Operation: Gardening (1)

Date: 23/24th June 1944 (Friday/Saturday)

Unit: No. 149 (East India) Squadron (motto: Fortis Nocte - 'Strong by Night')

Type: Stirling III

Serial: EF188

Code: TK-M

Base: RAF Methwold, Norfolk

Location: Plougonvelin WSW of Brest, France

Pilot: P/O. Edward James Lincoln Aus/426358 RAAF Age 23. Killed

Fl/Eng: Sgt. Ernest Richard Duckworth 1890080 RAFVR Age 19. Killed

Nav: Fl/Sgt. Leslie Reginald Richards 1432021 RAFVR Age 20. Killed

Air/Bmr: Fl/Sgt. Robert John McQuitty Aus/408338 RAAAF Age 21. Killed

W/Op/Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. Francis Patrick Joseph Brady Aus/424361 RAAF Age 20. Killes

Air/Gnr: Sgt. Edward Dennis Eaton 1326107 RAFVR Age 36. Killed

Air/Gnr: Sgt. Howard William George Fox R/200720 (Post P/O -. J/J/89053 RCAF Age 19. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 23:17 hrs with three others to lay mines off the French coast at Brest

Despite coming under under intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire all four aircraft released the sea mines as directed in the harbour area of Brest.

Two aircraft were hit with EF188 crashing at Plougonvelin with the loss of all seven of the multi-national crew. Two crews returned to RAF Methwold by 04:30 hrs.

The report from the MREU (Missing and Research and Enquiry Unit) received in August 1948 that locals said the aircraft had exploded on impact and burst into flames at Plougonvelin at 02:00 hrs. The Germans removed the bodies from the wreckage. (Some reports state that 5 crew bodies were thrown clear of the wreckage, whilst 2 remained in the inferno. Also 5 bodies were washed ashore)

The MREU reported that three members of the crew could not be identified individually and were buried side by side in collective graves initially in Plougonvelin Cemetery and marked with temporary a wooden cross listing their names a service details. The remains of four were buried at Kerfautras Cemetery in Brest.

Above L-R: Fl/Sgt. Francis Brady, Sgt. Ernest Duckworth, Sgt. Edward Eaton and Sgt. Howard Fox
Front: Fl/Sgt. Robert McQuitty, P/O. Edward Lincoln and Fl/Sgt. Leslie Richards.

Stirling III LK386 was coned by searchlights and hit several times with the flight engineer, Sgt Ronald French, seriously injured. To escape the barrage the very experienced pilot, P/O.Sidney Lucas, dived almost to sea level. As the course was set for home, the engineer asked to return to his instrument panel but collapsed immediately, the crew only then becoming aware of the extent of his injuries

P/O. Lucas headed home to the closest airfield, RAF Hartfordbridge in Hampshire. Given priority to land at 03:57 hrs. due to the extensive damage. On touching down , the brake pressure failed, the aircraft overshot the runway, the undercarriage collapsed and the wreckage caught fire. The petrol tanks exploded and P/O. Lucas was hurled backwards for some distance. He quickly recovered and assisted in rescuing the wounded engineer from the burning aircraft.

For this action Lucas was awarded the DFC, F/O. Du Boulay RAAF was awarded the British Empire Medal and Sgt. French the DFM.
LK386 completed 42 operational sorties, all with 149 Squadron, using a variety of ID letters, T, P, I and lastly O. The crew carried out 6 operations using this aircraft.

Above L-R: Fl/Sgt. Donald Du Doulay, Sgt. J.H Slaney, Sgt. H.F Hazelgrove and Sgt Ronald French.
Front L-R: Sgt. James Henry Acton, P/O. Sidney Lucas and F/O. I.K Brown.

(1) Gardening - During the Second World War 'gardening' was the RAF term given to the dropping of sea mines from bomber aircraft into the sea. The mines were 'sown' near ports and harbours, inland waterways, estuarand in busy shipping lanes. Throughout Europe, the coastline was split into various targets and also given distinct code names - in this case 'Jellyfish'. Further details here.

