As the end of the war had approached, Bomber Command Lancasters had begun flying to Brussels and other liberated European airfields to collect freed prisoners of war. American aircraft of the USAAF also brought back ex-prisoners.

After the German surrender, German airfields could also be used in what was known as Operation Exodus.

On 9 May 1945, one of the Pathfinder aircraft flying on Operation Exodus was that of Flying Officer Coombes, with his flight engineer Bill Lapthorn; the crew were from 582 Squadron.

To read more, follow this link: Bringing Home the POWs – 9 May 1945