62 Squadron Airman 13-2-1945 (India)

[Martyn A Critchlow]

Looking for details on the death of Flt Sgt Harry WOODHOUSE 1543235 on 13-2-1945. Is buried in the Imphal War Cemetery, and is shown as Killed In Action.

Other 62 squadron casualties on that day include:
Flt Lt Joseph Barker GOODWIN 110830
Flt Sgt Ronald James HILL 1321535
Fly Off Frank Hubert PICKARD 153396

Many thanks
Martyn

[peter]

13-Feb-45 FD928 Dakota 62Sqn Near Kangla Assam

The aircraft was returning from a supply dropping sortie and had been diverted from its home base because of the poor weather conditions prevailing. It seems the crew did not receive the diversion message and once again the radio frequencies were changed by arrangements with the USAAF authorities but not notified to this crew in their pre-sortie briefing. On reaching the airfield the weather conditions were found to be cloud with a ceiling of 400 feet but despite knowing there were hills in close proximity to the airfield, the pilot descended into the cloud and the aircraft struck the high ground and burst into flames after impact. Subsequently, it was discovered that the signal notifying the frequency changes had not been received by the parent squadron until 5 hours after the accident. It was commented that the Wing HQ could have passed the frequency change direct to the aircraft on the existing frequency before the change was implemented.

Flight Lieutenant Joseph Barker GOODWIN 35 Pilot
Flying Officer Frank Hubert PICKARD 21 Co-Pilot
Flight Sergeant Harry WOODHOUSE 23 Navigator
Flight Sergeant Ronald James HILL 23 Wireless Operator

'Though Without Anger' Cummings.

Hope this is a help

Regards
Peter

[Martyn A Critchlow]

Peter,

Many thanks for giving me the full details.

All the best
Martyn