L-R: Sgt Ronald Morfett (mid-upper gunner), Sgt Reg Gunn (flight engineer), P/O Jack Thomas (air bomber), F/O Eric Witting (skipper), F/O William “Ted” Anderson (navigator), Sgt Glen Marshall (wireless operator), Sgt Walter Hurdle (rear gunner).
With their regular Stirling EJ108 AA-O.
NZ Bomber Command Assn. archives, via Don Simms.
L-R: Sgt Reg Gunn (flight engineer), F/Sgt Joe Collins (rear gunner), F/O William “Ted” Anderson (navigator), F/L Eric Witting (skipper), P/O Jack Thomas (air bomber), F/Sgt William Campbell (mid-upper gunner), P/O Glen Marshall (wireless operator).
NZ Bomber Command Assn. archives, via Don Simms.
15/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Montlucon
Seventeen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb..One aircraft failed to take-off, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This was a good concentrated attack, large fires and heavy explosions being observed, smoke from fires and heavy explosions being observed, smoke from fires was rising to a height of 12,000ft.. Inaccurate A.A.fire from a few guns was the only opposition, no enemy aircraft were encountered. There was 5/10th cloud over the target but visibility was nevertheless good. Navigation was excellent.
Stirling Mk.III EF135 JN-W
P/O John Lefevre Mitchell, RAFVR 1387449/ 155859 – Pilot.
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – 2nd Pilot.
P/O John Gall , RNZAF NZ416476 – Navigator.
P/O Sidney Albert Longman, RAFVR 1318852/ 155104 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Albert Thomas Boomsma, RAFVR 1331148 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. John Herbert Pinkard, RAFVR 1379916 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Victor Henry Newman, RAFVR 642264 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. G. Shinn, RAFVR 1445155 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:30 – Landed 02:25
Flight Time 05:55
16/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Modene
Nineteen aircraft wee detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 1,000lb.,and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb. One aircraft returned early, but the remainder dropped their bombs in the target area. This was a very successful and well concentrated attack. Large fires which appeared to be spreading and heavy explosions were seen. Some A.A.fire co-operating with searchlights were encountered, they were ineffective except for one aircraft which received damage. The port inner engine caught fire but what put out with the aid of a fire extinguisher, the propeller was then feathered and the aircraft continued its journey on three engines. A few enemy aircraft were seen, the aircraft captained by P/O. G.K.WILLIAMS had a combat with a JU 88 which was claimed as destroyed. One other short combat took place, but no damage was sustained to our aircraft. It was clear over the target and visibility was good. Navigation was good.
Stirling Mk.III EF507 ??-?
S/L Frank Albert Andrews, RNZAF NZ391336 – Pilot.
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O David Walker Findlay, RNZAF NZ412217 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. David Benjamin Evans, RAFVR 1053636 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. William Laurence Riley, 994223/ 161701 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. John Francis, RAFVR 1319643 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Eric Mercer Shaw, RAFVR 1059434 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 20:05 – Landed 03:30
Flight Time 07:25
18/09/1943 – Mining in the Gironde Estuary
Three aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500lb. which were successfully dropped in the allotted area and the majority of the parachutes were seen to open. A little A.A. fire was encountered but caused no trouble. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was good with a bright moon which made visibility excellent. Navigation was good. On return all aircraft landed at TANGMERE owing to adverse weather conditions at base.
Stirling Mk.III EE958 AA- V
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn , RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 19:40 – Landed 02:25
Flight Time 06:45
22/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hanover
Twenty aircraft were detailed to carry out the above attacks with bombs of 1,000lb. and incendiaries of 30lb. and 4lb.. Three aircraft returned early, but the remainder dropped their bombs in the target area. This was a very successful and concentrated attack. Numerous fires which appeared to be merging into one large fire were seen, and were still visible as the aircraft were returning over the DUTCH Coast. Heavy A.A. fire and a great number of searchlights were encountered, but proved ineffective. Several enemy aircraft were seen and one of our Stirlings was hit, but the attacker was not seen, damage was received to the tail and mainplane, and the port petrol tanks were punctured. The aircraft, however, was safely flown back to base and a crash landing was made with three engines. It was clear over the target and visibility was excellent. Navigation was very good.
