December 23, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Hello
I’m new here!!
I am doing some research on Canadian built Lancasters and came across some confusing internet information regarding KB704 and was wondering if one of you experts can help me out.
Here is what I found:
Site 1 states: KB704 C/N #37005 codes.. VR-Y & NA-E
Flown to England in Dec.43. This aircraft was initially with #419(B) but was reissued to #428(B) Sqdrn. and lost on a training exercise out of Middleton St George. 11.5.44
Site 2 states: 10/11 May 1944
P/O G. Holmes from 419 Sqn overshot the landing on return and damaged Lancaster X KB-704 coded VR-Y beyond repair. The crew was not injured.
Site 3 states:
Ghent May 10/11th 1944
On arriving back at base though the squadron lost one of it’s aircraft. VR-Y, KB704 ran off the runway crossed at least two ditches and became damaged to the point where it became designated as a Category “B” , labeling it too far gone to be repaired.
Pilot P/O G. E. Holmes and his crew were uninjured in the incident. A note in the squadron Ops log states ” … P/O Holmes’s logbook has been appropriately endorsed!”
On a previous mission VR-Y had carried the largest load of bombs flown out of Middle St. George, KB704 was loaded up with fourteen 1,000 pound bombs.
Site 4 states: 12/13 June 1944
Lancaster KB704 squadron ID VR-Y took off at 2135 for an attack on Cambrai France. At somepoint before or after the target was reached the aircraft was brought down at Courcelette 10 km NE of Albert just North of the main road to Bapaume. All the members of the crew were killed.
So…….maybe KB704 was damaged in May 1944, but was repaired and was lost in June 1944???
Robert
By: Robert exRCAF - 25th December 2012 at 17:56
Perfect!!! Thanks for the info. Statement 4 was taken from 419 Sqn History Page so they have the wrong tail number.
I checked on the info I have on 714 and it coincides with what you said!
Merry Christmas!
By: Wokka Bob - 23rd December 2012 at 20:25
Bomber Command Losses by W R Chorley, ISBN 0-904597-91-1, agrees with your 1st three statements.
KB704 VR-Y was lost on 10/11 May. The crew returned to base at 0144, overshot the runway and overran two ditches before coming to a stop, damaged beyond repair. No one was hurt.
However 12/13 Jun, 419 Sqn lost KB 714 (also coded VR-Y) including all crewmembers during a raid on Cambria. As stated in statement 4 but 714 not 704.
BTW, welcome aboard and merry Christmas to you.