PB371

A Lancaster III of No. 582 Squadron, from RAF Little Staughton, flown on 23 December 1944 by Squadron Leader Robert Palmer of No. 109 Squadron as master bomber for a daylight, Oboe-led attack on the Cologne marshalling yards — his 111th operation. The recall from the long, straight Oboe approach never reached him; with two engines already burning from flak, he held a level course to give the following bombers an accurate aiming point, released his bombs, and was seen to spiral down in flames. Only the rear gunner survived. Palmer was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.