Bomber Command Loss Card for Lancaster JA708

[David Layne]

Please find attached the loss card for Lancaster JA 708.  This was my father's aircraft and I would appreciate any help possible to interpret what is written there.

I have worked out some from the last paragraph, it being.

W/O reported that rear portion of a/c was on fire.  This must have damaged elevator controls because  a/c plunged............No response over intercom to bale out order.  BA FE and W/O baled out of front escape hatch.  Nav left by................

Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Regards, David

[horselydown86]

I have done what I can.  Normally I indicate where I have doubt, but with this job consider every suggestion to be doubtful.

NARRATIVE

2120  We had left the target Then we had 6 jump, a/c on fire
& eventually crashed.  Landed in a tree about 25' up
Walked about 9 hrs ......until challenged.

RBI/331?/6734}  3 PW's + 2 unknown dead
189/76-77
238A name F/L Ritchie - 11000' over target...N/A dead....
....failed, target...., A/C destroyed

144/154-155   Foster K J S/? 39915;  McKenna R A S/? to.....
....23/9...........

In the bottom section, it's possible the long word at the end of the second line and the first word of the next line are:  uncontrollable dive

The last line may be something like:   362A  Fletcher shot down over.....W/F at 16000' 22/9  [maybe 23/9]

[barryd]

For all of us who are following this post the crash seems to be very well documented on Google.

https://www.google.com/#q=%22Lancaster+JA+708.%22

[horselydown86]

Thanks Barry,

Clearly the line about Fletcher is:  ...shot down over Mannheim...

[David Layne]

Thanks for your thoughts. 
There was no Ritchie in the crew.    The crew consisted of F/O Fletcher, Sgt. Nelson, S/L Foster, Sgt. Beesley, F/Sgt. Layne, S/L McKinna, Sgt. Page.

McKenna was a Squadron Leader (S/?) who was killed inside the aircraft, as was Sgt. Page.  Squadron Leader Foster was killed after leaving the aircraft.

[JustinL]

David,

I would only make minor changes to the excellent work done to far.

... Nav left by ... [pilot's ?] escape hatch pushing
up and through & baling out. The only ...
... After last man was ... a/c ..., pilot baled out
and a/c hit ground. Germans reported MUG killed.

We had left the target Then when we had 6 to jump, a/c on fire
& eventually crashed.  I landed ...

11000' over target coned ...
... target bombed ...

... Foster K J S/Ldr ...; McKenna R A S/Ldr ...
... 23/9 No burial report

[David Layne]

Thank you Justin.  The information I have is the Nav (Foster) left through the side door.

The MUG (McKinna) and Page the Rear Gunner were killed during the attack.  The surving crew members left through the Bomb Aimers hatch.

You can read what I know about the loss of Lancaster JA 708 here, https://wallyswar.wordpress.com/97-squadron-2/