Hi all,
I was reading a similar thread and was amazed by the scope of knowledge and resources of you all! Thought I’d try my luck…
I’m researching a relative of mine, Douglas R Taskis (RAAF), Rear-Gunner in Lancaster W4337 (UL-R2) of 576 Sqn. He was on roster for 2 weeks.
I’ve found records stating that:
– “The aircraft crashed, cause not recorded, in the region of Monchengladbach.” On Dec 3, 1943, on mission to Berlin.
– This was 576 Sqn’s first loss.
– All crew died.
Crew
F/Sgt. J.M. Booth, RAAF +; Sgt. G.H. Kaye +; F/Sgt. R.E.D. Richards, RAAF +; Sgt. L.W.L. Godfrey, RAAF +; F/Sgt. M.N. Jennings, RAAF +; Sgt. M.W. Jones, RAAF +; F/Sgt. D.R.G. Taskis, RAAF +
The aircraft had flown 28 known operations, and suffered flak damage and other technical problems throughout it’s career. Previous Rear Gunner clained a Bf109.
I’ve seen flight paths for the Berlin operations, and this one seems to be the only with an identical, direct path both ways.
This may have also been the crew’s first operation.
I’d like to know a few things:
– Did they ever make it to target?
– What caused the crash? Flak? Fighter? Other?
Any ideas?
Thanks.
By: Carpe Diem - 20th April 2018 at 23:17
Hello all
Fascinating reading!
I am putting together the complete and most comprehensive history of my dad’s Squadron… 576… so would very much like to make contact with you. Please message me at mattDOT576sqnATgmailDOTcom
Many thanks, Carpe Diem!
Matt Wood
By: avro683 - 27th May 2007 at 23:31
Hi Linrey,
Even though the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Monchengladbach, it does not mean it was hit near there. Let me submit this scenario.
May have been hit by flak or fighter, over the target, but still able to remain airborne. If one, or both, port engines were put out of action, the aircraft would drift to the left, because of the pull of the starboard engines. If this drift could not be trimmed out, the a/c would track south of the planned route. The pilot’s only concern would be to reach any part of England, and sod the flight plan. As there were no survivors, the loss must have been rapid. Maybe one of the engines caught fire, on trying to re-start it, and flames spread to the wing and petrol tanks. From other recorded cases, this would lead to an explosion, causing structural failure and instant loss of control.
I think it unlikely the navigator would have deviated from track, while outbound.
Regards, Doug Cuthbertson.
By: Linrey - 27th May 2007 at 09:51
Hi Tom H,
I’d be amazed and grateful if you DID have some info in your dad’s logs!
I have seen the elshamwolds website before, thanks anyway! Great site, but no extra info there.. I’ll have to try contact them again…
You may have read it already, but if not, “No Moon Tonight” by Don Charlwood might interest you. It’s an account about Mr Charlwood’s time at Elsham Wolds with 103 Sqn, just before 576 Sqn was created (1942/43). Very sobering reading.
Hi avro683,
Thanks for the planned route info, had not seen that before! I was hoping that the route might help determine whether the crew were flying towards, or away from target. Can’t tell unfortunately. Seems they were WAY off-course, to be crashing near monchengladbach (near Dusseldorf).
Anyone know if there was much flak activity around Dusseldorf?
I’ve looked at the ‘Tony Wood’s Combat Claims & Casualties Lists’, and there are no claims anywhere near the crash site. And there were 41 claims for 40 actual losses! (37 confirmed though…)
By: avro683 - 25th May 2007 at 14:36
Not exactly identical flight paths. This was the planned routing for this op;
5250N/0330E – 5235N/0440E – 5238N/1004E – 5236N/1220E – Target – 5230N/1350E – 5255N/1350E – 5238N/1004E – 5235N/0440E – 5250N/0330E – Mablethorpe.
The pilot was on his 2nd op and had probably flown as a dickie pilot, shortly beforehand, so would have been on his 1st op as captain.
There is no mention on the Loss Card of a cause of loss, which is not surprising, as these cards were updated with information supplied from survivors.
Doug Cuthbertson.
By: Tom H - 25th May 2007 at 02:30
Wow…never thought I would see a reference to my Dads squadron.
I will get my brother to check his logs as I remeber something vaguely about this.
You should also get in touch with the 103 squadron/576 squadron website,
http://elshamwolds.50g.com they have been helpful tracking some of my fathers details not covered in his logs.
They may even have the story posted in their stories section.
Hope that helps
Tom H
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May 25, 2007 at 1:30 am