Personnel Index - Detail
21/22 February, 1945; GRAVENHORST (MITTELLAND CANAL):
A force of 165 Lancasters led by 12 Mosquitoes (all 5 Group) sallied forth once again in an attempt to breach the Mittelland Canal. This time in clear visibility the attack was successful. The second aircraft reported missing contained F/O Ed Smith RNZAF (NG327) and crew. Tragically none of them survived this, their fourth operation. Four members are buried along with their 27 year-old skipper in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, whilst the bomb aimer, F/O Edwin Hook is at rest in the Durnbach War Cemetery.
Lancaster NG327 (EA-K)
F/O E.P. Smith RNZAF Pilot (Killed)
Sgt J. Corbett F/E (P.o.W.)
F/S J. Newby NAV (Killed)
P/O E.J.F. McCarthy W/AG (Killed)
Sgt C.F.P. Burridge A/G (Killed)
F/O E.F. Hook B/A (P.o.W. died in captivity)
P/O R.J. Simpson RCAF A/G (Killed)
Crew on their 4th operation
The images below show the tragically short career of F/O Smith from Winthorpe 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit until his death in February 1945.