Alan French wrote to Aircrew Remembered in November 2924:

'I cannot recall whether that aircraft was the one he told me that his friend, a fellow flight engineer, was operating on but he watched as it crashed and exploded.

My father’s aircraft LK386 – Squadron Code Letters OJ-O was also coned by searchlights and hit by flak. He told me, “they were on a “mining operation and the Germans didn’t like it very much and put up a lot of flak”. As they were trying to escape, a flak shell burst close to the aircraft and he was injured by it. They apparently weaved their way out of danger at low level and flew back towards England. The only thing he ever said was that “he tried to keep the engines running”, which was his job as the Flight Engineer. After regaining the south coast the crew headed for Hartfordbridge Airfield (now Blackbushe) in Hampshire. On touchdown at 03:57 the hydraulic brake pressure was insufficient to prevent the Stirling from running off the end of the runway, whereupon the undercarriage collapsed and the wreckage took fire and burned out.

Once they stopped he told me he was too weak to move from the loss of blood and someone came back for him and got him out just before there was an explosion which would have killed him if he had still been in the aircraft.

As we know now from my research Australian Flight Sergeant, Donald Houssemayne DuBoulay; the aircraft’s Wireless Operator, who got him out of the aircraft'.

That was the end of his war and he had a very large scar on the right side of his body where the shrapnel from the flak shell had ripped into him and his right leg was forever thin. He spent a long time in hospital recovering and was taken to Buckingham Palace in late August 1945, at the age of 21, in a wheelchair to receive his medal from the King. He was 19 at the time of his injury.'

Burial details:

P/O. Edward James Lincoln. Brest Cemetery (Kerfautras). Plot 47. Row 1. Grave 15. Born on the 08th December 1920 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Son of Edward Luxmere Lincoln (died 30th October 1977, age 88) and Ida Josephine Lincoln (née Busby - 29th December 1991, age 93 ), of Southport, Queensland, Australia. Epitaph: 'His Duty Fearlessly And Nobly Done. Ever Remembered'.

Fl/Sgt. Leslie Reginald Richards. Brest Cemetery (Kerfautras). Plot 47. Row 2. Grave 15. Son of Reginald Edgar and Violet Richards, of Sea Mills, Gloucestershire, England. Epitaph: 'Rest In Peace. They Are Not Dead Whose Memory Still Is Living'.

Fl/Sgt. Robert John McQuitty. St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery. Collective grave 4. B. 5-6. Born on the 08th January 1923 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Son of James McCoy McQuitty (died 11th November 1980, age 90) and Kathleen Marie Proctor McQuitty (died 16th December 1938, age 50), of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Epitaph: 'Until The Day Break And The Shadows'.

Fl/Sgt. Francis Patrick Joseph Brady. Brest Cemetery (Kerfautras). Plot 47. Row 3. Grave 14. Born on the 18th of August 1923 in Murrumburrah, New South Wales. Son of Edward Luxmere Lincoln (died 30th October 1977, age 88) and Ida Josephine Lincoln (née Busby - 29th December 1991, age 93 ), of Southport, Queensland, Australia. Epitaph: 'His Duty Fearlessly And Nobly Done. Ever Remembered'.

Sgt. Ernest Richard Duckworth. St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery. Collective grave 4. B. 5-6. Ernest and Ellen Duckworth, of Crayford, Kent. Epitaph: 'Greater Love Than This No Man Hath That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends'.

Sgt. Edward Dennis Eaton. St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery. Collective grave 4. B. 5-6. Son of Edward Denis and Frances Elizabeth Eaton. Husband of Frances Eaton, of Harton, County Durham, England. Epitaph: 'If I Can I Will Come Again, Dear And Be Often With You When You Think I'm Far Away'.

