Hi, Does anyone have details of a 178 Sqn loss on 22 March 1945? I have a Sgt Walter James Keeble, 624636 as a Nav with 178 Sqn lost on this date. Buried in a collective grave at Klagenfurt War Cemetery. I believe the squadron was flying ex-US Liberators. Any details would be appreciated. Alex
Hi, Only one so this may be your Bird...extract from history.... During the evening of the 22nd March 1945 the squadrons target was the marshalling yards at Villach in Austria a difficult target made worse by its situation in a deep valley.One of 178`s liberators KH209 was struck from above by an incendiary bomb and went down in flames the squadrons final operational loss and a particularly sad one.... Regards Verrieres RAF Liberator Squadrons
Crew KH209 Sgt CLARK AG Frederick Edward 1895781 RAFVR Flt Lt GREER Pilot Robert Francis 131053 RAFVR Sgt KEEBLE Nav/Bomber Walter James 624636 RAF Sgt NIMMO AG Norman 1382176 RAFVR Flt Sgt FROWE AG Harold James 1588779 RAFVR Sgt DICKINSON Flt Eng Donald 1594151 RAFVR Flt Sgt CHITTICKS WOpAG Dennis Harold Albert 1873487 RAFVR Sgt BACON Air Bomber Arthur Charles 1626252 RAFVR B-24 Liberator B.VI KH209: Ex 44-44070; delivered Dorval 16 September 1944, departed Dorval 20 September 1944, via Lagens to the Middle East; arrived Cairo West 27 September 1944: To 178 Squadron; Failed to return from raid on railway marshalling yards at St.Viet 23 March 1945. Struck Off Charge 29 March 1945.
Hi Verrieres, Peter Thanks for the info. I've bookmarked the RAF Liberator site. A very useful research aid. Regards, Alex
