Loss of Halifax JD165 102 Squadron DY-S

[David P. Williams]

On 29th January 1944 the above Halifax ditched into the North Sea at 0900am, having taken off from Pocklington at 0016 hours to attack Berlin. 4 of the crew perished, with 3 being rescued from the sea.

Can anyone tell me were they rescued by ASR or by boat, and is there a record from the surviving members as to why they had to ditch,

many thanks,

David

[Chris Goss]

Seem to remember this is covered in my book on 102 Sqn-cannot check at the moment as I am at work and I wrote the book some time ago

[Henk Welting]

Only thing I can add is that the survivors were brought ashore 1-2-1944 at Montrose, Angus.
Regards,
Henk.

[David P. Williams]

Thank You Gentlemen.

Chris, I forgot I had a copy of 'It's Suicide But Fun. Great picture of Dai Pugh, is he or the other 2 surviving crew still with us?

Did you have access to their post operation report in order to establish that 3 of the crew drowned, and is this source available. the reason for my request is that a work colleague of mine is the great nephew of the Flight Engineer, Royston Frederick Purkiss, and is looking to fill ina few gaps as to how they were lost. Any idea why they were forced to ditch?

Thanks for the help, i'll get to him to buy a copy of your book as a reference,

cheers,

David

[Chris Goss]

David:

I was in touch with Dai Pugh (and this was over 17 years ago now) and I am sure he is long gone-not sure if I contacted anyone else. I cannot remember why his account was not used (unless it was too traumatic and he didn't send me one) and I am afraid that all my 102 material is packed away

[Col Bruggy]

Hi David,

You will find a comprehensive account of the loss of No.102 Sqn Halifax JD165 'S', here:

Bombers Over Berlin:The RAF Offensive November 1943-March 1944.
Cooper,Alan W.
London:William Kimber,1985.
pp.164-5 & 284

Sorry, no scanner. Later editions probably available.

Cooper not my favourite author, so double-check everything.

Col.

[David P. Williams]

Col,

Brilliant, just what I was looking for,

many thanks,

David