Halifax 298 Squadron

[ajhales]

Does anybody have any information regarding a 298 squadron Halifax that was lost on the 24th March 1945 whilst participating in Operation Varsity?

The crew were as follows:

Flg Off E M Hales - Air Bmbr
Flt Sgt A Aherne - Flt Engr
WO J E Bunn - Air Gunr
Flg Off G Dixon - W. Op
Flg Off D R McGillivray - Pilot
Flt Sgt J B Walker - Nav

Thanks

[Peter Clare]

24 Mach 1945

Halifax NA311
298 Sqn
Near Wessel, Germany

This aircraft, captained by the officer whose aircraft had ditched in Donagal Bay in February, took off from Woodbridge as part of a formation of forty eight Halifax/Hamilcar combinations provided by this squadron, along with a further twelve Halifax/Horsa combinations from 644 Sqn, to participate in Operation VARSITY and to convey the heavy guns being carried into battle for 6th Airborne Division. After releasing its glider, the aircraft was seen to be hit by enemy flak and to roll onto its back and dive into the ground. The rear gunner escaped by parachute but was killed during his descent.

Flying Officer Delmer Robert MCGILLIVRAY 29 RCAF Pilot
Flight Sergeant James Beedham WALKER 23 Navigator
Flying Officer Edwin Marshall HALES 21 Bomb Aimer
Flying Officer George DIXON 24 Wireless Operator
Flight Sergeant Augustine AHERNE 32 Flight Engineer
Warrant Officer James Ewart BUNN 20 RCAF Air Gunner

Taken from 'Though Without Anger' - Cummings

Hope this is a help

Regards
Peter

[ajhales]

Thank you very much for this information Peter.
Does anybody know why this aircraft only had a crew of 6 people?

Regards
Ashley