THE STORY
On July 23, 1942, twelve Westland Whirlwinds led by Squadron Leader Woodward (DFC), took off around 3:30 pm from the advanced base at RAF Predannack, Cornwall, for a Rhubarb operation (patrol over enemy territory for opportunistic attacks). They were to rendezvous with Spitfires of No. 234 Squadron at 300 feet off Lizard Peninsula (Cornwall). Then, they flew at sea level and over the French coast at ground level west of Plouescat, in northern Finistère. There, they headed south-southeast towards Landerneau. The formation then split into several sections (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Black, and White). The Pilot Officer Walker led the Yellow Section with Sergeant Pilot Abrams (Whirlwind P7120). Abrams flew south toward Landivisiau, then turned left along the railway to Saint-Thégonnec. He fired on a lorry and a signal box on the railway south of Morlaix. The next target was a train at Bel-Air station. No enemy aircraft were seen, but a maritime convoy (12 ships) was spotted 8 miles northeast of Les Chaises-de-Primel on the return flight. Abrams received no further news of Walker, and he did not return to base. He was presumed killed in action.
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