Operation: Achères

Date: June 10/11, 1944

Unit: 625 Squadron

Type: Lancaster I

Serial: LL897

Code: CF-P

Base: Kelstern

Location: Crashed near Rambouillet, France

Pilot: F/O Alfred Ernest George Malin 151550 RAFVR Age 21 Killed (1)

Fl/Eng: Sgt Leslie Ronald Swann 2209106 RAFVR Age 20 Killed (2)

Nav: F/O Horace Alexander Evans J26336 RCAF Age 20 Killed 3)

Air/Bmr: Sgt Alfred Allan Joseph Ryan 1324923 RAFVR Age ? Killed (4)

W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt Harry Elizah Bowen 1581233 RAFVR Age 20 Killed (5)

Air/Gnr: Sgt Alfred Ernest White 1593166 RAFVR Age 19 Killed (6)

Air/Gnr: Sgt Leonard Sykes 1594255 RAFVR Age 35 Killed (7)

INTRODUCTION

F/O Malin and his crew were posted to RAF Kelstern, from11Base, on May 20, 1944. Little did they realize they were commencing their tour of operations on the cusp of Operation Overlord, the second deadliest phase of Bomber Command’s history—next to the Battle of Berlin.

The pre and post-invasion phase would see the Command pivot from night, area bombing to day, precision raids— often low level on clear, moonlit nights. As a result the Squadron would suffer three of its seven, three or greater losses, during this hectic campaign, with a meat-grinder staccato of raids. Unfortunately, the Malin crew would pay the price.

It was customary for a rookie crew to have a second ‘dickey’ op with a veteran skipper to introduce them to the reality of operations. For reasons unknown this crew was not given this cushion to lower them into the shallow end of the pool. It is possible they were assessed combat ready during their brief time on Base. In addition, we know this was a time of maximum effort to soften enemy defences for the pending invasion. We are aware of another crew, that of P/O Dudman, who found themselves on the Battle Order the same day they arrived at Kelstern! After the fact, they would have their second ‘dickey’ trip on their second op, under the mentorship of the Squadron CO.

With just over a week to acclimatize, F/O Malin and his crew found themselves on the May 28th Battle Order, detailed to attack the EU Coastal Battery in Lanc III ED814. This was an uneventful night op. There would be no second ‘dickey’ trip and no turning back. For the remainder of their tour, they would be included on each sequential Battle Order over the next two weeks. During this time they would have no aborts or ‘spare bods’ substitutions for their next six missions—all by night. Four of these would be in their talisman, ED814.

Their next five, uneventful ops included:

May 1944

31.5.44 TergnierJune 1944

2.6.44 Lanc I DV278, Berneval

5.6.44 St. Martin de Varreville

6.6.44 D-Day, Vire

7.6.44 Forêt de Cerisy

10.6.44 Lanc I LL897 F/O Malin and crew Up 2317 Achères. No news after takeoff-missing.

ED814 No. 97 Sqn; OF-D, 10 raids from June-September 1943. No. 100 Sqn.: No key raids. No. 625 Sqn; CF-K, 14 key raids (Berlin 6, Nuremberg and Mailly-le-Camp). 300 (Polish) Sqn. Missing. Vierzon, 30-6/1-7-44. F/Sgt Fudali Władysław and crew KIA. It us noteworthy if this aircraft was still on strength with the Squadron it would have lost five crews and four aircraft from the Veirzon raid!

ORB Summary: Details here.

REASON FOR LOSS/THE CHOP

We are grateful to Theo Boiten for the most current information on the losses of the Achères raid:Uffz. Hanke: 2 8./NJG5 Lancaster SW Paris, i. Zus. Arb.: 2.300 m. 00.45 625 Sqn Lancaster LL897. Note: claimed as probable victory, confirmed as full victory on 18.8.1944. Victory achieved in co-operation with Flak and/or searchlights.

LL897 and her crew would be Uffz. Hanke’s second and final victory. He would survive the war.
It is noteworthy this claim was shared with flak and searchlight batteries. It is apparent this crew did not stand a chance under these circumstances: coned by searchlights, a sitting duck for flak and easy pickings for a rookie night fighter pilot.

AFTERMATH

Following the night fighter attack, LL897 crashed on the rail line between Chartres and Rambouillet, just a few kilometres east of the village of St. Hilarion (Yvelines) where the crew is buried.

M.R.E.S. Investigation:

From: No. 1 Section (France) M.R. and E. Service, R.A.F.

To: Air Ministry.

Date: 14th August, 1945.

CASUALTY ENQUIRY NO. F.1.

Reference your P.418444/44/P.4.B.4. of the 9th July, last, the above enquiry has been investigated and the following information obtained.

This aircraft crashed in the vicinity of St. Hilarion (Seine et Oise) at 01.00 hrs., on the night of 10/11.6.44. The local authorities were, allowed the following day to remove the bodies from the wreckage for burial in the cemetery at St. Hilarion, and the former mayor of the Commune, Mr. Chicot, who was present when this took place, confirms that there were seven bodies, and they were buried in seven separate graves.

