R5508 KM-B

Lancaster R5508, coded KM-B, was the aircraft Squadron Leader John Nettleton flew at the head of No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron on the daring low-level daylight raid against the MAN diesel-engine works at Augsburg — Operation Margin — on 17 April 1942. His formation was set upon by German fighters soon after crossing the French coast and cut to pieces; Nettleton pressed on with the survivors, bombed the target from rooftop height, and was the only aircraft of his flight to return. For his leadership he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the first won by a South African in the war. Nettleton was himself killed in action the following year, returning from Turin.