F/Lt. William David Corbett DFC.
Royal Canadian Air Force 425 Squadron
(d.8th Mar 1945)
One night in February, 1945, Pilot Officer William Corbett piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Mainz. On the outward journey the port outer engine became unserviceable. Undeterred, Pilot Officer Corbett continued to the target and executed a successful attack. On the return flight the starboard inner engine showed signs of over-heating. Nevertheless, skilfully using the defective engine, Pilot Officer Corbett flew the aircraft safely to an airfield in England. This officer had proved himself to be an excellent captain and has set a fine example to all. Supplement To The London Gazette, 6 April, 1945
On the night of the 7th/8th of March 1945, 99 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 429, and 432 Squadrons were ordered to attack the oil refinery at Hemmingstedt. The crews were over the target at between 8,000 and 13,000 feet, releasing 594,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, bombing missed the target. P/O W. Corbett RCAF and crew, flying Halifax III MZ-815 coded KW-C, failed to return from this operation. The crew were all were lost without a trace.
- P/O G. Forsyth RAF
- P/O J. Hickson RCAF
- F/O V. McAllister RCAF
- P/O G. Ware RCAF
- P/O J. Morin RCAF
- P/O L. Parent RCAF
