Crash Site Handley Page Halifax B Mark II JB855 EY-S

This Handley Page Halifax II was shot down by a night fighter, captained by Hptm Wilhelm Herget (I/NJG1), on 23 June 1943. It crashed on the border with Dinther at 01.55. Four crew members were killed, two captured. Sgt George Duffee (DFC) managed to escape back to England.

Pilot: F/Lt L.H. Knight
2nd pilot: Sgt. G.W.H. Duffee
Flight Engineer: Sgt. F.C Simons
Navigator: F/O H.J. Standfast
Bomb Aimer: F/O R.D. Caldecourt
Wireless Operator: F/O S.A.C. Cutler
Mid Upper Gunner: Sgt F.J.R. Bain
Rear Gunner: F/Sgt J. Lee

Aircraft details:
Built by English Electric Co (Samlesbury & Preston) this particular aircraft was delivered to 138 Sqn between 28th February and 23rd March 1943. It was later reallocated to 78 Sqn.

The crew were briefed to attack Mullheim. The ATD of the aircraft from RAF Breighton, Yorkshire was 2303.

JB855/EY-H was one of two 78 Swn aircraft lost on this operation. See also; W7930/EY-?

"As boy I visited the crash site with my parents and remember a family showing us a photograph of the Halifax wing that had become detached from the rest of the aircraft while still in the air. It had landed close to their house." - T. G. Duffee

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Source

• Text: Kaj Metz
• Photos: Martin Damen
• Neergestorte vliegtuigen in Veghel 1940-1945
• Information sheet Halifax BII JB855 EY-S