RAF WWII Bomber Command fatalities

[shirtylady]

I am trying to find out a little more about the death of my Uncle Stanley Eric Taft  in WWII. He died on 7 September 1941 in Empingham.  He was a volunteer reserve in Squadron 144 and was only 20 years old.  I have found out that his aircraft (Hampden I) crashed shortly after take off and this is recorded as being on the Empingham to Ketton road, Rutland, which was NE of the airfield, about 4 miles away from Stamford, Lincolnshire.

It would be interesting to find out the circumstances of the crash.   His gravestone is in Birmingham so recovery would have taken place.   Perhaps there was a newspaper article about the crash, or maybe there is an official record, although I know I will have to apply to the RAF at Innsworth. 

Can anyone offer advice.

[charlotteCH]

On the armed Services Board there is a site about help with RAF lookups.  The poster is kyt. 

If anyone can helpyou kyt can altho you may have to join the queue for an answer.

charlotte

[shirtylady]

Many thanks Charlotte, I will  certainly join the queue.

Pam

[SueK50]

A double engine failure 3 minutes after take off on a mission to Berlin - according to this site

http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=9935

Hope it helps a little

[shirtylady]

Many thanks SueK50

This is very much appreciated.   At least I know why the aircraft crashed.   Such a waste of life.  I understand that this particular aircraft was later dropped by Bomber Command as being unreliable. Thanks also for the link.  I will add this to my file.

Thanks again,

Pam

[SueK50]

Pleasure Pam - it really is hard to sit here 70 years later and imagine what they went through - truly an incredible generation - as you say - such a waste of life

Cheers
Sue

[Keitht]

I suggest you give the records section at RAF Museum, Hendon a call on 020 8205 2266. They hold records of all known RAF fatalities during WW2 and since you have name, date and location they should be able to tell you more about the circumstances. They are always most helpful.

Regards,

Keith

[shirtylady]

Hi Keith, thanks for the suggestion.   Will certainly give them a call.

Pam.

[David Layne]

Your Uncle's aircraft, Hampden AE 304 was crewed by P/O R.J. Roake, Sgt. B Hemmings, Sgt. E. Horton and Sgt. S.E. Taft.  It is possible the aircraft stalled shortly after take off.