AAR Mission: 129
Date: 3/4 February, 1945
Target: Dortmund, Germany, Oil
Aircraft: Geelong (3rd mission)
Pilot: Stephen Forbes-Hampton
Bomb aimer Harold Morgan, Navigator Trevor Stevens, Flight Engineer Fred McKinley, Radio Operator Thomas Torrens, Mid-upper gunner John Moreley, Tail gunner Kenny Kelly
Bomb run: DNB; Bomber lost to flak on bomb run
Geelong managed the flight to the oil target at Dortmund without meeting any enemy night-fighters. She was not picked up by the searchlights either but this did not stop the heavy flak from seeking her out. A couple of close blasts caused some light damage but one piece of shrapnel penetrated the starboard inner fuel tank. A flame appeared and continued, increasing in intensity, which the crew were not able to extinguish. The pilot ordered bail-out and the crew managed a successful exit but there was no way they could avoid capture. However, only six crewmen were collected; it was learnt later that navigator, Trevor Stevens, was caught in the flak barrage as he fell and was killed before he hit the ground. The remaining six finished the war as prisoners of war.
Bomber Damage: 4 hits from flak. Bomb-bay doors hit NE, Waist oxygen hit, one superficial, Fuel tank hit -fire -bomber lost.
[Well, unfortunately, it looks like I'll start 2014 with a new bomber and complete crew]