HZ256 Wellington X HD-
  
14th April 1943
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  Pilot   P/O E F Hicks CGM, DFC - injured    
           
  Bomb Aimer   F/O R J Hopkins DSO - injured    
           
  Navigator   F/O R F Clayton DFC - injured    
           
  Wireless Operator   P/O F C Blair DFM - injured    
           
  Air Gunner  Sgt E J Field P/O F C Blair DFM, F/O R J Hopkins DSO, P/O E F Hicks CGM,DFC, F/O R F Clayton DFC, F/O F T V Cairns DFC.
       
   

     
Take off :- 21:01 Base :- RAF Leconfield Mission :- Stuttgart
     
Details :- HZ256 was attacked by a night-fighter over Germany, although the hydraulic and brake systems were damaged causing the wheels to drop and bomb doors to open, also fatally injuring the rear gunner and wounding the bomb aimer, navigator and wireless operator, they elected to continue with the mission. The 3 wounded men extracted Sgt Field from the rear turret and laboured for more than 2 hours to assist Sgt Field who later died of his wounds. Sgt Hicks landed the aircraft at RAF Ford without the aid of the flaps.
     
Sgt Field is buried in Littlehampton Cemetery.
   

  The surviving crew members all received awards for their courage, fortitude and determination in most hazardous circumstances.
     

 

  
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halifaxlv827@yahoo.co.uk