Hans Ooms has emailed with some history of Flight PD221:
In 2005 it was 60 years ago the crash of Lancaster PD-221 BQ-R took place in Westerbeek. This aircraft and its crew took part in an operation to Bottrop Benzol Plant, on Saturday 3rd February 1945.
According to the documents of W/C Harris, the bombing took place between 1930-1945 hrs. Heading for home, this Lanc was intercepted and shot down by a nightfighter whose pilot I do not know. Three Bombers were claimed by Hauptmann Heinz Rökker that evening, but it’s not certain at all he was responsible for this one as well.
All crew was KIA and buried at the local graveyard in Westerbeek.
I researched this crash (and other RAF BC crashes in our municipality as well). I decided to set up a commemoration in 2005 for it was 60 yrs ago then. I sent you some photograph regarding the ceremonies. [See below, RP]
On 4 and 5 May (remembrance and liberation Day in Holland) we hosted the guests; as there were relatives of Sgt. J. Holding (navigator), W/O W.J. Howson (wireless operator) and F/Sgt. L.C. Taerum (reargunner).Wingcommander J. Harris OBE DFC and his wife Bobbie participated as well as representatives of 550 Squadron Association. The Mayor of Saint Anthonis municipality and his wife were there as well.
Wreaths were laid at the monument, graves and main crash location.
He has written a book about RAF Bomber Command crashes in the municipality, available only in Dutch (if you would like a copy I can put you in contact) and also sent photographs of the events on 4th and 5th May 2005, some of which you can see below.
