In memory of the crew of LM475
Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 1:46 pm
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:
Flight Engineer, Sergeant Ken Tabor, RAFVR:
Navigator, Warrant Officer Jack Purcell, RAAF:
Wireless Operator, Flight Sergeant Dale Johnston, RAAF:
Mid-Upper Gunner, Sergeant Eric Hill, RAFVR:
Rear Gunner, Flight Sergeant Gil Pate, RAAF:
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:
We WILL remember them.
Adam
Killed in action were these six airmen:
Bomb Aimer, Sergeant Jerry Parker, RAFVR:
Flight Engineer, Sergeant Ken Tabor, RAFVR:
Navigator, Warrant Officer Jack Purcell, RAAF:
Wireless Operator, Flight Sergeant Dale Johnston, RAAF:
Mid-Upper Gunner, Sergeant Eric Hill, RAFVR:
Rear Gunner, Flight Sergeant Gil Pate, RAAF:
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:
We WILL remember them.
Adam