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
In memory of the crew of LM475
In memory of the crew of LM475
Remembering the crew of 467 Sqn Lancaster LM475 PO-B Jan-May 1944
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Re: In memory of the crew of LM475
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
Max
www.ordinarycrew.co.uk
Dedicated to the crew of Lancaster ME453 467 squadron
Dedicated to the crew of Lancaster ME453 467 squadron
Re: In memory of the crew of LM475
Thank you, Adam. A very quiet and moving tribute. We will remember them.
Richard
Richard