R5494 KM-O from 44 Squadron



On 27th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster R5494 KM-O from 44 Squadron took off at 2015 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 from 6,500 feet at 0012 hrs with one 4,000 lb HC bomb which was seen to burst between Tirpitz and the North bank of the fjord. Four 500 lb GP bombs were dropped on flak concentrations on the tip of the North bank. All bombs were seen to busrt. There were heavy concentrations of light flak from both sides of Åsenfjord but no AA on Tirpitz. Some heavy flak. The smoke screen was just starting at the mouth of the fjord. Considerable light flak was experienced coming from the warships in Lofjord. Searchlights and flak were observed in the direction of Trondheim.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0355 hrs on 28th April1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
W/O Lamb Pilot Returned
P/O Gardiner 2nd Pilot Returned
Sgt Morrow Navigator Returned
Sgt Gottleib W/Op Air Gunner Returned
Sgt Norman Front Gunner Returned
Sgt Jones Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt Holman Tail Gunner Returned



On 28th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster R5494 KM-O from 44 Squadron took off at 2052 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 from 7,000 feet at 0035 hrs with one 4,000 lb spec. bomb and four 500 lb GP bomb. Bombs fell in Åsenfjord and although bursts were seen the exact position was not observed. The Pilot remarked that the visibility in the target area was excellent and that the outline of a ship the size of Tirpitz was clearly seen in Åsenfjord. Unlike the previous evening, no light flak was encountered in the immediate target area although heavy and light flak was experienced on the approach to Trondheimfjord, three warships in the fjord sent up considerable light flak. One ship in the centre of the fjord was using a small searchlight.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0438hrs on 29th April1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
W/O Lamb Pilot Returned
P/O Gardiner 2nd Pilot Returned
Sgt Morrow Navigator Returned
Sgt Gottleib W/Op Air Gunner Returned
Sgt Norman Front Gunner Returned
Sgt Jones Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt Holman Tail Gunner Returned

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