10/04/1944 – Mining off La Rochelle
Five Stirlings were detailed for mine laying off La Rochelle, one was withdrawn but the remainder successfully completed their mission.
Stirling Mk.III LK378 JN-O
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:55 – Landed 02:25
Flight Time 05:30
18/04/1944 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Seven Stirlings were detailed to lay mines in Kiel Bay, one was withdrawn and one failed to return (Captain NZ415820 F/O. H. Murray). The remaining five successfully completed their mission. On return they landed away.
Stirling Mk.III EE958 AA-V
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:45 – Landed 02:55
Flight Time 06:10
20/04/1944 – Mining in the Brest Estuary
Four Stirlings were despatched to lay mines in the Brest Estuary. Three dropped their mines as ordered and the other aircraft jettisoned their load.
Stirling Mk.III EF137 AA-E
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:00 – Landed 02:00
Flight Time 05:00
22/04/1944 – Attack Against Laon
Five Stirling aircraft were detailed to attack the marshalling yards at Laon and also reported a good concentrated attack.
Stirling Mk.III EF207 ?-?
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:10 – Landed 02:20
Flight Time 04:10
10/05/1944 – Attack Against Courtrai
Twenty three aircraft successfully bombed the marshalling yards at Courtrai. A concentrated attack was made with very slight opposition. One aircraft (Captain NZ413043 A/S/L. L. Drummond) was hit by A.A. Fire on the return journey and the Captain received slight injuries.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:55 – Landed 01:20
Flight Time 03:25
11/05/1944 – Attack Against Louvain
Twenty-four aircraft, representing the largest number of Lancaster aircraft so far detailed by this Squadron, were despatched to attack the marshalling yards at Louvain. Twenty-three aircraft successfully attacked in good weather. One aircraft (Captain NZ414591 A/F/L. S. Clark) claimed a JU 88 destroyed in combat over the North Sea. Another aircraft (Captain 151118 A/F/L. D. Warren) failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.I LL866 AA-W
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:40 – Landed 02:20
Flight Time 03:40
21/05/1944 – Attack Against Duisberg
Twenty five aircraft took off to attack Duisburg, of which twenty one attacked the primary target. Three returned early with various technical failures and one failed to return (Captain NZ421803 P/O. W. Willis). Another aircraft (Captain AUS413157 P/O. A. Humphreys) was attacked by an enemy fighter and the navigator 1438903 F/Sgt. Hill, A. was injured, the aircraft also being damaged.
Lancaster Mk.I ME691 AA-R
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Powell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:50 – Landed 03:10
Flight Time 04:20
22/05/1944 – Attack Against Dortmund
Twenty three aircraft were detailed to attack Dortmund of which eighteen completed their mission successfully. Three aircraft returned early and two failed to return (Captains NZ417016 P/O. E. Burke and NZ42354 P/O. C. Armstrong). The raid was well concentrated and carried out in good weather with excellent visibility. One aircraft had an inconclusive combat with a JU 88. Otherwise the operation was uneventful.
Lancaster Mk.III ND756 AA-M
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:50 – Landed 03:00
Flight Time 04:10
24/05/1944 – Attack Against Boulogne
Thirteen aircraft were detailed to attack Aachen and eleven to attack a target at Boulogne. They all were successful in attacking their respective targets and good concentrated bombing was reported. Two aircraft attacking Aachen had combats with enemy aircraft, NZ40750 F/L. R. Berney claiming the destruction of an enemy night fighter and 170664 P/O. T. Buckley claimed strikes on a F.W. 190. There was no opposition from the Boulogne target.
Lancaster Mk.III HK553 AA-S
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:15 – Landed 02:15
Flight Time 02:00
27/05/1944 – Mining off La Rochelle
Two aircraft successfully laid mines off La Rochelle without incident.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:20 – Landed 04:55
Flight Time 05:35
31/05/1944 – Attack Against Trappes
Twenty four aircraft were despatched to attack the marshalling yards at Trappes. One was withdrawn and another returned early through technical trouble. The remainder, however, bombed in good visibility, reporting an accurate attack. One aircraft (Captain NZ422098 P/O. L. Bonisch) had a combat with an enemy aircraft which was seen to be shot down by another of our aircraft.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:55 – Landed 04:50
Flight Time 04:55
03/06/1944 – Attack Against Calais
Ten aircraft were detailed to attack Calais, and all crews were successful in contributing to a good concentrated raid in clear weather. Defences were slight to moderate and no enemy fighters were seen.
Lancaster Mk.III ND756 AA-M
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:40 – Landed 02:30
Flight Time 01:50
05/06/1944 – Attack Against Ouistreham
The target for No.3 Group was the coastal battery at Ouistreham in N. France. This target, and others in the same area were attacked by strong forces of Bomber Command aircraft immediately prior to the Anglo-American Invasion of the Continent. Twenty six aircraft from this Squadron participated and all were successful in bombing their target with the aid of markers. Opposition was very slight.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 03:30 – Landed 07:00
Flight Time 03:30
06/06/1944 – Attack Against Lisieux
Twenty four aircraft took off, as detailed, to attack a target at Lisieux, in support of the invading forces which were establishing a bridge head in Normandy. All aircraft successfully bombed the target and an accurate attack was reported. Only slight opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
F/S Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 03:30
Flight Time 03:45
10/06/1944 – Attack Against Dreux
Of the twenty four aircraft detailed to bomb Dreux, twenty two successfully attacked in good weather, the marshalling yards being visually identified until they were obscured by smoke. One aircraft had an inconclusive combat with a JU.88. The aircrafts captained by NZ422098 P/O. L. Bonisch and NZ422267 F/S. Donaghy, T. failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:00 – Landed 03:05
Flight Time 04:05
11/06/1944 – Attack Against Nantes
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack a military target at Nantes. All aircraft successfully bombing the target. Large fires and explosions were reported. Intense light A.A. Fire was encountered in the target area. the aircraft captained by NZ421072 P/O. C. McCardle, shortly after leaving the target area, was damaged by what is now thought to have been a light A.A. Shell exploding in the cockpit. The Captain received severe injuries and the Flight Engineer Sgt. Benfold, R., superficial injuries. The Air Bomber, AUS410489 W/O. Hurse, A. took over the controls, and with the assistance of the Navigator NZ4310159 F/O. A. Zillwood, brought the aircraft safely back to this country, where a perfect landing was executed.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 05:25
Flight Time 05:40
14/06/1944 – Attack Against Le Havre
Twenty six aircraft were detailed to attack shipping in the port area of Le Havre. Twenty five aircraft attacked and a very concentrated and accurate raid resulted. Fires from an earlier attack were still burning when our aircraft were over the target. One aircraft returned early owing to engine trouble. Opposition was slight.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
F/S Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 02:20
Flight Time 02:35
21/06/1944 – Attack Against Domleger
Twenty three aircraft were detailed to attack the constructional works at Domleger during daylight. Two aircraft failed to take off and the remainder were unable [to] locate the target, the markers not being visible owing to 10/10th cloud. they were instructed by the master bomber to abandon their mission, and apart from some aircraft which jettisoned their load, bombs were brought back. Opposition was very slight.
Lancaster Mk.III ND920 AA-P
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:05 – Landed 21:05
Flight Time 03:00
30/06/1944 – Attack Against Villers Bocage
Twenty four aircraft in daylight were detailed to attack enemy concentrations at Villers Bocage, in support of the British and Canadian Armies advance in Northern France. Two aircraft were withdrawn, owing to technical faults, but the remaining twenty two aircraft all bombed their target successfully, and reported a very concentrated raid. Moderate, but heavy A.A. Fire was encountered over the target, but there was no fighter opposition. On return one aircraft landed at Woodbridge and another put down on one of our landing strips in Normandy (the Flight Engineer 1586862 Sgt. McDevitt, P.W. being slightly injured). A unique incident for the Squadron. Another aircraft was damaged by A.A. Fire, but reached Base and made a successful landing.
Lancaster Mk.III LM513 AA-?
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot. F/O Nelson Hastings Bright, RNZAF NZ416975 – 2nd Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
W/O R. Marston, RAFVR – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:19 – Landed 21:24
Flight Time 03:05
05/07/1944 – Attack Against Watten
Twenty four aircraft took off as detailed to attack the constructional works at Watten. All were successful in bombing the target, and a good raid was reported. Moderate to heavy A.A. fire was encountered, but there was no fighter opposition. In addition, four aircraft were detailed to lay mines in the Kattegat, but this operation was cancelled.
Lancaster Mk.III LM593 AA-N
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:10 – Landed 01:30
Flight Time 02:20
07/07/1944 – Attack Against Vaires
Twenty one aircraft were detailed to attack the Vaires marshalling yard, but the operation was cancelled owing to weather conditions.
Lancaster Mk.I ME691 AA-R
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:55 – Landed 03:25
Flight Time 03:30
09/07/1944 – Attack Against Linzeux
The twenty five aircraft detailed on the previous day took off to attack the constructional works site at Linzeux in daylight. All aircraft bombed through cloud, using navigational aids. A.A. fire opposition was reported as slight, although one aircraft suffered considerable damage when over the target. There was no opposition from enemy fighters.
