Report from Red Cross visit to Luftstalag 4:
Met with Trevor Ashton - former pilot of Lancaster 26-2 - Winnie
Ship took much damage from repeated 110 attacks enroute to Berlin. #1 engine was lost over zone 8, forcing the bomber to slow down as Ashton was determined to bomb target. Soon after, the port outboard fuel tank ignited and Ashton gave order to bale out. Jones went down with the plane as he was too shot up to bale out. All other crew in good health and in camp also.
Ashton said it is ironic that they baled over Germany. The crew knew that the landing gear had been destroyed in the first attack and had been discussing whether to ditch off the coast of England or bale out over base.
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