Originally Posted by
DaveReidUK
As a postscript, the shot-down 1654 HCU Lancaster on 3/3/45 sounds like either Mk III PB118, recorded as being lost on that date, or LM748 which was reportedly shot down early on 4/3, so may have been the same raid, coming down at Stapleford (about 7 miles SSE of Wigsley).
Some of the HCU's were tasked as part of a diversionary force supporting main operations hence why they were "out and about".
A bit more detail on the ones mentioned above by DR, both from the 3rd.
1654 HCU Lancaster III LM748 UG-H. Op: Diversion P/O A E Lutz, RAAF + crew.
T/O Wigsley and shot down by intruder at 0105, coming down just E. of Stapleford, ten miles SSW of Lincoln. All 7 crew killed. Due to the force of the impact 3 of the crew are inscribed on the panels of the Runnymede Memorial.
1654 HCU Lancaster III PB118 UG-Q. Op: Diversion F/S R H Pinkstone + crew.
T/O Wigsley. Partially abandoned after being shot about by intruder, coming down at 0057 near Church Warsop, 8 miles SSW of Worksop, Notts. 1 crew killed, 5 injured.