TRAEGER, Ernest Hugo

Flt/Sgt Traeger was part of the crew of Lancaster bomber DV290 which was a secret plane. Traeger spoke German and his role was to speak directly to the German night fighters who thought they were receiving instructions from their own leaders. In fact Traeger was sending them in different directions to clear a path for the Lancaster bombers. On the last operation V290, on their way back to Welford Airfield and having not responded to any air traffic controller's calls, were considered the enemy. The runway lights were turned off and in the darkness the plane crashed on landing killing all on board. The plane was badly shot up over Germany and had limped home.

Last Name
TRAEGER
Given Names
Ernest Hugo
Service Number
417604
Date of Birth
30/07/1911
Birth Location
Tununda S.A
Enlistment Date
09/06/1942
Enlistment Location
Adelaide
1Wags Start Date
10/12/1942
Course Details
WAGS Course 33
Intake Date
10/12/1942
Finish Date
31/05/1943
To
3 BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
31/03/1944 (Killed)
Discharge Unit
101 SQN
Rank
Flight Sergeant
Operations
Flying battle over Germany. Air ops. From Welford U.K
Date of Death
31/03/1944
Age
32
Cemetery / Memorial
Oxford [Botley] Cemetery UK
Medals
AIr Gunners badge 1939-45 Star A/C Europe Defence and War medal
Notes

Flt/Sgt Traeger was part of the crew of Lancaster bomber DV290 which was a secret plane. Traeger spoke German and his role was to speak directly to the German night fighters who thought they were receiving instructions from their own leaders. In fact Traeger was sending them in different directions to clear a path for the Lancaster bombers. On the last operation V290, on their way back to Welford Airfield and having not responded to any air traffic controller's calls, were considered the enemy. The runway lights were turned off and in the darkness the plane crashed on landing killing all on board. The plane was badly shot up over Germany and had limped home.

Posting on Death
101 Squadron
NAA Status
DIGITIZED
1WAGS - TRAEGER Ernest Hugo - Service Number 417604 (edited-1)
1WAGS - Traeger Ernest - Service Number 417604 (edited-2)
1WAGS - TRAEGER Ernest Hugo - Service Number 417604 (edited-1)
1WAGS - TRAEGER Ernest Hugo - Service Number 417604 (Grave_edited-1)
1WAGS - TRAEGER Ernest Hugo - Service Number 417604 (Plane_edited-1)
1WAGS - TRAEGER Ernest Hugo - Service Number 417604 (Plaque_edited-1)

Acknowledgements

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