455.Squadron RAAF Code RD 329 UB-X 24.03 1945
Dallachy Strike Wing lost four planes due to German flak during this attack against German vessels in Egersund harbour. Two Canadian planes went down outside Eigerøy lighthouse, one RAF plane in the harbour and this Australian Beaufighter crashed into a hillside by Lauvsnes. The pilot, Warrant Officer George E. Longland (22) and his navigator Flight Sergeant Errol C. Nayda (20) lost their lives.A force of 28 Beaufighters of 455 Sqdn. RAAF, 404 Sqdn. RCAF, 489 Sqdn. RNZAF and 144 Sqdn. RAF took part in the attack. They were escorted by 14 Mustangs of 65 Sqdn. and two Vickers Warwick rescue planes.
Beaufighter EQ-G of 404 Sqdn. made a forced landing at sea 20 km west of Egerøya. Flying Officer Lorne R. Aljoe and Flight Sergeant Clayton E. Orser died.
Beaufighter NV428 of 404 Sqdn landed at sea 25 km SW of Egerøya. Squadron Leader Christison from Quebec and his navigator Frederick J. Toon died.
Flying Officer Stanley C. York and his navigator Francis L. Burton of 144 Sqdn. were killed when their plane was hit by flak and crashed into a house near by the German flak battery at Grønehaugen. The house owner and two Germans from the flak battery also lost their lives. Source: article by Johan P.Petersen in Flyhistorie Nr.51 2019
