Most Memorable Operation

One night after returning from operations our mid-upper gunner opened fire on an un-identified aircraft. It turned out to be a Squadron Flight Commander, Sam Weller. Another incident while on the squadron in March 1944, we were sent up to check the weather. We couldn’t get the engine started, another aircraft was sent up and crashed in the River Ouse, all were killed.

Our name was still on the board, when word came in that we crashed, we became known as the GHOST crew. Another close call was when we nearly landed at Marston Moor unkowingly, our wheels were still up. This happened while we were doing curcuits and bumps

On bombing run over target we were atttacked twice. Lost all communications on first attack. I was hit on the second attack. I found out after the war that the pilot and rear gunner were killed. I was sitting over the escape hatch and after putting on my chest pack, the escape hatch was removed and I was in the way and went out feet first. Lost consciousness. Taken to hospital in Julich for four days, then moved to POW hospital in Bonn. Had surgery twice and never walked normal again until 1949.  I had further surgery and now have assisted movement with either crutches or cane.