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16/17 June, 1943; COLOGNE:
The squadron contributed 9 aircraft to the total force of 202
bombers sent to attack Cologne. The Pathfinders used H2S to place
sky markers over a cloud covered target. Only half the Main Force
managed to bomb with the remainder being turned back due to the
adverse weather. The cost to Bomber Command was 14 Lancasters...
and their crews. Those aircraft that did get through caused widespread
damage to the housing areas of the city.
Seven Lancasters landed safely back at Fiskerton, each crew having
completed successful trips; but as W/Cmdr Peter Johnson, still
in his flying gear, scanned the operations board he realised
that 2 more of the squadron's aircraft had failed to come home.
F/Lt Charles Dunnet (ED497) and crew were
one of those who failed to return, shot down by a night fighter
(Hptm Manfred Meurer I./NJG1). The Lancaster crashed near Helmond
in Holland. They are all buried in Eindhoven (Woensel) Cemetery.
Lancaster ED497
F/L C.W. Dunnet Pilot (Killed)
Sgt
R.F. Middlebrook F/E (Killed)
Sgt R.G. Smith NAV
(Killed)
Sgt M.F.
Haley W/AG (Killed)
P/O C.A.
Edwards A/G (Killed)
Sgt W.A.
Dutton B/A (Killed)
Sgt R.M.W.Selby-Lowndes A/G (Killed)
Crew on their 3rd operation
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