Crash Site Avro Lancaster Mk III PB523

On December 23, 1944 at 10:23h. in bad weather, Avro Lancaster Mk III PB523 582 Sqdn. departed from England Little Staughton for a bombing mission over Cologne (Germany).
The plane was hit, after which five crew members jumped out of the plane.
F/S George Hobbs was killed. Cpt Thomas flew on with the injured W/O Frederik Campbell to reach liberated area. Both perished at the crash at 13:15h. in Opitter. Frederik Campbell was only married for 14 days.

Crew members:
Pilot : Flight Lieutenant Peter Alfred Thomas DFC RAFVR 172593 [Killed]
Flight Engineer : Flight Sergeant Vivian George Hobbs RAFVR 1816098 [Killed]
Navigator : Flying Officer William Ewart Vaughan RCAF J/24199 [PoW]
Bomb Aimer : Flight Lieutenant Ayton Richardson Whitaker RAF 100053 [PoW]
Wireless Operator : Warrant Officer Herbert Fuller RAF 1515746 [PoW]
Mid-Upper Gunner : Sergeant G Fallon RAF [PoW]
Rear Gunner : Pilot Officer Frederick William Campbell RCAF J/94493 [Killed]

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Source

• Text: Infobord - Geschied- en Heemkundige Kring Groot-Bree
• Photos: Luc Van Waeyenberge