Back to results
RALPH JW
Honour this person learn more

RALPH, James

Aircraft Information
Aircraft Avro Lancaster II
Serial Number LL689
Markings KO-P
Memorial information
Burial/Memorial Country United Kingdom
Burial/Memorial Place Runnymede Memorial
Grave Reference Panel 212..
Epitaph
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase 2
Panel Number 229
Enlistment information
Service Number 171396
Service Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Group 3
Squadron 115
Trade Pilot
Country of origin if different United Kingdom
Last Operation information
Start Date 15-02-1944
End Date 16-02-1944
Takeoff Station Witchford
Day/Night raid Night
Operation Berlin. 891 aircraft- the largest raid on Berlin and in fact the largest 'non-1000' raid of the war. The bomb tonnage dropped was also a record at 2642 tons. 43 aircraft losses (4.8%). The bomber stream was tracked by the German controllers as soon as it left the English coast but a swing to the north over Denmark for the approach was effective as it was out of the range of many fighters. The controller ordered that Berlin be kept free of fighters to allow the flak batteries the full range of altitudes but many ignored the order and attacked bombers over the target. Berlin was cloud covered but the bombing was reasonably concentrated, although some bombs fell on outlying towns and villages. Damage was extensive with over 1000 houses and 526 temporary accommodation barracks destroyed. Some of the most important war industries were hit and 320 people were killed. The relatively low death toll is a reflection of the fact that large-scale evacuations had taken place by now.
Reason for Loss Shot down by a night-fighter over the Ijsselmeer. Sgt J Johnson and F/S J D Tomlin were blown clear and became PoW