59 – Warhem

Ils venaient du ciel... > France > 59 – Nord > 59 – Warhem

Lancaster ND766 MG-S 7 Sqn
Date : 24 juin 1944 Mission : Bombardement du site de V1 au hameau de Coubronne à Ecques
Décollage : Oakington à 23:56
Causes de la perte :
Lieu de la perte : Esquelbecq (59)
Royaume Uni Sqn Ldr Reginald Wiseman BROWN Nav RAFVR 104694 KIA Distinguished Flying Cross
Royaume Uni FS Eric CORNISH AG RAFVR 575796 KIA
Australie Flt Lt Clifford Harris DREWER AB RAAF 417818 KIA
New Zeland Flt Lt William Alexander IRWIN Pil RNZAF 414632 KIA Distinguished Flying Cross
Australie Plt Off Charles Adrian McCARTHY WOP AG RAAF 410696 KIA
Royaume Uni FS Ralph NIXON FE RAFVR 1571977 KIA
Royaume Uni FS John Thomas WARD AG RAFVR 1001977 KIA

Distinguished Flying Cross.
Acting Flying Officer Reginald Wiseman BROWN (104694), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron.
Squadron Leader Oldroyd and Flying Officer Brown were the captain and navigator respectively of an aircraft, detailed to attack the Skoda Works at Pilsen. Dense cloud was experienced in the last 200 miles to the target but, owing to the navigational skill of Flying Officer Brown, the objective was reached and located 5 minutes before the estimated time. Very heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered and the aircraft was repeatedly hit. Despite this, Squadron Leader Oldroyd remained over the target for a considerable time. On the return journey the aircraft was held by searchlights and subjected to further anti-aircraft fire, which was evaded successfully. Later, the aircraft was engaged by a Junkers 88, fire from which caused damage to the oil system, the port landing wheel and the petrol tanks. Throughout this combat Squadron Leader Oldroyd displayed skill and courage of a high standard which contributed largely to the safe return of his aircraft and crew. Flying Officer Brown has continually displayed great skill and courage, and has always identified his targets under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions.
FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO The London Gazette Of TUESDAY, the 19th of MAY, 1942