Squadron 320 mission to Cherbourg, FR174/K lost

On the 28th of october 1943, Squadron 320 sent a mission to the french port of Cherbourg, than occupied by the nazi's. Airplane FR174/K was hit by german FLAK, and the airplane crashed, There were no survivors.

The crew

Photo: van Dieren Bijvoet

1st Pilot Capt.A.J. van Dieren Bijvoet 

2nd Pilot and navigator C.van der Knaap

Wireless Operator P.F.van Woesik (Pierre Fortunus)

Airgunner A.G. van Apeldoorn

This was filmed from airplane FR151/C, by RAF photographer Off. Pulham, who became wounded on his left arm. Airplane "C" was also hit and damaged at different places, and made an emergency landing near Bournemouth. Also airplane FR156/V commanded by Off. T. de Liefde was hit by german FLAK. The starboard engine and propellor were damaged. This airplane made an emergency landing at Stoney Cross, the crew survived.
Airplane "C", was commanded by Off. Airman E.C. Loeff.

RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, Surrey
VAN DER KNAAP, Pilot Officer, CORNELIS, 104591. 320 (Dutch) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 28 October 1943.  Panel 133.

Woesik, Pierre Fortunus van, Sgt Vl Telegr, 320B Sqn,
born Pare, Java, NEI, 04/12/1920,
† Cherbourg Harbour, Manche, F, 28/10/1943,
buried Orry-la-Ville, Senlis, F, grave A/1/5

Dutch version: Een escadrille van 6 Mitchells van 320 squadron, waarvan de 174 door Van Dieren Bijvoet werd gevlogen, in gezelschap van 12 Mitchells van 98 squadron, hadden opdracht de haven van Cherbourg te bombarderen. Deze medium bombers werden geëscorteerd door ongeveer 60 Sptitfires. De luchtafweer was intens en het duurde niet lang of de 174 kreeg een voltreffer en stortte brandend neer. De gehele bemanning sneuvelde.