Wellington hit on 5th March 1943

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Good night!
I am trying to identify the FULL crew of W/C Dudley Henderson Burnside´s crew on the night of 4/5 March 1943. They were flying a Wellington Mk III which was hit by Flak. One crew was killed and another one injured. I would like to obtain, if available:
1- The serial number of this Wellington as well the squadron´s codes.
2- The names of the other members of the crew ( particularly the airman killed and the injured one as well )
Thanks for any kind of help
Adriano

[dp_burke]

Its not the complete answer but:

Air Ministry, i^th April, 1943.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: —
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross.
Wing Commander Dudley Henderson BURNSIDE,
D.F.C. (37464), No. 427 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron.
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Pilot Officer Reginald James HAYHURST (128419),
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 427 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron.
One night in March, 1943, Wing Commander Burnside and Pilot Officer Hayhurst were captain and bomb aimer of an aircraft detailed to attack
Essen. When nearing the target area, the bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire. One of the crew was killed and another severely wounded, while the
aircraft sustained damage. The aileron control was affected and the windscreen de-icing glycol tank burst drenching Pilot Officer Hayhurst and
filling the forward part of the bomber with suffocating fumes. Despite this, Pilot Officer Hayhurst directed his captain to the target which was successfully bombed and a good photograph obtained. The aircraft was held by searchlights for a few minutes but Wing Commander Burnside
skilfully evaded the defences and set course for home. On the return flight the aircraft encountered enemy fighters but, each time, he shook them off.
Displaying fine airmanship he flew the damaged aircraft back to an airfield in this country. In a very trying situation both these members of
aircraft crew displayed courage and determination of a high order.

From London Gazette Issue 35976 published on the 9 April 1943. Page 1 of 10

Wing Commander Dudley Henderson BURNSIDE, D.F.C. (37464)
Pilot Officer Reginald James HAYHURST (128419),

Dennis

[dp_burke]

All the answers ought to be in this old RAF Commands thread:

http://www.rafcommands.com/cgi-bin/d...D6&archive=yes

regards

Dennis

Wing Commander D.H. Burnside, D.F.C., awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross
The navigator, Pilot Officer Roderick John Heather J/16756 RCAF, was killed,
Flight Sergeant Geoffrey Frank Keen, D.F.M., 923049 the wireless operator, Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
Pilot Officer Reginald James HAYHURST 128419, the bomb aimer, Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officer David Burgess Ross 139642,, Distinguished Flying Cross

Further to above: using Flight and London Gazette

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying).
923049 Flight Sergeant Geoffrey Frank KEEN, D.F.M., No. 427 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron.
One night in March, 1943, this airman was the wireless operator of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire. The navigator was killed instantaneously. Flight Seageant Keen, who was in the astro-dome, had his right foot blown off and received cuts on both legs. Disregarding his wounds, Flight Sergeant Keen regained his seat in the wireless cabin. For over two hours he laboured to repair the damaged apparatus. He could not speak to other members of the crew owing to damage to the inter-communication apparatus. Another airman spoke to him, however, on at least a dozen occasions and found him still conscious and working at his selfimposed task of directing the manipulation of various installations. He also offered assistance in navigating the aircraft and actually managed to drag himself on two occasions to the navigator's compartment to obtain essential information. His courage and fortitude in such circumstances were of the highest order.

FLIGHT JULY 19TH, 1945

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Fit. Lt. D. B. Ross, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., No. 427 (R.C.A.F.) Sqn.—Fit. Lt. Ross is now on his third tour of operational duty. Throughout he has proved himself to be a skilful and determined air gunner On one occasion his aircraft was detailed to attack Cologne. One engine was rendered unserviceable and on leaving the target area an attack was made by a Messerschmitt 210. Fit. lit. Ross skilfully directed evasive action and, by his accurate fire, drove off the enemy fighter. By his cool courage, efficiency and devolion to duty over a long period he has set an outstanding example to all members of his squadron.


Can't confirm Keene name just yet.
Is this the entire crew?

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hi Burke!
Thanks for the DFCs Citations, which I had actually. However, the CGM citation is new for me!
Do you have more information about the serial number of the aircraft from 427 Squadron in which they flew that night?
Thanks again for helping me!
Adriano

[M sIMPSON]

Hi Adriano,
The Wellington was BK164,coded ZL-E. F/Sgt.Keen had completed a tour in 1941 with 51 Sqn.for which he received a DFM,gazetted 30 January 1942.The raid on Essen was his 39th operation.After recovering from his wounds he went on to complete his second tour.Just as a note,this incident actually took place on the night of 12/13 March 1943.
Hope this is of use,
Regards,Mark.

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hi Mark!
I thought it was on the Raid of 04/05 March! Thanks indeed for pointing me the true facts and new information regarding the serial numbe as well as Squadron codes!
Thanks a lot! Kind regards
Adriano