F/O ROBERT ADDISON IRELAND

[georgetanksherman]

Looking for information on F/O ROBERT ADDISON IRELAND, J/37050, RCAF, 420 Squadron, killed in action while flying in Halifax, NA188, January 17, 1945. Which failed to return from bombing mission to Magdeburg, Interested in the U.S.A. connection, if there is any

CWGC shows:

Son of Clive Malcolm Ireland and Hazel Marie Ireland, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. Of U.S.A.


Any help would be appreciated !

[Phil]

Unrelated to his US connection, he is mentioned here,

https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/Can ... vol3_e.pdf

RCAF Overseas Volume 3, Page 112

No. 6 Group’s major effort that night (January 16th) was directed against Magdeburg, the objective for a force of 330 heavies. Over 100 Canadian Halifaxes and 7 Vancouver Lancasters took part. Magdeburg, on the Elbe River, is the largest city in Saxony and the home of important engineering works, aero-engine factories, an explosive factory and a large synthetic oil plant. It is also one. of the principal, railroad junctions in central Germany, second only to Berlin in importance. In Magdeburg’s many suburbs are numerous industries including Junkers, Krupp, Grusonwerk and Polti, as well as large marshalling yards. Conditions were favourable for a good attack as the stream of Pathfinders and bombers roared over the target. In clear visibility with only a slight haze on the ground the Pathfinders marked the target accurately and profusely with flares and indicators. Thanks to this excellent marking and the able, concise direction of the Master Bomber the bomb aimers grouped their eggs well within the basket.. Widespread fires and explosions hurled smoke over a mile in the air and caused a glow in the sky visible more than 100 miles. Crews had good reason to believe it was an exceptionally effective attack.

In addition to the usual flak defences the Hallies and Lanes had to contend with night fighters which were very active all the way from the Dutch coast to Magdeburg and back. The Jerry pilots were able to get into the bomber stream and wrought considerable damage. In all seventeen bombers failed to return from the night’s operation; seven were Canadian Halifaxes, four from the Snowy Owls and one each from the Swordfish, Thunderbird and Bison squadrons. Of the 49 crew members more than half were taken prisoner. Four of the aircraft fell to night fighters; the remainder were victims of the flak barrage.

F/L E. B. McCutcheon, F/Os D. W. Ritchie, J. G. Welk and T. C. Jones (R.A.F.) and P/Os J. G. Skidmore, G. A. Haacke and D. O. MacKey, an experienced crew from the Snowy Owl Squadron, were shot down by a Ju. 88 which scored direct hits from below. Ritchie, Skidmore, Haacke and MacKey escaped by parachute. From another veteran crew, F/L E. W. Watson, F/O Q. J. Louie, P/Os C. W. Way (R.A.F.) and W. J. D. Partridge, FSs D. J. Jacobi and T. E. Lynch and Sgt. A. K. Parker (R.A.F.), brought down by anti-aircraft fire over the target, Jacobi and Lynch were captured. A direct hit from heavy flak also accounted for the Halifax piloted by F/O R. A. Ireland with F/Os W. L. Dennis and W. Webb, FSs L. J. Penny, F. W. Poole and Sam Camerman and Sgt. R. Hutchinson (R.A.F.) in his crew. Poole, the mid-upper gunner, had just fastened on his ‘chute when the aircraft blew up; he recovered consciousness only a short distance from the ground. For two days he evaded the Nazis and then was caught. Camerman also was captured.

[Temujin]

His birth last name was “Jackson”, father was Norman Jackson. His mother married Clive Malcom Ireland, and he and his brother both went by the “Ireland” last name.

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[georgetanksherman]

That is awesome "Thank You" both Phil and Temujin for the info, working on RCAF 420 Squadron, got through the Hampdens and the Wellie's, working on the Halifax's when I came across this Warrior, could not find a whole lot, so figured I would ask Thanks !

Cheers

George

[dannyyeh6]

Hi there,

My great uncle was F/sgt Ronald Hutchinson who also died on same plane as F/o Ireland.

Looking to get in touch and exchange any information if you want to get in touch?

Many thanks

[georgetanksherman]

Sorry dannyyeh6 for the late reply, the last year have been hectic, been researching Americans that crossed the border prior to the U.S. joining in, and also Americans who tried to join the U.S. Forces but were denied. Hope all is well, and would love to hear about Flt Sgt Ronald Hutchinson's history !

Cheers

George