MZ292 DY-C Piloted by Fl/Sgt. James Kelso
LW192 DY-H Piloted by Eric Braddock.
MZ642 DY-U Piloted by Sgt. Adam Barr
MZ652 DY-Z Piloted by F/O. Austin Maxwell.
S/L David Roy Fisher ('B 'Flight Commander) - Pilot - Aged 21 - (C.W.G.C.)
F/O Albert George Striowski R.C.A.F. - Nav - Aged 24 - (C.W.G.C.)
F/O Leonard Arthur Watts D.F.C. - WOp - (C.W.G.C.)
P/O Gilbert Clark Buglass - B/A -
F/L Ralph Edward Cook - A/G - (C.W.G.C.)
Sgt Peter James Northern Parker - A/G - Aged 20 - (C.W.G.C.)
Sgt Kenneth Clough - F/E/ - (C.W.G.C.)
The crew had taken off at 10:49 pm and were unfortunately lost without trace.
No doubt meeting a similar end to the crew of MZ 292 lost in the North sea.
At 21 years of age, Squadron Leader D.R. Fisher was one of the youngest Flight Commanders in Bomber Command.
In 1942 while flying Whitleys with 77 Squadron, he showed great determination in attacking Rostock, gaining an immediate D.F.M. Details of this appeared in the London Gazzette on the 15th of May 1942.
He had also completed a tour with 1652 Conversion unit, for which he had been awarded a D.F.C.
He was just 19 when he started his first tour, and was two months short of his 22nd birthday at the time of the Sterkrade raid. His death was particularly demoralising for the lads of 102 as he had been living proof that young men could get through these dangerous days.
This sentiment is summed up by F/O Bryan Purser of 102 Squadron, he says ;-
"The arrival of Sqn Ldr Fisher and his crew revitalised the Squadron. Here was a young, well-decorated crew starting another tour - ''Some do survive!'' was a common comment. When he and his crew failed to return, the effect was devastating and I cannot think of any other missing crew causing such an effect on those still around. "
A photo of David Fisher and the full account of Brian Purser can be found on pages 120 and 121 of Chris Goss's book.