Sgt. Howard William George Fox. Brest Cemetery (Kerfautras). Plot 47. Row 3. Grave 13. Born on the 12th May 1923. Enlisted on the 10th November 1942. Epitaph: Son of George Frederick Fox and Kate Fox, of 31 Condor Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Epitaph: 'Only Son Of Mr. And Mrs. George Fox. Deeply Missed By Mum, Dad And Sisters

Stirling III LK386 Crew details:

P/O. Sidney Edward Lucas DFC (gazetted 8th August 1944). 171647 RAFVR. Joined the RAF in November 1938 as a pilot under training. Then called up on the 01st September in the RAFVR. 32 Squadron at Acklington on 21st September 1939 flying Hurricanes. Joined 257 squadron on the 15th October 1940. Became lost flying Hurricane V6604 and forced land at Colliers End, near Ware - aircraft repaired, pilot safe. Battle of Britain pilot with 1 enemy aircraft destroyed and 1 damages. Instructor course 29th December 1940. Commissioned February 1944. Transferred to Bomber Command, serving with 149 Squadron. He was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flying Officer.

Fl/Sgt Donald Houssemayne Du Boulay.. B.E.M. Aus/427452 RAAF. Born on the 11th September 1922 in Beverley, Westen Australia. Son of Edgar Francis Houssemayne Du Boulay (died 06th October 1972 age 90) and Marjorie Clarice Preston Du Boulay (died 17th August 1977 age 84). Husband of Mollie Jean Muir Du Boulay Pover Donald Houssemayne Du Boulay on the 22nd August 1945. (married in Perth in 1951 - died 26th November 2019 age 89) Donald transferred to the RAAF Reserve, He Passed away on the 26th May. 1957 at the young age of just 34 at Rocky Gully, Western Australia and remembered at Karrakatta Cemetery and Crematorium and the Karrakatta Cemetery and Crematorium Western Australian Garden of Remembrance

Mollie remarried to Ian Brereton Pover in 1958, he adopted the four children from her previous marriage to Donald but he passed away on the 19th of September 1962 age of just 28. She remarried again to Willem Albert Groenheide in 1965. (died 16th October 2002, age 74)

His brother (shown right) also served, James Lawrence Houssemayne du Boulay Aus/406207 RAAF. He flew with 25 (RAAF) squadron as a Wireless operator/Air Gunner in Bleneim aircraft in the Middle East and B24 Bombers in the Pacific. F/O. Du Boulay attended the signing of the surrender of Japan. Passed away on the 07th December 2011, age 92.

BEM citation:

'In June, 1944, this airman was the wireless operator of a Stirling aircraft detailed for a mine laying operation. The mines were laid 'successfully but, almost immediately afterwards, the aircraft was coned by searchlights and subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. The bomber was hit in many places; the brakes were rendered useless and the engineer was seriously wounded. On the return journey Flight Sergeant Duboulay rendered valuable assistance to the navigator and tended the engineer whilst watching his instruments for him. Base was eventually reached but, owing to the failure of the brakes, the aircraft ran off the end of the runway and immediately burst into flames. Despite the danger from exploding petrol tanks and ammunition Flight Sergeant Duboulay remained in the blazing aircraft and picked up the wounded engineer. He helped him along the fuselage which was at a very steep angle. This task was rendered doubly difficult as the hydraulic fluid from the mid-upper turret was running down inside the fuselage. Nevertheless Flight Sergeant Duboulay, displaying complete disregard for his own safety, assisted his comrade to the fuselage door which he succeeded in opening. As the door was some 20 feet from the ground Flight Sergeant Duboulay was unable to get his comrade to safety unaided. Calling for assistance from the remainder of the crew, who had extricated themselves, Flight Sergeant Duboulay was able to lower the engineer into their arms. Flight Sergeant Duboulay's courageous action undoubtedly saved his comrade's life and was an inspiring example to others'.

