The Lancasters target this evening was the oil refinery at Valløy. This was to be the Bomber Commands last raid with heavy bombers during the war. 50 civilians and over 80 Germans were killed in this raid at Valløy. A total of 119 airplanes (107 Lancasters) participated in this mission.

 

Crew of 463 Sq RA542 JO-Z. Lancaster:
Pilot F/O Arthur Cox, DSO
Navigator F/O Jack Wainwright
Engineer F/Sgt George Simpson
Bomb Aimer F/Sgt Bob Smurthwaite
W/Op Sgt Fred Parent
Mid-Upper Gunner Sgt Fred Logan
Rear Gunner Sgt “Jock” Hogg

Photo ©Moe/Sørensen Aust-Agder 4.7 2003

Very little left at the crash site north of Åmdal today.
Parts of the engine block

Junkers Ju 88 G-6 Støledalen, Iveland Aust-Agder

4./NJG 3 B4+OA 25.04 1945

This nightfighter, based at Kjevik, was shot down by a Lancaster of 463.Squadron RAAF at 23:01. The burning a/c crashed near by the farm Åmland.The badly burnt bodies of the crew were found the next day. Fw. Kurt Gross. Uffz. Reinhard Johnsen. Fw. Otto Müller.
The Lancaster, RA542 code JO-Z, was also badly hit by the Junkers "Schräge Musik",and F/O A Cox had to make a forced landing at Sätenäs airport in Sweden.
2011© lars erik gill
tail wheel