LN439
Crashes > of the R.A.F.
During the approach to the bombing raid on Bochum, the Wellington BX, LN439, which was flown by an all-Canadian crew, was attacked by night fighters. Ofw Fritz Schellwat of the 5th / NJG 1 hit the aircraft, which immediately caught fire and crashed near Kleinenbroich, 10 kilometres east of Mönchen-Gladbach.
Four crew members could only be recovered dead and were buried in the cemetery in Mönchen-Gladbach.
Only Sgt McKinley was able to save himself by parachute and was taken a German prisoner of war with minor injuries.
Above:
The crash site of Wellington LN439 near Kleinenbroich.
Left:
Fl/Sgt Donald Ivor Havard was the air-gunner of the crew
bottom left:
The navigator, Fl/Sgt William John Reid
bottom right:
The crew's first grave at the cemetery in Mönchen-Gladbach