Stirling Mk.III EJ108 AA-O
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn , RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:55 – Landed 01:10
Flight Time 06:15
23/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Mannheim
Eighteen aircraft were detailed to carry the above operation with incendiary bombs of 30lb. and 4lb.. Three aircraft failed to return, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This was, undoubtedly, a good attack, concentrated fires which were spreading to the West, and large heavy explosions were seen. Moderate heavy A.A. fire and a large curtain of searchlights were encountered, but caused no trouble. Enemy aircraft were very active and several combats took place. The aircraft captained by W/O. P. MOSELEY had a combat with a JU88 which was claimed as a probably destroyed. In the action our aircraft received damage the Pilot W/O. P. MOSELEY and the Mid Upper Sgt. C(?) MIDDLETON were slightly injured. The aircraft captained by P/O A. BURLEY had three combats with enemy aircraft, one of which was claimed as destroyed, the two as damaged. The weather was good with clear visibility. Navigation was excellent. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk.111 EF459 captained by P/O C.C. LOGAN, EH946 captained by F/Lt. G. TURNER , and EH935 captained by F/O L. KIRKPATRICK.
Stirling Mk.III EJ108 AA-O
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 19:25 – Landed 02:10
Flight Time 06:45
27/09/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Hanover
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lb. and 4 lb. Two aircraft failed to return and one returned early owing to its rear turret being unserviceable. The remainder dropped their bombs in the target area. This was an exceedingly successful and well concentrated attack, considered to be even better than the previous one. Numerous large fires and columns of smoke rising to 12,000ft., were seen and the fires were again visible at the DUTCH coast. Very moderate, ineffective heavy A.A. Fire numerous searchlights and flares were encountered. Many enemy aircraft were seen and several combats took place. The aircraft captained by F.Sgt. HORGAN, D. had a combat with a JU88 which was claimed to be destroyed. The aircraft captained by F/Sgt. BURTON, H., sighted a JU88 and the Rear Gunner fired, it was then seen to fall in flames and was claimed as destroyed. Two other short combats took place and one of our aircraft received slight damage. The weather was poor on the outward and return journeys, but good with clear visibility over the target. Navigation was very good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings Mk.III, EF515 captained by Sgt. Martin, R., and EH877 captained by F/Sgt. WHITMORE, R.
Stirling Mk.III EJ108 AA-O
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 19:55 – Landed 00:55
Flight Time 05:00
02/10/1943 – Mining in the Baltic Sea
Six aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with Mines of 1,500lbs., one, however, failed to take off. The remainder successfully dropped their Mines in the allotted area and the majority of the parachutes were seen to open. No A.A. Fire, Searchlights or Enemy aircraft were encountered. The trip was uneventful except for a storm and lightening which were met on the return journey. Navigation was very good
Stirling Mk.III EJ108 AA-O
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn , RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 17:50 – Landed 01:50
Flight Time 08:00
03/10/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Kassel
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with incendiary bombs of 30lbs. and 4lbs. One aircraft returned early as the Navigator was ill, but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This was a good concentrated attack, large fires and heavy explosions being seen. Moderate A.A. Fire was encountered, which was ineffective except for one aircraft which received damage. This aircraft was captained by F/Sgt. N. PARKER, damage was received to the starboard elevator , starboard tail plane and the rear turret war partly shot away. The rear gunner Sgt. S.W. RIDDLER was lost over the target when the rear turret was damaged. It is considered that he may have baled out as the escape hatch was found to be open. The aircraft successfully landed at WING. Very few enemy aircraft were seen. It was clear at the target, but slight haze was encountered on the return journey. Navigation was very good.
Stirling Mk.III EJ108 AA-O
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 19:00 – Landed 00:35
Flight Time 05:35
04/11/1943 – Mining in the Baltic Sea
Four aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation, with mines of 1500lbs. This was an unfortunate night as three aircraft failed to return and the other aircraft returned early having jettisoned its mines. This aircraft met an enemy night fighter and sustained damage to the port wing, starboard flap, rear turret and many large holes in the fuselage, the rear gunner, Sgt.W. HURDIE, was killed during the combat. The weather was bad and ten tenths cloud made visibility poor. Navigation was good. The missing aircraft were Stirlings MKIII BF461, Captained by P/O.G.K.WILLIAMS, BK&&* Captained by P/O.W.S.MASTERS and XXXXX Captained by F/O. N.WILSON.
Stirling Mk.III EJ108 AA-O
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 16:00 – Landed 23:20
Flight Time 07:20
F/S Walter Hurdle, RNZAF NZ421279 – Rear Gunner.
Killed age 28.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hurdle, and Stepson of Susan Mary Hurdle, of Feilding, Wellington, New Zealand.
Buried Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England..
Grave location – Grave 14522.
