03/07/1943 – Mining off the Frisian Islands
Five aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operations, with mines of 1500;bs..One aircraft failed to take off, but the remainder successfully dropped their Mines in the allotted area, although the parachutes were not seen to open, due to low cloud. No. A.A. Fire or searchlights were encountered. One unidentified aircraft was seen, but no combat took place. The weather was good, although visibility was poor, owing to cloud at 1,500ft.. Navigation was excellent.
Stirling Mk.I EH898? ??-?
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 04:00
Flight Time 04:15
05/07/1943 – Mining off the Frisian Islands
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500lbs., One aircraft failed to return, but the remainder successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area and the parachutes were seen to open. No. A.A. fire or searchlights were encountered. One unidentified aircraft was seen but no combat took place. The weather was clear and visibility was good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III ES436 captained by Sgt. R. Thomas.
Stirling Mk.III BF461 JN-B
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 04:00
Flight Time 04:15
08/07/1943 – Mining in the Gironde Estuary
Six aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500lbs., all of which were successfully dropped in the allotted area, and the parachutes were seen to open. Some light A.A. Fire and a few searchlights were encountered, which were ineffective. One unidentified aircraft was seen and a short combat took place, minor damage to the rear turret of our aircraft was sustained, and the unidentified aircraft was probably hit. A sea haze and patchy cloud were experienced in the mining area, but visibility was good. Navigation was good.
Stirling Mk.I EH898? ??-?
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:30 – Landed 05:00
Flight Time 06:30
13/07/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Aachen
Nine aircraft were detailed to attack targets as above, with incendiaries of 30lbs. And 4lbs. All of the aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area, large fires were seen which appeared to be scattered. Some light and heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered. The aircraft captained by P/O CC. Logan, was hit by A.A. fire in the starboard outer engine, fin and elevator, and had to make a landing at FORD, which he did successfully. Some enemy aircraft were encountered. The aircraft captained by P/O. A. Rankin was attacked by a JU.88 and the wireless operator was wounded. The rear gunner returned fire and the enemy aircraft broke away, returning astern and firing a short burst. The Stirling rear gunner then fired a long burst and the enemy aircraft gave a flash, spun half round and disappeared into the cloud , followed by an explosion on the ground. This aircraft was claimed as being destroyed. The aircraft captained by P/O. A.A. ALEXANDER sighted an ME210 on the port beam, 100 yards slightly below. As the enemy aircraft passed below, the front gunner fired a short burst, the Stirling corkscrewed and the enemy aircraft appeared astern, the rear gunner then fired a short burst and the enemy aircraft was seen to dive into the clouds, and is claimed as possibly destroyed. There was 8/10ths. broken cloud at the target, but visibility above that was good. Stirling Mk.III EE886 captained by F/O. C. EDDY on return, crash landed at OAKINGTON, the under carriage collapsed and the aircraft turned over and caught fire. The mid-upper gunner E.C. VICCARS was killed on impact and the remainder of the crew escaped although not without injuries. The captain, navigator, wireless operator and flight engineer were seriously injured, the remainder being slightly injured.
Stirling Mk.I EE886 AA-L
F/O Charles ‘Charlie’ Eddy, RNZAF NZ39003 – Pilot. Seriously injured
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – 2nd Pilot.Injured
P/O Arthur Wilfred Lane, RAFVR 1383885/ 139406 – Navigator. Seriously injured
F/S Homer Cecil Hurt, RNZAF NZ41589 – Air Bomber. Injured
Sgt. H. Bourgeois, RAFVR 798662 – Wireless Operator. Seriously injured
Sgt. H. Waring, RAFVR 1070627 – Flight Engineer. Seriously injured
Sgt. Eric Clifford Viccars, RAFVR 649196 – Mid Upper Gunner. Killed
F/S H.D. Lucas, RAFVR 778858/ 160135 – Rear Gunner. Injured
Take Off 00:10 – Landed 05:10
Flight Time 05:00
24/07/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Twenty-three aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 2,000lbs., 1,000lbs., and incendiaries of 30lbs., and 4lbs. Of these aircraft, two returned early due to unserviceable W/T and engine trouble respectively, and one aircraft failed to return. The remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. It was a very concentrated and successful attack. Very large spread fires were seen with black smoke rising to height of 1,400ft., some heavy explosions were also seen. A heavy A.A. barrage co-operating with searchlights were encountered and two aircraft were coned in the searchlights but neither were hit. The aircraft captained by F/O. G. TURNER whilst avoiding a searchlight cone, the starboard wing was struck by a JU 88approaching head on. The enemy aircraft turned over and dived to the ground, it was claimed to be destroyed.. The Stirling was badly damaged having more that 4ft. of the starboard mainplane torn off, and the aileron and aileron controls being useless. The captain had extreme difficulty in controlling the aircraft, but kept it on an even keel with the assistance of the Air-bomber, and after the 3 hours return flight to base, made a perfect landing. Two other short combats took place, but no damage was sustained to our aircraft. The weather was very good, with clear visibility, except for haze caused by smoke from the fires. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III EE890 captained by Sergeant H. Nichol.
