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14/15 June, 1943: OBERHAUSEN: An all Lancaster
force of 197, guided by 6 Oboe Mosquitoes made an successful
attack on Oberhausen. Despite the target being cloud-covered,
accurate sky-marking enabled the bombers to do considerable damage.
Twelve Lancasters lifted from Fiskerton's runway, the last one
away by 22.32hrs. One aircraft returned early and the remaining
11 crews
found themselves engaged in a savage battle from both flak and
fighters which resulted in Bomber Command losing 17 aircraft.
Sgt George Cole (ED432) and crew were caught by a night fighter
and their aeroplane fell at Castle Doorwerth, west of Arnhem
in Holland. Two of the crew survived; Sgt Arnold sustained shrapnel
wounds to his legs and was thrown clear; both became POW's.
It has recently come to light, that the graves of the crew members
who perished have been constantly tended by Geertruida Oosterhaar
and was awarded the MBE in 1974. A schoolgirl at the time of
the crash, Geertruida well remembers the night the Lancaster
came down near her home. The crew lies at rest in Oosterbeek
Cemetery near the many graves of the Airborne soldiers who died
in the Battle for Arnhem. At the 1993 Squadron reunion held at
Woodhall Spa, Geertruida Oosterhaar was a very special 'guest
of honour'; the squadron veterans took this opportunity to show
Geertruida their deeply felt appreciation for the devotion she
has shown over the years to some of their fallen comrades.
Lancaster ED432 (EA-N)
Sgt G.S. Cole Pilot (Killed)
Sgt J.P.
Harper F/E (Killed)
Sgt C.A.
Barnett Nav (Killed)
Sgt
J.R. Arnold W/AG (P.o.W.)
Sgt
J.H. Bryan A/G (P.o.W.)
Sgt J.W.
Deacon B/A (Killed)
Sgt H.R. Rhodes A/G (Killed)
Sgt H. Biggin Extra Nav (Killed)
Crew on their 8th operation
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