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crash-440919-00
September 19th 1944
On September 19th 1944 a Dakota KG374 of no.271 Squadron
crashed north of Wolfheze, The Netherlands at about 15:16h.
The casualties were buried next to the plane and reinterred
in Oosterbeek War Cemetery in 1945.
The aircraft was hit by German Flak.
Crew:
Pilot: F/Lt. D.S.A. LORD VC,DFC, KIA
Co-pilot: F/O. R.E.H. MEDHURST, KIA
Nav: F/Lt. H.A. KING, POW
WOp: F/O. A.F. BALLANTYNE, KIA
Air despatcher Cpl P.E. NIXON, KIA
Air despatcher Driver L.E. HARPER, KIA
Air despatcher Driver J. RICKETTS, KIA
Air despatcher Driver A. ROWBOTHAM, KIA
belonged to 63 (Airborne) Composite Company, RASC
Homebase of no.271 Sq. was Down Ampney,
Target: Re-Supply mission
Details supplied by Joop Sieperman
Following details are mentioned in the 'London Gazette' of 13th November 1945:
'On September 19th 1944, F/Lt. Lord was a pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to drop supplies to our troops, who were closely surrounded at Arnhem. For accuracy this had to be done at 900 feet. While approaching the target at 1500 feet the aircraft was severely damaged and set on fire.
F/Lt. Lord would have been justified in withdrawing or even in abandoning his aircraft but, knowing that supplies were desperately needed, he continued on his course. Twice going down to 900 feet under very intense fire, he succesfully dropped his containers.
His task completed, he ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, making no attempt himself to leave.
A few seconds later the aircraft fell in flames, only one of the crew surviving.
By continuing his mission in a damaged and burning plane, twice descending to 900 feet to ensure accuracy, and finally by remaining at the controls to give his crew a change to escape, F/Lt. Lord displayed supreme valour and self-sacrifice.'
Navigator F/Lt. Harry King was blown out when helping air despatchers to drop the loads at the door, and survived. Next day he was captured, together with a number of men of the 10th Parachute Battalion.
Source:
J.A. Hey, Roll of Honour, Battle of Arnhem 17-26 september 1944, Arnhem, 1993
