Mosquito Pathfinder

Bomber Command faced mounting challenges as poor bombing results and heavy losses strained aircrews to their limits. The formation of the Pathfinders Force marked a turning point, introducing improved methods for finding and marking targets. The Mosquito, adopted by the Pathfinders, played a critical role in this evolution. Steve Crump's interest in 139 Squadron's Mosquito DZ477 began in the 1990s when he discovered it had crashed near his home in Hereford during a 1944 training exercise. His investigation unearthed the aircraft's remarkable history: over 60 operational missions, involvement in low-level target marking, and connections to 617 Squadron, the iconic "Dambusters." Drawing from local memories, official records, and firsthand accounts, Crump paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the men of 139 and later 627 Squadrons. These elite crews bore immense responsibility, leading missions over heavily defended skies to mark targets in Nazi territory. Their precision became even more critical during operations in France, where minimizing civilian casualties added complexity. DZ477's story encapsulates the broader narrative of Bomber Command's evolving strategies and the heroism of its crews. Crump's account, enriched by unpublished photographs and combat records, honors the extraordinary efforts of those who flew and fought under extreme pressure to ensure mission success. AUTHOR: Steve Crump's fascination for the human stories behind those taking to the air during the Second World War was ignited in the 1980s when he met Kazik Budzik, a former Polish Spitfire Pilot, and author Dilip Sarkar MBE. Research into the local wartime crash of Mosquito DZ477 led to Steve's passion to preserve the memories and experiences of the people who helped change the course of history. Born and educated in Hereford, Steve had careers in Engineering, IT, Human Resource Management and finally the support of vulnerable adults. Married to his wife Claire for over forty years, they have two children, a beautiful granddaughter and an ever-present cockapoo, Tilly. Having retired to Anglesey, Steve was able to devote his time and energy to revisit his archive of personal contemporary material to write Mosquito Pathfinder. 16 b/w illustrations