Achiet-le-Petit Communal

Achiet-le-Petit Communal Cemetery

Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

It contains the graves of 7 Commonwealth 1939-45 war airmen. These will be found near the centre of the eastern boundary of the cemetery.

Served with

United Kingdom (5)
Canadian (2)

Served in

Air Force (7)

Lancaster MKI LL 836 BQ-E, 550 Squadron RAF

On April 10th 1944, 15 four-engine Lancaster MKI bombers left their base of North Killingholme England. Among them LL 836 BQ-E departing at 11 25 p.m.. Aboard the aircraft 7 crew : four are English, one is Australian and two are Canadian.On this occasion two different air gunners were flying with the crew (one of them, F/Lt Waycott DFM, being the Squadron Senior Gunnery Officer).

The target of this air force is the marshalling yard of Aulnoye Aymeries located in the north of France. This operation is part of the Transportation Plan, which is due to destroy the logistical rail centers used by the Germans in anticipation of future landing. The mission began badly : one of the bombers is missing, it crashed on take-off, by miraculously there were no casualties.

On April 11th 1944, the bombers dropped their destructive cargo between 02 20 am and 02 46 am on the marshalling yard. A total of about 2000 bombs fell from the sky for a weight of around 800 tonnes. Only 287 projectiles hit their target, the other ordnance fell on the city of Aulnoye Aymeries and surrounding.

Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) ESSAR, WILLIAM - J/90741

Died 11/04/1944

550 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Royal Canadian Air Force

Sergeant (Flight Engineer) GUEST, THOMAS HENRY - 1801227

Died 11/04/1944

550 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Flying Officer (Navigator) LOGAN, JOHN JAMES D F C - 135108

Died 11/04/1944 Aged 26

550 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) PICTON, RICHARD WILLIAM D F C - 129769

Died 11/04/1944

550 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve