#Battlefield
No.405 Squadron RCAF bombing raid
As the Canadian ground forces cleared the coastal area in September 1944, their operations would be supported by the air force. On 26 September, the Royal Canadian Air Force were tasked to bomb the German defences at Cap Gris-Nez.
No.405 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, was based at RAF (British Royal Air Force) Gransden Lodge, England. The squadron was the only Canadian squadron who were part of the elite RAF pathfinder force.
On 26 September 1944 the squadron was tasked to bomb the heavy coastal German defences that were spaced out around the area of Cap Gris-Nez. Some of the Germans largest defences were positioned around this area. The intention was to weaken German resistance before Canadian ground forces advanced to the positions. The operation was to be conducted in daylight hours.
One of the Lancaster Bomber aircraft used was serial number PB128, marking LQ-A. This was piloted by Wing Commander Charles William Palmer Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Another crew member was Flight Officer Wilfred George F. Peacock DFC. He had been awarded his DFC the previous day. His citation read: ‘Flying Officer Peacock as bomb aimer has completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage, and devotion to duty.’
At 12:00 on 26 September, the Lancaster bombers approached their targets at Cap Gris-Nez and came under fire from anti-aircraft guns. Palmer’s aircraft was hit during a low-level bombing run resulting in a fire breaking out. Three of the crew, upon order, bailed out of the plane and survived. The Lancaster crash landed close to the intended target area of the operation, in these fields. RAF reports show that the Lancaster crash landed and crew members managed to escape from the plane, apart from Flight Lieutenant Anderson Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM), although he did survive. However, follow up waves of bombers were unaware of what had taken place and bombed the target area, where the crashed Lancaster was now positioned, resulting in some of the crew being killed.
Five crew members, including Palmer and Peacock, Flight Lieutenant Goddard, Flying Officer Laishely and Pilot Officer Frey were all killed. All five men are buried together in a collective grave at the Calais Canadian War Cemetery.