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208268Sgt. Wilfred Worthington
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 106 Squadron
from:Gorton, Manchester
(d.9th July 1943)
I was 12 years old when I heard that my Uncle Wilfred Worthington was missing and presumed dead. What I understand was, that the Lancaster was on fire, and the Canadian pilot was trying to return to base. I believe but, not certain, that 2 or 3 of the crew managed to bail out at a low altitude. My Uncle Wilfred was on the radio, the aircraft then blew up with full bomb load and nothing was found of the rest of the crew or aircraft.I have tried to find out the facts of that mission, if anyone can help it would be appreciated.
Additional Information:
There were 3 106 Squadron Lancasters lost on this operation: ED720 - 1st Lt Rosner - shot down at Cambrai, France R5573 - Sgt McLean - shot down at Harze, Belgium ED360 - F/Sgt Bristow - returned early and crashed near Wisbech, Cambs My cousin was the Wireless Operator of Rosner's crew.You are correct that 2 of the crew members from your uncle's crew survived, although injured, but the rest of the crew died in the crash. The Pilot was actually British.
I have quite a detailed account of the operation as told by Sgt Fred Smooker, the sole survivor from ED720 so let me know if you would like to know more.
Clive Smith
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