Stirling Mk.III BF465 AA-K
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:00 – Landed 05:00
Flight Time 07:00
25/07/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Essen
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 2,000lbs., 1,000lbs., and incendiaries of 30lbs., and 4lbs. One aircraft failed to take off, and two returned early, wing to engine trouble and an intercommunication failure respectively, and one aircraft failed to return. Sixteen aircraft successfully dropped their bombs on target area, which was an absolute mass of flames. Many huge explosions were seen in the midst of the fires. Moderate A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, one aircraft receiving slight damage. An aircraft was held in a searchlight cone for 3 minutes, but avoided it by making diving turns. Some enemy aircraft were seen. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. H.C. WILLIAMS sighted an unidentified aircraft 400 yds away approaching from astern. The Stirling corkscrewed and the Mid-upper and Rear gunners fired a long burst, the enemy aircraft exploded in the air and dived to the ground. It was claimed to be destroyed. Another aircraft was sighted by them approaching on the port quarter, the Rear gunner fired two short bursts and the enemy aircraft broke away. The weather was hazy to the enemy Coast, but clear over the target. Visibility was good except for haze caused by smoke from the fires, which could be seen west of the DUTCH coast. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling MK.III EE892 captained by Sgt.. M. ASHDOWN
Stirling Mk.III BF465 AA-K
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:35 – Landed 03:25
Flight Time 04:50
27/07/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Twenty two aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with bombs of 2,000lb., 1,000lb., and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb.. Two aircraft returned early owing to engine trouble, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This attack was more concentrated than the previous one, colossal fires and explosions were seen with smoke rising to 20,000ft. , a ship was also seen to be on fire in a Dock south of the target. Moderate heavy and light A.A. fire co-operating with search lights operating in belts were encountered, although the A.A. fire was heavier than the previous attack, it was ineffective except for slight damage to three aircraft. Some enemy aircraft were seen. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt.E.J.ROBERTS sighted a JU 88 approaching from port beam above and all gunners opened fire, the enemy aircraft broke away firing and then approached on the port beam below. Mid-upper and Rear gunners fired a long burst and the enemy aircraft was claimed to be damaged. The Stirling was also damaged, having a bomb door blown off and a petrol pipe-line pierced, nevertheless the captain brought his aircraft safely back to base. The weather was good except for 3/10th cloud at the target, visibility was good, although smoke haze prevented identification of ground detail. Navigation was very good.
Stirling Mk.III BF465 AA-K
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:50 – Landed 04:30
Flight Time 06:40
29/07/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with incendiary bombs of 30lb. And 4lb. Two aircraft returned early and the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This was a very successful attack, large concentrated fires with heavy explosions and smoke rising to 15,000ft., were seen. Moderate heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, which were scattered and unpredictable. One aircraft was held in searchlights cones for periods of 10 and 8 minutes, he avoided them with extreme difficulty and whilst so doing was hit in the fuselage by A.A. fire. Two other aircraft also received slight damage. Some enemy aircraft were seen and the aircraft captained by Sgt. P. Hartstein sighted a JU 88 which came in from astern firing a cannon, the Rear gunner replied and the enemy aircraft broke away. The aircraft captained by F/O. G. DUNCAN sighted a JU 88 on the port quarter , the Mid upper gunner gave a 10 second burst and the enemy aircraft dived away. The aircraft captained by F/S/ E. WILKINSON sighted a JU88 on the port quarter, the enemy aircraft opened fire and the Rear gunner replied, the enemy aircraft then broke away. The aircraft captained by F/S. J. DARNEY encountered an unidentified enemy aircraft which fired from the starboard quarter, the Rear gunner replied and the enemy disappeared. It was clear at the target area and the visibility was good except for haze from the fires. Navigation was excellent. The aircraft captained by P/O. A. SEDUNARY just after bombing, had one of its engines failed. After unsuccessful attempts to start it, he brought the aircraft back to base on three engines and made a perfect landing.