The Gendarmes from Rambouillet who were first on the scene of the crash managed to retrieve the enclosed effects but were prevented by the arrival of the HUNS from searching the remaining bodies.

These effects definitely identify F/O Malin, F/O Evans and Sgt White, but apart from F/O Evans in grave 6, it is impossible to certify which graves contain the other members of the crew, as when burial took place the local authorities were not in possession of these effects. It would appear from the signals badge that Sgt Bowen is in grave No. 2, and that the gunners, Sgt White and Sgt Sykes are in graves No. 1 and 2. F/O Malin is probably buried in grave No. 4. The graves are extremely well cared for and the local authorities await our instructions regarding the names to be placed on the crosses.

The effects enclosed herewith are:-

1. The identity discs of F/O Malin.
2. A ring with initials A.M.
3. 4 photos of F/O Evans.
4. 1 identity disc of F/O Evans.
5. 4 photos of Sgt. White.
6. 1 notebook probably belonging to F/O Evans.
7. A photo of a nurse.
8. “ “ “ “ “ W.A.A.F.
9. A disc marked 139.
10. A pen knife.

Every assistance in this enquiry was rendered by:- Mons. Chicot of St. Hilarion (former mayor) and Mons. Billard of St. Hilarion (present secretary to the mayor).

(Sgd) S.A. Biggerstaff. Fl/Lt.
for Squadron Leader, Officer i/c,
No. 1 Section, (France)
M.R.& E. Service, R.A.F.

POST PRESUMPTION MEMORANDUM 4488

Relating to Lancaster LL897 Missing on 10/11.6.44.

File Number P.418444/44/P.4.B.4.
Rank, Number and Name: Sykes, Bowen, Malin, White, Ryan, Evans, Swann
INFORMATION FRANCE

Result of C.E. F.1. ascertain that this crew is buried in Graves 1-7 respectively in the Cemetery at St. Hilarion.
CASE CLOSED.

THE BOMBER COMMAND WAR DIARIES:

Details here.

NACHTJAGD WAR DIARIES VOLUME TWO APRIL 1944 - MAY 1945:

Details here.

BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF CREW

Unfortunately, we have limited information and photos of this crew. We invite any additional input to be submitted to the HELPDESK

1. F/O Alfred Ernest George Malin was born in 1922, at Shoreditch, London the son of Albert Benjamin (a Fishmonger - Shopkeeper) and Elizabeth Mary Malin (Fishmonger's Shop assistant), née Chitty. He had 3 siblings: Albert John Charles (Bert) Malin (1919-2003), Dennis James (Denny) Malin (1924-1989) and Betty L. Malin born 1929.

In 1939 the family lived at 73 Neville Road, Stoke Newington, London.In 1943 Alfred Malin married Beryl Daisy Sharpe at Islington, London.1269469 Cpl Alfred Ernest George Malin was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on probation (emergency) on 19 March 1943 (London Gazette 22 June 1943) and promoted to Flying Officer on probation (war subs) on 19 September 1943 (London Gazette 24 September 1943)

2. Sgt Leslie Ronald Swann was born in 1924, at Barton upon Irwell, Lancashire, the only child of Frederick Henry Swann (a Sanitary Manufacturer's Traveller) and Edith Swann née SeddonIn 1939 the family lived at Brierdene, 14 Boxgrove Road, Sale, Cheshire and later at Newton Kirkham, Lancashire.

3. F/O Horace Alexander Evans, Son of George and Annie Imrie Evans, of Makinak, Manitoba, Canada.
Born on January 18, 1924, at Makinak, Manitoba. Single. Painter.
Education: Makinak School, General and XI Commercial. Sports: Shooting and skating.
Record of Service Airmen: AC2, I.T.S. 22/6/42; LAC, Navigation (Airs “Std”) 30/12/42;
T/Sgt, Navigator SP.GR 14/5/43. Awarded Air Navigator’s Badge; P/O, 14/5/43; T F/O, 14/5/43.
Emb- Canada, 23/6/43; Disemb- UK, 1/7/43; 3 PRC to 2 (O) AFU, 21/9/43; 18 OTU 25/10/43;
11 Base, 13/3/44; 625 Sqn, 20/5/44.

4. Sgt Alfred Allan Joseph Ryan - No additional information.

5. Sgt Harry Elizah Bowen was born in 1924, the son of Harry Bowen (a Sheet Metal Worker - Aircraft - Welder) and Hilda May Bowen née Bayley of Wednesfield, Staffordshire. He had 4 siblings: Margaret A. Bowen, born 1920; Cyril G. Bayley, born 1925; Joan M. Bayley, born 1928 and John C. Bayley, born 1932.

In 1939 the family lived at 10 Highfield Crescent, Wednesfield, Staffordshire.

Harry Elizah Bowen is commemorated on the Wednesfield War memorial.

6. Sgt Alfred Ernest White was born in 1924, the son of Alfred Ernest White (a Railway Caller) and Maud Daykin White née Banks. He had 3 siblings: George White, born 1921; Jean M. White, born 1922 and Althea M. White, born 1927.

In 1939 the family lived at 149 High Street E, Redcar, North Riding of Yorkshire.

Alfred Ernest White is commemorated on the Redcar War Memorial, Coatham Road, Redcar.