18/11/1943 – Attack Against Targets at Mannheim
Nineteen aircraft were detailed to attack the above targets with bombs of 2,000lbs and incendiaries of 30 lb and 4 lbs. Two aircraft returned early but the remainder successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Large concentrated fires and huge explosions were seen. There was a moderate heavy A.A. Barrage and searchlights were fairly active.Mant enemy aircraft were seen and two short combats took place, but no damage was sustained by our aircraft. The weather was good, being clear at the target except for slight ground haze. Navigation was very good.
Stirling Mk.III EH943 ??-?
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/S Alexander Hugh Baird, RAAF AUS.414636 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 17:30 – Landed 23:10
Flight Time 05:40
22/12/1943 – Attack against a Special Target
Six aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bombs of 500lbs. All of the aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. Bombing was very concentrated and some large explosions were observed. Very little opposition was met and it proved negligible. It was clear over the target except for scattered cloud. Navigation was excellent.
Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O
F/O Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
Sgt. J. Pryse, RAFVR 1317042 – 2nd Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
Sgt. Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/L William Edward McAlpine, RAFVR 115790 – Rear Gunner (Gunnery Leader).
Take Off 21:00 – Landed 00:00
Flight Time 03:00
04/01/1944 – Mining North of Biarritz
Six aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500 lbs., which were all dropped in the allotted area. This was a successful and uneventful operation. Slight A.A. fire was encountered and one aircraft received slight damage. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather was good except for slight sea haze. On return the aircraft captained by W/O. D.G. HORGAN crashed, but the crew sustained no injuries. Navigation was very good.
Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:10 – Landed 07:35
Flight Time 09:25
21/01/1944 – Attack against a Special Target
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bombs of 500 lbs. All of the aircraft successfully dropped their bombs in the target area, large bomb bursts and some fires being observed. Very little opposition was encountered and this proved to be negligible. The weather was good with no cloud and clear visibility. Navigation was excellent.
Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S J. Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:15 – Landed 21:15
Flight Time 03:00
25/01/1944 – Attack against a Special Target
Twenty aircraft were detailed to attack the above target with bombs of 500 lbs. One aircraft failed to take-off, & four brought their bombs back. The remainder however, successfully dropped their bombs in the target area. This operation did not appear to be very successful, the bombing being rather scattered, some large explosions were seen, however. The weather was good with no cloud and clear visibility. Navigation was very good.
Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
F/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. J. Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 23:50 – Landed 03:35
Flight Time 03:45
28/01/1944 – Mining in the Kiel Bay
Nineteen aircraft were detailed to carry out the above operation with mines of 1,500 lbs. Three aircraft returned early, two dropped their mines in alternative areas, but the remainder successfully dropped their mines in the allotted area. Some light and heavy A.A. fire was encountered, and one aircraft received slight damage. A few enemy aircraft were seen and the aircraft captained by P/O C. BAKER, whilst on the homeward journey was attacked by a M.E.110, which raked our aircraft with machine gun and cannon fire, from the tail plane to the Navigator’s compartment, causing considerable damage. The mid-upper gunner, Sgt. RENWICK, H. was slightly injured and the Flight Engineer Sgt. WATSON, W. was seriously injured. On return the aircraft crash-landed at COLTISHALL. The weather was variable with 5-10/10ths cloud, but fairly clear in the mining area. Severe icing was encountered on the return journey. Navigation was very good.
Stirling Mk.III EF252 ??-?
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 18:40 – Landed 00:40
Flight Time 06:00
20/02/1944 – Mining off Cherbourg
Two aircraft successfully laid mines of 1,500 lbs off Cherbourg Harbour.
Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/L William Edward McAlpine, RAFVR 115790 – Rear Gunner (Gunnery Leader).
Take Off 19:00 – Landed 22:00
Flight Time 03:00
22/02/1944 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to lay mines of 1,500 lbs in Kiel Bay. After being airborne for one hour all of the aircraft were recalled owing to unsuitable weather conditions.
Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Harold David Lucas, RAFVR 778858/ 160135 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 16:45 – Landed 19:15
Flight Time 02:30
24/02/1944 – Mining in Kiel Bay
Fifteen aircraft were detailed with a large force to lay mines of 1500 lbs in Kiel Bay, and fourteen returned after completing their mission successfully. One aircraft (Captain NZ42367 F/S. Bruhns H.) is missing, and no news was heard after take-off.
