Personnel Index - Detail
12/13 April, 1942; ESSEN/MINELAYING:
This was another disappointing raid on Essen, in which 251 bombers were dispatched with only 173 claiming to have bombed the primary target.
The squadron sent 12 aircraft on operational sorties this night.
Sgt pilot James (AT196) and crew arrived back over England in the early hours of Monday 13th, desperately short of fuel. Flying at 5,300ft the engines suddenly cut out - the pilot gave the order to bale out before leaving the aircraft himself. Tragically the remainder of the crew failed to get out in time and all three were killed in the crash. The Hampden dived into the ground at Chamberlain Charity Farm, Fitling near Aldbrough in Yorkshire. The remainder of the 49 Squadron returned safely, but 10 aircraft were reported missing from the Essen raid.
Hampden AT196
Sgt James Pilot (Safe)
Sgt H. Taylor W/Ag (Killed)
Sgt J.T. Smith A/G (Killed)
Sgt W.J. Marshall A/OB (Killed)