Lancaster Mk.I ME691 AA-R
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 12:45 – Landed 16:10
Flight Time 03:25
10/07/1944 – Attack Against Nucourt
Twenty seven aircraft took off at dawn to attack Nucourt constructional works site, all aircraft bombing through 10/10th cloud, using navigational aids, but the raid appeared to be scattered. Slight opposition from A.A. fire was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.I ME691 AA-R
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 04:20 – Landed 08:00
Flight Time 03:40
15/07/1944 – Attack Against Chalons Sur Marne
Eighteen aircraft took off as detailed to attack the marshalling yard at Chalons Sur Marne. All aircraft bombed the target and a good attack was reported, most crews being able to identify the marshalling yard visually. There was no A.A. fire opposition, but two aircraft had inconclusive combats with enemy fighters.
Lancaster Mk.I ME691 AA-R
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:55 – Landed 04:25
Flight Time 06:30
17/07/1944 – Attack Against Vaires
The twenty seven aircraft previously detailed took off to attack the Vaires marshalling yard in daylight, but the aircraft were recalled shortly after setting course. On landing they were re-fuelled and kept standing by to attack a tactical target.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 dnc AA-O
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 12:20 – Landed 13:50
Flight Time 01:30
18/07/1944 – Attack Against Cagny
Twenty eight aircraft took off, as detailed, to make a dawn attack on the village of Cagny, in Northern France where the enemy had large concentrations of armour and troops situated. This attack was in direct support of the Allied 2nd Army, and all crews were successful in bombing the target with the aid of markers and a very concentrated raid was reported. Moderate A.A. fire was encountered, but only one of our aircraft suffered damage, this was captained by NZ421549 F/S. Moriarty, D. who was injured on the scalp and left eye, by fragments of perspex or shell splinters caused by an A.A. shell which exploded in the cockpit. In spite of his serious injuries, F/Sgt. Moriarty safely flew his aircraft back to base.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752! AA-O
listed as ND752, but a/c serial duplicated an other crew for this Op – one of these might be ND782 hit by flak twice ‘U’
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O A. Cowell, RAFVR – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 04:45 – Landed 08:05
Flight Time 03:20
20/07/1944 – Attack Against Homberg
Twenty six aircraft took off, as detailed, to attack the oil refinery at Homberg. Nineteen aircraft were successful in bombing the target, with the aid of markers, which seemed well concentrated. Two good explosions were seen and smoke came up from the target area. Heavy A.A. fire was moderate, but fighters were very active, eight combats taking place. Seven aircraft failed to return, the captains were AUS22776 W/O. Gilmour, H., NZ428819 F/S. Howell, E., NZ421829 F/S. Mackay, K., NZ422057 F/S. Davidson, N., NZ42488 W/O. Whittington, H., NZ413219 F/S. Roche, G. & NZ414560 P/O. Burtt, H.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
P/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF AUS.424158 – Navigator.
W/O Herbert John Wellington Coedy, RCAF R.130143 J.96491 – Air Bomber.
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:30 – Landed –
Flight Time – Missing
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O was attacked by an enemy aircraft at 01:40hrs and brought down close to Udenhout (Noord-Brabant) and a mile North of Tilburg. Five of the crew died but two survived and were captured as POW’s. The dead were buried in the Gilzerbaan General Cemetery
F/O Henry John Burtt, RNZAF NZ414560 – Pilot.
Killed age 31.
Son of Albert John and Edith Jessie Burtt, of Durie Hill, Wanganui, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Tilburg (Gilzerbaan) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot B. Row 2. Grave 58.
F/S Vivian Connell, RAAF 424158 – Navigator.
P.o.W.
Prisoner of War Number: 696
Prison Camps: Dulag Luft, Stalag Luft VII
Date of return to United Kingdom: not known
W/O Herbert John Wellington Coedy, RCAF 130143/ J.96491 – Air Bomber.
P.o.W.
Prisoner of War Number: 562
Prison Camps: Dulag Luft, Stalag Luft VII
Date of return to United Kingdom: 15th of May 1945
W/O Gottfred Lyall Gillan, RNZAF NZ42324 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 21.
Son of Douglas and Myrtle Lilyan Gillan; husband of Alice Ann Gillan (nee Graham), of South Grafton, New South Wales, Australia.
Buried Tilburg (Gilzerbaan) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot B. Row 2. Grave 60.
Sgt. Vernon Charles Cornish, RAFVR 1609419 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 20.
Son of Philip Aubrey and Marjorie Edith Cornish, of Bridford, Devon.
Buried Tilburg (Gilzerbaan) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot B. Row 2. Grave 60.
‘I will fear no evil:
For Thou art with me.
Psalm XXIII’
Sgt. Walter Frederick Carter, RAFVR 1543208 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 21.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Merryweather, of Tadley, Hampshire.
Buried Tilburg (Gilzerbaan) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot B. Row 2. Grave 59.
‘Died doing his duty.
Years pass
But love and memory last.
Mum and dad’
Sgt. George Arthur Levy, RAFVR 1893404 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 39.
Buried Tilburg (Gilzerbaan) General Cemetery, Holland. .
Grave location – Plot B. Row 2. Grave 62.
75(nz)squadron 