166 Sqn Lancaster ND857 3/4 May 1944.

[John Williams]

Hi All,

This aircraft came under attack on its return from the Mailly-Le-Camp raid from Lt Helm and crew in a Me110 in a running fight in which Lt Helm and crew were shot down and killed. Lancaster ND857 was severely damaged but limped home.

Does anyone know the crew names and if any were wounded or killed and if the aircraft was a write off on return.

Many thanks,

Cheers,

John.

[cyflyer1]

John,
here's the page from 'On Wings of War' about ND857 that should answer your questions. Hope it helps. Apparently it was repaired and was eventually struck off charge in May 1947.

[alieneyes]

Hi John,

The crew of NZ422278 F/Sgt A Gibson (sic shown as RCAF) were on board Lancaster ND857 (AS-K). T/o 2200 return 0230

"Bombed at 8,000ft at 0024 hrs on red spot fire. Attacked by fighter at 0045 hrs. Sustained damage to MU turret, coolant, engines, control surfaces and leading edge of starboard wing. Enemy aircraft claimed as destroyed. Starboard outer engine feathered & return journey made on three engines. Remaining three engines cut due to shortage of fuel just short of Tangmere and successful glide-landing made with no engines functioning"

NZ422278 Alan Worrington Gibson DFM RNZAF (Pilot)
1803273 Sgt Sidney Lipman (F/E)
148743 F/O Charles Martin DFC (Navigator)
423975 Flt. Sgt. Victor Vladimir Zamiatin RAAF (Air Bomber)
1181094 Sgt Ronald Edward Moisey (W/Op)
1866577 Sgt Peter Cameron (AG)
1588335 Sgt Alfred Bowden DFM (A/G)

Both Gibson and Bowden awarded immediate DFMs.

Air14/3463 "Kew - Air Ministry and Royal Air Force records Date: 01 January 1944 - 31 May 1945" shows damage caused to ND857 by fighters "

Regards,

Dave

[John Williams]

Thanks cyflyer1,
That does answer nearly all my questions, it is very much appreciated. The only outstanding thing, we the aircraft repaired and put back in service or was it too badly damaged.

Cheers,

John.

[John Williams]

Hi Dave,

Many thanks mate very much appreciated.

Cheers,

John.

[cyflyer1]

John, I added an edit to say that it was repaired and returned to service. It takes more than that to write off a Lanc. Struck off in May 1947. This according to 'Avro lancaster the definitive Record'

[John Williams]

Thanks cyflyer1,

I didn’t think it would have been written off, but then I wasn’t sure how much damage it had received until I read you article. Thanks for all your help.

Cheers,

John.