Hi all–bit of a shot in the dark, but…
I’m trying to trace the serial and aircraft letter of a 408 Sqn RCAF Lancaster II that was shot down at Seeburg, Germany, in the early hours of 26 February 1944. This is in connection with a painting I’m doing for a highschool reunion in May. Would like to show the precise ID of the Lanc if I can; if not, I’ll have to show her from an angle that allows one of the fins to block out that part of the aft fuselage! :rolleyes:
Thanx in advance for any leads…
Steve T
By: Steve T - 13th April 2006 at 21:46
Kev/Alan–
Many thanks…is this forum great or what! DS791 it is; that crew listing confirms it absolutely, F/O Ridgers was the central character in the story as it relates to the high school (Westdale SS, here in Hamilton)…his school ring was found near the crash site by a local Seeburg resident in 1958, the connection to the school just being established earlier this year in what is the school’s 75th anniversary. The ring was recently returned to the Ridgers family, who are donating it to the school. I hope to give the school a painting of the Lanc during the May reunion. (Come to think of it maybe I’ll do two, one for the school and one for the family…)
Cheers–thanks again
Steve T
By: Alan Clark - 13th April 2006 at 21:20
Bomber Command losses records two 408 Sqn Lancaster Mk.IIs for the night of the 25th/26th Feb 44. One of them was abandoned over France so it must be the other. That aircraft was Lancaster Mk.II DS791 coded EQ-F six of the crew were killed and one survived and was taken prisoner.
The crew who were killed are:
Flt Lt W. R. Smith DFC, RCAF
Sgt F. Crofts, RAF
F/O C. F. Ridgers DFC, RCAF
Flt Sgt L. S. Beer, RCAF
Flt Sgt R. E. Bowler, RAF
Flt Sgt C. O. Draper, RCAF
The sole survivor was Flt Sgt D. G. Mullock, RCAF
By: kev35 - 13th April 2006 at 21:16
Steve.
Chorley’s Bomber Command Losses indicates that it was DS791 EQ-F and that it was on an operation against Augsburg. Only th rear gunner survived to become POW. A second 408 Squadron a/c was lost that night, this being DS845 EQ-T which was abandoned near Abbeville. Two of the crew evaded.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
kev35
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April 13, 2006 at 8:49 pm