​​No.405 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force was based at RAF Gransden Lodge, England. The squadron was the only Canadian squadron who were part of the elite RAF pathfinder force.

​On 26 September 1944 the squadron was tasked to bomb the heavy coastal German defences that were spaced out around the area of Cap Gris-Nez. Some of the Germans largest defences were positioned around this area. The intention was to weaken German resistance before Canadian ground forces advanced to the positions. The operation would be conducted in daylight hours.

​One of the Lancaster Bombers was serial number PB128, marking LQ-A. This was piloted by Wing Commander Charles William Palmer DFC. Another crew member was Flight Officer Wilfred George F. Peacock DFC. He had been awarded his Distinguished Flying Cross the previous day. His citation read-

​‘Flying Officer Peacock as bomb aimer has completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage, and devotion to duty.’

​At 12:00 on 26 September, the Lancaster bombers approached their targets at Cap Gris-Nes and came under fire from anti-aircraft guns. Wing Commander Palmer’s Lancaster was hit during a low-level bombing run resulting in a fire breaking out. Three of the crew, upon order, bailed out of the plane and survived. The Lancaster crash landed close to the intended target area of the operation in these fields.

​RAF report show that the Lancaster had crash landed and crew members had managed to escape from the plane apart from Flight Lieutenant Anderson DFM, he would survive.

​Follow up waves of bombers were unaware of what had taken place and bombed the target area where the crashed Lancaster was now positioned. The target area was subsequently bombed which resulted in some of the crew being killed.

​Five crew members, Wing Commander Palmer, Flight Lieutenant Goddard, Flying Officer Peacock, Flying Officer Laishely and Pilot Officer Frey were all killed.

​All five men are buried together in a collective grave at the Calais Canadian War Cemetery.​