R5496 OF-U from 97 Squadron



On 27th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster R5496 OF-U from 97 Squadron took off at 2030 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.

The crew reported that visibility was good with a full moon. On reaching the target area and identifying Tirpitz a 4000 lb bomb was dropped from 8,000 feet. Observations estimated that it undershot the target by about 150 yards astern of the ship and a flash was seen. The aircraft stayed in the target area until 0135 dropping flares and 500 lb bombs. Unlike the aircraft who were detailed to fly at a much lower altitute, this crew reported that although there was much light flak there was little heavy or accurate flak over the target. This crew also reported seeing an aircraft on fire which crash landed on a frozen lake to the east of Lofjord. (The aircraft that the crew witnessed crash landing on the frozen lake east of Lofjord was more than likely Halifax 1048 TL-S from 35 Squadron flown by Pilot Officer Don MacIntyre and crew - LD)

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0517 hrs on 28th April 1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
S/Ldr DUGDALE Pilot Returned
F/Sgt CROPPI 2nd Pilot Returned
F/Sgt BENNETT Navigator Returned
F/Sgt TURNER W/Op Air Gunner Returned
F/O GRIEVES Front Gunner Returned
Sgt MARTIN Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt LINNETT Tail Gunner Returned



On 28th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster R5496 OF-U from 97 Squadron took off at 2100 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.

There was almost a full moon and visibility was good. Bombed assumed position of Tirpitz from 10,000 feet. A stick of four bombs were seen to burst landward to Tirpitz. Target area filled with smoke. Heavy flak was experienced over the target, more so than on the previous nights operation. The crew experienced near bursts and also light flak. Two night fighters were observed on reciprocal course on bombing run at 8,000 feet. The records state that the crew and navigation of this aircraft were excellent.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0535 hrs on 29th April 1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
S/Ldr DUGDALE Pilot Returned
F/Sgt CROPPI 2nd Pilot Returned
F/Sgt BENNETT Navigator Returned
F/Sgt TURNER W/Op Air Gunner Returned
F/O GRIEVES Front Gunner Returned
Sgt MARTIN Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt LINNETT Tail Gunner Returned
Back to Top
© Linzee Druce 2001-2012