Halifax at RAF East Moor.

The Halifax was taking off on Runway 16 at 21.25 when it crashed and caught fire near the runway intersections. the crew escaped and ran clear and the general area was evacuated before the aircraft blew scattering bits of it all over the airfield.

Pilot - P/O Joseph A Gault RCAF, ok.

Nav - F/O R Howard RCAF, ok.

B A - F/O Paul J Handkamer RCAF, ok.

W Op - Sgt Arthur E Lawson RCAF, ok.

Air Gunner - Sgt W Carmen RCAF, ok.

F Eng - Sgt W Border RCAF, ok.

Rear Gunner - Sgt R G Walters RCAF, injured neck.

F/O Joseph Arthur Gault was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross whilst serving with 432 Squadron. The award became effective 15 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 23 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. He was born in Moose Jaw in 1921. He enlisted 8 May 1942. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 18 December 1942), No.19 EFTS (graduated 16 April 1943) and No.12 SFTS (graduated 6 August 1943). There was no full citation other than""completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty."" DHist file 181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20667) has recommendation dated 28 October 1944 when he had flown 26 sorties (127 hours 30 minutes), 25 July to 25 October 1944.

""Throughout his operational career this officer has displayed enthusiasm and keenness for operational flying. He has been an inspiration to the members of his crew and has shown a high degree of airmanship and dogged determination, having completed twenty-six successful sorties.""

""His calm, quiet manner, qualities of leadership and splendid record warrant a strong recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate).""

F/O Paul Handkamer was Mentioned in Despatches whilst with 432 Squadron. His award was effective as 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 388/46 dated 12 April 1946. Home in Winnieg; enlisted there 1 June 1942. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 20 February 1943), No.7 BGS (graduated 20 August 1943) and No.5 AOS (graduated 1 October 1943). AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas"; unit found in McEwen Papers list of recommendations for MiD. DHist file 181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20668) has recommendation by W/C J.K. MacDonald dated 16 November 1944 when he had flown 25 sorties (118 hours 25 minutes). Recommended with WO A.E. Lawson.

""On the 4th of November, 1944, this officer and airman were members of the crew of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. While over the target the Flight Engineer received severe injuries from "flak". Flying Officer Handkamer and Warrant Officer Lawson immediately went to the Engineer's aid. Although their efforts to save his life were in vain, due mainly to the fact that he had lost so much blood, they fought unceasingly with all means at their disposal to save his life."" The Flight Engineer was Sgt W Border, the aircraft NP708 landed at Woodbridge on return. NP708 went on to complete 78 Ops.

""This officer and airman set the highest example of brotherhood and crew loyalty which I recommend be recognized by the award of Mention in Despatches (Immediate).""

Warr Off Lawson LAWSON, (now P/O) was also Mentioned in Despatches for the same actions, his Award being effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. His home is in Montreal; enlisted there 21 May 1942. Trained at No.4 WS (graduated 1 June 1943) and No.6 BGS (graduated 1 August 1943). AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas"; unit found in McEwen Papers list of recommendations for MiD. DHist file 181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20668) has recommendation by W/C J.K. MacDonald dated 16 November 1944 when he had flown 29 sorties (140 hours five minutes).