[Buz]

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