Operation: Gardening, “NECTERINES I”

Date: 29th/30th March 1943 (Monday/Tuesday)

Unit No: 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron, 3 Group, Bomber Command

Type: Stirling III

Serial: BK663

Code: BU:T

Base: RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk

Location: RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk

Pilot: Fg Off. John Alfred ‘Jack’ Dixon 123105 RAFVR Age 22. Safe (1)

Flt Eng: Sgt. Thomas Herbert ‘Paddy’ McShane 549157 RAFVR Age 26. Safe (2)

Nav: Plt Off. Walter Rowley 128492 RAFVR Age 23. Safe (3)

Bomb Aimer: Sgt. Robert Francis ‘Bob’ Jewsbury 1392004 RAFVR Age 28. Safe (4)

WOp/Air Gnr: Sgt. Harold William Bennett 616510 RAFVR Age 22. Safe

Air Gnr (Mid Upper): Sgt. Ted E. Drew RAFVR Age? Safe

Air Gnr (Rear): Sgt. Harry Leister Burt 411789 RNZAF Age 25. KiA

Note: It was during the Squadron’s tour with 3 Group in September 1941, that it was honoured by being adopted by the British Malayan Federation and had the "Federated Malay States" officially incorporated in its title.

REASON FOR LOSS:

On the night of the 29th/30th March 1943 BK663 took-off from RAF Chedburgh at 19:25 hrs to join a force of seven (7) Stirlings from the squadron detailed on a Gardening operation in the  “NECTERINES I” area.

Whilst returning and in the circuit BK663 and 214 Sqn Stirling I EF362, which was returning early from the operation to Berlin, collided in mid-air at about 23:50 hrs.

The port tail plane and rear turret of BK663 was severed sending the aircraft into a dive.  The aircraft was wrestled back under control and crash-landed on the grass alongside the runway with the crew on board surviving shaken but unscathed. The lost tail turret with Sgt. Birt still inside was discovered the following day just to the east of the airfield near to Rede Farm.

Note: The Aircraft Movement card (AM Form 78) for Stirling BK663 recorded that the aircraft was:

• Classified as Cat. B = Beyond repair on site, but reparable at a Maintenance Unit or at a Contractor’s works.

• The aircraft was recategorized as Cat. E1 = Write-off, but considered suitable for component recovery, however, it was then repaired and issued to 196 Squadron with the Sqn/Call Sign of ZO:K on the 17th August 1943.

The aircraft crashed and was written off on return to base from an operation to Hannover on the night of the 27th/28th September 1943 due an electrical fault and Flak damage.  The crew of seven (7) survived with just one injury. 

(1) Acting Flt Lt. Dixon was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) whilst with 214 (FMS) Sqn which was promulgated in the London Gazette on the 24th September 1943.

Citation Reads:

• “Acting Flight Lieutenant John Alfred DIXON (123105), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 214 Squadron.  One night in August, 1943, this officer piloted an aircraft which attacked Nuremburg.  Whilst over the target, the aircraft was attacked by two enemy fighters simultaneously from ahead and astern.  The bomber was repeatedly bit and, although much damage was sustained. Flight Lieutenant Dixon succeeded in flying clear.  Then, two engines ceased to function and the bomber rapidly lost height. With consummate skill, Flight Lieutenant Dixon maintained height at 2000 feet until his efforts to re-start one of the defective engines were successful.  The damaged bomber became difficult to control but Flight Lieutenant Dixon flew it to an airfield near the coast. His skill and tenacity set a commendable example”.

(2) Sgt. McShane was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal whilst with 214 (FMS) Sqn which was promulgated in the London Gazette on the 14th December 1943.

Citation Reads:

• “549157 Sergeant Thomas Herbert MCSHANE, Royal Air Force, No. 214 Squadron.  As flight engineer, this airman has participated in many sorties and has proved himself to be a most dependable member of aircraft crew.  On one occasion he was a member of the crew of one of two aircraft which collided whilst in flight.  His aircraft, which was carrying several mines, caught fire and temporarily went out of control. Undeterred Sergeant McShane coolly fought the flames with an extinguisher until a crash-landing was effected.  On another occasion his aircraft sustained serious damage in an engagement with two fighters.  Two of the bomber's engines were put out of action and the propeller of one of them subsequently fell away.  Sergeant McShane succeeded in re-starting the other defective engine thus making a valuable contribution towards the safe return of the aircraft.  This airman has displayed exceptional skill and courage of a high order”.

(3) Fg Off. Rowley was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) whilst with 214 (FMS) Sqn which was promulgated in the London Gazette on the 18th January 1944.

(4) Sgt. Jewsbury was appointed to a commission and promoted to 149107 Pilot Officer with effect 12th July 1943. (London Gazette 27th August 1943).

BURIAL DETAILS:

Sgt. Harry Leister Burt. Haverhill Cemetery, Section U, Grave 196.  Born on the 15th August 1917 in London, England.  Son of Harry Burt of Melbourne, Australia and Bertha Burt later Jones of Wangangi, New Zealand.

Researched by Aircrew Remembered and dedicated to the crew and their families with thanks to Jacqui, Julie and Keld for the grave photograph (31st Oct 2026).

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