Halifax LW592 damaged by flak, returned safely to East Moor airfield.
On the night of the 26th / 27th March 1944 fourteen 432 Squadron crews were tasked with flying operational flights to Essen. This specific aircraft took off from East Moor at 20.09hrs and the crew released their bomb load onto the target area from 23,500 feet at 22.12hrs. It sustained minor flak damage over the target but the pilot was able to make a return to East Moor and make a safe landing at 01.07hrs.
Pilot - F/Lt Allister Duncan Ross Lowe RCAF (J/1477).
Flight Engineer - Sgt David Charles Darnell RAFVR (1637235).
Navigator - F/Sgt Douglas Ian McLeod RCAF (R/161134).
Bomb Aimer - F/O Ralph Maxwell Potts RCAF (J/26299).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt James William Chadwick RAFVR (1397359).
Air Gunner - Sgt John Sowerby RAFVR (1624932).
Air Gunner - Sgt G Turreno RCAF (R/205169?).
He was awarded the AFC for service with 1659 HCU, Gazetted on 7th September 1945, the citation reads.."In February 1941, Wing Commander Lowe began his instructional duties in Canada at No.8 Service Flying Training School and after a year was posted to Central Flying School as deputy flight commander. He remained
at this unit until April 1943 in the capacity of flight commander and examining officer, after which he came
to England to commence his operational flying. After completing an exceptionally fine tour of operational
duty as squadron commander at No.432 Squadron, Wing Commander Lowe was posted to his present unit in the
capacity of chief instructor. His untiring efforts, sound judgement and initiative have been an inspiration
to all and have contributed largely to the success of the training programm of his unit."
He was Mentioned in Despatches on 1st January 1946, the recommendation for which states that.."This officer completed a tour of operations with No.432 Squadron in September 1944, and since that time has ben employed as Chief Instructor at this unit. The undoubted success of the training programme has
been due in no small measure to his capable guidance and industrious and far sighted efforts. His keenness
and initiative are outstanding and his reliability and excellent personality have secured him universal co-operation.
In addition, he has devoted much of his spare time to station activities and has taken an unfailing interest in
the morale and welfare of the aircrew personnel." He was also awarded the Queens's Coronation Medal while commanding 418 (Aux) Squadron in 1953.
Halifax LW592 was built to contract ACFT/1808/C4/C by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge as new by 432 Squadron at East Moor on 8th February 1944. As a result of flak damage on 27th March 1944 Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. On the 28th April 1944 it failed to return from an operational flight to Montzen
and is believed to have crashed near Sur-les-Bois, Belgium. Cat.Em damage was the damage assessment and the aircraft was struck off charge on 2nd May 1944.
Allister Lowe was born 1915 in Springhill, Nova Scotia but was living in Calgary when he enlisted there in June 1940. He was posted into 432 Squadron in late-February 1944
after completing his Halifax conversion and commenced Ops on 1st March 1944. This flak incident took place on his fifth operational flight. He was promoted to S/Ldr during the second week of April 1944 and W/C in August of the same year. He completed a tour of thirty three operational flights with 432 Squadron
following his final flight on 15th / 16th September 1944 and was the transferred to 1659 HCU to act as an
instructor. He was awarded both the DFC and AFC and laer Mentioned in Despatches. When he was awarded
the DFC he was Commanding Officer of 432 Squadron. The recommendation for his DFC was made around 30th July 1944 when he had flown twenty seven operational flights between
25th February 1944 to 25th July 1944 (135 hours flying). Notification appeared in the London Gazette on 13th October 1944. The
recommendation reads.. "Squadron Leader Lowe is a capable and confident captain whose determination to complete his sorties successfully has
been a feature of his tour. In his capacity of Flight Commander he has maintained an exceptionally high standard in every
branch of activity. His 27 sorties have been over a wide variety of targets, including some of the most heavily defended
in Germany. For his splendid qualities of leadership, loyalty and an inspiring example to those in his flight, this
officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."
Ralph Potts was born in Toronto in 1919 and enlisted there in December 1941. He too was recommendation for the
DFC for service with 432 Squadron on 17th September 1944 when he had flown thirty five operational flights between 1st March and 15th
September 1944. Notification appeared in the London Gazette on 12th December 1944 but there was no citation as such, the recommendation
was more detailed, it reads.. "As Air Bomber, this officer has completed thirty-five and a half successful operational sorties over enemy territory.
Throughout, he has displayed the greatest keenness and his example of courage and determination has been of a high order.
For his outstanding record of achievement and devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross."
Douglas McLeod was born in Orillia, Ontario in 1923 and enlisted in Hamilton in April 1942. He was recommended for the DFC for service with 432 Squadron,
the notification came through that his DFC was granted and was in the London Gazette on 17th November 1944. Again the citation was limited and the recommendation
(dated 13th August 1944 when he had completed thirty one operational flights (139 hours flying), was much more detailed, it reads.. "Warrant Officer McLeod is an above average navigator whose unerring skill has contributed in a large way to the success achieved on many sorties, including attacks on Stuttgart (twice), Frankfurt, Essen (twice) and Nuremburg. His cheerful disposition, alertness and strong sense of duty in his work has been apparent at all times. Warrant Officer McLeod's splendid record and devotion to duty is
deserving of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."
James Chadwick was born in Newcastle in 1921 but was living in Hove when he enlisted. He too was recommended for the DFC in September 1944 and had flown thirty five
operational flights, from 25th November 1943 to 15th September 1944. Notification appeared in the London Gazette on 19th January 1945 that his DFC was granted though there
was no proper citation for the award. The recommendation was detailed, it reads.. "Pilot Officer Chadwick has completed 35 and one half successful operational sorties. Many of these have been accomplished in the face of heavy opposition and against such targets as Berlin, Stuttgart, Essen and other strongly defended areas. As Wireless Operator (Air) he has
displayed great courage and skill and has at all times cooperated in the highest possible degree with other members of his crew. For
his splendid record, loyalty and devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross." He received his commission to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) on 11th July 1944, rising to F/O (war subs) on 11th January 1945.
On the same date James Chadwick received his commission one John Sowerby received his, he remained in the RAF until 1st March 1952.
All the RCAF awards details were researched by Hugh Halliday.