Edward F Harper

IBCC: Handley Page Halifax III serial No LV 781 marking HD-H
Air Gunner.
Flew from Leconfield in a 823 aircraft raid over Leipzig. 78 aircraft were lost.
The Kiel Mine Laying diversion was successful in drawing off fighters but the German controllers only sent half of the available aircraft. As soon as the bombers crossed the Dutch coast they were confronted by the remaining half of the night-fighters, and more over the ones sent to Kiel were returned to join the fray. As a consequence the fighters steadily picked off the bombers all the way to the target. The winds were stronger than had been predicted and many bombers arrived early and had to orbit the target awaiting the Pathfinders, further increasing the likelihood of being picked off, either by flak or fighters.
The Halifax loss rate was high, almost 15%, and as a result Halifax Mark II & V were permanently withdrawn from service over Germany.
LV 781 believed to have been shot down by a night fighter and crashed into the Waddenzee off Harlingen.
Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser: 21/9/1944:
Mr & Mrs Boffy of Mansfield Road, Clipstone wish to inform all friends that their daughter has received official information that her husband Sgt Air Gunner (Ted) Harper has been killed in action. His body was recovered and buried in Holland.

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