|
29/30 March, 1943; BERLIN:
The last operation of the month was a return trip to the 'Big
City'. Twelve Lancasters were offered and a take-off time was
set for 18.30hrs. The take-off time was altered twice before
the squadron departed to join the other 317 heavies heading for
the German capital. Weather conditions were severe, with icing
problems and badly predicted winds.
The bulk of the bombing fell in open countryside to the south
east of Berlin. Aircraft losses included 11 Lancasters, 7 Halifaxes
and 3 Stirlings... 2 of the Lancasters were from 49 Squadron.
Of the three fresh crews operating this night, two were missing.
After being damaged by flak over the target, Sgt Fyffe and crew
struggling for home were eventually shot down by a German night
fighter flown by Hauptmann Herbert Lütje of 111./NJG1. Their
Lancaster crashed between Heeten and Raalte in Holland; three
of the crew perished and are buried in Raalte.
Lancaster ED435 (EA-N)
Sgt D.W. Fyffe Pilot (P.o.W.)
Sgt
E.R. McCracken F/E (P.o.W.)
Sgt T. Fazakerley A/G (Killed)
Sgt R.C. Link NAV (P.o.W.)
P/O
A.T.L. Cullum RCAF B/A (P.o.W.)
W/O F.A.
McNutt RCAF W/AG (Killed)
Sgt J.
Robertson A/G (Killed)
Crew on their 1st operation
|
