Date: 16/17th April 1945
Unit: No. 239 Squadron
Type: Mosquito NF-30
Serial: NT331
Code: HB-?
Base: Brussels - Melsbroek
Location: Base - Melsbroek
Pilot: F/O. John Hutton Bridekirk 33404 R.A.A.F. Injured
Nav/W/Op: Fl/Lt. Terence Gilronan Glasheen 413984 R.A.A.F. Injured
REASON FOR LOSS:
Took off at 02.03 hrs to patrol over Prague but crashed almost immediatly and burst into flames. The pilot F/O. Bridekirk was trapped in his seat and was saved by his navigator Fl/Lt. Glasheen who dragged the pilot clear.
F/O. Bridekirk was treated at No.8 R.A.F. general hospital for severe leg injuries whilst Fl/Lt. Glasheen received treatment at SSQ (Station Sick Quarters) Melsbroek for severe shock and burns to his hands and arms.
We are in contact with the relatives of F/O. Bridekirk and hope to have further information / photographs for this article soon.
F/O. John Hutton Bridekirk (Photo courtesy of Helen Glen, niece of John.)
Sgt. Bridekirk prior to leaving Manly N.S.W. with his fathers car.(Photo courtesy of Helen Glen, niece of John.)
With thanks to the following: Bill Chorley - "Bomber Command Losses", The superb work of the C.W.G.C. Purchase these research books "HERE"
Researched by David King (Aircrew Remembrance Society August 2009)
