Operation: Armed Reconnaissance
Date: 18th October 1944 (Wednesday)
Unit: No. 129 Squadron (motto: 'I will defend the right')
Type: Mustang III
Serial: FB389
Code: DV-M
Base: RAF Andrews Field, Essex
Location: Near Driewegen
Pilot: F/O. Joseph Norman Bertrand C/21287 RCAF PoW Stalag Luft Barth-Vogelsang
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off at 09:12 hrs on a armed reconnaissance operation with Sq/Ldr. Peter Douglas Thompson 84697 flying Spitfire HB867.
The pilot experienced engine trouble and called to say that he was baling out at 11:50 hrs. He was seen to land safely and it was thought that he may have been able to escape as allied forces were very close.
He was captured by German flak soldiers and, interrogated and eventually sent to Stalag Luft Barth-Vogelsang
Burial details:
None - survived the war.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Air/27/934/74 and Air/27/934/73 National Archives and other sources as quoted below:
