115 Squadron

12/13 August 1941

Wellington Mk IC - T2563 - KO-D

T/O Marham 2134. Target: Essen, Germany.

On return from the mission on Essen the aircraft was attacked four times by a Ju88C intruder piloted by
Ofw Peter Lauffs, I./NJG2. Crashed at 0220 at Smith's Farm, Scottow, 4 miles SSW of North Walsham, Norfolk.

The Wellington was badly damaged by enemy fire and headed for RAF Coltishall but missed the airfield and crashed at 2200 hrs.
The plane hit the ground approximately half way down the field and slid into the barn, catching fire and eventually burning out.
Despite the fire, locals helped the crew from the aircraft. R.A. Hodges, A.J.A. Day, C.D. Taverner and S.W. Morton all sustained
injuries and were taken to the farmhouse and given tea and first aid.
Sgt. Evans was probably killed during the mission, as the crew members heard nothing from him during the flight home.

Source: 115 Squadron Roll of Honour by D. Bruce, W. R. Chorley, J. G. J. de Haan - www Heritage Norfolk

ORB. 12 August 1941. Target Essen and Hanover. Take of between 2125 hours and 2127 hours.
9 aircraft (7 from "A" Flight and 2 from "B" Flight).

Two of the above aircraft attacked HANOVER, and bombs were dropped in the target area.
No results were observed and A/C. U.Z. (Captain Sgt. WALLACE) Wellington Mk IC Z8835 KO-U, 6 KIA,
failed to return to base after this operation.

7 aircraft attacked ESSEN and bombing from between 12.000 feet and 17.500 feet,
bombs were dropped in or near the target area. no results except fires observed.
One stick was dropped in a build up area ans a large fire was seen directly afterwards.
On the return journey A/C. D.T.2563 (Captain P/O. WOOD) was (4 times by a J.U.) attacked and
shot down at SCOTTON, NORWICH by an enemy nights fighter.
All the crew escaped with slight bruises with the exception of Sgt. EVANS the Rear Gunner who was killed.

0340. (0354?) All other aircraft had returned safely to base after operations.