7. Sgt Leonard Sykes was born on 11 December 1909, the son of Sam Sykes (a Railway Porter Guard) and Florence Sykes née Howells. He had siblings: Edward born, 1907; Irene, born 1909; Florence, born 1911 and Kathleen Sykes, born 1913.

Details are not known but it seems that Sam Sykes later married Lizzie Thompson née Whitton with whom he had two children: Madge W Sykes, born 1921 and Eric Whitton Sykes born 1923 and thus half siblings of Leonard Sykes.

In 1911 Sam Sykes and his family lived at 1 Rye Hill Cottages, Nottingham, and in 1939 he lived with Lizzie together with their children Madge and Eric Sykes at 39 Roberts Avenue Harehills, Leeds.

In 1932 Leonard Sykes married Phyllis Wood Gladwin at Halifax. A daughter Sheila Sykes was born on 8 June 1935.

In 1939 Leonard Sykes and his family lived at 30 Denfield Avenue, Halifax at which time Leonard was employed as a Colliery Banksman.

Phyllis Sykes later lived at Hollin Park Road, Oakwood, Leeds.

Sam Sykes lost all his three sons during the war. Eric Whitton Sykes was the rear gunner of Stirling LK379 of 90 Squadron shot down by a night fighter during a raid on Mannheim-Ludwigshafen, on 18/19 November 1943 when all the crew were lost. For further information see: https://aircrewremembered.com/simpson-ross-mcculloch.html.

His other son, Private Edward Sykes, of the York and Lancaster Regiment, was killed in France on 17 June 1940.

BURIAL DETAILS

Above: St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery. Courtesy of CWGC.

1. F/O Alfred Ernest George Malin - St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, grave 3, France.

His inscription reads:

God bless you for ever

2. Sgt Leslie Ronald Swann - St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, grave 7, France.

His inscription reads:

How proud we are
Mum and Dad

3. F/O Horace Alexander Evans - St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, grave 6, France.

His inscription reads:

God be with you
Till we meet again

(Shown left) F/O Horace Alexander Evans. Courtesy of 625 Squadron Aircrew and Gravesite Photos and Documents. R172968/J26336, p. 420 on Ancestry RG24 27475.

4. Sgt Alfred Allan Joseph Ryan- St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, grave 5, France.

No inscription.

5. Sgt Harry Elizah Bowen - St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, grave 2, France.

His inscription reads:

At the going down
Of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them

6. Sgt Alfred Ernest White - St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, grave 4, France.

His inscription reads:

At the going down
Of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them

7. Sgt Leonard Sykes - St. Hilarion Communal Cemetery, grave 1, France.

No inscription.

DECORATION SUGGESTIONS:

1. F/O Alfred Ernest George Malin 151550: DFC.
2. Sgt Leslie Ronald Swann 2209106: DFM.
3. F/O Horace Alexander Evans J26336: DFC.
4. Sgt Alfred Allan Joseph Ryan 1324923: DFM.
5. Sgt Harry Elizah Bowen 1581233: DFM.
6. Sgt Alfred Ernest White 1593166: DFM.
7. Sgt Leonard Sykes 1594255: DFM.

AUTHOR’S NOTES

The Squadron would lose three of its aircraft and crews in the course of this raid—the fifth of its seven, three or greater multi-loss raids. LL897 would be the first to fall with her bomb load. LM139 and ND742 would follow three minutes apart to the guns of Lt. Walter Briegleb, in the vicinity of the target. We know LM139 did not have a chance to bomb and are uncertain if ND742 did. There would be no survivors from the crews of LL897 and ND742, and Sgt Leslie Dunn was the only casualty from F/O Bill Geeson’s crew of LM139.
Lancaster LM139 archive report
Lancaster ND742 archive report

The circumstances of these losses epitomize the fate of the majority of the Squadron’s and Bomber Command’s airmen who ‘failed to return’. Of the Squadron’s seventy-four losses, forty (54%) involved the sudden traumatic deaths of the entire seven or eight crew members—with no survivors to recount the fate of their comrades. Nachtjagd crews accounted for the vast majority, followed by flak strikes.

We are grateful to Maurice Riviere and Simone Ouzeau for their tireless efforts in ensuring the courage and sacrifice of these brave young men are not lost with the passage of time. In 2023 and 2024 they sponsored memorial commemorations for the crew of ND742, at Bois d’Arcy, France. This archive report has been expedited in hopes relatives of LL897 will be able to attend the pending ceremony, planned for June 14, 2025, at Bois d’Arcy. For further information please contact the HELPDESK.

JEA

REFERENCES

625 Squadron ORB
CWGC Website
Bomber Command War Diaries by Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everett
Nachtjagd War Diaries Volume Two April 1944-May 1945 by Dr. Theo Boiten and Roderick MacKenzie
Ancestry.ca. Canada, World War II Records and Service Files of War Dead, 1939-1947

CO-AUTHORS

John Naylor
Maureen Hicks
Mike Evans
Philip Townsend
Kelvin Youngs, Photo-editing

Submission by Jack Albrecht in memory of this crew and as tribute to their families.

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