RNZAF Ramrod raid on Amsterdam. May 3rd 1943

[Alex van de Wetering]

Ventura AE731 / EG-O was the next plane to be hit by a German fighter. The instrument panel was damaged and the cockpit windows completely shot to pieces. The plane was almost impossible to control and a fire broke out, at which point Pilot Tayler gave the order to bail. Taylor found his parachute to be peppered by German bullets and decided to go down with the plane, thinking the other 3 had already left the plane. When the plane dove down, it was suddenly possible to somewhat control the plane again and Taylor belly landed the plane at the eastern edge of Haarlem. Locals quickly rushed to the site where the plane landed and helped all crew members from the plane. Gunner George Tattam shortly died afterwards, having been hit by German bullets shortly before the plane hit the ground.

George Tattam was buried at the Bergen Cemetery, right next to his other 487sq comrads, Coshall and Sparkes.
Shapiro, Littlewood and Tayler were taken prisoner.

crew:
Pilot P/O. T.L.B. Taylor
Observer P/O. M.B. Shapiro (RAF)
Wireless op Sgt. L.J. Littlewood (RAF)
Air gunner Sgt. G.T. Tattam (RAF)

The Log book of George Tattam is on display at "Fort Veldhuis in Heemskerk" (picture)