Wing Commander Kleboe DSO, DFC, AFC, Commanding Officer of #21 Squadron, was the pilot in the lead Mosquito #SZ 977 aircraft navigated by RCAF Flying Officer Reginald John Ward HALL.
-This aircraft struck the flag pole on the Karlesburg Brewery in Copenhagen, blew up and crashed into the garage next to the target which was the headquarters for the Gestapo located in a convent school. Both airmen perished in the crash. The other five Mosquito aircraft with him successfully bombed the target. The second wave arrived a few seconds later and, seeing the smoke caused by Kleboe's aircraft, bombed the school killing 123 pupils and teachers.
The Gestapo Headquarters was destroyed with heavy casualties including 7 patriots; 18 other patriots escaped. Four of the attacking aircraft were shot down by flak from the German cruiser 'Nurnberg' and from shore batteries.
Military Service-
Rank: Wing Commander
Trade: Pilot
Service No: 88440
Age: 28
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Division: 21 RAF Squadron (MOTTO: Viribus vincimus ['By strength we conquer'])
Awards & Honours: DSO, DFC, AFC
Son of Charles Ernest and Maud Martha Kleboe of Great Bookham, Surrey, England.
-This aircraft struck the flag pole on the Karlesburg Brewery in Copenhagen, blew up and crashed into the garage next to the target which was the headquarters for the Gestapo located in a convent school. Both airmen perished in the crash. The other five Mosquito aircraft with him successfully bombed the target. The second wave arrived a few seconds later and, seeing the smoke caused by Kleboe's aircraft, bombed the school killing 123 pupils and teachers.
The Gestapo Headquarters was destroyed with heavy casualties including 7 patriots; 18 other patriots escaped. Four of the attacking aircraft were shot down by flak from the German cruiser 'Nurnberg' and from shore batteries.
Military Service-
Rank: Wing Commander
Trade: Pilot
Service No: 88440
Age: 28
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Division: 21 RAF Squadron (MOTTO: Viribus vincimus ['By strength we conquer'])
Awards & Honours: DSO, DFC, AFC
Son of Charles Ernest and Maud Martha Kleboe of Great Bookham, Surrey, England.
Wing Commander Kleboe DSO, DFC, AFC, Commanding Officer of #21 Squadron, was the pilot in the lead Mosquito #SZ 977 aircraft navigated by RCAF Flying Officer Reginald John Ward HALL.
-This aircraft struck the flag pole on the Karlesburg Brewery in Copenhagen, blew up and crashed into the garage next to the target which was the headquarters for the Gestapo located in a convent school. Both airmen perished in the crash. The other five Mosquito aircraft with him successfully bombed the target. The second wave arrived a few seconds later and, seeing the smoke caused by Kleboe's aircraft, bombed the school killing 123 pupils and teachers.
The Gestapo Headquarters was destroyed with heavy casualties including 7 patriots; 18 other patriots escaped. Four of the attacking aircraft were shot down by flak from the German cruiser 'Nurnberg' and from shore batteries.
Military Service-
Rank: Wing Commander
Trade: Pilot
Service No: 88440
Age: 28
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Division: 21 RAF Squadron (MOTTO: Viribus vincimus ['By strength we conquer'])
Awards & Honours: DSO, DFC, AFC
Son of Charles Ernest and Maud Martha Kleboe of Great Bookham, Surrey, England.
-This aircraft struck the flag pole on the Karlesburg Brewery in Copenhagen, blew up and crashed into the garage next to the target which was the headquarters for the Gestapo located in a convent school. Both airmen perished in the crash. The other five Mosquito aircraft with him successfully bombed the target. The second wave arrived a few seconds later and, seeing the smoke caused by Kleboe's aircraft, bombed the school killing 123 pupils and teachers.
The Gestapo Headquarters was destroyed with heavy casualties including 7 patriots; 18 other patriots escaped. Four of the attacking aircraft were shot down by flak from the German cruiser 'Nurnberg' and from shore batteries.
Military Service-
Rank: Wing Commander
Trade: Pilot
Service No: 88440
Age: 28
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Division: 21 RAF Squadron (MOTTO: Viribus vincimus ['By strength we conquer'])
Awards & Honours: DSO, DFC, AFC
Son of Charles Ernest and Maud Martha Kleboe of Great Bookham, Surrey, England.
