100 Squadron Loss Berlin 4th September 1944

[Steve Smith]

On the night of the 3rd and 4th September 1943, 316 Lancasters and 4 Mosquitos were despatched to Berlin. Because of the high casualty rates among Halifaxes and Stirlings in recent Berlin raids the heavy force was composed only of Lancasters. 22 of them were lost.

I am looking into the loss of 1 of the aircraft, a Lancaster Mk III, Serial No JA930 HW-Y, which took off at 19.49 hrs from Grimsby. The aircraft exploded over Berlin. All the crew were killed and 6 have no known graves, the 7th is buried in Berlin 1939-1945 Cemetery.

The crew comprised of the following men:

Flying Officer William Austin GARDINER Pilot.

Sergeant Joseph Richard DUNN Flight Engineer.

Sergeant Oliver Henry Thomas INNOCENT (Navigator).

Pilot Officer Edward Charles HARRILL Bomb Aimer. He is the crew member buried in Berlin.

Sergeant John KING Wireless Operator.

Sergeant Jack Rowland WALES Mid Upper Gunner.

Warrant Officer Fred Hugh DAVIS Rear Gunner.

My interest lies with Jack WALES who is commemorated on my village war memorial and I’m writing a book about each soldier and airman who are listed on it.

I wondered if anyone can provide me with any info on any night fighter action for this date and whether this aircraft could be pinpointed to a kill from one of them.

Many thanks,

Steve Smith