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3/4 November, 1943; DÜSSELDORF:
It wasn't until 3rd November that Bomber Command was able to
send a large force out again, when almost 600 bombers were sent
against the German city of Düsseldorf. The 'rest' period
had enabled most squadrons to replenish their establishment of
aircraft and 49 was no exception. Now re-settled back at Fiskerton
(from Dunholme Lodge), the unit was able to provide 18 aircraft
for the evening’s operation. The raid was successful with
many fires reported but Command did lose 18 aircraft and crews.
For the second raid in succession 49 Squadron lost two aircraft.
The experienced crew skippered by F/Lt Cecil Thomas were on their
20th op, and carrying a 'second dickie' pilot, P/O Teager. A
night fighter got them, with only three crew members able to
escape before the aircraft exploded near Cologne.
Lancaster ED438 (EA-R)
F/L C.G. Thomas Pilot (Killed)
P/O
J.E. Teager 2ndPilot (P.o.W.)
Sgt
N.D. Panter F/E (P.o.W.)
F/S
W.G. Clutterbuck NAV (Killed)
Sgt
W.A. Payne W/AG (P.o.W.)
Sgt H. Minns A/G (Killed)
F/O C.P. Ross B/A (Killed)
Sgt G.E.
Boxer A/G (Killed)
Crew on their 20th operation
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