Stirling Mk.III BF465 AA-K
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:25 – Landed 04:10
Flight Time 05:45
02/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hamburg
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lb and 4lb. Six of the aircraft returned early owing to severe icing and engine trouble, two failed to return. The remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large fires and columns of smoke were seen although this attack was not considered to be a successful as the previous one. Moderate heavy and light A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, which proved to be ineffective. Some enemy aircraft were seen but no combats took place. The weather was good at the beginning of outward journey, but cloud gathered and was 10/10ths at the target, icing and electrical storms were also encountered. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk. III EH928 captained by Sgt. Baille, P. and BF 557 captained by F/Sgt. Couper, J.A.
Stirling Mk.III BF465 AA-K
Sgt. Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:15 – Landed 05:15
Flight Time 06:00
10/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Nurenburg
Nineteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lbs. and 4lb. One aircraft failed to take off owing to engine trouble, the remainder however, successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large fires were seen glowing below the clouds and some heavy explosions were also seen, indicating that the attack was a success. Moderate A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, but gave little trouble. Some enemy aircraft were seen but no combats took place. The weather was poor at the target, 9/10ths cloud prevailing, which prevented identification of detail. Navigation was very good. The aircraft captained by P/O C.C.Logan, owing to unserviceable navigation aids on return journey went off track and ran short of petrol. The crew prepared to abandon the aircraft but fortunately the petrol lasted and they landed at R.A.F. Marston, after being airborne for 9 hours and 10 minutes.
Stirling Mk.III EH938 AA-F
W/O Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:00 – Landed 05:15
Flight Time 07:15
12/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Turin
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb., 50lb. and incendiaries of 30lb and 4lb. All of the aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area, which was an absolute mass of flames, colossal fires and heavy explosions were also seen. Very feeble A.A. fire and a few searchlights were encountered, but were ineffective. Some enemy aircraft were seen and one combat took place. The aircraft captained by P/O A. Burley sighted an unidentified aircraft on the way to the target in the Chartes area, which approached from astern, the rear gunner gave a short burst, the Stirling corkscrewed and the enemy aircraft broke away. The Stirling’s port outer engine was badly damaged and had to be feathered. The captain however, continued to target which was 380 miles distant on three engines, successfully bombed it and returned to base, making a perfect landing. The weather was clear with a bright moon over the target. Navigation was excellent.
Stirling Mk.III EH928 AA-A
W/O Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
F/S R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:30 – Landed 05:35
Flight Time 08:05
17/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Peenemunde
Twelve aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 2,000lb., 1,000lb., 500lb. and incendiaries of 30lb., and 4lb. One aircraft returned early owing to the rear turret being unserviceable, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This attack to be well concentrated, large fires and huge explosions being seen. Moderate heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, but caused no trouble. A few enemy aircraft were seen, but no combats took place. The weather was good and visibility was clear except for a smoke screen which partially obscured the target. Navigation was excellent. On the return journey the fires could be seen 50 miles from the target.
Stirling Mk.III EF454 AA-A
W/O Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Trevor Silcock, RAFVR 1582836 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:55 – Landed 22:55
Flight Time 02:00
27/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Nurenbburg
Nineteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lbs. and 4lbs. One aircraft failed to return, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Good concentrated fires and heavy explosions were seen. A moderate barrage consisting of light and heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, and two aircraft received slight damage. Some enemy aircraft were seen, one short combat took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. The weather was cloudy on the outward journey but clear over the target and visibility was good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling Mk.III EE955 captained by F/Sgt. Higham.
Stirling Mk.III EF454 AA-A
W/O Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. R.V. Weavers, RAFVR 1290831 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. H.N. Moffatt, RAFVR 1682621 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:20 – Landed 05:00
Flight Time 07:40
30/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Munchen-Gladbach
18 Aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lbs. and 4lbs. All aircraft with the exception of one which failed to return, successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Very large fires which were well concentrated and spreading, were seen. All crews were of the opinion that this was a good attack. Moderate heavy A.A. fire and a few searchlights were encountered, which were ineffective. A great number of enemy aircraft were seen and some short combats took place. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. Batger, H. sighted an enemy aircraft 600 yards away, ahead and the front gunner fired a long and short burst, the enemy aircraft then disappeared and was claimed as possibly destroyed. . The aircraft captained by F/S McGregor,K. sighted an Me110 astern, the rear gunner fired a long burst. The enemy aircraft replied and dived away with smoke pouring from its engines. It is claimed as a possible destroyed. There was 8/10ths cloud at the target approaches although it was clear in the target area. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft was Stirling MK.III EH938 captained by Sgt. Parkin, T.
