REASON FOR LOSS:

Tragically the rear turret was shot out over Germany by another Lancaster crew flying another Lancaster (KE163). ME315 managed to return to Woodbridge airfield safely. Fl/Lt. Mellstrom D.F.C. was originally buried at the Ingelsdorf Gemeinde Cemetery, but after hostilities ceased was exhumed and reburied at the Berlin War Cemetery.

D.F.C: Medal presented to next-of-kin at Government House, 7 November 1949.  No citation other than "Completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty."  Public Records Office Air 2/9070 Dated 20 February 1945 when he had flown 44 sorties (233 hours 15 minutes), 20 February 1944 to 13 February 1945. Flying Officer Mellstrom is a very keen and excellent Air Gunner who has attacked some of the most difficult targets in Germany, including Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Essen and Cologne.  His skill, devotion to duty and his ability to size up a difficult situation quickly, makes him a very valuable crew member.  On the ground, his personality and keenness are an inspiration to less experienced Air Gunners.

     
Above left: Fl/Lt. Melborn Leslie Mellstrom D.F.C. Right: The Mellstrom Memorial at the renamed "Mellstrom Lake" at Alberta, Canada.
(With thanks to: Airman's Memorial Cairns Committee, Royal Canadian Legion, McGrane Branch No 28, Lac La Biche, Alberta and also to Geographical Names Board of Canada)


Lancaster rear turret (Courtesy I.W.M. Duxford)

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Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery (Photo courtesy C.W.G.C.)

Burial details:

Fl/Lt. Melborn Leslie Mellstrom D.F.C. Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery Grave. 5.F.37.
Son of Andrew and Inga Glen Mellstrom; husband of Irma Janet Mellstrom, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Researched by: David King / Kelvin T. Youngs (A.R. Society) Further D.F.C. information submitted by Mike Harrison
With thanks to the following: Bill Chorley - "Bomber Command Losses", Theo Boiten - "German Nightfighter War Diaries", Martin Middlebrook "Bomber Command War Diaries". The superb work of the C.W.G.C.

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