51 – Heiltz-le-Maurupt

 

Lancaster R5485 PO-B
467 Sqn
Date : 19 juillet 1944
Mission : Bombardement d’installations ferroviaires à Révigny-sur-Ornain (55)
Décollage : Waddington à 22:56
Causes de la perte
:
Abattu par un chasseur de nuit
Lieu de la perte
:
Heiltz-le-Maurupt (51)
Australie FS Colin Frederick ALLEN
AG RAAF 434218 KIA
Inhumé à Pargny-sur-Saulx (51)
Australie Fg Off Thomas Edward William DAVIS
Pil RAAF 420173 KIA
Australie Fg Off Mark William EDGERLEY
Nav RAAF 424274 EVA
Canada Fg Off Ernest Francis George HADDLESEY
AG RCAF J/26846 WIA POW Distinguished Flying Cross
Australie FS Denis Vaughan KELLY
WOP RAAF 418751 EVA
Royaume Uni Sgt Wilfred Frank MARSHALL
FE RAFVR 650996 EVA
Australie FS Lawrence William McGOWAN
AB RAAF 424274 EVA

Distinguished Flying Cross.
Pilot Officer Ernest Francis George HADDESLEY (CAN/J.26846), Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 467 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron.
One night in November, 1943, this officer was the Mid-upper gunner of an aircraft which attacked Dusseldorf. Soon after the bombs had been released the aircraft was engaged by a fighter. An accurate burst of machine-gun fire from the enemy hit the bomber and caused much damage. Although he was struck in the shoulder by three bullets, Pilot Officer Haddesley opened fire with good effect, driving off the enemy aircraft which fell away with its engines and fuselage on fire. Despite the severity of his injuries and the loss of blood, this gallant gunner remained at his guns until his aircraft had neared the English coast. He displayed courage, skill and fortitude of a high order.
THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO The London Gazette Of FRIDAY, the 26th of NOVEMBER, 1943