Conclusion

William Schrader's Wartime Log is clearly a comprehensive account of that fateful flight of 27/28 May 1943. Written so soon afterwards there can be no doubt that it is an accurate record of the events leading up to and surrounding the loss of Lancaster ED804 AR-Z and subsequent deaths of the pilot and three crew members.

It is therefore surprising to note that in relation to Lancaster ED804 AR-Z, 460 Squadron Operations Record Book states that ' This aircraft left base at the appointed time but since then nothing has been heard of either aircraft or crew'. The Circumstantial Report letter of 29 May 1943 (file copy) from 460 Squadron at RAF Binbrook to Number 1 Group H.Q. and Air Ministry also states 'The aircraft left base at the appointed time and since then nothing has been heard of either the aircraft or the crew'.

Images of both documents appear below.

The page from 460 (RAAF) Squadron Operations Record Book showing the record of Lancaster ED804 for the raid on Essen 27 May 1943 - Courtesy National Archives of Australia

Contents Credits and Acknowledgements

RW 04.10.2015

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon