All went well until the eleven Venturas and their fighter escort were nearing the Dutch coast. Then one bomber was hit and had to turn back. Suddenly large numbers of enemy fighters appeared. Our escorting fighters were hotly engaged and lost touch with the bombing force. The Venturas closed up for mutual protection and commenced their run up to the target. Unfortunately, the fighters detailed to support them over the target had reached the area too early and had been recalled.

Soon the bombers were attacked. They were at the mercy of 15 to 20 Messerschmitts which dived on them incessantly. Within four minutes six Venturas were destroyed. Squadron Leader Trent continued on his course with the three remaining aircraft.

In a short time, two more Venturas went down in flames. Heedless of the murderous attacks and of the heavy anti-aircraft fire which was now encountered, Squadron Leader Trent completed an accurate bombing run and even shot down a Messerschmitt at point-blank range. Dropping his bombs in the target area, he turned away. The aircraft following him was shot down on reaching the target. Immediately afterwards his own aircraft was hit, went into a spin and broke up. Squadron Leader Trent and his navigator were thrown clear and became prisoners of war. The other two members of the crew perished.

On this, his 24th sortie, Squadron Leader Trent showed outstanding leadership. Such was the trust placed in this gallant officer that the other pilots followed him unwaveringly. His cool, unflinching courage and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds rank with the finest examples of these virtues. Extract from “The London Gazette” of 1st March 1946

Son of Leonard Noel Trent (died 27th April 1967) and Irene Violet Trent (Née Everett - died 18th September 1974, age 83); husband of Ursula Elizabeth (née Woolhouse - died 21st February 2003, age 86), father of three: Christine, Tim, Judith.

Son of Fredrick Noel (died 10th July 1939, age 51) and Laura Zelma Trolove (née Magnus). Husband of Olive Judith Trolove (née Hyde - later Moir - died on the 23rd September 1989, age 71) and father of one son, Paul who was born on the 23rd February 1944, of Christchurch, Canterbury. Married on the 19th December 1942 at Avonside, New Zealand. 283 flying hours logged with 49 on the Kittyhawk.

Embarked for England on the 16th September 1942. Further training with No. 18 Elementary Flying Training School , then to No. 17 Pilot Advanced Flying Unit on the 30th March 1943. Joined 486 squadron on the 30th August 1943 flying the Typhoon and Tempest. Awarded commission on the 15th March 1944. During an attack on a train was seriously injured by flak on the 14th February 1945 and in hospital and sick leave until the end of June 1945. Returned to New Zealand on the 30th of August 1945.

Transferred to the reserve on the 25th January 1946. Re-enlisted on the 20th January 1947. Flown by Dakota to Japan on the 10th of April joining 14 squadron. Joined 42 squadron on the 07th January 1955. Son of William Ernest and Rosalie Mabel Trott (née Freeman). Husband of Hilda Trott (née Gee) Father of 2 sons and a daughter. 186 operational sorties flown during the war. He had been credited with 6 flying bombs destroyed in July/August 1944 whilst with 486 squadron flying a Tempest.

Joined 75 squadron (06th January 1941) and carried out 6 operational sorties. Crewed a Wellington via Malta to Egypt (08-09 April 1941). Joined 38 squadron (19th April 1941). Son of Bircham Robert Turner (died 18th November 1976, age 97) and Rosanna Teresa Turner (née Mccoy - died 03rd October 1949, age 59), of Methven, Canterbury, New Zealand. A total of 121 flying hours logged andon his 07th operational sortie.

Attached to 147 squadron 24th March 1942 and carried out 7 operational sorties. Embarked for Gibralter 14th December 1942 then by Dakota to Algiers 19th December 1942. Joined 253 squadron on the 04th March 1942 and carried out 39 operational sorties. Commissioned on the 14th July 1943. By Dakota to England 31st August 1943 After various units as a staff pilot embarked for Egypt on the 14th January 1944.

With 71 Operational Training Unit as instructor 06th February 1944. With Middle East Training School on 16th April 1944 for rocket projectile training. By Dakota to Italy 08th May 1944. Joined 6 squadron on the 16th May 1944. Son of the Revd. William Tye, B.A. and of Jane Tye (nee Smith), of Masterton, Wellington, New Zealand.