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 ND750 ??-?
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/S William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:55 – Landed 01:25
Flight Time 03:30
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.III ND756 AA-M
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:40 – Landed 02:10
Flight Time 03:30
19/05/1944 – Attack Against Le Mans
Twenty for aircraft successfully bombed the marshalling yards at Le Mans. Good results being reported.
Lancaster Mk.III ND756 AA-M
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:30 – Landed 03:40
Flight Time 05:10
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.III ND920 AA-P
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:50 – Landed 02:40
Flight Time 03:50
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 ND920 dnc AA-P
mechanical problems
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:50 – Landed 00:40
Flight Time 01:50
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 ND782 AA-U
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:20 – Landed 02:25
Flight Time 02:05
27/05/1944 – Attack Against Aachen
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to attack Aachen, one of which returned early and two failed to return (Captains NZ414971 F/L. S. Fauvel and NZ421105 Sgt. Scott, F.). The remaining fifteen successfully bombed the target in clear weather, one aircraft (Captain NZ40750 F/L. R. Berney) had five successive inconclusive combats with an ME 410 in the Courtrai area.
Lancaster Mk.I LM544 duplicate AA-J
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:45 – Landed 04:15
Flight Time 03:30
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 ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 03:35 – Landed 07:15
Flight Time 03:40
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 ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 03:45
Flight Time 04:00
08/06/1944 – Attack Against Fougeres
Twenty aircraft took off as detailed to attack Fougeres in N. France. Nineteen aircraft bombed successfully, one bringing its bombs back owing to the Bomb sight being unserviceable when over the target area. Two aircraft had inconclusive combats with enemy aircraft, but the remainder carried out their mission without incident, there being no opposition in the target area.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:50 – Landed 02:45
Flight Time 04:55
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 ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:00 – Landed 03:15
Flight Time 04:15
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 ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:55 – Landed 05:25
Flight Time 05:30
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 ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot. F/S Harold Whittington, RNZAF NZ42488 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:45 – Landed 02:25
Flight Time 02:40
15/06/1944 – Attack Against Valenciennes
Twenty four aircraft took off as detailed to attack the Marshalling Yards at Valenciennes. Twenty three aircraft attacked the primary target with the aid of markers. A.A. Fire was very slight, but fighters were active, two of our aircraft having combats with enemy aircraft. The aircraft captained by 175311 P/O. C. Crawford claimed hits on an enemy fighter, but sustained serious damage itself, the pilot, however, was able to land safely at Manstone. The aircraft captained by NZ421495 F/S. Betley, R. failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:10 – Landed 02:45
Flight Time 03:35
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 ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:00 – Landed 20:55
Flight Time 02:55
23/06/1944 – Attack Against L’Hey
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the constructional works at L’Hey. All crews bombed on instructions from the Master bomber, and the glow of fires seen through clouds indicated a concentrated raid. Opposition was very slight, although one aircraft had an inconclusive combat with two enemy fighters.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:10 – Landed 01:15
Flight Time 02:05
24/06/1944 – Attack Against Rimeux
Twenty five aircraft took off as detailed to attack the constructional works at Rimeux. Twenty four crews bombed successfully with the aid of markers, and an accurate raid was reported. There were numerous searchlights in action, but the A.A. opposition was not serious. The aircraft captained by NZ424788 F/S. Bateson, B. failed to return.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:15 – Landed 03:20
Flight Time 04:05
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 ND752 AA-O
F/S James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:20 – Landed 21:17
Flight Time 02:57
02/07/1944 – Daylight Attack Against Beauvoir
Twenty three out of twenty four aircraft detailed took off in daylight to attack the construction works supply site at Beauvoir. All aircraft successfully bombed the target and a concentrated raid developed. Opposition from A.A. fire was slight.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 13:00 – Landed 16:10
Flight Time 03:10
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.I ME691 AA-R
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – 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.III ND752 AA-O
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:50 – Landed 03:20
Flight Time 04:30
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.III ND753 AA-G
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 12:40 – Landed 16:05
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.III ND752 AA-O
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 04:15 – Landed 07:50
Flight Time 03:35
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.III ND752 AA-O
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:55 – Landed 04:10
Flight Time 06:15
23/07/1944 – Attack Against Kiel
Twenty aircraft took off as detailed to attack Kiel, and all successfully bombed the target. A concentrated raid was reported and the glow of fires could be seen from the Danish west coast on return. A moderate A.A. barrage was met and two aircraft had combats with enemy fighters.
Lancaster Mk.I HK562 AA-L “Lucy”
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:35 – Landed 03:55
Flight Time 05:20
24/07/1944 – Attack Against Stuttgart
Twenty one aircraft took off as detailed to attack Stuttgart. Eighteen aircraft bombed the target with the aid of markers, but the raid appeared to be scattered. One aircraft returned early with engine trouble. Intense A.A. fire was encountered over the target, and fighters were fairly active, two aircraft having combats. Two aircraft failed to return, these were captained by NZ415216 P/O. J. McRae & NZ428800 P/O. K. Whitehouse.
Lancaster Mk.I HK575 AA-O
P/O James Kenneth McRae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:49 – Landed missing
Flight Time – Missing
Lancaster Mk.I HK575 AA-O was brought down by a night-fighter at approximately 02:50hrs between Burlioncourt (Moselle) and Château-Salins. There were no survivors. All crew members are buried in a Communal Cemetery at Château-Voué, near where the aircraft crashed.
F/O James Kenneth Mcrae, RNZAF NZ415216 – Pilot.
Killed age 27.
Son Of Donald Mcrae And Of Madeline Mcrae (Nee Devery), Of Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
F/O William Lowe, RAFVR 151082 – Navigator.
Killed age 22.
Son Of William And Mary Elizabeth Lowe, Of Knypersley, Staffordshire.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
‘Not just to-day
But every day
In silence we remember’
F/S Thomas Christopher Potts, RNZAF NZ421143 – Air Bomber.
Killed age 27.
Son Of William Ralph Potts And Of Margaret Potts (Nee Caldwell), Of Lorneville, Southland, New Zealand.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
Sgt. Clifford Booth, RAFVR 1034046 – Wireless Operator.
Killed age 23.
Son of Harry and Mary Edith Hinchliffe Booth; Husband of Margaret Booth, of Holmbridge, Yorkshire.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
‘At the going down
Of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them’
Sgt. Frederick Hubert Patten, RAFVR 2211183 – Flight Engineer.
Killed age 22.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
Sgt. Douglas Archibald Thomas Roffey, RAFVR 1852080 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Killed age 19.
Son Of Archibald Francis And Eliza Lillian Maud Roffey, Of Ensbury Park, Bournemouth, Hampshire.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
‘In everloving memory
Of Douglas
Rest on, dear son,
Until we meet again’
Sgt. George Cunningham, RAFVR 1365361 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 30.
Son of William and Mary Cunningham, of Dundee; Husband of Helen Cunningham, of Dundee.
Buried Chateau-Voue Communal Cemetery, France..
Grave location – Coll. grave 1-3.
‘Dearly loved Husband’
75(nz)squadron 