Personnel Index - Detail
Don Wares is indicated......click the image or this link for a larger version (opens in a new window).
Once qualified, Sgt Wares undertook further training....click the image or this link for a larger version (opens in a new window).
The location of these two courses is not yet known.
Bestman, Sgt Ray Barlow, Sgt Donald Wares, Jessie Wares (née Bell) and Donald's sister, Diana on the wedding day......21st July 1943.
L to R: Sgt Ray Barlow, Sgt Tim O'Leary, Sgt Don Wares and, we believe, - F/O Elmer Hepburn and Australian, Sgt W Fitzgerald
Two months later, newly promoted, P/O Wares flew two 'Second Dickie' operations with Sgt Edy on the 27th & 29th September 1943.
His first operation as captain is described below.
7/8th October 1943, STUTTGART:
Returning damaged from their raid Lancaster ED426 piloted by Pilot Officer Don Wares hit a ridge of high ground. Three of the crew were killed in the crash, two were taken prisoner and two evaded capture.
Lancaster ED426 (EA-P)
P/O D. Wares Pilot (Evader)
Sgt A.H. Brownlie F/E (Killed)
Sgt T.T. O'Leary NAV (Killed)
Sgt J.R. Barlow W/AG (Evader)
Sgt G. Attwood A/G (P.o.W.)
F/O E.J. Hepburn RCAF B/A (Killed)
F/S W. Fitzgerald RAAF A/G (P.o.W.)
See "The Long Walk Home" in the Documents section for more details.
"Posted out" 1992.
On Friday 8th October 2021 a memorial stone was unveiled in the Commercy Forest near to the crashsite.
Click this link to read more about the event.