British Forces

Flakdamage

FBbrummbar

Wellington Mark X HE239 of No.428 Sqn. RCAF, after its rear turret was blasted off by German flak, April, 1943 Damage to Vickers Wellington Mark X, HE239 'NA-Y', of No. 428 Squadron RCAF based at Dalton, Yorkshire, resulting from a direct hit from anti-aircraft gun fire while approaching to bomb Duisburg, Germany on the night of 8/9 April 1943. Despite the loss of the rear turret and its gunner, Sgt. Lorenzo Bertrand (RAF 1050195) as well as other extensive damage, the pilot, Sergeant L F Williamson, continued to bomb the target, following which it was found that the bomb doors could not be closed because of a complete loss of hydraulic power. Williamson nevertheless brought HE239 and the remainder of his crew back for a safe landing at West Malling, Kent, where this photograph was taken. Pilot: Sgt L.F. Williamson R-107665 Navigator: F/Sgt W. Watkins R-92787 Bomb Aimer: F/Sgt H. Parker R-100022 Wireless Operator: Sgt J. Powley 1203562 Rear gunner: Sgt L. Bertrand 1050195 Sgt. Bertrand's body was found near Holtwick/Haltern am See (Germany) and he was buried at a cemetery near Sythen (Ehrenfriedhof) on 9 April 1943 and later exhumed to Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. (Colourised by Mark at Canadian Colour) https://www.facebook.com/canadiancolour?fref=ts