[3][4] From 3 August 1945, 103 Sqn was one of the heavy bombers squadrons participating in Operation Dodge in which veteran soldiers of the Eighth Army were flown home from Italy and the Central Mediterranean.

[5][6] It was a six-hour flight back to England and normally a maximum of 22 soldiers would be transported home as the internal confines of a Lancaster were not really suitable for passengers.

Two aircraft, including PA278 "F for Freddie", landed at RAF Glatton near Huntingdon to embark passengers who were commencing service in Italy or were returning from leave.

[8][9] PA278 was flown by Geoffrey Taylor's experienced crew who had flown together on some of the last bombing attacks of World War II during April 1945, although obviously their bomb aimer was not required and on this occasion the rear gun turret was manned by the squadron gunnery leader Flight Lieutenant John Wymark,[10] who had been decorated with the Distinguished Service Order[11] and Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in three tours of duty.

Flight Sergeant Jack Reardon[21] (navigator) gave the correct course out over the sea but sometime afterwards, approximately 30 miles north-north-west of Cap Corse, Corsica, Flight Sergeant Norman Robbins[22] (wireless operator) radioed the other aircraft reporting some engine problems and advising that F for Freddie would be turning back to land at Marseille.