Sergeant Richard Wensley

Sergeant Richard Wensley

Starts by stating that on of the most hazardous operations flown by bomber command were lone aircraft flying supplies to support resistance forces in occupied Europe. Recounts Richard Wensley's early life, joining ATC, training as a flight engineer. Describes his arrival as he joined 90 Squadron at Wratting Common in June 1943. Mentions crewing up and changing crew due to pilot's propensity to turn back. Relates a little of first operations to Nuremburg, Turin and mine laying. Squadron then switch to supplying resistance forces as Stirling unsuitable for main bombing operations. Describes in detail their 14th operation where they were hit by anti-aircraft fire and crash landed in France. Follows a detailed description of activities while evading. All were successful apart from the rear gunner who was captured. Four of the crew made their way back to England but Richard Wensley and Norman Cartwright remained hidden on a farm where they worked and were joined by other evaders. Describes the other evaders and French helpers. Mentions capture of two evaders by gestapo. Finally they remainders were liberated by allied forces and returned to England. Relates career after the war, that he never contacted any of his crew and visited the village where he stayed in France.

Four page printed document

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