419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945 Crew of Lancaster KB714

Crew of Lancaster KB714

Lancaster KB714 squadron ID VR-Y took off at 2135 for an attack on Cambrai France. At somepoint before or after the target was reached the aircraft was brought down at Courcelette 10 km NE of Albert just North of the main road to Bapaume.

All the members of the crew were killed. It was very costly raid for 419 squadron, with the loss of 12 airmen killed in three aircraft from the Squadron. Six members of other crews also became evaders and two others became POWs.

Aircraft lost were KB731 where five of the crew were killed and KB726 which was the Lancaster in which P/O Mynarski was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in the damaged aircraft.

It has been noted the mission was a limited success with costly results. But looking at the date of the raid being seven days after "D"Day the distruction or disabling of the railyards may have saved the lives of ground forces; by slowing down movement of men and supplies to German defences.

Pilot Officer

Richard William Francis

Rear Gunner Age 19 5th Op.
Killed in Action June 13 1944
From St. James Manitoba
Burial at Communal Cemetery at Meharicourt, Somme, France

Pilot Officer

Max Ennis Gates

Mid-Upper A/G Age 20, 5th Op.
Killed in Action June 13 1944
From Red Deer Alberta
Burial at Communal Cemetery at Meharicourt, Somme, France

Flying Officer

Charles Robert McOrmond

Bomb Aimer Age 31
Killed in Action June 13 1944
From St. Brides Alberta
Burial at Communal Cemetery at Meharicourt, Somme, France

Flying Officer

Douglas James McMullen

WAG Age 21
Killed in Action June 13 1944
From Campbellford Ontario
Burial at Communal Cemetery at Meharicourt, Somme, France

Flying Officer

Ross Norman Pole

Navigator Age 21
Killed in Action June 13 1944
From Sarnia Ontario
Burial at Communal Cemetery at Meharicourt, Somme, France

Flying Officer

Russel Nelson Wilson

Pilot Age 21
Killed in Action June 13 1944
From Brussels Ontario
Burial at Communal Cemetery at Meharicourt, Somme, France

Sergeant

Captain Clayton White

F/E Age 22 5th Op.
Killed in Action June 13 1944
From Gull Lake Saskatchewan
Burial at Communal Cemetery at Meharicourt, Somme, France