Personnel Index - Detail

Name
BAIRD
First Names
W J
Rank
Sgt
Service
RAF
Service Number
742402
Crew Position
Pilot
PoW Date
04/02/1941
Aircraft
Hampden P4299
Target
Düsseldorf
PoW Camp(s)
Stalags Luft 1 , Luft 3 , Luft 6 and Luft 4
PoW Number
479

 

Article courtesy of Bettie Baird

Click this link to view a more readable version (in a new window)

The newspaper article is courtesy of Bettie Baird

4/5 February, 1941:

DÜSSELDORF: After two earlier false starts, the unit dispatched 6 aircraft in conjunction with 12 from 83 Squadron to attack Düsseldorf. One 49 aircraft was detailed to carry a camera for 'special reconnaissance'; the crew was instructed to photograph the target and any other suitable objectives. Five of 49's aircraft managed to bomb the target, although 8/10ths cloud covered the area. The aircraft from both squadrons all returned with the exception of Sgt Baird (P4299) and crew of 49 Squadron; fortunately all four of the crew survived to become P.o.W.'s

Sgt W.J. Baird Pilot (P.o.W.)
Sgt R.I. Eastwood 2nd Pilot (P.o.W.)
Sgt T.R.H. Hawkes (P.o.W.)
Sgt L.W. Homard W/OP (P.o.W.)
 

'Posted Out' in 2008