208889 P/O Harry Albert Clarence "Hac" Butler Royal Australian Air Force 40 Squadron from:Sydney, Australia My father, Harry Bulter enlisted June 42 aged 18 years 270 days. His initial training was at Point Cook, Victoria. He embarked for the UK in July 43 and arrived at 40 Squadron on 27.7.1944. We have a photo of the crew he flew with on his first operational flight, as an observer. The target was Ploesti. The photo clearly shows the effects of anti aircraft fire on the Wellington Mk 10 as it had being picked up by the master beam. My father returned to Ploesti twice more. His best man (Perce Harris) was also a pilot serving in the same squadron and he also completed two trips to Ploesti and his tour. On one occasion over Ploesti my father was attacked by a JU 88 night fighter. His tail gunner was credited with the destruction of the JU 88 and was awarded the DFC. My father completed his tour with his crew and was discharged in 1945.
My father's log book was stolen and on very rare occasions got to learn that it has been auctioned. I understand some pilot from either the Luftwaffe or Romania wrote of their experiences including Ploesti and we (my brother and sister) are keen to get a copy as it cites the action described previously.
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