Operation: Evening Intruder

Date: 31st July 1943 (Friday)

Unit: 418 (City of Edmonton) RCAF Squadron (motto: Piyautailili - 'Defend even unto death')

Type: Boston III (1)

Serial: W8326

Code: TH-?

Base: RAF Bradwell Bay, Essex

Location: Hoeverweg, Egmond aan den Hoef, Noord-Holland

Pilot: P/O. Russel Samuel Patterson J/8402 RCAF Age 23. Killed

Nav: P/O, Mitchell George Abey J/951154319 RCAF Age 26. Killed

W/Op/Air/Gnt: Fl/Sgt. Clarence Oswald O'Brien R/54319 RCAF Age 26. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Weather good. Local Flying carried out_by our aircraft during daylight.

Taking off at 22.47 from Bradwell Bay airfield in Essex, with the destination Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden. The aircraft will arrive at the Hoeverweg near Egmond aan den Hoef an hour after departure, after being hit by Flak van de II at 23.47. Zug 3./leichte Flak-Abteilung 764 and the I.-IV. Zug 3./light Flak-Abteilung 845. Aircraft crashes at Hoeverweg killing all Canadian crew.

(1) The Douglas DB-7 Boston III was instrumental for 418 Squadron during World War II, serving primarily as an intruder aircraft. Introduced to the squadron in 1941, the Boston III was renowned for its robust performance and versatility. Equipped with six machine guns and capable of carrying substantial bomb loads, it excelled in disrupting enemy operations through night-time raids on airfields and supply routes across occupied Europe. The Boston III's significant speed and firepower enabled 418 Squadron to execute precise and effective strikes, contributing crucially to the Allied war effort. Its legacy is marked by its pivotal role in enhancing night warfare tactics, laying the groundwork for future aerial combat strategies.

Burial and other details:

P/O. Russel Samuel Patterson. Bergen General Cemetery. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 25. Born on the 22nd March 1919 in Calgary, Canada. Son of Chief Constable Samuel Joseph Patterson OBE. MM. (2) (DIED 1963, Age 71) AND Annie Patterson (née Speechly - died 1976,age 81) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Epitaph: When The Morning Dawns We Will Meet Again\.

P/O, Mitchell George Abey. Bergen General Cemetery. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 27. Born on the 21st November 1915 in allis, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Enlisted on the 22nd July 1941. Son of Charles Abey (died 1924, age 61) and Mary Catherine Abey (née Mitchell - died 1941, age 64) of Brandon, was killed on the 31st July 1942, age 26. of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Epitaph: 'In Proud And Treasured Memory'.

Fl/Sgt. Clarence Oswald O'Brien. Bergen General Cemetery. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 26. Born on the 09th December 1915 in Arnprior, Ontario, Canada. Enlisted on the 07th March 1941 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Son of Oswald (died 1950, age 61, and Nettie O'Brien (née Ferguson - died 1964. age 72), of Arnprior, Ontario, Canada. Husband of Irene Lillian O'Brien, of Arnprior, Ontario, Canada.. Epitaph: 'Not Just To-Day But Every Day We Remember. Mother, Dad, Sister And Irene'.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to Paradie RCAF Archuves, Theo Boiten ;Nachjagd Combat Archives', Government odyssey Canada WW2 Service Records, National archives. Kew IA

- 27-1820-9/10.

Other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2026 Last Modified: 18 January 2026, 17:33