Mysticpuma
May 24, 2017 at 7:12 pm

Looking for information please. Bomber loss June 23rd 944 near Quinquempoix

Having heard this story recently I wonder if anyone could furnish me with some details if possible?

There were 4 casualties.

FUHR HAROLD ARTHUR
Canadian Flying Officer (Nav.) Royal Canadian Air Force 78 (R.A.F.) Sqdn. Date of Death: 23/06/1944 Service No: J/26286

IRWIN DAVID LLOYD
Canadian Flying Officer (Pilot) Royal Canadian Air Force 78 (R.A.F.) Sqdn. Date of Death: 23/06/1944 Service No: J/24814

OWEN THOMAS ROBERT
United Kingdom Sergeant (Air Gnr.) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 78 Sqdn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 23/06/1944 Service No: 1301771

SHEPSTONE BRINLEY
United Kingdom Flying Officer (W.Op./Air Gnr.) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 78 Sqdn. Age: 21 Date of Death: 23/06/1944 Service No: 157898

I’m just wondering if anyone could tell me the mission/target they were involved with and also the aircraft they were flying?

Appreciate any help, thanks in advance, Neil

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By: avion ancien - 25th May 2017 at 09:11

If you post the relevant section of the French text a French speaker may be able to help you with the finer points of translation (i.e. flak/night fighter). Alternatively or additionally, you may get more help if you post your request on a french forum such as http://www.aerostories.org/~aeroforums/forumhist/index.php.

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By: Mysticpuma - 24th May 2017 at 20:00

Final bit of detail I have found is a translation from French of the reason for the crash: “Slaughtered by night hunting”.

The difficulty I have from this translation is; does that mean by Flak or a Night Fighter?

Again, thanks for any help?

Cheers, Neil

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By: Mysticpuma - 24th May 2017 at 19:46

Well, found out some more details.

Flight Details:

Base: R.A.F. Breighton, North Yorkshire
Unit: 78 Sqdn. Bomber Command
Aircraft: Halifax Mk III, serial LK840 EY-J
Target: Laon, Aisne, France
Incident: The aircraft crashed at Quinquempoix killing four of the crew. Sgts. A. Gill and W. C. Brown were taken prisoner. Sgt. S. W. Fox survived and escaped.

I am just wondering now if there is any information on what may have been at the target area to make it the mission destination. Also if there are any details or reports of why it crashed? Finally any pictures of the crew?

Thanks, Neil