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28/29 August, 1942; NUREMBERG:
On Friday night, 28 August, the squadron had 10 Lancasters airborne
by 21.30hrs all destined for Nuremberg in southern Germany. Over
Nuremberg, Pathfinders used 'target indicators' for the first
time, to mark the aiming point. Approaching from the south, the
squadron's crews were able to make fixes from the river, canal
and autobahn which were clearly visible in the bright moonlight.
The town received only moderate damage despite the accuracy of
the markers. Again, the force suffered heavy losses with the
Wellington Squadrons bearing the brunt of the casualties. From
the 159 aircraft dispatched, 23 were reported missing - 14 Wellingtons,
4 Lancasters, 3 Stirlings and 2 Halifaxes.
Two of the missing Lancasters were from 49 Squadron:
F/O John Lowrie RNZAF (L7567) and crew were caught by a night
fighter over Holland and were shot down at 00.10hrs. The aircraft
crashed at Maasbracht, 6 miles from Roermond; sadly, five of
the crew were killed and are buried in a collective grave in
Mook War Cemetery, whilst Sgt's Allen and Gordon were initially
reported as missing, but later confirmed as being P.o.W.’s.
These two aircraft were the first Lancasters to be lost by 49
Squadron. The remainder of the squadron returned safely.
Lancaster L7567
F/O J. Lowrie RNZAF Pilot (Killed)
Sgt J.
Allen F/E (P.o.W.)
Sgt
G.H. Gordon Nav/Ab (P.o.W.)
Sgt R.P.
Dobson RAAF Nav/Ab (Killed)
F/S N.R.
Mitchell RCAF W/Ag (Killed)
Sgt E.A. Berrett W/Op (Killed)
Sgt W.D. Peirce RAAF W/Ag
(Killed)
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