Date: 03/04th May 1944 (Wednesday/Thursday)
Unit: No. 9 Squadron
Type: Lancaster BI
Serial: LL787
Code: WS-Y
Base: R.A.F. Bardney, Lincolnshire
Location: Normee
Pilot: F/O. James Frank Ineson 144953 R.A.F.V.R. Age 22. Killed
Fl/Eng: P/O. Leonard Charles Margetts 188929 R.A.F.V.R. Age 29. Killed (1)
Nav: P/O. Hugh Fraser Mackenzie J/85814 R.C.A.F. Age 21. Killed
Air/Bmr: F/O. Terry L.M. Porteous R.N.Z.A.F. P.O.W. No further details.
W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt. Henry Robert Warren 1391942 R.A.F.V.R. Age ? Killed
Air/Gnr: Sgt. Harry S. Chappell Evaded
Air/Gnr: Sgt. James Wilkinson 2209695 R.A.F.V.R. Age 21. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Took off at 21.52 hrs from R.A.F. Bardney, Lincolnshire to support the troops on the invasion of Europe. The target for the 346 Lancaster's and 14 Mosquitoes was the German military camp close to the French village of Mailly.
The operation was a success as far as the bombing was concerned with 114 barrack buildings destroyed, 47 transport sheds and some ammunition buildings in the camp destroyed, 192 vehicles, 37 tanks were also hit. 218 German soldiers were killed and a further 156 injured. 1,500 tons of bombs were dropped. But, due to the delays in signalling the main force to come in and bomb the Luftwaffe night fighters were waiting for them. 43 were lost this night - 177 aircrew killed, 18 being taken p.o.w. and 31 evading capture.
LL787 was thought to have been shot down by a night fighter but no positive claim can be placed against this loss.
The Lancaster came down at Normee 8 km. north east of Fere-Champenoise. Sgt Chappell escaped with the assistance of the local Maquis.
F/O. James Frank Ineson receiving his wings (Courtesy Jennifer Graham)
F/O. James Frank Ineson during training (Courtesy Jennifer Graham)
F/O. James Frank Ineson during training in Canada (Courtesy Jennifer Graham)
Moseley Grammar School and Memorial
(1) P/O. Leonard Charles Margetts was a former pupil of Moseley Grammar school (Now secondary/grammar school). We are working very closely with the school's historians to remember all the ex pupils who died whilst serving with the RAF and recorded on the school memorial.
Burial details:
F/O. James Frank Ineson. Normee Churchyard Grave 2.
Son of William and Sarah Jeanetta Ineson of 77 Brookroyd Lane, Batley, husband of Monica W. Ineson, of Woodbine Cottage, Moortop, New Farnley, Leeds, Yorkshire.
P/O. Leonard Charles Margetts. Normee Churchyard Collective Grave 1.
Son of William Luke and Lucy Margetts; husband of Frances Christine Margetts, of 17 Melville Terrace, Edinburgh.
P/O. Hugh Fraser Mackenzie. Normee Churchyard Collective Grave 1.
Son of Cpl. R105811 George Fraser MacKenzie R.C.A.F. and Cecile Leonore MacKenzie, of Spirit River, Alberta. Canada.
Sgt. Henry Robert Warren. Normee Churchyard Collective Grave 1.
Son of Mr. F.J. Warren of 74 Warwickshire street, Deptford, London.
Sgt. James Wilkinson. Normee Churchyard Collective Grave 1.
Son of Mr. G. Wilkinson of 23 Cavendish Road, Urmston, Nr. Manchester.
Acknowledgments: With thanks to the following: Keith Townsend historian of Moseley Secondary/Grammar school memorial records, Jennifer Graham - who has a huge amount of information on this operation - indeed the crew details, Bill Chorley - "Bomber Command Losses", Theo Boiten - "German Nightfighter War Diaries", Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt "Bomber Command War Diaries". Commonwealth Graves Commission
