21 Brave Airmen, March 1943

[WelwynGC1]

Not just the usual cheeky refresh as l now have details for 11 of the airmen pictured.
One came by chance as another kind roots chatter sent me details of one of the guys funeral, there listed among the mourners was one of the other guys......amazing and confirmed as the right one.

Just two weeks now folks and the Bomber Boys get their long awaited memorial.

Steve.

[WelwynGC1]

Following on from my previous post, it is clear that at least two of the guys,Flitney & Exon went to the 2nd Tactical Air Force flying Mitchells with 180 squadron. Exon was killed and Flitney was a mourner at his funeral and survived.

As they were 2nd TAF their losses dont appear in Bill Chorleys books, but that makes me wonder if there are books on the 2nd TAF which do contain lists.

I am wondering if any of the others went to 180 squadron too, a long shot l know, but still have 10 or so names to find. As far as l know, only my Uncle, JW Hayton, went to 100 squadron.

One for Ross maybe if you are watching?

[DeeBoneham]

Thats good going Steve. 

[WelwynGC1]

My Brother and l attended the unveiling of the first phase of the Bomber Command memorial Spire on Canwick Hill in Lincoln last week and l went round and took photos of my Uncles name and all those in his crew. Therefore a good opportunity to refresh the topic in the faint hope that a family member may see the post and get in touch. i must make an effort to trace some more relatives whom l am hoping are out there somewhere.
Brilliant memorial by the way, still 29000 names to add, already special.

[DeeBoneham]

It was a great day with over 300 veterans there. Look forward to the Heritage Centre opening and the other 29K other names going on panels in the next two years.  Hope to see you at that opening too!
Dee

[WelwynGC1]

Thanks DEE, certainly hope to be there for further unveilings, nice to see you as always, and elsewhere of course!

Best regards from WelwynGC!!

Steve.

[DeeBoneham]

Thanks DEE, certainly hope to be there for further unveilings, nice to see you as always, and elsewhere of course!

Best regards from WelwynGC!!

Steve.

[WelwynGC1]

Another cheeky refresh l know but it is the only way to keep attention on it....

Anyway, l have an exciting couple of leads on new information for this thread, keep watching!

Steve.

[WelwynGC1]

Well, having spent about ten years researching my Uncles RAF history l am now proud to report that his story is now in print for all time in a recently published book.

BOMBER COMMAND BATTLE OF BERLIN-FAILED TO RETURN.

My heartfelt thanks to my friend and local bomber command historian Dr Robert Owen and to all those kind folk on this fantastic site that have helped me along the way.

If you are doing something similar in research, there are always people here to provide help and encouragement.

Don`t ever give up!!

Steve.