Loss of 462SQN RAAF Halifax, 14 July 43
 

Greetings to all,

I am curious to find out details (serial number, code letters etc.) of a Halifax from 462SQN RAAF (appears to be part of 205 Gp in North Africa).
It was the Squadron CO's machine and was apparently shot down by a nightfighter over the Messina railway station. I have not been able to find a matching Luftwaffe claim for this loss and would like further info on both the loss of the Halifax and whoever/whatever may have brought about its loss.

Hoping that somebody can help....

Nick Hector

Re: Loss of 462 SQN RAAF Halifax, 14 July 43
 

According to the AWM there were no Australian's killed from the 462 Squadron on that date. Hints to search the Australian War Memorial Site when you have a Squadron number and a date but no crew member's name. Goto the following site www.awm.gov.au then go to right side of page and click on "Roll of Honour" click on "Advanced Search" and in the "Unit" space type the the Sqn No. you are checking on followed by the word Sqn. Example 462 Sqn then enter the date you're inquiring about. NOTE in relation to dates the site will search complete date, month and year only, but it will not search just a year. If you have a date but no Squadron number in "Unit" type the word Sqn then enter the date you are inquiring about. This lists the names of crew members lost on that date. You have to click on each name to get full details. Kind Regards Ross

Re: Loss of 462SQN RAAF Halifax, 14 July 43
 

RossGmann,
thanks for your reply mate!
The original post was submitted to assist a friend of mine who had tried searching for details on the loss through all other means (including the AWM - he works near there, in fact) and had not had any luck
... So I offered to help him by posting the query on 12OCH. Still no luck.
I am hoping that the next volume of the Mediterranean Bomber Losses books will be able to answer the query once and for all.

...Waiting Waiting Waiting.....

Thanks again and have fun with whatever history research you do.

Nick

Re: Loss of 462SQN RAAF Halifax, 14 July 43
 

The Aircraft you are looking for is W7759 (or could be W7758, most likely the former), which was shot down whilst on sortie against the Rail Satation at Messina.

Crew was

WgCdr P.G.B/Warner 84972
FlgOff S.J.Elphick RAF 116532
SGT R.D.Copley RAF 1289545
SGT E.Loomes RAF (RTU)
PltOff R.E.Parsons RAF 129972
Sgt C.R.B.Ainley (RTU)

Aircraft shot down into sea 15 miles off Cape Spartivanto.
Aircraft was at approx 10,000ft inbound to target when a number of detonations were heard and felt in the port wing. No enemy aircraft or ships seen to have caused the explosions and it was assumed that a unseen fighter had casued them. Port wing and both engines burst into flames . Order was give to bale out, which at least 3 personell were able to do (two survivors and the rear gunner who was seen by one of the survivors to rotate his turret and bale out.

SGT Loomes (FLTENG) and SGT Ainley (Bombdr) returned to the unit after being rescued

Hope this helps

Buz

Re: Loss of 462SQN RAAF Halifax, 14 July 43
 

sounds like a victim of the "schräge musik".