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HADFIELD G
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HADFIELD, Gerald

Aircraft Information
Aircraft Handley Page Halifax III
Serial Number LW192
Markings DY-H
Memorial information
Burial/Memorial Country Netherlands
Burial/Memorial Place Buren General Cemetery
Grave Reference Coll. grave 1-7..
Epitaph SILENT THOUGHTS TRUE AND TENDER JUST TO SHOW I STILL REMEMBER
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase 2
Panel Number 174
Enlistment information
Service Number 1047949
Service Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Group 4
Squadron 102 (Ceylon)
Trade Air Gunner
Country of origin if different United Kingdom
Last Operation information
Start Date 16-06-1944
End Date 17-06-1944
Takeoff Station Pocklington
Day/Night raid Night
Operation Sterkrade to bomb a synthetic oil plant, despite a poor local weather forecast The target was indeed covered in thick cloud and the PFF markers were not easily visible. Bombing was scattered as a result and there was little impact on production. The bomber stream passed within 30 miles of the Tame Boar night-fighter beacon that was being used that night, resulting in large bomber losses on the approach. Total losses for the night were 31 aircraft (13.6%) although losses among certain squadrons were higher still- notably 77 Sqn which Lost 7 of its 23 aircraft (30.3%).
Reason for Loss Shot about by a night-fighter and exploded, scattering debris over an area including Bourmalsen and Buren, WNW of Tiel, Holland