Studiegroep Luchtoorlog 1939-1945

						Sgt. Albert Edward Henry was the wireless operator of Lancaster LM333. The bomber took off in the evening of 23 August 1943 for a bombing mission to Berlin. On the outward flight the Lancaster was hit by flak when it crossed the Dutch coast. One engine caught fire and soon after the pilot ordered to bail out. After five crew members, including Henry, had abandoned the aircraft north of Zwolle, the Lancaster returned and flew west. It eventually crashed between Bergen and Bergen aan Zee, killing the pilot and flight engineer. Henry landed near Blokzijl and soon after approached the farm 'De Werf' owned by Wicher Huisman just outside Blokzijl at Steenwijkerweg 2. It was decided, with the help of the English speaking veterinarian Drijfhout, that the sixteen year old son, Gerard Huisman, would escort Henry to the station of Steenwijk. Partly walking, partly cycling (but never together on the bicycle) they reached Steenwijk. Here Henry took the train to Eindhoven. For unknown reasons he probably left already in Wijhe or Olst the train and went on by foot. He didn't get far. On Thursday 26 August 1943 at 5 PM he was located and arrested in a field at de Rembrandtkade in Deventer (along the IJssel River). He deceased at the age of 24 during his honeymoon on 10 November 1945. Although a verdict of 'death through natural causes' was recorded, it is possible that he was mentally ill by the time of his death.