Sgt. James Henry Acton. J/23967 RCAF Born on the 25th of June 1917in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Husband of Eileen Florence Patricia Acton (née Morrison - died on the 11th of January 1997, age 75). The son of Eleanor Jane (née Cronk - died on 08th January 1978, age 75) and Frank Acton (died on the 08th December 1961, age 77). President of the 416 Squadron Wing here in Kingston in the 1950's- 1960's. (ex 416 RCAF squadron member)

Sgt Ronald Vivian French awarded the DFM. His son, Alan commissioned Mr. Gary Eason to paint the Stirling LK386 being coned by spotlights. He was born on 17th August 1924. He joined RAF VR (Volunteer Reserve) in November 1942 and began his training to become a flight engineer. In 1944, (this taken taken from 149 Squadron’s Operation Record Book held at the National Records Office, Richmond) he and his crew completed 8 operational sorties beginning in the May of that year. Sadly he died on 22ng November 2000, age 76.
DFM citation:

This officer and airman, were pilot and flight enginee of an aircraft detailed for a mine-laying mission one night in June, 1944. When nearing the target the aircraft was illuminated in a cone of searchlights and subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire. Undeterred, Pilot Officer Lucas flew on to the target and released his mines in the prescribed area. Almost immediately his aircraft was hit in many places. Sergeant French who had previously; left his station in the course of his duties, was seriously injured. In order to escape the barrage, Pilot Officer Lucas dived almost to sea level. As course was set for home, Sergeant French asked permission to return to his instrument panel. He collapsed. It was not until then that any of his comrades became aware of his injuries. Eventually Pilot Officer Lucas reached an airfield. On landing the brake pressure, failed and the aircraft overshot the runway, crashed and caught fire. The petrol tanks exploded as Pilot Officer Lucas got clear and he was hurled backwards many yards by the force of the explosions. Nevertheless he quickly recovered and assisted in rescuing Sergeant French from the burning aircraft. This officer displayed courage, coolness and determination of a high order.
Sergeant French also proved himself to be a brave member of aircraft crew and his example was worthy of great praise'.

The remains crew - Navigator F/O. I.K Brown RAFVR, Air Gunners Sgt. H.F Hazelgrove RAFVR and Sgt. J.H Slaney R/179410 RCAF we have been unable to find further details.

Above: Painting of LK386 being coned by searchlights (Artist Gary Eason - used with permission)

Newspaper report:

AWARDED THE D.F.M:
Flight Engineer Ronald Vivian French, R.A.F.V.R, aged 19, the son of Mr and Mrs A French, 56 Monson Road, Redhill, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. He was educated at Hooley and St Matthew’s Schools and joined the RAF in November 1942. In the operational flight he was wounded but carried out his duties and though the machine was damaged it was brought back to its base

DECORATED BY THE KING; -
In August of last year we recorded that Flight-Sergt. Ronald Vivian French, R.A.F.V.R, No.149 Squadron, the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. French, 56 Monson Road, Redhill, had been awarded the D.F.M. for his devotion to duty whilst on an operational flight. Flight-Sergt. French, who is still suffering from the effects of his wounds, was recently taken in his wheeled chair to Buckingham Palace, by two orderlies and a W.A.AF, and was presented with his decoration by the King. The operation for which he was decorated was during mine-laying. His aeroplane was caught in a cone of searchlights and received heavy AA. I fire. French was severely injured, but he bravely continued to carry on and in the words of the citation, "he proved himself to be a brave member of the aircraft crew, and his example was worthy of great praise." When the aeroplane landed it burst into flames, but the rest of the crew saved him. Flight Sgt French, who was still in hospital at Halton, Bucks, was 21 years old last Friday

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of these crews with thanks to Paradie RCAF Archives, National Archive. Kew AIR- 27-1004-11/12, National Archives of Australia, Government of Canada Service files WW2, Gary Eason (artist). Harleen Acton (daughter of James Henry Acton). Alan French for further comprehensive information (son of Ronald French).

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