On 18 September 1943, under Operation 'Elaborate' (Ferrying of Horsa gliders from Portreath to Rabat-Salé, Morocco), No. 295 Squadron Halifax DG 396/GG (Piloted by Flying Officer Arthur Norman) and its towed Horsa (No. HS 102) were attacked by Ju88s from V/KG 40.
The glider pilot unselfishly cast off and then the Halifax DG396 successfully evaded 3 Ju88s, sustaining major damage but making it to its destination.
The Halifax left behind one Ju88 in the water, downed by Sergeant John Grant (the rear gunner and the only gunner on board !). The Horsa was shot down by Oberleutnant Dieter Meister (V/KG 40) but the 3 men aboard were taken safes.
For this exploit Flying Officer Arthur Norman received a DFC and Sergeant John Grant a DFM.

Horsa HS 102(on the left) and Halifax DG396/QQ (on the right) under attack on 18 September 1943.
Photos taken from a Ju88 of V/KG 40.
Halifax DG 396/QQ seen from the Ju88 of V/KG 40.
Halifax DG 396/QQ attacked again.
HS 102 shot down by Oberleutnant Dieter Meister (V/KG 40).
The 3 men on board are safes.

Gmelin © 2003

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