Takeoff at 23:15 hrs for an operation against the steel-producing town of Essen in Germany.
Homeward-bound, the aircraft was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Walter Barte of the 4./NJG 1, who was flying a Bf 110 from St Trond (Sint-Truiden) airfield.
Those who did not survive rest at Adegem, Maldegem in Oost-Vlaanderen
Stirling Mk I W7508 fuselage under construction at Longbridge (World War Photo)