LEST WE FORGET
Air Operations (No. 455 Squadron Hampden I aircraft AE249), Germany, 15 September 1941
Hampden AE249 took off from RAF Swinderby at 1924 hours on the night of 15/16th September 1941 to bomb Hamburg, Germany. Three aircraft from the Squadron took part in the mission and of these AE249 failed to return. Post war it was established that the aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at 2354 hours on the 15 September near Winkeldorf which is 12kms south south west of Zeven, Germany. Pilot Officer Hibell and Sergeant Clayden were taken prisoner and the other two members of the crew were listed as missing.
The crew members of AE249 were:
Sergeant Peter Hartford Clayden (1166626) (RAFVR) (Air Gunner) PoW
Flying Officer Anthony John Hibell (68744) (RAFVR) (Pilot) PoW
Sergeant Hubert Hobbs (944085) (RAFVR) (Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
Sergeant William Norman Pratt (990739) (RAFVR) (Navigator)
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records (RAAF Casualty Information compiled by Alan Storr (409804))
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Bibliography:
Gordon, I. (Ian) Strike and Strike Again: 455 Squadron 1944-5, Banner Books Belconnen ACT 2616, 1995
Lawson, John Horwood Wightman (251634) The Story of No. 455 Squadron (RAAF), Wilke and Company, Melbourne VIC, 1951