Personnel Index - Detail
5/6 April, 1942; COLOGNE/LEAFLETS:
A mixed force of 263 bombers was sent to bomb Cologne on a night of poor visibility and thick cloud. 49 Squadron started taking off from Scampton during the first hour of Monday 6th, 11 Hampdens becoming airborne by 00.38hrs.
The attack on Cologne was scattered and stretched right across the city. As well as dropping bombs, aircraft also dropped leaflets within the target area. Five aircraft failed to return from the raid, 4 Wellingtons, and one 49 Squadron Hampden. A night fighter shot P/O Kay DFM (AT156) and crew down over Philippeville, Belgium. The pilot and Sgt Ainger were able to escape from the stricken aircraft, but Sgt's Bob Brown and Jim Waddell were sadly killed; they rest side by side in Charleroi Cemetery, Belgium.
Hampden AT156 (EA-C)
P/O D. Kay DFM Pilot (P.o.W.)
Sgt R.W.B. Brown A/OB (Killed)
Sgt J. Waddell W/AG (Killed)
Sgt S. Ainger (Evader)