On that day, 263 Sqn carried out 5 operations from B.105 near Lingen, Germany.
During the third operation of the day:-
“The next target was barges at Harderwijk where 14+ were attacked and 8 damaged. A direct hit was also scored with R/P on a shed on the south end of the harbour and a bright red flash was the result. 8 aircraft took part in this operation and during the attack F/Lt. N.P.C. Woodward’s aircraft was seen to crash in to the sea approx. half a mile from the harbour. It is believed he was hit by flak which was intense over the area. Although he has been reported as only missing there is very little hope of his having escaped and the Squadron has lost one of its most popular and skilful pilots.”
“Crew: S/L M.T. Rumbold, F/Ls. N.P.C. Woodward, G.E. Cassie, P/Os. J.W Shellard, D.E. Morgan, W/Os. H. Barrie, C.A. Bury, P.J. McNinley
Up 10:03 Down 11:25
The target was barges at Harderwijk. 14+ were attacked and 8 damaged. A direct hit with R/P was made on a shed at south end of harbour and a bright red flash was seen. 15+ fishing boats seen in the harbour and 14 at anchor outside harbour at Z.5620. F/Lt. Woodward’s aircraft was seen to crash into the sea approx half a mile from the harbour, believed hit by flak and is reported missing. There was intense light 20 mm and 40 mm flak from the target area.”
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