The last flight of Lancaster ED559
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W/Op Harry Riding's Log Book Nov 1942 - 4 Mar 1943

At the end of November 1942, Flying Officer Harry Riding is attached to N. 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit at RAF Lindholm. As Wireless Operator he is flying the Manchester Bomber with pilots Burr and Curle.
Harry Riding - Wireless Operator RAAF November 1942

December 1942

Flying the entire month of December with Flying Officer Curle on day time Circuits and Landings on Manchesters.
Harry Riding - Wireless Operator RAAF December 1942

January 1943

On New Year's Eve, 1942 Harry is aboard his first Lancaster (4780). Early in January he continues training aboard Lancasters and by the 13 January is flying the first night time training operation with F/O Curle.

On the 16 January, Harry flies for eight hours with Squadron Leader Dave Holford on an operation to the capital of the Third Reich, Berlin. Holford would become the youngest Wing Commander in Bomber Command the following month. He would die as a result of crash landing his Lancaster near RAF Grimsby the following December in dense fog. Several members of ED559 are also on this mission - Crapp, Challoner, Durdan and Gooch.

On the 24 January, Harry flies his last training exercise with F/O Curle at RAF Lindhome. A few days later, the crew are posted to RAF Grimsby and 100 Squadron's 'A' Flight.

Harry Riding - Wireless Operator RAAF January 1943

February 1943

After arriving at RAF Grimsby, Harry boards Lancaster ED391 for a flight with S/L Davies. For the rest of the month (barring a short 20 minute test flight) Harry flies with F/O Curle (Harry notes Curle's rank as F/O but he is actually an acting Flight Lieutenant now).

Harry and the crew are training hard flying all the necessary operations for 100 Squadron's first mission. 
Harry Riding - Wireless Operator RAAF February 1943

March 1943

On the morning of 4 March 1943 Harry and crew take ED559 aloft for the first time. Later that day at 18.40 they board ED559 for the operation to France.

Harry's log book denotes that his aircraft is "Missing from Operation" whilst "Gardening, Bordeaux Estuary".
Harry Riding - Wireless Operator RAAF March 1943

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  • About ED559
  • The Crew
  • Building ED559
  • RAF Grimsby (Waltham)
  • 100 Squadron
  • The Target
  • The Lost
  • Remembering ED559
  • Research about ED559
    • Caterpillar Club
    • Lancaster loss card
    • Crew memorials
    • F/Lt Richard A Curle RAFVR Record of Service
    • Harry Riding's Flying Log Book - 1942/43
    • Letter from Wing Commander J.G. Swain
    • Night Bomber Report
    • Guy Normandin
    • German defences in the Gironde
    • RAF Gardening Operations during the Second World War
    • Pilot Officer Robert Herbert Chapman
  • About me
  • Links
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Site Map