Crash Site Handley Page Halifax B Mark II JB855 EY-S

This Handley Page Halifax II was shot down on 23 June 1943 during a mission to Mulheim above Veghel by Captain Wilhelm Herget (I/NJG1). The aircraft, which had taken off from RAF Breighton, crashed at 01:55 on the border with Dinther. Five crew members were killed, two were taken prisoner of war and the eighth crew member, Sgt. George Duffee (DFC), managed to reach England with the help of the resistance.

Pilot: F/Lt L.H. Knight
2nd pilot: Sgt. G.W.H. Duffee
Flight Engineer: Sgt. F.C Simons
Navigator: F/O H.J. Standfast
Bomb Aimer: F/O R.D. Caldecourt
Wireless Operator: F/O S.A.C. Cutler
Mid Upper Gunner: Sgt F.J.R. Bain
Rear Gunner: F/Sgt J. Lee

Aircraft details:
Built by English Electric Co (Samlesbury & Preston) this particular aircraft was delivered to 138 Sqn between 28th February and 23rd March 1943. It was later reallocated to 78 Sqn.

The crew were briefed to attack Mullheim. The ATD of the aircraft from RAF Breighton, Yorkshire was 2303.

JB855/EY-H was one of two 78 Swn aircraft lost on this operation. See also; W7930/EY-?

"As boy I visited the crash site with my parents and remember a family showing us a photograph of the Halifax wing that had become detached from the rest of the aircraft while still in the air. It had landed close to their house." - T. G. Duffee

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Source

• Text: Kaj Metz
• Photos: Martin Damen
• Neergestorte vliegtuigen in Veghel 1940-1945
• Information sheet Halifax BII JB855 EY-S