WESTERN, Malcolm George

Operation Berlin Reason for Loss Aircraft took off at 1627hrs. Aircraft at 2008hrs was shot down by Hptm. Walter Borgers(1) of Stab III/NJG5. At the time the aircraft was being flown at estimated 10,000ft. It was observed to burst into flame and then explode a minute or so later. Wreckage from the aircraft fell over a wide area. One of the engines fell in Ritterguts-Strafle. Another fell in Verbindungsweg. Two of the crew dressed in blue were found in Bitterguts Strasse, Lichtenberg. Both airmen were wearing parachute harnesses but neither had any sign of the parachute.

Last Name
WESTERN
Given Names
Malcolm George
Service Number
417917
Date of Birth
16/12/1923
Birth Location
Glenelg S.A
Enlistment Date
18/07/1942
Enlistment Location
Adelaide
1Wags Start Date
17/09/1942
Course Details
WAGS Course 30
Intake Date
17/09/1942
Finish Date
03/03/1943
To
3 BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
16/12/1943 (Killed)
Discharge Unit
576 SQN
Rank
Flight Sergeant
Operations
Air ops. From U.K target Berlin Germany
Date of Death
16/12/1943
Age
20
Cemetery / Memorial
Runnymede Memorial Surrey U.K
Medals
AIr Gunners Badge 1939-45 Star Atlantic Star A/C Europe Star Defence War medal
Notes

Operation Berlin Reason for Loss Aircraft took off at 1627hrs. Aircraft at 2008hrs was shot down by Hptm. Walter Borgers(1) of Stab III/NJG5. At the time the aircraft was being flown at estimated 10,000ft. It was observed to burst into flame and then explode a minute or so later. Wreckage from the aircraft fell over a wide area. One of the engines fell in Ritterguts-Strafle. Another fell in Verbindungsweg. Two of the crew dressed in blue were found in Bitterguts Strasse, Lichtenberg. Both airmen were wearing parachute harnesses but neither had any sign of the parachute.

Posting on Death
576 Squadron
NAA Status
DIGITIZED
1WAGS - WESTERN Malcolm George - Service Number 417917 (edited-2)
1WAGS - WESTERN Malcolm George - Service Number 417917
1WAGS - WESTERN Malcolm George - Service Number 417917 (edited-2)

Acknowledgements

National Archives of Australia - 1 WAGS BallaratUBC Web Design - 1 WAGS BallaratCity of Ballarat - 1 WAGS BallaratAPCO Alfredton - 1 WAGS BallaratDepartment of Veterans Affairs - 1 WAGS BallaratAustralian War Memorial - 1 WAGS BallaratRSL Virtual War Memorial - 1 WAGS Ballarat