Stirling Mk.III EF454 AA-A
W/O Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:05 – Landed 04:35
Flight Time 04:30
31/08/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Berlin
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb., 500lb. and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb. Two aircraft failed to take-off and four did not return, the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large fires were seen, although rather scattered they appeared to be progressing very well. Moderate heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered and one air craft received slight damage. Enemy night-fighters were in great prominence, the aircraft piloted by F/Sgt. Wilkinson, G encountered a JU88 approaching from astern 500yds away. The rear gunner fired a long burst, the enemy aircraft replied and stalled. The mid-upper gunner then fired three long bursts. The enemy aircraft was seen to fall away and is claimed as probably destroyed. Our aircraft received damage to the rear of the fuselage and had part of the tail plane and fin badly damaged. The aircraft captained by F/O Alexander sighted two Me109’s, the first opened fire from the starboard quarter and the rear gunner replied with a short burst. The enemy aircraft stalled and the mid-upper gunner fired a short burst. The enemy aircraft then dived to the ground and exploded, it was claimed to be destroyed. The second Me109 opened fire with a short burst from the port bow to the port quarter. The rear gunner then fired a short burst and tracer was seen to enter the enemy aircraft, which dived. It was claimed as possible destroyed. The aircraft captained by W/O Moseley, P. sighted a Me110 on the port quarter, the mid upper and rear gunner fired a long burst and the enemy aircraft turned over and dived with smoke pouring from its starboard side. It was claimed as probably destroyed. The aircraft captained by P/O C.Logan sighted a Me109 sixty yards astern, the mid-upper and rear gunner fired and tracer from the rear gunner was seen to hit the aircraft. The Stirling then corkscrewed and the Me109 disappeared. It was claimed to be damaged. Two other aircraft crash landed away from base due to damage caused by enemy fighters, none of the crews were injured however. 8/10ths cloud was encountered on the outward journey and 9’10ths at the target, visibility, nevertheless, was good. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings MK.III EE918 captained by F/Sgt. Roberts,E, EE878 captained by F/Sgt. Henley, D, EE905 captained by F/Sgt. Helm,G. and EF501 captained by F/S McGregor, K.
Stirling Mk.III EF454 AA-A
W/O Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
F/O James Samuel Battersby, RNZAF NZ405069 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Thomas Charles O’Sullivan, RAAF AUS.415736 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:20 – Landed 04:05
Flight Time 07:45
05/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Mannheim
Nineteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lb. and 4lb. One aircraft had trouble shortly after take-off and was forced to jettison its bombs four miles north of CAMBRIDGE. The attack was well concentrated and large fires together with heavy explosions were seen. Moderate heavy A.A. fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, which were ineffective. One aircraft on the return journey when near the FRENCH Coast was hit by A.A. fire. It received considerable damage and two of its engines were made unserviceable. The ENGLISH Coast was reached however, it belly-landed at Hunsden. Many fighters were seen and some combats took, place. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. H.BATGER sighted an enemy aircraft on the port quarter which opened fire on them and our aircraft corkscrewed. The Mid-upper and Rear Gunner then opened fire and the enemy aircraft was seen to dive to the ground in flames. It was claimed as destroyed. Our aircraft received considerable damage and the Flight Engineer Sgt. R. DALKINS was seriously wounded. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. R. WHITMORE sighted an enemy aircraft 100yds. astern, the Mid-upper and Rear Gunners opened fire, the enemy aircraft was seen to turn over and spin into the ground afire. It was claimed as destroyed. This was flowed by another enemy aircraft approaching from starboard to port astern, the Mid-upper and Rear Gunners again fired and the enemy aircraft broke away. One minute later an unidentified aircraft was seen firing at a Lancaster aircraft, which was afire. F/Sgt. WHITMORE’s Mid-Upper and Rear Gunners opened fire on the enemy aircraft, which disappeared. The Lancaster was then seen to break up. Some cloud was encountered on the way to the target, but there was a clear sky and visibility was good in the target area. Navigation was very good. One aircraft failed to return, it was captained by F/Sgt. WILKINSON, E.S.
Stirling Mk.III EE897 AA-G
W/O Phillip Hartstein, RAFVR 1390001/ 158031 – Pilot.
Sgt. R. “Tubby/ Tub” Reeves, RAFVR 1611095 – Navigator.
Sgt. Eric Kempston, RAFVR 1457206 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Richard ‘Dick’ Woodward, RAFVR 1330118 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Frank Edward Bryant, RAFVR 1406499 – Flight Engineer.
F/O Donald Arthur Laycock, RAFVR 1457004/ 130451 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. William Bligh Eaton, RCAF R.157924 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:20 – Landed 02:20
Flight Time 06:00
75(nz)squadron 