The Final Glory of Bandlaw U-Uncle

Description

‘BANDLAW’ was the codeword for 49 Squadron’s Lancasters when the crew of ED584 EA-U-for Uncle took-off from RAF Fiskerton on their second operation flown so far, on 12th June 1943 bound for their target at Bochum Germany. In the small hours of 13th June while on their return flight, they were caught in searchlights and were immediately hit by heavy flak. Shrapnel tore through the wings and fuselage and the central fuel cell between the starboard Merlins burst into flames.

As they fought to save their severely crippled Lancaster with the starboard wing now well on fire, the unlucky crew were found and intercepted by a roaming BF110 nightfighter. The pilot was Hauptmann August Gieger a proven ”Experte” nightfighting ace. His aircraft was not equipped with ”Schrage Muzik” but a formidable nose-battery of 20mm cannon and machine guns were no-less than deadly effective.

A novice crew in a desperate situation with a stricken Lancaster was an easy target to pick off. Hauptmann Gieger finished off the Lancaster with heavy bursts of fire into its blazing starboard wing, both gun turrets and fuselage. ED584 U-Uncle crashed into a field in Holland some moments later. All seven of her aircrew were lost.

A few short months later, Hauptmann August Gieger and his Radar Officer were shot down and killed by RAF Beaufighter nightfighter ace Wing Commander John ‘Bob’ Braham DSO DFC AFC and his Nav Radar Officer Wg. Cdr. Bill ‘Sticks’ Gregory.

This painting was commissioned by Mr Colin Cripps whose uncle, Sgt Bobby Cripps was the Lancaster’s Wireless Operator.

© Copyright image and text Simon W Atack 2022