Harburn, Richard Arthur (R A)

Killed in action, in North American F-51 Mustang #375. A four aircraft 'C' Flight formation, led by Lt Baransky, were en route to their assigned target at CT062459. After climbing through cloud to 1000 feet, Capt R.A. Harburn, flying in the No.2 position, reported that his aircraft was leaking something. On checking, Lt Baransky discovered that the starboard side of Capt Harburn's aircraft was covered in oil, and he ordered the latter to return to base at K-46. He then ordered the remaining two aircraft to join with 'B' Flight, as he would escort Capt Harburn back to base. The two pilots then requested permission to drop their bombs, and were instructed to do so either north or south of K-46. When five miles from K-46, Lt Baransky ordered Capt Harburn to drop his bombs in the nearby river, which Capt Harburn proceeded to do. He then called Lt Branasky to ask if the latter had seen his bombs drop, and received a negative response. Lt Baransky told Capt Harburn to fly past the airfield Control Tower for an inspection, and shortly after this the Control Tower reported that Capt Harburn's Mustang had crashed into the ground and burst into flames. It appears that he did attempt to bale out, but from marks found on his aircraft's cockpit canopy, he may have been struck in the head by the canopy as it was released, and this rendered him unconscious