![]() ![]() ![]() “Heroic Endeavour -The Remarkable Story of One Pathfinder Force Attack, a Victoria Cross and 206 Brave Men” by Sean Feast. These members of aircraft crew displayed courage and coolness worthy of great praise. Nevertheless, Flying Officer Rigby who, during a very harassing period had set an example which greatly encouraged his crew, flew the aircraft back to the nearest available airfield. The aileron trim controls had been shot away and the rear and mid-upper gun turrets had been rendered unserviceable. Both the starboard engines were out of action. The aircraft had sustained much other damage. Both received slight burns but they succeeded in getting the fire under control. Although their clothes had become saturated with oil, thus in-creasing their danger, Flight Sergeant Coombs and Sergeant Cooper immediately devoted their endeavours towards quelling the flames. Several oil pipes were broken, became ignited and started a fire in the fuselage. Whilst over the target the aircraft was hit repeatedly by anti-aircraft fire. ![]() This officer and these airmen were pilot, wireless operator and mid-upper gunner respectively in an aircraft detailed to attack the Gremburg railway yards near Cologne. It is worth noting that EJ Rigby was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and ECL Coombs and RF Cooper were awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for their actions during this sortie. There isn’t an AM Form 1180 (Accident Card) held at the RAF Museum and, as such, it has not been possible to establish any more details The AM Form 78 (Movement Card) shows that the aircraft was classified as Cat FB/AC it was repaired on site and returned to the squadron on 26th February 1945 Approaching the target, we were engaged very accurately by predicted heavy flak right from the beginning of the oboe run. 1 x 1000lb mc jettisoned at position 5104N 0133E at 14.12hrs from 6000ft, safe, (bomb hung up) Oboe run was spoilt by aircraft “A” formatting closely on us until the last moment and thereby not giving room to manoeuvre. The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “10 x 1000lb jettisoned Cologne area at 13.05hrs from 17000ft. Ernest Clifford Leslie Coombs (Wireless Operator).It was equipped with Oboe and carrying 11 x 1000lb GP. 35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack the Gremberg Marshalling Yards at Cologne on 23rd December 1944 (Daylight Raid). Unreadable text – further work required to decipher AC ROS and was repaired and returned to the squadron on 5th August 1944 The AM Form 78 shows that the aircraft was classified at Cat. Landed at Thorney Island with 20 gallons left”. After further fuel shortage, two starboard engines feathered over beach-head. Consumption on starboard side appeared abnormal. At approximately … found fuel getting short, estimated three hours fuel left. The squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “On return, H2S failed completely – bomb door could not be closed, despite use of emergency air lock. Francis Herbert Thomas McNally (Air Bomber).35 Squadron aircraft detailed to attack Stuttgart on 24th / 25th July 1944. ![]()
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