Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Bombercrew.com Forum -> Bombercrew.com Forum -> F/O Colin Maxwell HAY ( RCAF navigator ) - DSO - No.432 Squadron - landed the plane
Post Info TOPIC: F/O Colin Maxwell HAY ( RCAF navigator ) - DSO - No.432 Squadron - landed the plane
Treez


Aircraftsman 1st Class

Status: Offline
Posts: 3
Date:
F/O Colin Maxwell HAY ( RCAF navigator ) - DSO - No.432 Squadron - landed the plane
Permalink   

I am looking for any info on this event, especially if any of his aircrew gave accounts of the sortie.

No mention of his a/c type either.

Unfortunately his plane was shot down by a UK coastal battery a few months later in 1945.

 

One night in September 1944, Flying Officer Hay was the navigator of an aircraft detailed to attack Bottrop.  It was his third operational mission.  Whilst over the target the pilot was severely wounded and lost control of the aircraft which went into a dive.  Displaying great promptitude, Flying Officer Hay took over the controls and succeeded in levelling out.  Although inexperienced as a pilot and despite the fact that some of the instruments were unserviceable, he flew the aircraft back ti an airfield and landed it.  On touching down the under-carriage collapsed and the aircraft caught fire but the crew got clear uninjured.  This officer displayed great coolness and resource and was undoubtedly responsible for the ultimate safety of his comrades.

HAY, F/O Colin Maxwell (J39394) - Distinguished Service Order - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 5 December 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945.  Born in Winnipeg; home there (salesman).  Enlisted Winnipeg, 29 July 1941.  Trained at No.5 AOS (graduated 14 August 1942.  Commissioned 1943.



-- Edited by Treez on Saturday 29th of November 2014 03:12:54 PM

__________________
Treez


Aircraftsman 1st Class

Status: Offline
Posts: 3
Date:
Permalink   

Just found this in the 432 website : www.angelfire.com/ca/gcarruth/Ops.html

FOX, F/O George Albert (J35521) - Mention in Despatches - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945. Home Toronto. Enlisted in Toronto 1 September 1942. Bomb Aimer, trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 15 May 1943), No.1 AOS (graduated 2 October 1943) and No.1 BGS (graduated 12 November 1943). Unit identified in AFRO only as "Overseas"; proper unit identified in DHist file 181.009 D.1725 (PAC RG.24 Box 2067). DHist file 181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20668) had recommendation for a DFC; dated 7 October 1944 when he had flown four sorties (19 hours 20 minutes); recommended with F/O D.B. MacLennan (MiD though put up for DFC), Sergeant P.E. Palmer (MiD though put up for DFM), Sergeant G.O. Duffy (no award, though recommended for DFM) and Sergeant William Bentley (RAF - recommended for DFM, award not known). The pilot, F/L John Adair Woodward, had flown five sorties (20 hours 15 minutes, 3-27 September 1944); he was wounded on run-up but kept control until bombs dropped; collapsed and navigator (F/O C.M. Hay) took controls. Woodward revived on trip home and tried to carry on but was dangerously weakened by loss of blood. From rest compartment he directed, guided and encouraged crew, setting example of calm courage. He had to be restrained from attempting to land the aircraft; his worst wound could not be treated by tourniquet. Woodward recommended for DFC but got nothing.

Recommendation for Fox and comrades said:
On the 27th of September, 1944 these officers and airmen were members of the crew of the aircraft captained by Flight Lieutenant J.A.
Woodward (J9115). They were detailed to attack Bottrop. Over the target the captain was mortally wounded by enemy fire, and some
instruments were damaged and two parachutes shot up. Between them they managed to bring the aircraft back to this country and although
the undercarriage collapsed and the machine caught fire on landing they escaped uninjured and got the captain out with them. Throughout
this ordeal each member of the crew assisted the others to the utmost extent, unmindful of his own distress and refusing to take the
opportunity of saving their lives by bailing out. It was an outstanding example of crew co-operation and devotion to their comrade.

For their courageous action in face of enemy fire, their calmness and devotion to duty under adverse conditions, and for their dogged
determination to assist their comrade they are recommended for the award of the DFC and DFC respectively. (Immediate).

Possibly this a/c ? :

NP692 - QO-D and K    Halifax B Mk 7, crash landed Woodbridge, burnt, ex Brttrop, 27/9/44  



-- Edited by Treez on Saturday 29th of November 2014 03:42:57 PM



-- Edited by Treez on Saturday 29th of November 2014 03:43:39 PM

__________________
MikeH


Air Vice Marshall

Status: Offline
Posts: 309
Date:
Permalink   

Hi,

the following information is from Bill Chorley's Bomber Command Losses 1944.

 

27 Sep 1944

 

432 Sqn          Halifax VII  NP692    QO- K                         Op: Bottrop

 

T/o 0737 East Moor.  Bombed from 19,000 feet at 0932 and almost immediately was hit by flak and bombs from another aircraft. F/L Woodward RCAF was critically injured and had to be helped from his seat by F/O McLennan RCAF. F/O Hay RCAF then took over the controls,course being set for Woodbridge in Suffolk. This airfield was duly reached,at which point F/L Woodward RCAF indicated he wished to assist with the landing. However, by this time he was too weak, but a crash landing was accomplished at 1210 and without further injury. Sadly, their gallant skipper died soon afterwards. In due course he was awarded a DFC. While F/O Hay RCAF received the DSO and the rest of the crew were mentioned in despatches. Their Halifax was a wreck.

 

F/L J D Woodward RCAF    inj

Sgt W Bentley

F/O C M Hay RCAF

F/O G Fox RCAF

F/O D McLennan RCAF

Sgt E Palmer RCAF

Sgt C Duffy RCAF

 

 

 

Bill Chorleys text should read F/L J A Woodward RCAF.  I cannot find any mention of a DFC being awarded.

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2929510?John%20Adair%20Woodward

 

Regards,

Mike H

 

 



-- Edited by MikeH on Sunday 30th of November 2014 03:17:54 AM

__________________
Treez


Aircraftsman 1st Class

Status: Offline
Posts: 3
Date:
Permalink   

Thank you Mike !



__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Bombercrew.com Forum -> Bombercrew.com Forum -> F/O Colin Maxwell HAY ( RCAF navigator ) - DSO - No.432 Squadron - landed the plane
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard