Crew 49 and a baptism to remember

L to R

Sgt. R.R. Lunn, F/Sgt. A.B. Gardner, Sgt. B.A. “Bev” Stevens.

seated behind desk is F/O R.G. “Reg” Hunt

On their first operation against enemy bombing targets, this crew of the Canadian Bomber Group Bluenose Squadron had a baptism of fire which they’ll never forget! Just as they dropped their bombs on Kassel a heavy concentration of anti-aircraft fire hit their Halifax. The four engine bomber dove, weaved but recovered and the pilot flew it back to base. “The flak holed the glass covered cockpit and threw Perspex in our faces,” said airbomber Sgt. R.R. Lunn, Millbrook, Ont., (left). “Another burst went through the side of the fuselage under my turret and hit the hydraulic system,” said mid-upper gunner, (Right) Sgt. B.A. “Bev” Stevens, 53 Carmarthen St., Saint John, N.B. Pilot of the riddled Halifax (Center standing) F/Sgt. A.B. Gardner, 101 Burndale Ave., Lansing, Ont., arrived over base to find he could not lower the undercarriage. He prepared the crew for a crash landing on the flare path. As he brought the giant aircraft in towards the field the undercarriage suddenly fell into place and locked, permitting a safe landing.

On the way to Kassel, an RAF member of the crew fainted from lack of oxygen when his hose-pipe became disconnected and he couldn’t find the joint. Bomb aimer Lunn discovered the situation and revived the airman. Also in the crew was F/Sgt. W.F. Costello, 40 McKay St. St. Johns, Newfoundland. The three Canadians are shown above chatting on their return from Kassel with F/O R.G. “Reg” Hunt, 236 Brock Ave., Montreal West, Que., bombing leader of the bluenose Squadron.

26 Oct. 1943

Courtesy CFJIC, PL – 22175 / U.K. – 5843

F/Sgt's Rice & Pratt, crew 8, Battle Order