R5492 KM-M from 44 Squadron



On 27th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster R5492 KM-M from 44 Squadron took off at 2025 hrs from RAF Lossiemouth on the North East coast of Scotland to participate in an attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz which was moored at the time in Fættenfjord in Norway.

Tirpitz was attacked at 0028 hrs from a height of 8,000 feet with one 4,000 lb HC bomb and four 500 lb GP bombs. The target was in sights when the bombs were released in a stick. A reflected flash was observed but it is unknown if the target was hit although the crew believed it was a near miss. The pilot reported seeing no searchlights.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0415 hrs on 28th April1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
W/O Osborn Pilot Returned
F/Sgt Rowan Parry 2nd Pilot Returned
Sgt Barr Navigator Returned
Sgt Hughes W/Op Air Gunner Returned
Sgt Williamson Front Gunner Returned
F/Sgt Williams Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt Brown Tail Gunner Returned



On 28th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster R5492 KM-M from 44 Squadron took off at 2050 hrs from RAF Lossiemouth on the North East coast of Scotland to participate in an attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz which was moored at the time in Fættenfjord in Norway.

Tirpitz was attacked at 0029 hrs from a height of 8,000 feet with one 4,000 lb RDX bomb and three 500 lb GP bombs. The Rear Gunner saw bombs go in 50 yards astern of the ship and a large burst was seen with a dull red explosion near to the ship. One 500 lb GP bomb hung up and was brought back to base. In his remarks, the Pilot said that the outward and homebound trips were uneventful and the crew were able to map read to the target. One bombing run was made and all bombs were dropped in one stick with the 4,000 lb bomb in the centre. The Rear Gunner and Navigator confirmed that a large burst was seen close to Tirpitz the percussion of which was felt in the aircraft.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0445 hrs on 29th April1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
W/O Osborn Pilot Returned
F/Sgt Rowan Parry 2nd Pilot Returned
Sgt Barr Navigator Returned
Sgt Hughes W/Op Air Gunner Returned
Sgt Williamson Front Gunner Returned
F/Sgt Williams Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt Brown Tail Gunner Returned

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