Date: 5th April 1943
Unit: No. 21 Squadron
Type: Ventura I
Serial: AE839
Coded: YH-A
Location: Cornwall
Pilot: F/O. Gerald Lambert Hicks 104530 R.A.F.V.R. Age; 32, Survived (1)
Co/pilot: Fl/Sgt. Frederick James Bowles 1163245 R.A.F.V.R. Age; 26, Survived (1)
Air/Gnr: Sgt. Rees R.A.F.V.R. Survived
Airm/Gnr: Sgt. Frederick Taylor 1017135 R.A.F.V.R. Age; 29, Survived (1)
REASON FOR LOSS:
Took off at 16.40 hrs from Portreath as part of a Ramrod to attack an oil tanker at Brest. AE839 was shot and badly damaged by both flak and Luftwaffe Fw. 190's. Managed to return to safe territory but forced to ditch off Portreath, Cornwall. All crew were picked up safe within twenty minutes by fisherman. A further 3 Ventura's from 21 Squadron were also shot down with all crews losing their lives. (AE715 YH-X - AE726 YH-H - AE852 YH-S.)
(1) Survived this trip but lost their lives in another operation just 2 weeks later!
AE839 of 21 Squadron before this operation
With thanks to the following: Bill Chorley - "Bomber Command Losses Vol 3", Martin Middlebrook "Bomber Command War Diaries". The C.W.G.C.
