Operation: Berlin

Date: 26/27th November 1943 (Friday/Saturday)

Unit: No. 101 Squadron (motto: Mens agitat molem - 'Mind over matter'). 2 Group

Type: Lancaster III

Serial: DV285

Code: SR-Q

Base: RAF Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire

Location: Aywaille, Belgium

Pilot: W/O. Arthur Joseph Samuel Walker CGM. 1380714 RAFVR PoW.

Fl/Eng: Sgt. Stanley Mayer CGM 162590 RAFVR Age Killed

Nav: P/O. Jack George Blandford 158898 RAFVR Age 23. Evaded

Air/Bmr: F/O. Albert William Gadd DFC. 136884 RAFVR Age 21. Killed

W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt. Reginald Arthur Hebditch DFM 162600 RAFVR Age 22. PoW No: 2876 Camp: Stalag Kopernikus

Sp/Oper. Sgt. John Kennedy Robertson 1559474 RAFVR Age 21. Killed

Air/Gnr: Sgt. Robert Stott DFM. 162588 RAFVR Age 22. Killed

Air/Gnr: Sgt. Kenneth Norman Hicklin DFM. 162589 RAFVR Age 20. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

22 aircraft from the squadron were detailed on this operation to Berlin. DV285 taking off at 17:13 hrs with 1x4,000 lb, 920x 4lb, 56x30lb bomb load.

They were shot down by a night fighter Hpm. Eckart-Wilhem Von Bonin, II./NJG1 on their outward trip at 19:24 hrs. Three crew baled out with 2 of them made PoW, P/O. Jack Blandford managed to evade capture and with the assistance from he Belgians made his way to Switzerland 6 months later. He returned to his unit in England in October 1944. Jack passed away on the 11th November 2013, aged 92.

This crew had previously been awarded different decorations for bringing their Lancaster LM364 back to base despite it being heavily damaged. Details on the Yorkshire Aircraft website. In addition see awards for the crew below.

Above L-R: Sgt. Geoffrey Whittle (1), Sgt. Reginald Hebditch, P/O. Robert Stott, W/O. Arthur Walker, Sgt. Stanley Mayer, Sgt. John Robertson, Sgt. John Robertson and P/O. Kenneth Hicklin.

Two other crews were also lost from the squadron:

Lancaster III DV268 SR-02 Flown by Sgt. Paul Rudolph Zanchi 1321233 RAFVR - 6 Crew killed, 1 PoW. Shot down by flak at 22:53 hrs.

Lancaster III DV289 SR-T Flown by Fl/Sgt. James Gordon Bennett R/143404 RCAF - 6 crew killed, 2 PoW. Shot down by Maj. Wilhem Herget at 20:08 hrs.

(1) Sgt. Geoffrey Gordon Whittle 1397166 was not on this flight as he had suffered a perforated eardrum and was hospitalised. He was replaced by P/O. Jack George Blandford. Passed away on the 14th January 2016, age 92.

DFM Citation: 'This N.C.O. was the Navigator of a Lancaster aircraft that was seriously damaged over the target when attacking Hanover on the night of September 27/28, 1943. The aircraft caught fire inside the fuselage and the D.R. compass was wrecked by cannon shells and all intercommunications with other members of the crew failed. The situation became critical when one engine caught fire and the trimming cables had been burnt through. All the while, Sergeant Whittle, with magnificent courage, continued to carry out his allotted task with complete disregard for his personal safety which was an inspiring example to all the crew. Sergeant Whittle, with magnificent skill and while working in extremely difficult conditions, navigated his damaged aircraft through thick cloud and heavy rain back to this country. This N.C.O. has carried out 15 very successful sorties and has always set a splendid example by his determination and cheerful confidence on the above occasion, his co-operation, coolness and devotion to duty contributed in no small measure to the successful completion of this operational flight. He is strongly recommended for the Immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

W/O. Arthur Joseph Samuel Walker his CGM award - see Sgt. Mayer.

Burial details:

Above: A memorial dedicated to the crew was erected on the 25th June 1994.

Sgt. Stanley Mayer CGM. Heverlee War Cemetery. Collective grave 2.A.3-5. Of Balham South West London. No further details, are you able to assist? Posthumously promoted to P/O.

