George Percy's Service Number: J11044

From 438 Squadron Diaries:

August 18th 1944:
Today is a grand clear day, a few straggling clouds but not ground haze. The boys really went to town today from earn morn until late at night and created records in all directions. We regret that this tremendous success had to be made at the loss of two aircraft lost and two pilots, one who baled out over enemy territory. He was CAN J11044 F/Lt. G.P. Edington, one of the ‘old timers’ of the Squadron, whose aircraft was hit by flak and took fire. ‘Ed’s’ parachute was seen in a tree in an apple orchard and it is hoped he was in satisfactory condition to try an escape. The other Canadian was J13612, F/O G. H. Sharpe. He was not seen to crash, but the burning wreckage of his aircraft was seen on the ground. It is believed he made too tight turn when making an attack and spun, although he was one of the newer pilots, he was a grand chap and very popular in the Squadron. Most of our pilots dropped into bed early anticipating another heavy ‘go’ tomorrow.

12 x Typhoon 1B detailed on armed recce. Aircraft strafed M.T. and tanks with following results: Met: s and E of Lisiux. 14 flamers, 8 smokers and 8 damaged. 2 tank flamers SW or Orbec. Intense, heavy and accurate flak from Orbec.