Thomas Bows

BRAMLEY (ST. PETER) CHURCHYARD Screen Wall. Sec. A. Old yard. Row 6. Grave

Lancaster W4171/EM-J Mining "Nectarine"

On February 26th 1943, three RAF Langar Lancasters, each loaded with six mines, took off between 18.56 and 19.12 to attack the Nectarines II garden east of the Frisians. Visibility was poor but the target was located using a Gee-fix. Mines were released at 6,000 feet. On the way home, W4171 was attacked by a night fighter which killed mid-upper gunner Thomas Bows, setting his turret on fire. The night fighter was chased off, possibly having sustained damage whilst the wireless operator dealt with the fire. A safe landing was achieved at Langar at 22.36. There were no other casualties amongst the crew of W4171/EM-J during this operation.

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