Stirling Mk.III LJ462 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Harold David Lucas, RAFVR 778858/ 160135 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 17:00 – Landed 00:15
Flight Time 07:15
25/02/1944 – Mining in Baltic Sea
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to lay mines of 1500 lbs, south of Zealand, an island in the Baltic Sea. Thirteen aircraft completed their mission successfully. The weather was good with excellent visibility. One aircraft (Captain NZ421803 F/Sgt. Willis W.) encountered six JU.88s, four of which fired short bursts, our rear gunner and mid-upper gunner returning fire. Our aircraft was not damaged and no claims were made on the enemy aircraft. Two aircraft returned early with engine trouble.
Stirling Mk.III EH939 JN-J “Johnny”
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S Ronald Eric Morfett, RAFVR 1388316 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Harold David Lucas, RAFVR 778858/ 160135 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 19:35 – Landed 02:50
Flight Time 07:15
04/03/1944 – Special Operations – March Moon Period TRAINER 121 (ABORTIVE)
Operation TRAINER 121 (Abortive). At the target area there was ten tenths cloud with bases 500′ to zero and no reception was seen. On the return journey 5 packages of leaflets were dropped in the Montlucon area.
Stirling Mk.III ??-?
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Harold David Lucas, RAFVR 778858/ 160135 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off – – Landed –
Flight Time no record
05/03/1944 – Special Operations – March Moon Period PETER 47A (ABORTIVE)
Operation PETER 47A (Abortive). The weather was good, but no reception was seen. On the return journey one package of leaflets was dropped at Uzerche.
Stirling Mk.III ??-?
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
P/O Harold David Lucas, RAFVR 778858/ 160135 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off – – Landed –
Flight Time no record
09/04/1944 – Attack against Villeneuve St. George
Eleven Lancaster aircraft successfully attacked Villeneuve St. Georges. Four Stirling aircraft were detailed to attack Lille. One jettisoned its load on the outward journey, but the remainder successfully attacked the target.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
W/O William Albert Wiggins, RAFVR 1890609 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/O Ethelbert Henry Maurice Eaves, RAFVR 915615/ 121974 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:30 – Landed 01:55
Flight Time 04:25
11/04/1944 – Attack Against Aachen
Three aircraft successfully bombed the above target and encountered only slight opposition.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. James Henry Murphy, RAFVR 1393306 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. Harold George Howells, RAFVR 1292972/ 185219 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 21:10 – Landed 00:30
Flight Time 03:20
20/04/1944 – Attack Against Cologne
Nine Lancaster aircraft were detailed to attack Cologne, of which one failed to take off and one returned early owing to the illness of the wireless operator. The remainder successfully completed their mission.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
F/S Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:15 – Landed 04:05
Flight Time 03:50
24/04/1944 – Attack Against Karlsruhe
Sixteen aircraft were detailed to attack Karlsruhe. One was withdrawn but the remainder carried out a successful attack with little opposition.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
P/O Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:15 – Landed 04:20
Flight Time 06:05
27/04/1944 – Attack Against Friedrichshafen
Sixteen Lancasters were detailed to attack Friedrichshafen. Fourteen successfully carried out their mission, one aircraft bombed a decoy in error and another failed to return (Captain NZ42282 F/O. R. Herron).
Lancaster Mk.I ME691 AA-R
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
P/O Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:00 – Landed 05:25
Flight Time 07:25
09/05/1944 – Attack Against Cap Gris Nez
Fifteen aircraft were detailed to attack Cap Gris Nez and all successfully completed their mission. Only slight opposition was encountered.
Lancaster Mk.III ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
F/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
P/O Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 03:00 – Landed 05:15
Flight Time 02:15
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 ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
P/O Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 22:40 – Landed 02:05
Flight Time 03:25
24/05/1944 – Attack Against Aachen
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 ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
P/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
P/O Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:35 – Landed 04:00
Flight Time 03:25
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.III ND752 AA-O
F/L Eric Francis Witting, RNZAF NZ415212 – Pilot.
F/O William Edwin Anderson, RNZAF NZ416073 – Navigator.
F/O Jack Thomas, RAFVR 138463 – Air Bomber.
P/O Glen Osmond Marshall, RNZAF NZ416011 – Wireless Operator .
Sgt. Arthur Reginald Gunn, RAFVR 1583849 – Flight Engineer.
F/S William Bryce Campbell, RCAF R.176432/ J. 86746 – Mid Upper Gunner.
F/S Joseph William Collins, RNZAF NZ424969 – Rear Gunner.
Take Off 00:50 – Landed 04:05
Flight Time 03:15
75(nz)squadron 