacked and damaged by a ME109 and later another aircraft. The gunner returned fire and they escaped after the pilot took evasive action. They were able to limp back to East Moor but on landing the undercarriage gave way and the aircraft slewed off the runway. No injuries reported.

The aircraft was built to Contract ACFT/239 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd at Baginton and delivered directly to 432 Sqdn at East Moor during the last week of November 1943. It sustained damage recorded as Cat. B/FB in the incident detailed above which was The aircraft's 5th and last Op with 432 Sqdn. The aircraft had to be taken away and repaired in works and on completion of the repair it was issued to 1668 HCU at Bottesford in July 1944 when the unit reformed. It was destroyed with Cat. E/Burnt damage on 6th January 1945 when an engine caught fire whilst taxying at Bottesford. It was struck off charge was being beyond economic repair on 20th March 1945.

Pilot - S/L William W Strachan RCAF DFC (J/9863).

F Eng - P/O Joseph Gilliard RAF (54452).

Nav - P/O Maurice A Martin RCAF (J/18871).

Bomb Aimer - F/O Nick J Baron RCAF (J/21045).

Rear Gunner - P/O Howard M Stewart RCAF (J/19066).

Mid Upper Gunner - 1Lt Albert L Rorke USAAF (0-886242).

W Op - F/O Robert C Stuart RCAF (J/18402).

For his actions on this night William Strachan was awarded the DFC. As fate would have it this was only two weeks before his death, he got confirmation it was being awarded although it was not presented until December 1944 to his next of kin. His citation reads ....

""This officer has taken part in many attacks against targets in Germany and has displayed commendable skill, courage and determination. One night in January 1944 (14th Jan 1944), Squadron Leader Strachan piloted an aircraft which attacked Brunswick. Shortly after the bombs had been released the aircraft was hit by bullets from an enemy fighter. Much damage was sustained but Squadron Leader Strachan skilfully outmanoeuvred the attacker and afterwards flew the damaged aircraft to base. Squadron Leader Strachan is a model captain whose example has inspired all with whom he has flown."" An Me109 and a "four engined gun ship" had badly shot up the aircraft, on touching down it was realised the undercarriage was damaged, the aircraft slewed off at 90 degrees.

The whole crew were sadly killed in a flying accident near Huby on 16th February 1944, an incident recorded on this website and a crash site I have located.