CGM Citation (Flying). Warrant Officer Arthur Joseph Samuel Walker (1380714), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 10 Squadron. 10402841 Flight Sergeant Stanley Mayer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 101 Squadron. This warrant officer and airman were pilot and flight engineer respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Hanover one night in September, 1943. In the run-up to the target, the bomber was illuminated by the searchlights and subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire, while immediately afterwards it was attacked by an enemy fighter. The aircraft was repeatedly hit and sustained serious damage. One of its engines was set alight but, with great coolness, Warrant Officer Walker went into a steep dive and thus evaded the fighter, whilst the force of the wind extinguished the flames. Meanwhile, a fire had started amidships. Flight Sergeant Mayer, displaying great gallantry and promptitude, made strenuous efforts to prevent the flames from spreading. He succeeded in getting the outbreak under control before he was overcome by the fumes. He was dragged clear, however, and the fire was afterwards extinguished. The situation was very serious but, undaunted, Warrant Officer Walker went on to release his bombs on the target. Displaying superb airmanship, this gallant and resolute pilot flew his crippled bomber to this country where he effected a safe landing in appalling weather. Throughout the return flight, Flight Sergeant Mayer rendered material assistance, while his exemplary conduct in the face of imminent dangers was beyond praise London Gazette No. 36230, Dated 1943-11-02

F/O. Albert William Gadd DFC. Heverlee War Cemetery. Grave 2.A.2. Son of Albert Arthur and Anna Stevens Gadd, of Gosport, Hampshire, England. Epitaph: 'Our Dearest Possessions Are Memories Of Him;.

DFC Citation: This officer is an air bomber of high merit. He has taken part in many sorties and his efforts have invariably been featured by exceptional determination. One night in September, 1943, Flying Officer Appleton participated in an attack on Hanover. When nearing the target, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and afterwards attacked by a fighter. One of the bomber's engines set alight and a fire started near the mid-upper turret. In spite of these harassing circumstances, Flying Officer Gadd coolly guided his pilot to the target where the bombs were released. He afterwards rendered valuable assistance in extinguishing the fire in the aircraft. This officer has displayed great devotion to duty and his achievements have been highly commendable. London Gazette Dated 1943-11-19

Sgt. John Kennedy Robertson. Heverlee War Cemetery. Collective grave 2.A.3-5. Son of John (died 1963 - later married Catherine McGregor Smith - died 19th December 1982, age 71, of Otago, New Zealand) and Jessie Langlands Kennedy Robertson (died 1943), of Aberdeen, Scotland. Epitaph: 'Ever Remembered',

P/O. Robert Stott DFM. Heverlee War Cemetery. Grave 2.A.1. Son of James Brown Stott and Jessie Stott; husband of Agnes Elizabeth Stott, of 174 High Street, Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. He was commissioned four days before he was killed. (LG: 31st December 1943). Epitaph: 'God Has You In His Keeping. Until We Meet Again'.

DFM Citation: In September, 1943, these airmen were rear and mid-upper gunners respectively of an aircraft which attacked Hanover. During the operation the bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire and then, whilst illuminated by the searchlights, was attacked by a fighter. Although their turrets were struck and damaged, whilst a fire burned alarmingly amidships, these gunners fought on with great coolness and drove off the attacker. Afterwards, Sergeant Hicklin was overcome by fumes but quickly recovered when dragged clear of his turret by Sergeant Stott and another member of the crew. Displaying great courage and endurance, these gallant gunners then rendered great assistance in extinguishing the fires in the fuselage. Their coolness, courage and devotion to duty in most trying circumstances were most inspiring.
London Gazette – 2 November 1943

P/O. Kenneth Norman Hicklin DFM. Heverlee War Cemetery. Collective grave 2.A.3-5. Son of Benjamin and Henrietta Hicklin, of Hounslow, Middlesex, England. Posthumously promoted to P/O. Epitaph: 'His Hope Was Bright, His Faith Was Strong'.

DFM Citation: In September, 1943, these airmen were rear and mid-upper gunners respectively of an aircraft which attacked Hanover. During the operation the bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire and then, whilst illuminated by the searchlights, was attacked by a fighter. Although their turrets were struck and damaged, whilst a fire burned alarmingly amidships, these gunners fought on with great coolness and drove off the attacker. Afterwards, Sergeant Hicklin was overcome by fumes but quickly recovered when dragged clear of his turret by Sergeant Stott and another member of the crew. Displaying great courage and endurance, these gallant gunners then rendered great assistance in extinguishing the fires in the fuselage. Their coolness, courage and devotion to duty in most trying circumstances were most inspiring.
London Gazette – 2 November 1943

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to National Archives Kew, Air27-802-45/46, International Bomber Command Centre IBCC, Theo Boiten Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1943 Part 3, Kracker Luftwaffe Archive.

Other sources as quoted below:

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