Hi Nick,

Hampden aircraft carried a crew of 4 airmen, 2 pilots and two  air gunners. The second pilot also served as the navigator and the upper gunner also served as the wireless operator.  Your uncle would have been a qualified pilot so it is just possible that he had previously flown fighters.

Hampden AD 761 of 144 squadron based at Hemswell took off at 11:59 on 16 May 1941 bound for a minelaying operation off the Fresian Islands.  The aircraft took off with all its navigation lights showing despite having been warned that an intruder was in the area.  About 4 minutes after take off it was attacked by a Ju 88 flown by Fw Hans Hahn, a minor luftwaffe night fighter ace, and was set alight.  The pilot - Sgt H Kirby, co-pilot/navigator - Sgt W A Tyler, and the lower gunner - Sgt V G Elliott were killed in the attack but the wireless operator/air gunner Sgt George Walsh was able to bale out despite being severely wounded.

Which is why I am able to respond to your enquiry...

I am contacting you direct by email, as I expect that we can share more information.

Regards,

Kerry Walsh