R5502 OF-M from 97 Squadron



On 28th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster R5502 OF-M 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.

Visibility was good apart from a slight smoke screen in the target area. One 4,000 lb bomb was dropped from 8,000 feet and seen to burst falling around 150 yards South East of Tirpitz. Three of the four 500 lb bombs landed 100 yards to the East of the target in the fjord while one landed on the shore. Bursts were seen from all. Searchlights were active in the area and the aircraft was caught and held in by them for several minutes. Flak was accurate for height and direction.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0500 hrs on 29th April 1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
W/O HARRISON Pilot Returned
Sgt CROUCH 2nd Pilot Returned
Sgt PLATTEN Navigator Returned
Sgt PRESTON W/Op Air Gunner Returned
Sgt FARARA Front Gunner Returned
F/Sgt OATES Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt TOWNLEY Tail Gunner Returned
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