Need info on the 83 SQ Hampden involved in the 2nd BC Victoria Cross Sept. 16, 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

For the "Eagles Over Europe" project we want to do a color profile of the a/c involved in this incident, and tell the full story of the related events.

According to the EoE Loss DB: "September 16, 1940: 83 Squadron, Scampton: Hampden I P1355. Returned badly damaged by fire following low-level night attack on concentration of invasion barges in Antwerp harbour. Navigator and gunner both baled out over the target area. (WOp/AG) Sergeant John Hannah badly burned face and hands, (Pilot) Pilot Officer C. A. Connor believed unhurt. Aircraft damaged but repairable. (AIR14/2667) This aircraft suffered a direct hit inside the bomb bay which holed both port and starboard fuel tanks and caused a serious fire which quickly spread to the wireless operator’s and rear gunner’s compartments exploding ammunition. Sergeant Hannah was subsequently awarded the VC for his conspicuous bravery in extinguishing the fire single-handed, while P/O Connor received a DFC for flying the aircraft so calmly when disaster seemed imminent."

We need the following information relating to this action:

1) Photos of the a/c and crew involved.

2) The full code of the Hampden, which I think would be OLo?.

3) Full name of the pilot, P/O Connor, and the names and fates of the two crewmen who bailed out over Holland (and became POW?); are their stories known?

4) Reference to the most complete and reliable account(s) relating to this mission, other than the VC Cross citation.

Thanx for your help.

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

P1355 - "OL-W".( ref: "Bomber Squadrons of the RAF" by Philip J. R. Moyes ).
P/O. Clare Arthur Connor - 40892
Sgt. D.A.E. Hayhurst 580595 Navigator - POW
Sgt. George James Rear Gunner - POW.
previous refs earlier.

Alex