L7541 KM-U from 44 Squadron



On 27th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster L7541 KM-U from 44 Squadron took off at 2012 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 a height of 7,500 feet at 00.20 hrs with one 1,000 lb bomb being released. Due to evasive action taken by the pilot as soon as the bomb was released, the crew were unable to observe bursts and did not know if the Tirpitz had been hit. Four 500 lb GP bombs were released on flak positions but no results observed.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0407 hrs on 28th April1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
F/Lt Barlow (DFC) Pilot Returned
Sgt Knight 2nd Pilot Returned
Sgt Robertson Navigator Returned
F/Sgt Fairbrother W/Op Air Gunner Returned
Sgt Johnson Front Gunner Returned
Sgt Juggins Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt Miller Tail Gunner Returned



On 28th April 1942, the crew of Lancaster L7541 KM-U from 44 Squadron took off at 2049 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 0031 hrs from a height of 7,000 feet at 00.20 hrs with one 4,000 lb GP and 4 500 lb bombs being released at light flak positions North East of the target. The target was in sights but it is not known if it was hit although bombs are believed to have fallen at or very near to Tirpitz. No bursts were seen. The pilot reported light flak but not as heavy as on the previous night's operation. No enemy aircraft were seen. I.F.F. (Identify Friend or Foe) was used in the target area. Encountered one search light five miles before target area which was extinguished and not seen again. No balloons or dummies were seen and no smoke screen before bombs were released. No other camouflage was seen. Heavy Naval battery firing in vicinity of target.

The aircraft and crew returned safely to RAF Lossiemouth landing at 0417 hrs on 29th April1942.


Rank
Name
Force Crew Position Age
Home Town
Fate
F/Lt Barlow (DFC) Pilot Returned
Sgt Knight 2nd Pilot Returned
Sgt Robertson Navigator Returned
F/Sgt Fairbrother W/Op Air Gunner Returned
Sgt Johnson Front Gunner Returned
Sgt Juggins Mid Gunner Returned
Sgt Miller Tail Gunner Returned

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