The graves of a crew of the 431 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
(Lancaster KB-808, coded SE-Y)
22 March 1945 |
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Bomber Command's specific target in Hildesheim was a railway yard, but the ensuing bombardment destroyed two thirds of the city, including an 11th century cathedral.
Jack and crew were unable to contribute to the conflagration: they were downed just as they neared Hildesheim at around midday when the single HC "Cookie" bomb they carried was detonated by anti-aircraft flak.
Flight Lieutenant Jack Duggan's Lancaster was one of only four allied planes lost in the March 22nd attack on Hildesheim, which involved 235 RAF/Commonwealth bombers. Bomber Command's rationale in ordering Jack and crew out in daylight to deliver one bomb to an already bomber-saturated target is difficult to determine. Uncertain also is why Jack was being sent out on bombing operations when he had already completed the requisite thirty sorties. |
| John Philip Duggan |
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)
J/35871
Distinguished Flying Cross
30 December 1918
22 March 1945
26
431 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
16. H. 1
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| "Jack" John Philip Duggan was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, March 21st, 1945, for "numerous operations against the enemy" in which he "displayed the utmost fortitude and devotion to duty". |
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| George Adam Zuback |
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Flying Officer (Navigator)
J/39003
abt. 1924
14 January 1944
21
431 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
16. H. 2.
Son of Leonty and Mary Zuback,
of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. |
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| John Henry Bentley |
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Sergeant (Flight Engineer)
3005762
abt. 1926
22 March 1945
19
431 (R.C.A.F.) Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
16. H. 3.
Son of Charles and Esther Bentley,
of Poplar, London. |
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| Jack Wilfred Dorrell |
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Flying Officer (Wireless Op./Air Gunner)
J/89833
abt. 1920
22 March 1945
25
431 Royal Canadian Air Force
16. H. 4.
Son of Henry Wilfred and Norah Mary Dorrell,
husband of Pearl Mary Dorrell,
of Columbus, Ohio, U. S. A. |
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| John Barton Ketchen |
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Pilot Officer (Air Gunner)
J/94215
13 November 1920
22 March 1945
25
431 Royal Canadian Air Force
16. H. 5.
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| George Daryll McLean |
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Flying Officer (Air Bomber)
J/38407
22 March 1945
431 Royal Canadian Air Force
16. H. 6.
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| Frederick Bernard Trent |
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Pilot Officer (Pilot)
J/91026
22 March 1945
431 Royal Canadian Air Force
16. H. 7.
Son of Frederick Arthur and Kathleen Trent,
of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. |
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| Clayton Edward Root |
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Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner)
R/261128
09 November 1916
22 March 1945
28
431 Royal Canadian Air Force
16. H. 8.
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