Date: 14/15th January 1945
Unit: No. 692 Squadron P.F.F
Type: Mosquito B. XVI
Serial: MM128
Code: P3 -
Location: Belgium? Unknown
Base: Graveley.
Pilot: Flying Officer George Peter Chaundy Age 24. D.F.M. RAFVR 161264 Age 24 Killed
Navigator: Flight Sergeant George Francis Ayre Age 29. RAAF 433081 Age 29. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Fourteen aircraft detailed for operations. Mosquito MM128 took-off from GRAVELEY at 21.06 hours, loaded with a single 4,000lb "cookie".
The raid was led by S/L W. C. Brodie, DSO, DFM (pilot) and F/L K. R. Triggs DFC (navigator) in Mosquito Mk.XVI, serial number MM182.
One aircraft cancelled owing to a burst tyre on take-off, one aircraft missing. Of the remainder, nine aircraft bombed Berlin and three bombed secondary target's owing to technical trouble. Only four aircraft dropped their "cookies" during the first wave on the big city. One aircraft bombed Bonn and another Cologne due to technical failures. Over Berlin the sky was clear and excellent results were observed both on marking the target and bombing. Opposition from the enemy was slight, a few searchlights with slight heavy flak, although a few fighter flares were observed.
During the second wave, again one aircraft failed to reach the target and bombed Euskirchen using Gee. It was clear weather over the target and moderate results were observed, marking being scattered. On the whole, not a bad prang. It was however marred by the fact that two of our aircraft did not return! One being reported as crashed in this country, with the pilots body being found nearby. In F/O J. P. Morgan, the dead pilot, the Squadron lost an excellent Captain. There is no news of his navigator Sgt Sturrock, whose opened parachute has been discovered.
The second Mosquito lost by the Squadron was MM128 flown by F/O G. R. P. Chaundy DFM and F/S G. F. Ayre R.A.A.F .
The reason for the loss is unclear, but sadly both crew members perished. F/O Chaundy had served in the Middle East with No.148 Sqdn, details of his DFM having appeared in the London Gazette on the 23rd March 1943.
Flying Officer George Peter Chaundy D.F.M. killed in action
The Distinguished Flying Medal has been awarded to Sgt. George Raymond Peter Chaundy, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. D. Chaundy, of 81, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, and an Old Boy of Southfield School.
"This airman," states the citation, "has captained an aircraft crew during his last 33 sorties, and has invariably pressed home his attacks with determination and skill in adverse circumstances and in the face of severe enemy oppostion. In November, 1942, he participated in a double sortie against enemy transport concentrations in the battle area. During the second flight he made five runs over the target, causing an immense explosion, followed by large fires. On several other occasions Sgt. Chaundy has been successful in bombing operations against motor transport. He has always displayed courage, coolness and determination."
Burial details:
Flying Officer George Peter Chaundy . D.F.M. RAFVR 161264 Schoonselhof Cemetery Grave. V.A. 80.
Son of Alan E. Denis and Dorothy Kate Chaundy, of Oxford; husband of Dorothy Joan Chaundy.
Flight Sergeant George Francis Ayre RAAF 433081 Schoonselhof Cemetery Grave. V.A. 81.
Son of George Charles and Florence May Ayre, of Lane Cove, New South Wales, Australia. A.I.C.A.
Researched by David King (Aircrew Remembrance Society) With thanks to Mike Harrison for additional information and grave photograph. With thanks to the following: Bill Chorley - "Bomber Command Losses", Martin Middlebrook "Bomber Command War Diaries". The superb work of the C.W.G.C. Purchase these research books "HERE"
