Crew of Halifax JD270
Halifax JD270 had completed it's mission over Berlin and had escaped into the darkness
past the ring of searchlights when a fighter aircraft either through accident or intentionally crashed into the
port wing of the Halifax.This damaged the port wing controls and caused the port outer engine to catch fire. Neither the work of the Pilot or the Flight Engineer Sgt. J T Mullany could bring the aircraft back under control. With the Halifax vibrating badly and sections falling off the order to bail out was given.
The wireless operator Sgt. Duggan who was dropping the radar jamming strips called "Window" when the crash occurred was thrown off balance but still managed to make his way to the rear escape hatch.
Sgt. Boos and Sgt Scharf also all left by the rear escape hatch, the other members of the crew, Sgt. Cameron, Sgt. Mullany, Sgt. Birtch and Sgt. Wintzer were not seen to leave the aircraft.
