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In memory of the crew of LM475

Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 1:46 pm
by kookabat
Seventy years ago tonight the crew of LM475, B for Baker of 467 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, took off from Waddington for what would turn out to be their final flight. They failed to return from a raid on Lille, one of twelve aircraft lost that night.

Killed in action were these six airmen:

Bomb Aimer, Sergeant Jerry Parker, RAFVR:
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Flight Engineer, Sergeant Ken Tabor, RAFVR:
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Navigator, Warrant Officer Jack Purcell, RAAF:
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Wireless Operator, Flight Sergeant Dale Johnston, RAAF:
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Mid-Upper Gunner, Sergeant Eric Hill, RAFVR:
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Rear Gunner, Flight Sergeant Gil Pate, RAAF:
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The only survivor of the crew - and indeed the only survivor from the twelve aircraft lost that night - was the pilot, Squadron Leader Phil Smith, who evaded capture and returned to the UK and eventually Australia. Phil died in 2003:

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We WILL remember them.

Adam

Re: In memory of the crew of LM475

Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 2:36 pm
by ME453
And well done Adam for all the effort that you have put into making sure the sacrifice of these brave chaps is never forgotten.

Max

Re: In memory of the crew of LM475

Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 11:12 pm
by PAFG
Thank you, Adam. A very quiet and moving tribute. We will remember them.

Richard