Crash Site Stirling Mk.III BK817

On June 11, 1943, sixteen aircraft were used to attack targets around Düsseldorf. One aircraft failed to return and two returned early due to engine failure. The missing aircraft was the Stiring Mk.III BK817 led by Squadron Leader R.H. laud.
The Stirling Mk.III BK817 AA-B was shot down by a night fighter (Oblt Wilhelm Telge, Stab II/ NJG1) en route to the target at 01:35 and crashed near Frodthier (Liège). All but the Rear Gunner died. They were buried at Heverlee War Cemetery.
Sgt Matthews survived and was captured.

Crew:
S/L Ronald Hugh Laud, RAF 40625 – Pilot.
Sgt. John Herbert Russell, RAFVR 1338131 – 2nd Pilot.
Sgt. Hugh Steel McQuade, RAFVR 1349542) – Navigator.
Sgt. Henry Stephen Mulholland, RAFVR 1332768 – Air Bomber.
Sgt. Thomas, Whatmough, RAFVR 1059932 – Wireless Operator.
Sgt. Aubrey Reginald Waite, RAFVR 575638 – Flight Engineer.
Sgt. Frederick John Hawkins, RAFVR 1299618 – Mid Upper Gunner.
Sgt. M.K. Matthews, RAFVR 848364 – Rear Gunner.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Joost Verheijden (1, 2), Fedor de Vries (3, 4, 5)