The crew, with the exception of Jimmy Hurst, had served together in 460 Squadron, one of the largely Australian squadrons of Bomber Command, before moving to the PFF and 7 Squadron. During their time with 460 Squadron, the Mid Upper Gunner was the 19-year-old Englishman Ronald Betts.

It was during this time that the crew flew the renowned Lancaster bomber G for George, a popular display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The mission, to bomb the German city of Kassel on the 22nd of October, 1943, was an eventful night for the crew. Significant enemy fire was encountered over the target, and the crew’s experience was later adapted into a radio play in Australia.

When the crew moved to 7 Squadron, Jimmy Hurst took over Betts' place. Betts joined 101 Squadron of the Main Force, and his crew also took part in the raid on Berlin on the 16th of December, 1943. Their aircraft was never seen again after takeoff, and Betts sadly died on the same night as his former crew members.